Opening in spring 2026, The Ilisian marks one of the most significant hospitality and lifestyle developments in Athens in decades. Rising from the historic site of the former Hilton Athens, the project represents far more than a hotel relaunch. Instead, it reimagines the landmark as a new cultural destination where hospitality, wellness, gastronomy and residential living converge.
Situated in the Ilisia district, the development sits within walking distance of many of the city’s defining institutions and historic landmarks, from museums and galleries to ancient archaeological sites. The intention is clear: to create a place where Athenians and international travellers alike gather, socialise and experience what the developers describe as “authentic modern Athens”.
At the heart of the project is Conrad Athens, The Ilisian, the hotel that anchors the entire destination. The property continues the pioneering spirit first introduced here in 1963, when the Hilton Athens opened and quickly became a symbol of modern Greek hospitality. Its return under the Conrad brand carries a subtle cultural message. In Greece, first names often signal familiarity and warmth; here, the name “Conrad” reflects the ambition to create a destination that feels open, welcoming and connected to the city’s social fabric.
Architecturally, the building remains one of Athens’ most recognisable examples of mid-century modern design. The famous marble façades by Greek artist Yiannis Moralis have been carefully preserved, while lighting designer Eleftheria Deko brings new life to the structure after dark. Inside, the design studio AvroKO has drawn inspiration from the optimism and artistic energy of the 1950s and 60s, creating interiors that balance contemporary comfort with respect for the building’s architectural heritage.
Rooms, Suites and Views Across Athens
Conrad Athens, The Ilisian will offer 307 rooms and suites—among the largest in the city. Many feature private balconies framing views across Athens, including the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and the distant Aegean Sea.
At the top end of the accommodation offering are three Presidential Suites, a Royal Suite and the Omega Penthouse. Spanning around 400 square metres, the penthouse includes a private pool and sweeping views across the city’s amphitheatre-like landscape. The design throughout prioritises natural light, calm materials and a restrained palette that echoes the clarity of the building’s architecture.
A Major Focus on Wellness and Longevity
Wellbeing is central to the Ilisian concept, with more than 2,000 square metres dedicated to wellness facilities. A major highlight will be a 500-square-metre Longevity Clinic overseen by Dr Costas Papageorgiou, known internationally for his work at Harrods in London and New York.
The clinic will offer personalised aesthetic treatments, advanced diagnostics and preventative health programmes alongside restorative therapies and mindfulness practices. Guests, residents and members will all have access to the facilities.
The broader wellness offering includes specialist fitness studios, a performance-focused gym, an indoor heated pool and the largest outdoor hotel pool in Athens. Above it all, a 700-metre rooftop running track provides a striking vantage point across the city skyline.
Branded Residences in the Heart of the City
Beyond the hotel, the development introduces a new residential concept to Athens through Conrad Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences. Together they bring 55 branded homes to the complex, offering fully serviced living with access to the hotel’s facilities.
Designed for both privacy and connection, the residences combine contemporary design with the benefits of hotel service and proximity to the wider Ilisian lifestyle offering.
House of Nynn: A New Members’ Club for Athens
The Ilisian also introduces House of Nynn, a private members’ club envisioned as the social and cultural heart of the development. Designed for Athens’ creative and professional communities, the club will include lounges, dining spaces, co-working areas, pools and wellness studios.
Programming will centre around cultural events, discussions and creative collaborations, reflecting the intellectual heritage of the Ilisia area—long associated with philosophy and conversation.
A New Gastronomic Destination
Dining plays a central role in the Ilisian experience. Across nine restaurant and bar concepts, the development aims to establish a lively culinary district that appeals to locals as much as visitors.
Among the returning highlights is Byzantino, reintroduced as a grand brasserie serving Greek and French classics. The historic rooftop venue also returns as the Galaxy Dispensary, reviving one of Athens’ most famous skyline bars.
Additional restaurants will explore Japanese, Peruvian, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisines, all under the direction of Executive Chef Angelos Lantos, whose Michelin-starred background shapes the project’s culinary ambition.
Events and Gatherings
With two daylight-filled ballrooms and 19 meeting rooms, Conrad Athens, The Ilisian is also positioned as one of the city’s leading venues for events. Flexible indoor spaces and expansive terraces allow the destination to host everything from international conferences to private celebrations.
Combined with its restaurants, wellness facilities and members’ club, the development is designed to function not simply as a hotel but as a vibrant urban hub.
A New Chapter for a Historic Address
More than sixty years after the original Hilton Athens reshaped the city’s hospitality scene, The Ilisian signals the next evolution of the landmark. By blending heritage architecture with contemporary lifestyle elements—from wellness and gastronomy to residential living—the project aims to create a destination that feels both rooted in Athens and distinctly forward-looking.
Room rates at Conrad Athens, The Ilisian are expected to start from €700 (approximately £613) per night when the hotel opens in spring 2026.
