Royal Olympic Transformed Into Majestic Hotel
After almost three years of reconstruction at a cost of more than 20 million euros, the classic Royal Olympic hotel has been transformed into one the capital’s three most distinguished hotels. Finishing touches -a superb spa and an alluring roof garden- are set for completion late next month.
Construction on the original Royal Olympic began in 1965 by the then owner of the Olympic Palace hotel, Sakis Papadimitriou, one of the tourism sector’s most friendly and well-respected members. Shortly after its completion in 1968, the Royal Olympic became a meeting place for some of the city’s most reputable travel professionals.
With the hotel’s total and radical metamorphosis, all has changed. Reception areas now see a flurry of professionals, up-market individuals, business travelers and affable group travelers that seek the expert advice of the hotel’s concierge. “Everything here is new and every detail of design and amenities has been studied carefully so as the end result borders on perfection,” says Vaios Zissis, the hotel’s general manager. “That’s something our managing director, Ioannis Papadimitriou (the founder’s son) has insisted upon.
“But we don’t stop with the elegant decor or the luxury china and cutlery,” he says. “Our service standards have improved by leaps and bounds, and will continue to improve until we are the city’s best.”
Mr. Zissis, who has more than two decades of industry-wide experience in the tourism sector, says the hotel has 1.6 employees for every room – the unit now has 264 spacious rooms, most of which face either the Temples or the hotel pool area, instead of the previous 303 rooms – and that in a very short time Royal Olympic will become synonymous with the utmost in top quality service.
Yet, even with quality service all its luxury and its up-market amenities, the hotel’s incomparable advantage continues to be location. The “new” Royal Olympic sits proudly on one of the most idyllic spots in the capital. Its surrounded by the major archaeological sights of Athens -beneath the shadow of Acropolis, just in front of one of the greatest masterpieces of classical Athens, the famous Temple of Zeus, and a breath away from Plaka, the Royal Gardens and the Ancient Stadium- all of which allows for a stunning view to live works of art.
As well, the latest in technological features are available, including high speed WiFi throughout the hotel, which allows guests to work beside the pool, or the fireplace, or on their room’s balcony as they drink in the unique view.