Hilton Athens to be Transformed and Renamed ‘Conrad’
The Hilton Athens hotel, a renowned city landmark in the Greek capital, is set to be transformed into a new destination comprising a luxury hospitality and residential offering, which will connect authentic modern-day Athens with its Greek and international audience.
The news follows the announcement by Hilton and Ionian Hotel Enterprises (IHE) of an agreement for a new hotel and residences to be developed by IHE in the Greek capital. The agreement will introduce Hilton’s luxury brands – Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Residences and Waldorf Astoria Residences – to Greece.
The hotel currently operating as Hilton Athens will be revamped and renamed “Conrad”.
“For more than half a century Hilton Athens has played a pivotal role in the city’s emergence as a global destination, welcoming international guests, royalty, and captains of industry. We’re incredibly proud to continue that legacy with the introduction of Conrad Hotels & Resorts alongside Waldorf Astoria and Conrad branded residences,” Simon Vincent, Executive Vice President and President, EMEA, Hilton said.
An investment of more than 130 million euros
The new destination represents a strategic investment of more than 130 million euros by IHE – in addition to the initial c. 145 million euros for the property acquisition – and aims to introduce an innovative mixed-use development model to Athens and become a focal point of reference for both visitors and locals.
The new Conrad hotel, which is expected to welcome its first guests in 2024 will include approximately 280 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites, alongside approximately 50 private residences under the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands.
Plans also include the addition of a private lifestyle members’ club, multiple culinary and entertainment venues, curated shopping as well as leisure and wellness experiences, with the goal of contributing further to establishing Athens among the top choices in Europe to travel or live.
According to Vincent, Hilton’s luxury Conrad and Waldorf brands are on a powerful growth trajectory, with new properties opening in Sardinia, Kuwait, Tulum, Rabat, Shanghai and Los Angeles in the next year.
“With contemporary luxury interiors, seamless service and stunning views overlooking the ancient citadel of the Acropolis, this is set to be an incredible addition to the portfolio,” he said.
IHE Chairman Achilles V. Constantakopoulos said the new city destination under development will aim to connect the world to Athens and its people.
“We are honored and excited to extend our partnership with Hilton and confident that the legacy of Hilton Athens along with the global expertise of Hilton will contribute significantly towards making this new destination a successful contributor to the city’s growth,” Constantakopoulos said.
Hilton Athens opened its doors in 1963 as the first major international hotel in Greece and has been instrumental in Athens’ growth as a leading travel destination, offering unforgettable hospitality experiences to visitors from all over the world.
“After six decades of cooperation between IHE and the group founded by Conrad Hilton, we are thrilled to now call Hilton by its first name,” Constantakopoulos added.
So Conrad has no connection to anything Greek but Hilton has?! Lol
Innovation is always good news. However ATHENS Hilton assimilates with THIS CITY, much more than elsewhere and it could take a while before we get used to its anonymous new name.
Hilton, as a name , had value and was synonymous with Athens
Conrad on the other hand, does not sound right and to us Greeks from home and abroad, has no value and no connection to anything Greek and especially to its incredible position with its incredible views of the Acropolis
Conrad Hilton would have agreed I am sure
I totally agree!
I don’t agree. Hilton didn’t have any connection to the Greek people at first either. This is an amazing investment that will transform the area around Pangrati and make Athens into an even more important international destination