Plans have been announced for The Ilisian, which will be the name of a new luxury lifestyle destination in Athens, comprised of a hotel, residences, restaurants, a members’ club, and more.
The development will open in 2025 and was revealed at a launch event with Greece’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in attendance.
During the unveiling, Mitsotakis commented: “THE ILISIAN becomes a bridge that connects the present with the past, leading the Greek capital to a more hopeful future. This very significant investment contributes to the vision of Athens as a welcoming year-round destination. Its modern operation will once again, in its own way, become part of the new image of a country that has new and great horizons. With the support of the state, and the visionary perspective of healthy entrepreneurship, which in turn trusts this country which is evolving.”
The Ilisian is emerging from the space of the former Hilton Athens, which closed in early 2022 for extensive renovations. Thie iconic property first opened in 1963 with then-first lady Jacqueline Kennedy at the grand opening party and subsequently served as a meeting place for the international jet-set arriving in Greece for over 60 years.
The developers, TEMES– the same group behind Costa Navarino in Messinia, were adamant about preserving the legacy of the historic hotel, while bringing a new development into the Athenian cityscape with contemporary features for the 21st century luxury traveler and local alike.
The development will include the Conrad Athens Hotel (with 278 guest rooms), the Conrad Athens Residences (with 18 hotel residences), and the Waldorf Astoria Athens Residences (with 37 private residences, located on the upper floors of the building).
The Ilisian will also feature a lifestyle members-only club, as well as multiple culinary and entertainment venues, shopping, leisure, and wellness experiences.
This development represents an investment of around €340 million and will create about 800 jobs.
Its name, THE ILISIAN, is inspired by the historic Ilisos River and the surrounding Ilisia neighborhood, expressing the timeless connection of the new destination with the city, the area of Ilisia and its residents. THE ILISIAN conveys the cosmopolitan character that forms an integral part of the building’s identity, while bringing to life experiences which are the essence of authentic and modern Athens. With respect for the city’s cultural identity, THE ILISIAN seeks to blend contemporary international trends with the city’s heritage, creating a meeting place for Athenians and visitors alike.
