Conrad Athens The Ilisian
Modernist Icon, Reimagined
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A masterful transformation of the legendary Hilton Athens, preserving one of Greece’s greatest examples of post-war modernist architecture while introducing a new era of contemporary luxury.
● Interiors by AvroKO that seamlessly blend mid-century optimism, Greek craftsmanship, and commissioned contemporary art into a living cultural destination.
● An ambitious mixed-use concept where hospitality, gastronomy, wellness, and local life converge to create one of Athens’ most exciting urban destinations.
A Landmark Begins Again
For more than sixty years, the former Hilton Athens stood as one of the city’s defining architectural landmarks. Now reborn as Conrad Athens The Ilisian, the iconic 1963 building enters a remarkable new chapter. Rather than simply renovating a historic hotel, the project transforms the property into The Ilisian—a dynamic mixed-use destination where hospitality, residences, restaurants, wellness, and culture coexist beneath one of Athens’ most celebrated façades. Its position between Kolonaki and Pangrati places guests at the crossroads of contemporary Athens.
Modernism Preserved
The building’s unmistakable identity remains intact. The monumental marble façade, created by renowned Greek artist Yannis Moralis, continues to celebrate classical mythology through a distinctly modernist lens. By night, a sophisticated lighting installation by Eleftheria Deko transforms the sculptural relief into a glowing work of public art. Inside, New York-based design studio AvroKO carefully balances restoration with reinvention. Original architectural elements are complemented by bespoke furnishings, natural stone, warm timber, handcrafted ceramics by Eleni Vernadaki, and custom pieces created by historic Athenian workshop Saridis Atelier. The result feels timeless rather than nostalgic.
Rooms Above the City
The hotel’s 278 guestrooms and suites rank among the most spacious in Athens. Most feature private balconies overlooking the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, the Aegean Sea, or the city’s ever-changing skyline. Interiors continue the building’s dialogue between modernism and craftsmanship, combining understated luxury with locally inspired materials and carefully curated artwork. At the very top sits an extraordinary suite collection, culminating in the forthcoming Omega Penthouse with its private pool and panoramic views across the Greek capital.
Athens’ New Culinary Destination
Dining forms the beating heart of The Ilisian. Nine restaurants and bars create an ever-changing rhythm throughout the day, anchored by the newly reimagined Byzantino Grande Brasserie, where French culinary tradition meets contemporary Greek cuisine. The legendary Galaxy rooftop returns in a bold new incarnation, while Japanese restaurant Onuki, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, adds an international dimension to the culinary programme. Together they transform the property into one of Athens’ most exciting social destinations for both visitors and locals.
Wellness as Architecture
Wellbeing has been designed into the hotel itself. At the centre lies Oasis, the city’s largest outdoor pool landscape, surrounded by gardens, terraces, and open-air dining. Above, an expansive green rooftop introduces running tracks, outdoor fitness areas, and panoramic views across Athens. Indoors, specialised studios for Pilates, spinning, and Gyrotonic complement thermal facilities, indoor pools, and treatments inspired by ancient Greek wellness traditions. The experience feels more like a private wellness club than a conventional hotel spa.
Why It Works
Conrad Athens The Ilisian succeeds because it understands the cultural significance of the building it inhabits. Rather than replacing history with luxury, it allows Athens’ modernist heritage to remain the foundation upon which contemporary design, art, gastronomy, and wellbeing are layered. The result is far more than a restored hotel—it is a vibrant urban destination that reflects the confidence, creativity, and renewed energy of modern Athens. For travellers seeking the city’s cultural heartbeat through architecture, design, and contemporary Greek hospitality, few addresses feel more significant.
