Conrad Athens The Ilisian — Athens, Greece
A modernist landmark reborn as a cultural, culinary, and urban resort destination
Leoforos Vasillisis Sofias 46
Athina 115 28, Greece
Type: luxury hotel, design hotel, city hotel, landmark hotel
Style: modernist revival, contemporary luxury, art-led, big & bold
Vibe: vibrant, cultural, cosmopolitan, rooftop bar, urban resort
A Landmark, Reawakened
In the cultural heart of Athens, one of the city’s most recognisable buildings begins a new chapter. Once known as the Hilton Athens, this 1963 icon has been reimagined as Conrad Athens The Ilisian—a transformation that honours its legacy while recalibrating it for a new generation of travellers.
Set along Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, between the refined districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, the hotel now anchors The Ilisian: a mixed-use destination where hospitality, culture, dining, and residential life converge into a seamless urban experience.
Modernism Meets Contemporary Athens
The building’s original identity remains unmistakable. Its monumental marble façade—crafted by pioneering Greek artist Yannis Moralis—still stands as a sculptural homage to classical mythology, now reanimated through light by designer Eleftheria Deko.
Inside, the design narrative continues under the direction of AvroKO, who revive Athens’ modernist golden era with a careful balance of preservation and progression. Mid-century elements sit alongside bespoke contemporary works, with contributions from local makers such as Saridis Atelier and ceramicist Eleni Vernadaki.
The result feels less like a hotel, more like a living gallery—layered, expressive, and unmistakably Athenian.
Rooms with a View of History
The 278 rooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city, many opening onto private balconies with sweeping views across Athens. From the Acropolis to the Aegean Sea, the city unfolds as both backdrop and protagonist.
At the upper end, a collection of expansive suites—including Presidential and Royal categories—culminates in the forthcoming Omega Penthouse, where a private pool meets panoramic cityscapes.
A Culinary Destination in Its Own Right
At the core of The Ilisian lies a dynamic culinary ecosystem, with nine distinct dining concepts shaping the rhythm of the day.
Byzantino, reimagined as Athens’ first grande brasserie, leads the charge under the direction of Angelos Lantos, blending French and Greek traditions in equal measure. Elsewhere, lounges, rooftop venues, and international restaurant concepts—including the return of the legendary Galaxy Bar—position the hotel as a social anchor for both locals and travellers.
Wellness, Elevated
Wellbeing here is conceived not as an afterthought, but as infrastructure. At its centre is Oasis—Athens’ largest outdoor pool landscape—surrounded by gardens, dining terraces, and open-air lounging.
Above, a green rooftop introduces a new layer of urban retreat: running track, outdoor gym, and panoramic views. Indoors, the wellness offering expands into a full ecosystem of movement and recovery, from yoga and Pilates to heat and cold therapy.
Later additions, including the Odei Wellness Residence and treatments by Costas Papageorgiou, further anchor the hotel’s forward-thinking approach to longevity and wellbeing.
Athens, Reframed
Through its curated 1/3/5 experiences, Conrad Athens The Ilisian invites guests to engage with the city beyond the expected. From architectural walks to golden-hour aperitivos overlooking the Acropolis, each experience is designed to feel intuitive, personal, and deeply connected to place. This is not sightseeing—it’s storytelling.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Conrad Athens The Ilisian is more than a renovation—it’s a recalibration of an icon. By preserving its modernist soul while layering in contemporary culture, design, and energy, the hotel bridges past and present with rare confidence. It stands not just as a place to stay, but as a destination that reflects the evolving identity of Athens itself—bold, creative, and unmistakably alive.
Amenities:
• 24-hour front desk • air conditioning • bar • curated city experiences • fitness centre • free WiFi • garden • hammam • facilities for kids • on-site parking (charged) • pets allowed (charged) • private pool • 4 restaurants • room service • room with a view • indoor & outdoor swimming pools (open all year) • spa & wellness
