Frankfurt am Main / Athens, April 23, 2026 | Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, bringing one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks back to life. Formerly known as the “Hilton Athens,” the hotel has undergone an extensive transformation and now presents itself as a modern city resort in the cultural heart of Athens.

Conrad Athens The Ilisian marks the brand’s debut in Greece, bringing the characteristic blend of bold design, contemporary luxury, and a deep connection to its location that defines Conrad Hotels & Resorts to one of Europe’s most culturally significant capitals. The hotel’s 278 guest rooms and suites are among the most spacious in the city and are located in the heart of The Ilisian, a new multi-functional complex that combines a vibrant selection of restaurants and bars, resort-style wellness offerings with Athens’ largest outdoor pool area, private residential spaces, and the private members’ club “House of NYNN.”

An Athenian Landmark Reimagined
Instantly familiar to generations of Athenians, Conrad Athens The Ilisian continues the spirit of a building deeply embedded in the city’s social and cultural fabric. The hotel evokes the feeling of an open-air gallery, featuring the original, unique, 620-square-meter sculptural marble facades by pioneering Greek artist Yannis Moralis – a modernist, sculptural homage to classical mythology. At night, Emmy Award-winning lighting designer Eleftheria Deko brings the facade to life, inviting guests to gather for a local aperitif as the installation awakens.

Inside, spaces designed by AvroKO revive the optimism of Athens’ modernist heyday, combining preserved mid-century elements with newly commissioned artworks and bespoke pieces from the historic Athenian atelier Saridis and ceramist Eleni Vernadaki. The art program is guided by Mare Studio, the hotel’s art consultant and curator, who collaborated with AvroKO on the lobby design.

The guest rooms and suites offer some of the best views of the city, with most featuring private balconies. The hotel boasts the largest selection of suites in Athens, including three Presidential Suites, a Royal Suite, and the Omega Penthouse, opening later this year, which features a private pool and panoramic views of the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea.

A New Culinary Address in the City’s Vibrant Heart
Guests of Conrad Athens The Ilisian find themselves amidst a vibrant culinary landscape, with nine distinct dining concepts – from the hotel’s own restaurants and bars to renowned establishments across the city – shaping the daily rhythm and bringing Athenians and travelers from around the world together from morning to night.

At its heart is Byzantino, reopened as Athens’ first Grande Brasserie, presenting French and Greek classics side-by-side in true brasserie style. Chef Angelos Lantos, the first Greek chef to receive two Michelin stars in Athens, leads the culinary direction of the entire hotel, with Byzantino as his flagship. The experience is complemented by a cheese master, carefully selected wine pairings, and an in-house chocolaterie and patisserie located directly within the restaurant. The same spirit permeates the Athenian Lounge, a natural gathering place where classic cocktails and popular dishes set the tone throughout the day.

Later this year, the legendary Galaxy Bar will return as Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, reclaiming its place as one of Athens’ most iconic rooftop destinations. Additionally, another series of globally celebrated restaurant concepts will debut in Athens at The Ilisian, including the Japanese restaurant Onuki, designed by Studio Yabu Pushelberg and opened in 2025.

Wellness for Modern Life
Designed as a performance-oriented wellness destination, Conrad Athens The Ilisian’s wellness offering combines recovery, movement, and lifestyle. The experience extends to the Oasis, Athens’ largest outdoor pool, as well as an Italian poolside restaurant and the 700-square-meter green roof above, where a private running track, outdoor gym, and pickleball court are framed by panoramic city views.

Indoors, guests enjoy access to a wellness zone with a specialized gym, dedicated studios for yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic, and spinning, a heated pool, and facilities for hot and cold therapy. Starting in May, the Odei Wellness Residence will introduce a carefully curated range of facial and body treatments inspired by the rituals of ancient Greece. Later in the year, renowned physician Dr. Costas Papageorgiou will bring his expertise to Athens for the first time, expanding the offerings with longevity-focused treatments that embody The Ilisian’s holistic approach to well-being.

Experiences with Impact: Athens Beyond the Ordinary
Conrad Athens The Ilisian invites guests to experience Athens from a curated perspective and with insider guidance. The hotel’s signature Conrad 1/3/5 experiences offer travelers meaningful ways to discover Athens at their own pace. From golden hour aperitifs overlooking the Acropolis to architectural walks that re-examine ancient landmarks from a contemporary perspective – the three- and five-hour experiences delve deeper into the city’s culinary and creative scene. Each experience is tailored to personal interests, making discovery feel effortless, intuitive, and authentically local.

“Greece is one of Hilton’s fastest-growing markets in Europe, driven by record visitor demand and an increasing focus on high-quality, year-round tourism,” said Simon Vincent, CBE, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Hilton. “With our portfolio in Greece having grown from just a handful of hotels a few years ago to more than fifty today, and more projects in the pipeline, the opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian underscores our long-term commitment to Athens and to Greece as a leading global destination.”

“Athens is one of those rare cities where history, creativity, and modern life are in dialogue with each other,” said Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Category Head at Hilton Luxury Brands. “For Conrad, that makes the city an extremely fascinating place. Conrad Athens The Ilisian has brought a landmark back to life in a way that respects its past while being completely in tune with the city Athens has become.”

Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager of Conrad Athens The Ilisian, added: “The Hilton Athens opened on this day in 1963 and played a defining role in Athens’ cultural and social life for decades. Our vision was to honor this legacy while creating a hotel that feels open, dynamic, and deeply connected to the city today. From how guests move through the spaces to how they dine, relax, and explore Athens – every detail has been designed to convey a true sense of belonging.”

Conrad Athens The Ilisian joins a global portfolio of 50 Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties and marks the brand’s entry into Greece. This year is an exciting moment for Hilton’s luxury brands, which have entered the market with great momentum – with the opening of Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts earlier this month and Conrad Corfu later in the year. 

The hotel is located at Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 46, Athens, 11528, Greece. Reservations can be made directly via the hotel’s website or the Hilton Honors Mobile App. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at Stories.Hilton.com.

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Notes for Editors:

*Conrad Athens The Ilisian is located in one of the most significant buildings of Greek post-war architecture, combining international hotel design with strong references to Greek materials and artistic tradition. The original architects credited with the building’s design are Emmanuel (Manolis) Vourekas, Prokopis Vassiliadis, Antonis (Anthony) Georgiades, and Spyros Staikos.

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Now Open – April 2026:

• Conrad Athens The Ilisian: Rooms and Suites, including some of the most spacious accommodations in Athens
• Conrad Residences Athens The Ilisian: located on the 7th and 8th floors of the hotel, the apartments offer south-facing views of the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf 
• Four bars and restaurants, including: 
  
  • Byzantino Grande Brasserie, reopening as the city’s first and only Grande Brasserie
  • Onuki, upscale Japanese cuisine
  • Athenian Lounge and Oasis Pool Side Restaurant

• The capital’s largest outdoor pool 
• Extensive indoor wellness facilities, including gym, studios for yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic, and spinning, heated indoor pool, and hot and cold therapy facilities
• Carefully curated city experiences as part of Conrad’s signature 1/3/5 experience program
• Retail area with The Store, a curated outlet showcasing emerging local and international designers, as well as a jeweler, florist, hairdresser, tailor, and barbershop, plus a chocolaterie by Byzantino
• Meeting and event spaces, including two ballrooms 
• House of NYNN Private Members Club

Opening Later in 2026:
May/June

• Odei Wellness Residence (Phase One) with facial and body treatments inspired by the rituals and philosophies of ancient Greece 
• Kids Corner: A 60s-style kids’ club, reminiscent of a traditional hotel experience, invites children to climb into bellhop carts, unpack suitcases full of retro games, or relax in the role-play spa

From Q3 onwards

• 700-square-meter green roof with running track and outdoor gym (accessible 24/7) and a pickleball court available at designated times
• The Omega Penthouse with private pool and breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the city, and the Aegean Sea
• Galaxy Dispensary & Supper Club, marking the return of the legendary rooftop bar
• Two additional globally recognized dining concepts opening later in the year 
• Expanded Odei Wellness Residence offering, including longevity treatments led by Dr. Costas Papageorgiou
• Waldorf Astoria Residences Athens The Ilisian: Located on the top four floors of the Ilisian Tower, residents enjoy access to exclusive amenities such as a private entrance, a club lounge, and a private fitness area

Press Contact for Hilton in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland:

BZ.COMM GmbH
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Mail: hilton@bz-comm.de | Tel: +49 69 2 56 28 88 0    

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts 
As the largest brand in Hilton’s luxury portfolio with 50 properties across five continents, Conrad Hotels & Resorts creates a seamless connection between bold design, impactful experiences, and curated contemporary art to inspire the conscious traveler. Conrad is a place where guests are encouraged to explore their surroundings through intuitive service and experiences that authentically connect them to each destination. This commitment is brought to life through the brand’s new “1/3/5” program, offering exclusive 1-, 3-, and 5-hour experiences that showcase the culture, adventure, and local essence of each property, allowing guests to deepen their connection to the destination. In addition to its award-winning hotel offerings, the brand boasts a growing residential portfolio that combines sophisticated design, premium amenities, and purposeful service in desirable destinations. Experience Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors App. Members of Hilton Honors who book directly through preferred Hilton channels enjoy instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/conradhotels and follow the brand on Instagram and X.

About The Ilisian   
Located in the heart of Athens’ Ilisia district, “The Ilisian” is a new urban destination that combines hospitality, culture, and contemporary urban lifestyle. The complex houses the private members’ club “House of NYNN” and the “Conrad Athens” hotel, as well as the “Conrad Residences Athens” and the “Waldorf Astoria Residences Athens.” “The Ilisian” also includes numerous dining and entertainment options, selected retail stores, and a variety of wellness and leisure offerings for residents and visitors. Rooted in the spirit of modern Athens and shaped by its heritage, The Ilisian is a place of community, creativity, and innovation – connecting the world with authentic, modern Athens.

About Hilton   
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 27 world-class brands, over 9,100 hotels, and more than 1.3 million rooms in 143 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality. Hilton has been named the World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune. The company aims to create the best corporate culture for its 500,000 team members worldwide. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technological enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automatic complimentary room upgrades, and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. With the award-winning loyalty program Hilton Honors, nearly 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key, and check out – all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information and follow Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.