The city of Athens, perhaps considered more as the gateway to the Greek Islands, is increasingly on the radar as a destination to rival other European cities as word has spread of its cool vibe, rooftop bars and emerging international culinary scene.
And with the eagerly anticipated opening of Conrad Athens The Ilisian earlier this year, the exquisitely re-imagined former Hilton Athens, it is set to increase the appeal of the Greek capital even further.
This landmark hotel originally opened in 1963, just as Athens was establishing a reputation as a destination for the international tourist. Since 2022 it has undergone a multi-million pound transformation that has brought together an impressive list of Greek and international architects, interior designers, artists and artisans who have all built on the modernist roots of the original building to redefine its status as a landmark urban resort for the 21st century.
and original Saridis furniture from the former presidential suites. The ceramic mural is Athens by Night by Yannis Moralis and executed by Eleni Vernadaki
While the exterior of the building, with its geometric grid, subtle curve and original marble relief entitled Scenes from Ancient Greece by renowned Greek Artist Yannis Moralis has been preserved, the interiors have been sensitively reconfigured and designed by AETER Architects to honour their modernist beginnings (with preserved ceramics and re-purposed materials and furniture pieces from the original hotel) the result being that it moves the narrative into a more contemporary space with a warm and affectionate nod to the past.
The rooms and suites designed by interior design studio AvroKO also retain a mid-century language of grey marble, wood, brushed brass and fluted glass, with accents of mustard, burnt orange and deep greens in the guise of richly textured rugs and upholstery that offers a subtle quiet luxury. The views from suites in particular give a spectacular vista across the city towards the Acropolis.
The central focus though is the outdoor Oasis swimming pool, reputedly the largest in Athens and surrounded by sunshine yellow umbrellas that complement the blues and aqua green hues of the graphic motif beneath the water. The relaxed activity of the poolside bar and Italian Ancora Un Po restaurant echoes a jet-set resort glamour from a bygone era.
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A new standalone building, from original drawings by one of the architects of the former Athens Hilton, Harry Bougadelis, never realised at the time, has now been constructed, and edges one side of the swimming pool, completing the original vision for the hotel.
This contemporary building houses the exquisite Onuki Japanese restaurant, an absolute must for the culinary connoisseur! The rich and tasteful interiors designed by studio Yabel Pushelberg bring together a palette of warm persimmon, terracotta-toned ceramic tiles and Aegean blue accents that complement the blend of East and West influences.
Away from the pool, The Byzantino brasserie, with its distinctive original dome and circular bar has always held a special significance for the Athenians; it was a place to head for breakfast after dancing all night or for family anniversaries and celebrations. Building on this legacy, the new Byzantino Grand Brasserie with its Greek/French-inspired menu created by Michelin-starred chef Angelos Lantos continues this tradition with a menu stretching from dawn til late into the night. The interiors are given a light design touch by Tristan Auer that honours the spirit of the original but with elegant light textured fabrics, striped upholstery, and mosaics in sun washed terracotta and honey tones with touches of gold that give a relaxed elegance. A nod must also be made to the staff uniforms, designed by Greek designers Zeus + Dione. A lesson in cool elegance.
And if you need a work out after all the exquisite gastronomy, the hotel has a state-of-the-art wellness zone, featuring a specialist gym and dedicated studios for yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic and spinning, a heated pool, and heat & cold therapies. The Odei Wellness Residence, recently opened, offers a curated menu of face and body treatments inspired by the rituals of ancient Greece. Outside, and just above, there is the hotel’s own Green Roof offering a private running track, and outdoor gym set within contemporary landscaping of long ornamental grasses reminiscent of Piet Oudolf’planting at New York’s High Line.
Later in the year, the legendary Galaxy Bar, with a view towards the Acropolis and the scene of hundreds of proposals of marriage over the years, will reopen as the Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, thus reclaiming its place as one of Athen’s most iconic rooftop destinations.
‘Athens is one of those rare cities where history, creativity and contemporary living exist in conversation with one another.’ comments Dino Michael, senior vice president and global category head at Hilton Luxury Brands. ‘For Conrad, that makes it a deeply compelling place to be. Conrad Athens The Ilisian has reawakened a landmark in a way that respects its past while feeling entirely in tune with the city Athens has become.’ It’s safe to say Athens is most definitely having a moment.
Rates for a standard double at Conrad Athens The Ilisian start from €700 a night (approx. £600). To book, visit hilton.com
Return flights from LHR to ATH with Aegean Air start from £150 pp
