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Conrad Athens The Ilisian occupies a historic landmark on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue in the heart of Athens, within the district known as the Hilton Area, adjacent to the affluent Kolonaki and Pangrati neighbourhoods. Originally opened in 1963 as Athens' first international chain hotel, the property was comprehensively redeveloped and reopened in April 2026, preserving its architectural heritage while transforming it into a contemporary luxury destination.
Check availability Official websiteThe hotel sits on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, one of Athens' prominent thoroughfares, within the Hilton Area—a district that has anchored upmarket hospitality in the city for decades. This location places the property adjacent to Kolonaki, Athens' most exclusive neighbourhood, and Pangrati, both residential areas known for their character and proximity to the city centre. The address provides guests with a refined setting while maintaining convenient access to central Athens.
The Ilisian complex, which houses Conrad Athens, represents a significant mixed-use redevelopment of the site. The hotel occupies the lower levels with 278 rooms, while the upper levels have been converted to luxury residences under the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands. The complex also includes House of NYNN, a private members' club featuring dining, entertainment venues, co-working spaces, and wellness facilities including a gym and indoor swimming pool.
The building's design reflects the vision of a distinguished architectural team: Emmanuel Vourekas, Prokopis Vasileiadis, Anthony Georgiades, and Spyro Staikos. Artist Yiannis Moralis created the distinctive reliefs on the building's façade, inspired by Greek artistic traditions, making the structure an architectural landmark recognizable across the city. When it opened in 1963, the Athens Hilton marked a milestone as the city's first international chain hotel, establishing a new standard for hospitality in Athens.
The property underwent a significant renewal in 2003, with renovation by architects Alexandros Tombazis and Charis Bougadelis. Following its closure on January 31, 2022, a comprehensive redevelopment transformed the building. The hotel reopened on April 23, 2026, as Conrad Athens The Ilisian, maintaining its architectural significance while meeting contemporary luxury standards.
Beyond its architectural importance, the property holds considerable cultural weight in Athens' modern history. The hotel served as headquarters for the International Olympic Committee during the 2004 Summer Olympics and later hosted the organizing committee of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The property also housed Athens' first contemporary art gallery, the Hilton Gallery, which from 1968 until 1972 presented various historical exhibitions before evolving into a venue for regular showcases of artworks by Greek and international artists.
The hotel is located on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue in the Hilton Area of Athens, adjacent to the Kolonaki and Pangrati neighbourhoods. This places it in an upmarket district with direct access to central Athens.
Opened in 1963, the building was designed by architects Emmanuel Vourekas, Prokopis Vasileiadis, Anthony Georgiades, and Spyro Staikos, with distinctive façade reliefs by artist Yiannis Moralis. It was Athens' first international chain hotel. The building underwent renovation in 2003 and comprehensive redevelopment from January 2022 until April 2026.
Conrad Athens The Ilisian is adjacent to Kolonaki, Athens' most exclusive neighbourhood known for luxury residences and dining, and Pangrati, a characterful residential area. Both are within easy reach of the city centre.
The Ilisian complex includes fitness facilities, including a gym and indoor swimming pool, available through House of NYNN, the members' club within the complex.
When it opened in 1963, the Athens Hilton was the city's first international chain hotel. It served as headquarters for the International Olympic Committee during the 2004 Olympics and later hosted the 2011 Special Olympics organizing committee. The building's architectural design by a renowned team and façade art by Yiannis Moralis also made it a cultural landmark.
Yes. From 1968 to 1972, the hotel housed the Hilton Gallery, Athens' first contemporary art gallery, which presented historical exhibitions and later became a regular showcase for Greek and international artists' work.
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Sources: en.wikipedia.org
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