An iconic building is transformed into a multidimensional space for the residents and visitors of Athens
With the name THE ILISIAN is introduced to Athens and its visitors, the new destination created by Ionian Hotel Enterprises. The historic building that housed the Hilton Athens for over half a century is evolving from a hotel to a multi-use and experiential ecosystem where a new hotel and residences of Hilton’s award-winning Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands will coexist, areas of gastronomy, entertainment, wellness, shopping as well as a modern members club, connecting the world with modern Athens.
The name THE ILISIAN, inspired by the historic river Ilisos as well as the neighborhood of Ilisia, expresses the eternally inseparable relationship of the new destination with Athens, Ilisia, and the residents of the area. The goal of THE ILISIAN is to express the cosmopolitan character that is part of the building’s identity, while offering, at the same time, experiences of authentic, modern Athens. Respecting the city’s cultural identity, THE ILISIAN seeks to connect contemporary international trends with the city’s heritage, creating a meeting place for Athenians and visitors. The unveiling of the name and the experiences created within THE ILISIAN were presented at an event that “travelled” guests from 1963 into the future of this landmark.
The Prime Minister graced the event with his presence Kyriakos Mitsotakis, mentioning in his speech: “THE ILISIAN is turning into a bridge that joins the present with the past, leading the capital as a whole to a more hopeful future. This very important investment contributes to the vision of an Athens that is welcoming and visitable 12 months a year. Its modern operation will again become, in its own way, a part of the new image of a country that again has new and wide horizons. With the care of the state, but also the visionary look of a healthy entrepreneurship, which in turn trusts this country which is changing”.
As the prime minister said, the combination of uses essentially triples the number of permanent jobs, which will reach 800 “but also the ways in which “The Ilisian” will establish an ecosystem of international scope here in the center of Athens”.
Mr. Mitsotakis also characterized the new hotel that succeeds the iconic Hilton as a bridge that unites the present with the past, “leading, however, the capital as a whole to a more hopeful future”.
“Just as in the foundation of the Hilton by Konstantinos Karamanlis, so in our own days our country has high goals, like the impressive ones for its time” said the prime minister and added:
“That’s why I think that this modern operation will once again become a part of the new image of a country that again has new and wide horizons. With the care of the state, but also the visionary look of a healthy entrepreneurship, which in turn trusts this country which is changing”.
The prime minister praised the contribution of businessman Achilleas Konstantakopoulos and said that “what is happening here is due first and foremost to Achilleas Konstantakopoulos, whom I want to thank personally, not only for his vision, but for his unwavering energy to see constantly beyond and ahead of developments”.
Mr. Mitsotakis referred to a tourism committed to the double pillar of quality on the one hand and sustainability on the other, and clarified:
“In the city with respect both in the residential scale and in everyday life. And outside it with the protection of our natural wealth, the green, the forests, the blue of our seas, the white of the Cyclades, the colorful mosaic of the villages us and our settlements”.
Finally, he expressed the belief that “as far as the quality of services is concerned, I am sure that the protagonists of this effort will justify their reputation – after all, Achilles would not allow anything less -, with weapons what I always ask of people of the industry: High professional expertise and, of course, well-paid employees. Because one inevitably leads to the other.”
The prime minister also said that the hotel can become a destination that combines gastronomy with entertainment, with art, with sports, with well-being, and transforms – as he said – in its own way, Athens as a destination, an independent destination and not simply as a city that can accommodate the visitor on his or her way to a Greek island.
“An autonomous destination, an Athens that is welcoming and visitable 12 months a year. This is our vision, the vision of the Ministry of Tourism, and this very important investment contributes to this vision,” stressed Mr. Mitsotakis.
The presentation of the new destination was made by the President of TEMES SA. Achilleas V. Konstantakopoulos, who noted: “With great respect for the unique history of this iconic building, we feel the responsibility of reviving it so that it continues to be a beloved destination, creating memories to last a lifetime. Our ambition is for it to be a meeting point and inspiration where international influences blend harmoniously with its local character.”
On behalf of Hilton, Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Global Category Head, Luxury Brands, spoke about the arrival of Hilton’s luxury brands in Greece:
“Hilton has had a presence in Athens for more than six decades, and we are very proud of the development of such an important landmark, on the site of the iconic former Hilton Athens. The city is an ideal destination for the modern luxury traveler as it boasts a unique culture and rich history – and the building’s stunning location overlooking the Acropolis blends harmoniously with its contemporary luxury design. We are excited to welcome its guests next year.”
Afterwards, Professor Nikolaos Georgopoulos from the University of Piraeus highlighted the economic and social impact of the new destination, presenting the results of the relevant study prepared by the Department of Tourism Studies.
This is a strategic investment that will exceed 340 million euros together with the initial investment for the acquisition of the building. According to the study of the University of Piraeus, the total impact of THE ILISIAN up to and including its first 5 years of operation will exceed 1.25 billion euros. The impact on employment is also particularly important, as more than 800 direct jobs have been created during the construction period, while up to 800 workers will be directly employed during its operation (3 times more jobs than the previous operation as a hotel).
THE ILISIAN – an ecosystem of experiences
The new destination THE ILISIAN aims to highlight the modern face of Athens internationally and further contribute to establishing the Greek capital among the top choices in Europe for travel or even permanent residence. nThe new Conrad Athens hotel acquires a presence in Greece for the first time and will include 278 rooms and suites with a unique view of Athens, as well as a mega suite of 400 sq.m. Also being developed are 18 private Conrad Residences as well as 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences on the highest floors of the building. At THE ILISIAN there will also be a modern members’ club, multiple restaurants, selected shops, conference facilities, as well as sports and wellness areas, in collaboration with leading Greek and international brands.
The design of THE ILISIAN was based on the principles of sustainable development by applying the international best practices of energy efficiency, with the aim of achieving LEED Gold certification. The visual and architectural identity of THE ILISIAN preserves and highlights all the emblematic elements of the building, such as the facades designed by Yiannis Moralis.