Conrad Athens The Ilisian: The Layered Reinvention of an Athenian Icon

Words by Yatzer

5 May 2026

Conrad Athens The Ilisian: The Layered Reinvention of an Athenian Icon

Words by Yatzer

5 May 2026

Memorable Stays

Athens, Greece

When the Athens Hilton closed its doors in 2022 for a major overhaul, the city responded with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation. For six uninterrupted decades, the building had embedded itself in the city's urban fabric and cultural imagination, its presence as familiar as it was defining. Its reopening on 23 April 2026, exactly 63 years after it first welcomed guests, invited a verdict that was always going to be emotional. What emerged is a confident recalibration that carries its legacy forward with an ambition equal to that of the original. Reintroduced as Conrad Athens The Ilisian, the hotel reinterprets the original's dual identity—cosmopolitan modernism tempered by a deep sense of place—through a contemporary lens, while offering an urban resort experience within the broader ecosystem of Τhe Ilisian, a new multifaceted destination that extends the building's relevance well beyond the confines of a hotel.

Video by Costas Spathis.

The monumental façade by Yiannis Moralis is presented in full, its abstract linear motifs etched across a pale stone surface. Framed by clean vertical volumes, the composition reads as both artwork and architectural gesture, anchoring the building within Athens’ cultural landscape.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A fragment of the façade reveals the building’s modernist language, juxtaposing a mural-like surface with linear vertical fins. The rhythmic repetition and subtle tonal shifts in the stone create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the elevation. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

It is difficult to overstate the impact of the Athens Hilton: designed by acclaimed Greek architects Emmanuel Vourekas, Prokopis Vassiliadis, Anthony Georgiades, and Spyros Staikos, not only was the new building an instant urban landmark, thanks to its commanding presence along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and the monumental marble reliefs by Yiannis Moralis, it was also a declaration of post-war Athens' arrival as a modern European capital. As Greece opened itself to international tourism and business, the hotel became a stage for diplomacy, celebrity, and everyday aspiration, a place where Athens rehearsed its modern identity. Such was its gravitational pull that the surrounding neighbourhood simply became known as "Hilton", a designation that persists in Athenian vernacular to this day.

Drawing on the neighbourhood's original name, Ilisia, the redevelopment's title was conceived as a gesture of returning to the area its original identity, signalling a more reciprocal relationship — one that reconnects the site with its geographic and cultural substratum while accommodating a more complex programme. Conceived as an urban multi-use hub, Τhe Ilisian brings together hospitality, including branded residences by Conrad and Waldorf Astoria, retail, and wellness anchored by the city's largest outdoor swimming pool, alongside the private members' club House of NYNN. Within this expanded framework, the hotel, the first presence of Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Greece, functions as both anchor and threshold, mediating between the city and a more curated internal world.

A wide exterior view reveals the hotel’s full horizontal expanse, its repetitive façade articulated through balconies and vertical fins. Layered terraces with planted roofs soften the massing, integrating the building into its urban context while maintaining a strong architectural presence. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A series of gilded relief sculptures is displayed against a dark green marble wall, their intricate forms catching the light. Elevated on slender metal stands, the pieces read as a curated installation, introducing an art-led narrative within the hotel’s material palette. — Ceramic mural "Athens by Night", based on **Yannis Moralis** design, executed by ceramist **Eleni Vernadaki**. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.
Reception desk designed by Studio Niko Koronis. Table lamps designed by Yannis Moralis. Artworks by Panos Tsagaris. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.
Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A refined seating area unfolds across a patterned rug, where leather lounge chairs and a curved sofa gather around low marble tables. A geometric timber screen filters the background, introducing rhythm and transparency while subtly delineating adjacent spaces. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A sensitive restoration by Aeter Architects sets the stage for mid-century-inspired interiors by AvroKO that establish a calibrated dialogue between past and present through a considered mix of archival references and contemporary interventions, further enriched by MARE Studio’s art curation. Upon entering, a gently rippling water feature running along the central axis of the lobby—a quiet nod to the ancient Ilisos river, now flowing underground—sets the tone for a spatial narrative that is as much about continuity as it is about renewal.

Vintage Saridis armchairs, once part of the hotel’s original interiors, sit alongside newly commissioned pieces from the same historic Athenian furniture maker, as well as bespoke ceramics by Eleni Vernadaki; a plaster replica of Moralis’s façade relief, made by the artist in the 1960s, invites visitors to examine up close what they have long admired from the street, while MARE Studio’s memorabilia installation offers a tactile link to the building’s previous life, showcasing archival photographs, ceramic plates, Moralis-designed sculptural door handles and even a signed invitation to the Athens Hilton’s inaugural luncheon in 1963.

A lounge area is organised around a large ceramic mural, its intricate grid pattern adding depth and visual texture. Low, rounded seating and sculptural tables create an intimate arrangement, while warm lighting and timber accents lend the space a subdued elegance. — Ceramic mural "Athens by Night", based on **Yannis Moralis** design, executed by ceramist **Eleni Vernadaki**. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

The reception desk is conceived as a monolithic assemblage of stacked stone volumes, its layered geometry contrasting with the smooth marble backdrop. Warm table lamps and vertical light fixtures add softness, while three gold-toned artworks provide a restrained focal point. — Reception desk. Table lamps designed by **Yannis Moralis.** Artworks by **Panos Tsagaris**. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A built-in timber shelving wall frames a quiet seating nook, where warm backlighting highlights a curated selection of books and objects. Leather chairs and soft upholstery introduce a residential note, creating a space that feels both intimate and considered.

Concierge desk. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A corridor clad in richly veined stone creates a rhythmic, almost processional sequence. Suspended pendant lights and glowing wall sconces repeat along the axis, casting layered shadows across the floor and emphasizing the depth and symmetry of the passage.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A circular banquette wraps around a sculptural coffee table, its graphic marble inlay echoing the curved geometry of the seating. Dense planting frames the composition, creating a sense of intimacy, while the surrounding green marble flooring and brass details hint at the adjacent bar. — Athenian Lounge. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Spatially, the transformation is equally deliberate. The former lobby’s elongated, almost terminal-like expanse has been reconfigured into a more articulated sequence of zones, structured around a central volume housing the concierge that subtly separates the reception area from the hotel’s convention facilities and the Athenian Lounge. Returned to its original sunken position, the latter reintroduces a sense of vertical layering, while one of the original 1963 chandeliers, now suspended above its circular bar, acts as both focal point and mnemonic device.

Alongside these gestures, curated retail elements, including a concept store presenting Greek and international designers and an immersive, grotto-like florist shop, reinforce the idea of the hotel as a porous extension of the city rather than a self-contained enclave.

A lush lounge unfolds around a central circular bar clad in marble and brass, surrounded by leather stools and layered seating. A dramatic chandelier anchors the ceiling above, while abundant planting softens the space, blurring the boundary between interior and garden-like retreat. — Athenian Lounge. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A guest room combines mid-century references with contemporary clarity, where a timber lattice partition introduces rhythm while subtly separating the bed from the lounge. A marble-topped table and leather chairs sit opposite a deep grey sofa, with city views anchoring the composition. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A seating corner by the balcony pairs a curved upholstered sofa with a small round table and a vivid ceramic vase. Beyond, a woven chair on the terrace faces distant views of Athens, while sheer curtains diffuse daylight, softening the boundary between interior and exterior. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

If the lobby encapsulates the project’s overarching ethos, the 278 guest rooms and suites translate that vision into a more intimate register. Here, mid-century modernism is reimagined with a delicate touch: soft curves, orb-like chandeliers, and geometric partitions instil a sense of quiet composure. A material palette of marble, warm-toned wood, and brushed brass anchors the spaces in understated luxury, while plush upholstery and woven rugs offer a counterpoint of tactile softness. Against a serene foundation of slate grey and cream, controlled bursts of mustard, burnt orange, and deep green provide depth without compromising the interior’s inherent restraint. The experience is grounded by curated artworks nodding to Greek modernism, while bespoke memorabilia collages in the suites introduce a layered, narrative soul.

A suite unfolds as a sequence of interconnected zones, where a timber-clad partition with integrated screen subtly divides living and sleeping areas. Mid-century armchairs, a low timber table and warm textiles sit against expansive windows framing views over Athens, balancing openness with spatial definition — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A double vanity in veined marble anchors the bathroom, paired with dark wood cabinetry and black metal fixtures. Reflected views reveal the adjoining living area, where mid-century furnishings and soft textiles extend the material palette, creating a cohesive dialogue between bathing and living spaces.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A living area in a Conrad Athens suite balances mid-century modern furniture with layered textures and warm tones. A low timber coffee table and leather armchairs anchor the space, while a mustard banquette and curated artwork introduce depth, framed by soft daylight filtering through patterned curtains. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A twin-bedroom layout is organised along a central axis, where crisp white bedding contrasts with dark timber joinery and a marble-topped dresser. At the far end, a small dining table by sheer curtains draws in filtered daylight, reinforcing the room’s calm, balanced composition.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Positioned by floor-to-ceiling glazing, a small dining table overlooks Athens with the Acropolis visible in the distance. Sheer curtains diffuse the light, while warm-toned chairs and timber panelling frame the view, allowing the cityscape to anchor the interior.

Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A sculptural dining setting unfolds beside a glazed opening framing views of Athens and the Acropolis. The marble tabletop, inset with geometric detailing, is surrounded by upholstered timber chairs, while a dark wood relief wall and articulated chandelier lend the space a refined, graphic presence. — Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

The living area centres on a curved, boucle-upholstered sofa set against a large timber feature wall with abstract relief detailing. A glass-topped coffee table and a green leather armchair introduce contrast, while layered lighting and textiles soften the geometric backdrop.

Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A wider view reveals the open-plan arrangement, where dining, lounge and bar areas unfold around a central column. Timber cabinetry, marble surfaces and glass shelving create a cohesive material palette, while patterned flooring subtly defines each zone within the fluid layout. — Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.
Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.
Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.
Presidential Suite. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Framed by sheer curtains and patterned drapery, a bedroom at dusk opens onto a balcony with a direct view of the Acropolis. The restrained interior—soft bedding, a small round table and a sculptural reading lamp—allows the illuminated monument to become the focal point. — Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A sunlit lounge unfolds along a series of arched windows, where marble-topped tables and patterned seating create a refined yet informal rhythm. A sculptural column punctuates the centre, while soft textiles and floral accents lend warmth to the otherwise ordered geometry. — Byzantino Grande Brasserie. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Elsewhere, the building’s social dimension is reactivated through its dining and leisure offerings. The return of the historic Byzantino restaurant as Byzantino Grande Brasserie is perhaps the most emblematic gesture. Designed by Paris-based Tristan Auer, the space draws on a “New Athenian” vocabulary where mid-century lines meet classical motifs. Soft repeating arches take their cue from the original Byzantine-inspired central dome, now drawn into sharper focus with a circular bar beneath and a graceful arched colonnade around it, while wrought-iron armchairs, striped upholstery and warm ochre and terracotta tones evoke the atmosphere of the 1950s French Riviera. Balancing French and Greek influences, the menu by Executive Chef Angelos Lantos translates this duality into the culinary realm, with a dining terrace and intimate café courtyard extending the experience outdoors.

Arched openings frame a sunlit courtyard lounge, where terracotta-toned walls and striped seating introduce a Mediterranean palette. Indoor and outdoor zones blur through generous glazing, with planting and soft furnishings reinforcing a relaxed, garden-like atmosphere.

Byzantino Grande Brasserie. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Viewed through richly detailed timber doors, a buffet room unfolds around a central island laden with artisanal breads and ceramics. A circular chandelier hovers above, its candle-like bulbs echoing the symmetry of arched mirrors and wall panelling, reinforcing a sense of ritual and abundance.

Byzantino Grande Brasserie. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

A dramatic circular bar anchors a domed space punctuated by rhythmic arches and clerestory light. Suspended ring fixtures trace the ceiling’s geometry, while a patterned floor radiates outward, guiding movement around the central, backlit bar lined with upholstered stools. — Byzantino Grande Brasserie. Photography by Nick Kontostavlakis.

Eight additional restaurants and bars, from the rooftop Galaxy Dispensary and Galaxy Supper Club, slated to open later this year, to a series of newer international concepts, together with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, position The Ilisian as a multi-dimensional destination. Spread across more than 2,000 square metres, the wellness facilities encompass indoor and outdoor pools, a fully equipped gym and fitness studios, and a green roof with a 770-metre private outdoor running track, outdoor gym and a pickleball court. At Odei Wellness, treatments draw on ancient Greek rituals, bringing a more local dimension to the programme, while internationally recognised expert Dr. Costas Papageorgiou is set to introduce his advanced longevity therapies to Athens for the first time.

In its original incarnation, the Athens Hilton offered a vision of Athens as a city confidently stepping onto the global stage. Conrad Athens The Ilisian revisits that ambition with greater nuance. It acknowledges the weight of its own history while resisting the temptation of nostalgia, proposing a version of continuity that is both grounded and open-ended. Within the expanded landscape of Τhe Ilisian, the building resumes its role as an evolving framework for the city’s ongoing self-definition.