A shared past, a resemblance in modernist architecture, but a different future. In the 1950s-60s, the Hiltons in Athens and Istanbul marked the international beginnings of the brand. Opened in 1955, what was the very first hotel built outside the United States after the war, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus still bears the trace of it with its outdoor swimming pool, the shape of which evokes Conrad Hilton's foot. The illustrious founder of the group, who would later come, in 1963, to inaugurate the one in Athens surrounded by a cohort of happy few.
Modern hospitality, glamorous ambiance, venues for all receptions: what made these two establishments strong has been thoroughly refurbished. Nearly 70 years later, the two establishments have simultaneously, but differently, entered a new era. While the Hilton in the Greek capital has been completely transformed into a luxury resort, with an upgrade and rebranding to Conrad, the one in Istanbul has embraced a new modernity while remaining true to its original name.
Originally designed by the architectural firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill, in partnership with Turkish architect Sedad Hakki Eldem, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus has been re-imagined by Istanbul-based design studio Autoban, without turning its back on the hotel’s fifties heritage. After almost three years of work – without closure – which has just been completed, its 475 rooms and suites have been brought up to date, with the four signature suites recalling chapters from the establishment's history.
The Imperial Suite notably pays homage to Istanbul's first disco, Cloud 9, which was located within the establishment, while the Ambassador Suite celebrates the personalities who have stayed at the hotel, from Louis Armstrong to Grace Kelly, via Mohammed Ali and James Bond, or rather Sean Connery, in From Russia with Love. Among its other clients, most of the world's leaders have also, for many of them, frequented the establishment, for a stay or during a party.
Yesterday and today, the hotel is indeed one of Istanbul's premier destinations for major events with its 4,000 m² MICE space, either indoors or in its gardens. With 17 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, all newly renovated, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus offers a total capacity of 2,500 people.
Among the developments, a spa, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness room will be inaugurated this summer, while the culinary offerings have evolved, with only the Chinese restaurant Dragon having been retained. Arlo, Lalou, Sazzou, Bosolei, but also Malva, the hotel's new flagship gourmet restaurant: all these new dining options mark the hotel's new era.
Luxury resort in the heart of Athens
A new era is dawning, and not only that, for the former Hilton in Athens. Among the chain's initial torchbearers in Europe, this flagship example of 1960s modernist architecture designed by Manolis Vourekas, Prokopis Vassiliadis, Antonis Georgiades, and Spyros Staikos has turned to another of the Hilton group's brands, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, following an extensive renovation. For decades, the Hilton Athens has played a foundational role in the cultural and social life of Athens. Our vision has been to honour this heritage while creating an open, dynamic hotel deeply connected to today's city. ", said Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager of the Conrad Athens The Ilisian."
" The Conrad Athens The Ilisian has succeeded in reawakening a monument by honouring its past while fully embracing the city that Athens has become. », explained Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Luxury Brands for Hilton. Located on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, near Syntagma Square and many of the Greek capital’s embassies and monuments, the hotel has adopted the air of a city resort within the brand-new luxury complex The Ilisian, complete with a private, lifestyle club called House of NYNN.
One of Athens' largest outdoor pools and another indoor one, a 700m² rooftop garden with a private running track, indoor and outdoor gyms, and a wellness area: the new hotel brings together the best of urban relaxation. To complete the offering, there's a commercial zone housing designer boutiques and a jeweller, a florist, a hair salon, and a barbershop. Meanwhile, the dining follows the trend under the direction of Angelos Lantos, the first Greek chef to have earned two Michelin stars in Athens.
On the menu, a signature table, Grande Brasserie Byzantino, a Japanese restaurant, Onuki, designed by the Yabu Pushelberg studio, opening in 2025, and an Italian poolside restaurant, but also the Athenian Lounge where you can enjoy essential dishes with classic cocktails all day, while awaiting the return of the Galaxy Bar on the rooftop later in the year.
Redesigned by the AvroKO studio, it will revive the optimism of Athens' modernist golden age. The hotel evokes the atmosphere of an open-air gallery, with its original marble sculpted facades, signed by Yannis Moralis and spread over 620 m². But the Conrad Athens The Ilisian also remains true to its initial destination as a grand business hotel, with vast meeting and reception spaces including two ballrooms, one over 1000 m² and the other 333 m². As for the rooms, among the most spacious in the city, there are 278 of them, the majority with balconies. In addition, the hotel offers the largest collection of suites in the Greek capital, including three presidential suites and one royal suite. Meanwhile, by the end of the year, the Omega Penthouse with private pool and 360° panoramic views of the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea.
