This year, we must admit, has started early and very dynamically, with new hotel arrivals being announced constantly and impressive hotels opening their doors in every corner of our country. Now we have five more announcements, which either opened a few days ago or are planning to open in the near future.
Of course, the most resounding news of the day regarding the Greek hotel scene remains the announcement of the name and the planning of the opening of the historic Hilton, which will now be called The Ilisian and will be the first Conrad Athens, while it will include 278 rooms and suites with a unique view of Athens, as well as a 400 sq m mega suite. 18 private Conrad Residences are also being developed, as well as 37 Waldorf Astoria Residences, on the highest floors of the building. The Ilisian will feature a modern members’ club, multiple restaurants, selected shops, conference facilities, as well as sports and wellness areas, in collaboration with top Greek and international brands . But let’s see what is happening on our islands, as well as in the rest of the city center.
Yfēs Kythnos
A brand new hotel in picturesque Kythnos is already welcoming its first guests . Yfēs promises dreamy moments of relaxation under the Cycladic sun and invites us for short or long getaways overlooking the endless blue. Just like traditional Cycladic settlements, Yfēs – with just 10 rooms – is developed in stages on a slope next to Flambouria beach, while drawing inspiration from the geometric forms of Kythnos architecture and is perfectly harmonized with the natural landscape that surrounds it.
Each of Yfēs’ ten rooms and suites – many with private jacuzzis – is a window to the vast blue of the Aegean. Inside, the principles of Cycladic simplicity are reinterpreted with a contemporary eye, while next to the central pool is the Kēramos restaurant, which serves an all-day menu with references to the gastronomic traditions of Kythnos and with quality, local ingredients at its core. Breakfast is also served at Kēramos with a variety of freshly baked breads and pastries, traditional pies, Kythnos cheeses as well as honey and sweets from the island.
One of Yfēs’ best-kept secrets is Kryfō . Following a small path, one reaches an old, private dock where boats and caiques were once moored and today it has been transformed into a secret deck for two . Here the hospitality experience is completely personalized, since the goal of the people of the new hotel is to offer guests a series of high-level services that respond to their personal desires.
InterContinental Crete
Just a few days ago , the second InterContinental brand hotel in our country opened its doors , more specifically in Agios Nikolaos, Crete. The long-awaited InterContinental Crete, strategically located along the picturesque coastline of Agios Nikolaos and with stunning views of Mirabello Bay , represents the epitome of luxury accommodation in the heart of the island, just 1 hour from Heraklion airport.
It features 199 rooms and suites, many of which have private pools, offering a multitude of options for every discerning traveler . The architectural design by 3XN Architects and Diarchon Architects harmoniously combines modern aesthetics with traditional Cretan influences, creating a unique hospitality experience with art curation by Nikomachi Karakostanoglou. Under the signature of Executive Chef and former 2-star chef Nikos Roussos , InterContinental Crete offers an unsurpassed gastronomic experience with three excellent restaurants, each of which takes gourmets on a culinary journey through the range of flavors of Greek cuisine.
At the same time, guests can indulge in ultimate rejuvenation at the Spa Center, which features an indoor heated pool, five private treatment suites, a hammam and a sauna, while the fully equipped and naturally lit gym will become the meeting point for fitness fanatics. In addition to the luxurious accommodation and leisure options, the hotel features two state-of-the-art conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it an ideal destination for bleisure (business & pleasure) experiences.
INNSiDE by Meliá
We remain in Crete, where it was just announced that Meliá Hotels International is expanding its portfolio in Greece with the signing of a new agreement for the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in Elounda, Crete . This move introduces a new hotel concept in Greek hospitality – a high-quality lifestyle brand that focuses on the demanding preferences of the new generation of travelers. Located on the top of a hill with unlimited views of the sea and the beautiful Elounda, INNSiDE Crete Elounda is expected to open its doors in May 2025 as a fully renovated and renewed according to the brand’s standards 5-star hotel.
Vision Omonia
But we also return to our Athens, where we have just welcomed a new hotel focused on design, art and high hospitality and is the first of the new Vision Greece chain. Within the historically significant and culturally vibrant setting of Omonia, in the heart of Athens and just a few steps from the metro, Vision Omonia makes its debut on the modern Athenian scene with a clear identity of neoclassical design and a strongly artistic expression.
Vision Omonia is distinguished by its dedication to the arts, with a unique, original art collection curated by Mr. Kriton. It features 42 elegantly designed rooms and suites, offering guests an unparalleled experience with stunning views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, while the rooftop infinity pool also offers panoramic views of the city’s most important monuments. It also features a gym, 2 meeting rooms and Finder’s Real Estate Hub, while we look forward to a new gastronomic journey for the 1st time in Greece with the new Food & Beverage Concept Benedicts, which will open in September.
A special feature of the hotel is the art collection curated by Mr. Kriton and Gallery 7×7, which brings together the poetic vision of seven exceptional visual artists. Each of the seven floors of the hotel is dedicated to an artist, creating a unique artistic narrative. Vision Omonia is part of the Vision | Hosts of Superior Living group, which belongs to the Finders Group. It is the first hotel of the new chain with upcoming new properties opening soon in the areas of Akadimia, Ermou, Gazi, Metaxourgio, Exarchia and in Crete.