In the heart of Athens, the old and aging building at the intersection of 3rd September and Chalkokondyli Streets, number 36, is soon to unveil a completely new look. It will feature a rooftop pool and 42 compact apartments, operating as a “smart” hotel by this year.
Transforming Omonia
Meanwhile, just down the street at 12 Chalkokondyli, near Kaniggos Square, the Athens Key Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham has been operating since December 2022. This new 4+ star hotel has replaced the old “Kaniggos 21” hotel, which closed in 2010 due to financial struggles during Athens’ tourism crisis.
Athens Key offers 76 state-of-the-art single and double rooms and the Athens Key Rooftop Bar Restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.
Finders TMI: A Catalyst for Change
Finders TMI, led by Israeli entrepreneur Amir Mamou, manages five private investment funds focused on real estate. The company has quietly built a significant portfolio worth over €40 million, primarily around Omonia and in Crete. Operating in Greece since 2014, Finders strategically entered the market during a downturn, acquiring properties at attractive prices.
According to Irini Panagopoulou, Operations Manager at Finders, “Omonia has significant development potential due to the continuous growth of Athens’ tourism and the increasing investor interest in the area.”
Smart Hotel Development at Chalkokondyli 36
One of the company’s key projects is the renovation of a 2,000-square-meter building at Chalkokondyli 36 & 3rd September. The property, spanning seven floors with a rooftop offering panoramic views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, will be transformed into a Smart Apartment Hotel with:
- 42 apartments ranging from 27 to 52 square meters
- A rooftop pool
- Co-working spaces for digital nomads and guests
The smart hotel will feature advanced technology, allowing guests to manage their stay via an app for booking, check-in, keyless entry, and additional services.
Zeus International’s Athens Key Hotel
Zeus International, led by Haris Siganos, has also taken on a major project in Athens with the Athens Key Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Located at the intersection of Chalkokondyli and Kaniggos Streets, the hotel occupies a 3,500-square-meter building leased in 2018 for 30 years. After a €3.5 million renovation, the hotel offers modern accommodations with premium amenities.
Athens Key features:
- 76 single and double rooms
- A rooftop bar and restaurant with views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill
Broader Plans for Finders TMI
Finders aims to have 80 renovated apartments for short-term rentals by the end of the year, with plans to add 40 more by 2024. The company continues to negotiate new acquisitions, focusing on areas around Omonia.
Beyond Athens, Finders has expanded its portfolio to Crete, acquiring a small beachfront hotel in Rethymno that will be converted into eight luxury villas. Negotiations are also underway for two coastal plots in Chania for similar developments.