In conversation with Nassos Papazoglou, General Manager, Conrad Athens (Exclusive Interview) – CPP-LUXURY

Heritage & History

Conrad Athens The Ilisian stands on a site deeply interwoven with the modern history of Athens. The property is a transformation of the former Athens Hilton—an iconic landmark inaugurated in 1963 that symbolized Greece’s post-war optimism and its opening to international hospitality and culture. Over decades, it hosted world leaders, artists, and global events, becoming part of the city’s social fabric. Today, we honor that legacy while reimagining the building for a new era of luxury, sustainability, and contemporary Athenian life.

Positioning (USP & Competitive Set)

We are positioned as the first true Urban resort in Athens, —where heritage meets modern lifestyle. Our unique selling points include:

A landmark location with deep cultural resonance
Expansive facilities rarely found in city hotels (gardens, large wellness areas, multiple dining venues)
A strong integration of local culture, art, and gastronomy
The backing of the Conrad brand, ensuring global standards with local authenticity

Our competitive set includes top-tier luxury properties in Athens such as Four Seasons Astir Palace, Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George, and other internationally branded luxury hotels, though our scale and resort-like offering within the city distinguish us.

Guest Profile & Key Markets

We maintain a balanced mix of leisure and corporate guests, with a growing emphasis on high-end leisure.

Leisure: travelers seeking culture, gastronomy, and lifestyle experiences
Corporate: executive travelers, MICE, and diplomatic segments

Key feeder markets include:

United States
United Kingdom
Western Europe (France, Germany, Italy)
Middle East
Increasingly, high-value travelers from Asia

Targeting Locals / Non-Residents

Engaging the local community is central to our vision. We are not just a hotel—we are a destination. Our restaurants, bars, wellness facilities, and curated events are designed to attract Athenians as much as international guests. The goal is to create a vibrant social hub that feels authentically embedded in the city.

Interior Design Aesthetic

The design blends mid-century modern heritage with contemporary Greek elegance. We preserved key architectural elements of the original structure while introducing:

Natural materials such as marble, wood, and stone
Soft Mediterranean color palettes
Art and design references inspired by Athenian culture

The result is a refined, residential feel—luxurious yet understated, with a strong sense of place.

Wellness & Dining Philosophy

Our approach is holistic and experience driven.

Wellness: designed as a sanctuary in the city, integrating fitness, relaxation, and longevity concepts with both modern techniques and ancient Greek inspiration
Dining: Through Byzantino Grande Brasserie, we present two distinct and authentic culinary identities—Greek and French. This is neither fusion nor reinterpretation, but a clear celebration of each tradition on its own terms. On one hand, Greek cuisine is expressed through a contemporary lens, honoring its heritage while embracing modernity. On the other, our French offering reflects the timeless elegance of a classic brasserie. Across both, we place strong emphasis on seasonality, local sourcing, and storytelling through food, creating a dining experience that is both rooted and refined.

Ensuring Service Consistency

Consistency comes from a combination of global Conrad standards and strong local leadership.

Structured training programs
Clear service rituals and brand touchpoints
Continuous feedback loops (guest insights, quality audits)
Empowering team members to personalize experiences while maintaining standards

Team Motivation

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We focus on:

Creating a culture of respect, inclusion, and growth
Providing continuous learning and career development opportunities
Recognizing and celebrating achievements
Encouraging ownership and pride in delivering exceptional experiences

Motivation comes from purpose—understanding that we are shaping memorable moments for our guests.

Looking Ahead (2026)

We are continuously evolving. Plans for the remainder of 2026 include:

New culinary concepts and seasonal pop-ups
Enhanced wellness programming and partnerships
Curated cultural experiences connecting guests with Athens
Further sustainability initiatives

Our aim is to keep the property dynamic and relevant, both for repeat guests and locals.

Personal Off-the-Beaten-Track Tips in Athens

As someone who lives and breathes this city, here are five lesser-known gems:

Anafiotika at sunrise – a quiet, almost island-like pocket beneath the Acropolis
Alsos Pangratiou – a peaceful green escape favored by locals
Brettos neighborhood backstreets (beyond Plaka) – for hidden artisan shops and authentic cafés
The National Observatory Hill (Filopappou side) – one of the best sunset views without the crowds
Kypseli’s evolving cultural scene – creative spaces, galleries, and a vibrant local energy