Savvy operators forged ahead during the pandemic to complete a number of extraordinary new properties across the country. In 2022 over 50 new hotels in Greece opened with many more planned for 2023.
Many of these are in the busy tourist destinations of Athens, Santorini and Mykonos but a number have also opened with much anticipation in some lesser-known destinations including some small and remote islands.
All extend the famous Greek Hospitality that is known and admired thoughout the world.
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?
Whether you’ve been before or it’s your first time it can be hard to process all the information out there. Be sure to check out our complete Planning Guide as well as our FREE 13-page downloadable itinerary.
And come join our private Facebook Group where you can ask questions and get advice from real travellers!
NEW HOTELS IN ATHENS
There have been a number of new hotels in Athens open in the past 18 months and several more are still being finished.
Here we feature six of what we believe to be the most exciting.
XENODOCHEIO MILOS
Location: Athens
Opened: April 2022
Acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis is thought by many to have revolutionised Greek food across the world, with his restaurant empire, Estiatorio Milos now in 5 countries, including a collaboration with the Four Seasons group in Mexico.
Located in Syntagma in two beautiful neoclassical heritage buildings near the high end shops and museums of Kolonaki, this boutique hotel has just 43 rooms and suites.
The design aesthetic has been successfully orchestrated by the architecture studios A1 Architects and Divercity Architects with Greek-made furnishings, Dionysos marble bathrooms and wooden floors, and has a feel that is both luxurious and contemporary. Some suites have terraces offering views of the Old Parliament House and Mount Lycabettus and the hotel is just meters from the Natural History Museum across the road.
There is a lavish and very chic spa and a state-of-the art Gym.
The big attraction of course is the restaurant, the latest in the franchise but by no means the last to the table. The dining room is a visual feast on its own with soaring ceilings and white, luxury furnishings, and of course the food is a standard you would expect with only the freshest produce and seafood used.
Image courtesy @Aria Hotels
Woo Suites
Location: Athens
Opened: January 2023
The renowned luxury hotel group Aria Hotels has expanded its collection to include Woo Suites in Athens.
The recently renovated building is situated on Mitropoleos Square, one of the most central locations in the ancient center. It has panoramic views of the Acropolis and a plethora of tavernas, cafes, and shops at its doorstep.
The seven suites at the boutique hotel are designed with chic, modern architecture, and have generous light-filled living areas.
The Woo Suites’ two Acropolis Junior Suites, have views of the Acropolis and may sleep up to three people, while the four Metropolis Suites, overlook the Metropolis, Athens’ Cathedral.
The Acropolis Suite of the hotel has amazing views of the Parthenon and the well-known Plaka district.
Woo Roof, the hotel’s rooftop lounge area, is used by residents for breakfast as well as throughout the day and has incredible 360° views of the area.
Port Square
Location: Pireaus
Opened: May 2022
The Port Square Hotels is centrally located at the heart of Piraeus, right across the road from the port and only 20 meters from the train and metro station.
This is a game changer for Piraeus which to date has only had a few basic hotels on offer for travellers.
Accommodation ranges from small double rooms through to Family rooms that sleep 4. All have views of the city or port and are beautifully furnished with timber floors and joinery and natural stone.
Port Square has an all-day restaurant and bar – also a great addition to the Port area, and a business centre including a board room for business travellers.
This hotel is sure to be a hit with travellers who don’t have long in Athens and business people transiting from the islands.
MOXY ATHENS CITY
Location: Syntagma
Opened: March 2022
Following the success of Moxy in Patra, Marriott brings the brand to the Greek capital, Athens.
Housed in the historic “Saroglion Megaron” on Stadiou Street in central Athens, where the city courts were once housed the hotel is centrally located by Stadiou and Athenas Streets behind the lively suburb of Pysri. This emerging neighbourhood has had significant investment in recent years. It is an easy 20-minute walk into the Historic centre and The Acropolis.
This is a very affordable, quirky hotel for people who like cool, edgy and colourful interiors with all the gadgets but without the price tag of some similar properties.
201 rooms are on offer including family rooms, all stylishly designed chic bedrooms with well-appointed functional space.
“Keith Haring-like” artworks are used throughout, with a central bar area the focal point of the hotel. The hotel also has a fitness centre and restaurant.
ONE & ONLY AESTHESIS
Location: Glyfada ( Riviera)
Opened: June 2022
The iconic One & Only brand has finally come to Greece with its second property in Europe about to open on 52 acres of beachfront on the Athenian Riviera.
Located only 11 kms from the Ancient Centre and 20 kms to the airport making it a very central place to stay and enjoy every aspect of Athens.
The year-round resort will have 127 rooms and suites with private pools for couples or families including an innovative children’s program as well as space for adults only.
The year-round resort will offer amenities like a beach club, a fitness center and a spa developed in partnership with health and wellness brand Chenot.
* note: One and Only have also announced the development of an additional property on the island of Kea
image credit Dusit Hotels
DUSIT SUITES ATHENS
Location: Glyfada ( Riviera)
Opened: March 2023
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, a Thai company, is getting ready to establish itself in Europe with the opening of its first hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel on the Athenian Riviera by the end of March.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is one of Thailand’s top hotel and real estate development firms and has 62 hotels operating across 17 countries worldwide.
The Dusit Suites Athens in the Greek capital will have 36 upscale rooms and suites in the building that formerly housed John’s Hotel in this beachside neighborhood renowned for its beaches, upscale shopping, and exciting nightlife.
O2 SUITES
Location: Glyfada ( Riviera)
Opened: April 2022
The paint is still drying on this fantastic addition to the Athenian Riviera with O2 Suites offering a new luxury alternative for visitors seeking a beach stay while in Athens.
It is located just meters from the sparkling Aegean Sea and the popular serviced beach of Glyfada with sunloungers, umbrellas and water activities available for hire. The area has a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars as well.
Rooms are generous in size ranging from Ocean Suites to O2 Suites that weigh in at 45sqm with big bathtubs and sea views. All rooms have Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and french linen.
The overall aesthetic is coastal chic with the use of timber and natural fibres throughout. There is a café with an outdoor space and free parking.
O2 Suites are only 11 kms from the Ancient Centre and 20 kms to the airport making it a very central place to stay and enjoy the best of every aspect of Athens.
NEW HOTELS ON OTHER PARTS OF THE MAINLAND
MARBELLA ELIX
Location: Parga
Opened: Summer 2021
A unique luxury hotel near Parga located on Greece’s beautiful Ionian coast. A place where the mountains meet the ocean and the pristine landscapes offer a rare glimpse of an unspoiled world.
Perched high on the cliffs on top of a pine-forested hill, MarBella Elix has sweeping views over the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos, and Corfu, with the stunning beach of Karavostasi stretching out below. The closest airport is Preveza which is less than an hour’s drive.
Designed by award-winning Athenian Architect Dimitris Thomopoulos the property is a sister property to the MarBella Corfu and Marbella Nido, a member of the Small Hotels of the World.
There are 13 different room types all with balconies offering uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, and some rooms have large private pools or swim-ups.
Beautifully designed in coastal/ bohemian-style rooms are meticulously appointed down to the very last detail, complete with five-star amenities and luxuries.
There are four restaurants and three bars, with choices ranging from modern Mediterranean dining at Saffron Main Restaurant in a sublime sea view setting to light snacks beside the pool at Indigo Restaurant, or the Azure Beach Restaurant and new-age Greek cuisine at the Pearl a la carte Restaurant. There is even an exclusive dine out a programme allowing guests on the Ultra-All-Inclusive package to enjoy dinner at selected local restaurants during their stay.
image courtesy of Brown Hotels
ISLA BROWN CORINTHIA
Location: Corinthia
Opened: April 2022
Located just 50 minutes drive from Athens this is a great new option for exploring the many wonders of Corinth and Argolis. It is the latest addition in Greece from the Israeli Brown Hotel Group which will have seven properties in Greece by the end of 2022.
The award-winning team of Elastic Architects present 166 rooms and suites furnished with the finest materials offering a sense of bespoke, organic luxury. The design reflects the story of the giant Typhon in Greek Mythology, a monster with a hundred dragons’ heads who was conquered and cast into the underworld by Zeus.
Families and those seeking some action can take advantage of the tennis courts, pools, spa, a huge kids park, and lots more luxury experiences.
This is a fantastic location to explore the wonders of Corinth and the northern Arglolis on the Peloponnese, one of the most beautiful parts of Greece.
DEXAMENES SEASIDE HOTEL
Location: Peloponnese
Opened: May 2022
This stunning new hotel is an abandoned winery conversion is located on Kourouta Beach in the Western Messinia region of the Peloponnese.
The award-winning architecture practice K-Studio have again weaved their magic to deliver 34 magnificent guestrooms overlooking the Ionian Sea.
The industrial elements of the remaining winery buildings have been retained and blend stylishly with the pared-back fixtures and fittings used throughout the property with an overall style of ‘industrial chic’.
Think clean lines, hard surfaces like terrazzo floors and minimal clutter. The highlight of the property is the original wine tanks that now home the guest rooms, each decorated with fluted glass, exposed concrete and complete with COCO-Mat mattresses and Moda Bagno toiletries.
Guests can indulge in degustation dining and tastings, yoga classes and workshops by local artists.
A bar-lounge, a taverna, a history room, and a boutique “Bakaliko” store selling local produce complete the property.
ON RESIDENCE
Location: Thessaloniki
Opened: March 2022
Set in a historic waterfront building, Thessaloniki’s boutique hotel is housed in a historic building since 1926.
TOR Hotel Group and Grivalia Hospitality have joined forces to create ON Residence, a forthcoming concept in the heart of Thessaloniki, Greece. The project includes the revitalization of the historic Olympos Naoussa restaurant and the development of a unique new boutique hotel located within a restored 1920s building.
Reminiscent of the Belle Époque and neoclassicism era, the property has been transformed by architecture firm Diversity Group and architect Dimitris Thomopoulos. Local architects Nikiforidis-Cuomo Architects have designed the hotel’s communal areas, while French interior designer Fabienne Spahn has styled the interiors with an Art Deco flair and a sense of luxury that mirrors the character of the historic site.
A mid-century influence is evident through the velvet, wood, and brass found at reception and the Art Deco-inspired furniture throughout. The Tiger Loop cocktail bar round out the onsite F&B options, clad with Art Deco elements and a palette of black, gold, and deep red.
The hotel offers standard rooms, deluxe rooms, ON suites, and ON residences. Soft, natural tones characterize each room with a accented tones of pink and green and bold patterns.
New Hotels on the Greek Islands
image @ SWOT
YI MYKONOS
Location: Mykonos
Opening: July 2022
Owned by ORA Hospitality of the Sawiris Group and Managed by SWOT, this upscale hotel will open in July overlooking beautiful Elia Beach.
Details of the rooms and amenities are yet to be released but expect earthy, natural tones thoughout sea viea and pool suites that cleverly juxtapose with a stunning outdoor pool as the focal point, and views over the shimmering Aegean.
A high class restaurant, pool bar, day spa and more and all under construction and will be finished with the highest level of detail and design.
CALI MYKONOS
Location: Mykonos
Opened: July 2022
Overlooking Kalafati Beach – one of the most secluded areas on Mykonos, an ultra-luxe 40-villa property has opened on the Eastern side of the island.
The resort’s amenities include a 110 meter infinity pool, gym, signature restaurant headed by Chef Lefteris Lazarou Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made with locally-grown and sourced ingredients, a sushi bar, pool bar and bespoke experiences—such as yacht and luxury boat trips.
There is even three-level Cali Villa, comprises five bedrooms, each with its own pool, a private elevator, and wraparound terraces with 360-degree views.
Premier fitness services include a Pilates studio, guided sunrise salutations by the pool, and private yoga sessions. The in-house spa will include steam, ice, and salt rooms, along with a host of locally-inspired treatments.
The concierge team is available for bespoke experiences and itineraries, including in-room treatments and dining and transportation with Cali’s fleet of electric vehicles.
image @ Magma Santorini
MAGMA RESORT
Location: Santorini
Opened: March 2022
Located in Vourvoulos in the hills behind Imerovigli Magma Resort is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a collection of independent “one-of-a-kind” hotels managed by the global brand.
This 59 room hotel offers views across the Aegean, some with private pools or Jacuzzis which are designed with the islands Volcanic geology – think lava and stone elements that make the place feel like a “reimagined traditional Cycladic dwelling.” The layout of the resort is inspired by the terraced land used for winemaking and pezoules, the traditional dwellings found on Santorini.
The on-site restaurant, Magma by Spondi is a partnership with the iconic 2-Michelin Starred Athenian Spondi Restaurant and will offer fine dining that embraces seasonal ingredients and local agriculture, as well as wine pairing options local Santorini wines . All from sweeping views across the island, the sea and beyond.
A state-of-the-art wellness centre and spa, inspired by Santorini’s cave homes, and a stunning infinity pool round off the high end facilities.
PAFSILIPON SUITES
Location: Syros
Opened: 2 suites in May 2022, all 7 in 2023
Located on the peninsula overlooking the beautiful bay of Vaporia, Pafsilipon Suites is truly a remarkable small hotel.
We stayed in one of the two suites opened in 2022 and were in awe of the stunning views across the bay and the Cyclades capital, Ermoupolis, from our huge terrace. Our suite was spacious and very comfortable with close attention to detail in so many elements – there’s even a bum gun!
The location really is hard to beat. Being at the end of the road there is no traffic and a lot of tranquility. Yet it is only a 10 minute stroll into town, passing lovely cafes and shops as well as other places of interest along the way. Add to the the beach beach bar/restaurant on Syros is right underneath the hotel and there is even a private path with its only access to it. It is also a great places to swim.
In 2023 the other luxury suites are ready to greet guests and we ourselves are booked to return in September. There is now a swimming pool and sun lounges perched on the side of the bay and the hotel has become part of the exclusive Aria Hotels group.
image courtesy of Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa
ANGSANA CORFU
Location: Corfu
Opened: March 2023
On March 1, the magnificent beachfront Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa, located on Corfu, will open its doors for the 2023 season.
This is the first foray into Greece by the highly regarded luxury brand The Banyan Tree Group, which operates 55 resorts and hotels and also manages 63 spas, 64 retail galleries, and three championship golf courses in 23 countries across the globe.
The resort is located 13 km south of Corfu town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its imposing Old Fortress and is close to stunning Paxos and Antipaxos islands and the historic Achilleion Palace, which was originally occupied by Empress Sissi of Austria.
Due to its location, Angsana Corfu is a great place from which to explore Corfiot must-see locations such gorgeous sandy beaches, historical attractions, and activities that Corfu has to offer.
The resort is spread across a hilltop estate and includes 159 modern rooms and suites in addition to 37 villa residences designed in the manner of regional architecture.
The interiors reflect the premium aesthetics of the Angsana brand and offers a variety of amenities with king or twin beds.
Ruen Romsai, the resort’s main restaurant serves breakfast with local and international favourites while Koh, is a trendy take on an Asian fusion. Sofrito, the resort’s signature Greek taverna serves Corfiot dishes and speciliaties.
There is also a luxury wellness spa, yoga deck and indoor heated pool and kids club, as well as and Vertigo Sky Bar, the highest rooftop lounge in Corfu with 360° views of the coast and landscape, and it’s an adults-only venue (opening on June 1).
THE ROOSTER
Location: Antiparos, Cyclades
Opened: June 2021
While The Rooster has been opened a while now it’s still worth a mention as it is the first luxury hotel on Antiparos and was named as one of only 2 Greek Hotels in Travel and Leisure Magazines ‘Most exciting Hotel openings of 2022’.
There are 17 individual villas are available with four different layouts , each with generous space, private gardens, a small swimming pool, sun decks and outdoor shower.
The Interiors are inspired by the raw natural beauty and rustic charm of the surrounding scenery. – casual yet sophisticated with a heavy use of wood, marble and cotton. VOIS architects were instrumental in developing the concept and design of the property.
In The Restaurant traditional and regional recipes are served with ingredients grown on the fram. Seafood is supplied by the island’s fishermen, while cheeses, free-range eggs and spirits are all procured locally and exclusive to Antiparos and Greece. Guests can also learn about and enjoy the hotel garden.
The House of Healing spa has a fully holistic approach where guests can enjoy specially guided rituals that draw on traditional ancestral and ancient medicine including sound healing, sacred gong bath ceremonies and a Greek ceremony of fire and celebration . There is also a yoga pavilion offering complimentary yoga and meditation.
Anti-paros is located only 7 minutes by ferry from Paros and is a delightful, small island with a laid back authentic vibe. Either fly or Ferry to Paros and catch the ferry from Pounda.
CASA COOK SAMOS
Location: Samos
Opening: May 2022
When Thomas Cook folded in 2019, luckily the Casa Cook hotels were being saved by the Chinese conglomerate Fosun Tourism Group. This included their popular hotels on Mykonos and Rhodes.
This new property on the island of Samos, just off the coast of Turkey is the first new property for the group since before the pandemic. Located near the historical village of Pythagorion and just off the breathtaking Turkish coast, Samos is an island rich in history and beauty.
Rooms range from classic doubles to a private villa and are modern and minimalist, decorated with unrefined earthy tones, smooth terrazzo and concrete floors. The low-slung pool-front rooms are finished with linens, raffia and bamboo, designed by Block 722 designers.
The complex has six swimming pools, a yoga shala, a wellness centre and an ocean-facing restaurant, Beach House, inspired by paréa – a Greek word roughly translated as a wholesome get-together with friends where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
