Re-imagined for a New Generation of Luxury Travellers, the Celebrated King George Marks The Luxury Collection’s Eighth Hotel in Greece
ATHENS, Greece–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announces the internationally-renowned King George hotel in Athens joins The Luxury Collection portfolio following a three-month renovation. Owned by Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A., King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel,Athens has been redesigned for a new generation of luxury travelers, offering discreet and personalized service in the iconic Greek capital. With this opening, Starwood expands its footprint in Greece where it now operates 11 hotels and resorts, including eight under The Luxury Collection brand.
“Our long-term partnership with Lampsa S.A. now includes three hotels in Greece, and we are grateful to the Laskaridis family for putting their trust in Starwood and The Luxury Collection brand,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The addition of King George strengthens The Luxury Collection’s extensive portfolio in Greece, allowing us to provide global explorers with more authentic experiences in more places.”
“Greece remains one of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations, and we are pleased to offer our guests the opportunity to experience Athens through the illustrious lens of the King George,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and W Hotels Worldwide. “That Greece is our third largest market globally is a clear indication that the country’s rich culture, distinctive heritage and indigenous treasures make it a ‘must’ for our most discerning travelers.”
The renovation of King George, led by renowned Greek architect Alexandros K. Samaras with local artisans, returns the hotel to its original splendour while enhancing its contemporary style. The storied hotel features 59 elegant guest rooms and 43 exceptional suites, all with impressive views of the city and the Acropolis. The neo-classical Greek interiors include silk and satin upholstery with distinct furnishings, authentic to the destination. The magnificent two-bedroom Penthouse Suite spans 3,770 square feet, across the entire ninth floor of the hotel, featuring: a private terrace offering a stunning panorama of the city; a swimming pool looking out to the Parthenon; an open-air Jacuzzi; and private elevator access. Completely redesigned, the Penthouse Suite is adorned with a selection of original 19th century antiques and paintings.
The ornate lobby, with elaborate high ceilings, rich marble floors and subtle grey and yellow accents, has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. The newly renovated ballroom can host up to 400 guests amid its exquisite neo-classical interiors and can be divided into three separate rooms, making it ideal for myriad social occasions, from grand celebrations to intimate social events, as well as business conferences.
Tudor Hall, the hotel’s famous restaurant on the seventh floor, has also been transformed from the previous classic Greco-Roman design to a contemporary and elegant Mediterranean setting with both the indoor dining and outdoor terrace options. Tudor Hall presents an exquisite, modern Greek culinary experience alongside panoramic views of Athens, enhanced by signature dishes including crayfish carpaccio with green lemon; red peppers and basil, lobster with sweet and sour artichokes; and roast lamb saddle and fillet with rosemary pesto and potato cream with garlic confit.
Featuring a beautiful neoclassical façade, King George welcomed its first guests in 1936 and occupies a prime location in the historic Syntagma Square, the center of Athens’ golden quarter. The hotel is situated between the Parliament and the fashionable Voukourestiou Street, within walking distance from the Acropolis, the Old City of Plaka and other notable sights in Athens. For more information on King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens, visit www. luxurycollection.com/kinggeorge.
Starwood in Greece
Starwood currently operates 11 hotels in Greece under the company’s Sheraton, Westin and The Luxury Collection brands. Eight The Luxury Collection hotels and resorts in Greece include Hotel Grande Bretagne andArion Resort & Spa, Astir Palace in Athens, The Romanos in Costa Navarino, Mystique and Vedema resorts in Santorini, as well as Blue Palace Resort & Spa, Elounda, Crete and Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Mykonos. The landmark Hotel Grande Bretagne, also owned by Lampsa, is adjacent to King George Hotel.
