Greek Hotel Chains Making Waves

Greece’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2023, solidifying the country as a key player in the global tourism arena.

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Greece’s tourism sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2023, solidifying the country as a key player in the global tourism arena. Addressing long-term challenges and implementing strategic initiatives will be crucial for sustained success.

words by Eva Triantafyllidou | released on March 1th, 2024

The optimistic outlook, combined with strategic investments and innovative approaches, paints a bright future for the ongoing development of both Greek hotel chains and international flags in Greece.

The thriving and symbiotic relationship between Greek hotel brands and global chains underscores the evolution of Greece’s hospitality sector, attracting investments and positioning the country as a compelling destination for both travelers and international hospitality investors. With these collaborations flourishing, the Greek hospitality landscape is equally poised for expansion and heightened international acclaim.

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The thriving and symbiotic relationship between Greek hotel brands and global chains underscores the evolution of Greece’s hospitality sector.

Andronis Hotels

Andronis Hotels, a distinguished family-owned luxury hotel and villa collection in Athens and Santorini, has recently expanded its portfolio to Paros with the acquisition of Minois Hotel. The strategic move aligns with Andronis Hotels’ plan to extend its presence to multiple destinations, solidifying its position as a leading luxury hospitality group in Greece. The newly acquired Andronis Minois is set to open its doors in April 2024 after a comprehensive renovation, offering 44 luxury suites.

Domes Resorts

Domes Novos

Domes Resorts, the leading brand in Greek luxury hospitality, has expanded globally through a partnership with Hotel Investment Partners (HIP). Renowned for its curated properties in Crete and Corfu, Domes Resorts offers a unique blend of personalized experiences and relaxed luxury. This collaboration includes managing Portugal’s The Lake Spa Resort, already transformed into a Domes Resort in early 2022. With successes like Domes of Elounda and Domes Zeen, this move cements Domes Resorts as a key player in international hotel management, joining forces with HIP, backed by Blackstone investment funds. In 2024, Domes Resorts will also be adding three new ultra-luxurious accommodations and two new destinations to its portfolio. This expansion includes the opening of new hotels in Santorini and Corfu and the management of a new Glamping site on the Athenian Riviera, developed by Grivalia Hospitality.

Empiria Group

Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels

Empiria Group celebrates three decades of expertise, retains membership in The Luxury Collection and Design Hotels under Marriott International. The Group’s nine luxury properties, including Vedema and Mystique in Santorini, showcase distinctive experiences rooted in four core values—finding joy, elevating, exuding passion, and leading in the field. Founders Antonis Eliopoulos and Kalia Konstantinidou continue to lead, infusing 30 years of Greek hospitality experience into the group’s exciting global expansion plans. The group’s commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and community support, as seen in their various properties like Istoria in Santorini and Cosme in Paros, Korona Boutique Hotel in Mani and Parilio in Paros, positions Empiria Group as a leader in elevated hospitality experiences.

Grecotel

The Dolli

The Grecotel Group, boasts a diverse portfolio comprising 40 luxurious 4- and 5-star Hotels & Resorts. These elegant establishments are strategically located in sought-after island destinations like Crete, Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Kos. The Group’s presence extends to the enchanting mainland regions, including Athens and Sounio, Peloponnese, Larissa, and Alexandroupolis. With a collective capacity of 17,000 beds, the Grecotel Group consistently maintains its position at the pinnacle of the country’s hotel groups. In its latest developments, Grecotel Group is elevating its offerings with significant upgrades and new openings. In 2023, Grecotel opened THE DOLLI, an exceptional Hôtel Maison in the heart of Athens. This historic building, transformed into a 5-star hotel, has become an important addition to the group’s portfolio and the Athens hospitality scene. Furthermore, two existing hotels, Lux Me Kos Imperial in Kos and Lux Me Costa Costa Botanica in Corfu, are undergoing transformations into the luxurious Lux Me brand, renowned for all-inclusive luxury holidays. The Roc Club hotel on the Athenian Riviera is set to join the Grecotel chain, while upgrades also extend to Corfu Imperial, Grecotel Eva Palace, and Cape Sounio. Additionally, TUI Kids Club Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park in Crete is being redesigned into a charming seaside tourist village. Amirandes in Crete and Mandola Rosa, part of Grecotel Riviera Olympia in the Peloponnese, also feature renovated accommodations and enhanced culinary options, contributing to Grecotel’s commitment to luxury and innovation.

Metaxa Hospitality Group

Metaxa Hospitality Group plays a pivotal role in elevating Crete’s status as a luxury travel destination. Committed to authentic hospitality, sustainability, and cultural integration, the group, now led by CEO Andreas Metaxas, manages 3 resorts, hotels, and a convention center in Crete and Santorini. With over 45 international awards, Metaxa Hospitality Group has been a pioneering force in Greek tourism. Investing 71 million euros in renovations over the next five years, the 5-star Creta Maris Resort in Heraklion reopened in 2023 with a focus on luxury and gastronomy, following a 44-million-euro investment. Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa on Santorini transformed into Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, unveiling 20 new suites and ultra-luxury villas in the summer of 2023. Set to open in spring 2024, Santo Mine Oia, is the newest addition of the Metaxa Hospitality Group, an adults-only resort in Santorini, nestled on a former stone mine site.

Mitsis Hotels

Mitsis Hotels Group, a pioneer in Greek tourism for over 45 years, manages an esteemed portfolio of 21 hotels and resorts across key destinations. Renowned for excellent service, prime locations, and diverse facilities, Mitsis has garnered accolades from global travel organizations. In 2023, the group signed a 10-year Property Management Agreement for ‘Bali Paradise’ in Crete, embarking on a comprehensive renovation to achieve 5-star status by 2027. Under the brand concept “The Kaleidoscope,” Mitsis emphasizes enriching experiences and a genuine Greek essence. With ongoing investments, a rebranding initiative, and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the transformative €36 million plan for the historic Schliemann – Mella Mansion in Athens, and the introduction of Mitsis N’U Piraeus Port, Mitsis is poised to redefine Greek hospitality. Feature plans also include a master-planned community at Afandou Golf Course, a 5-star hotel complex in Sarti, Halkidiki and 5-star private hotel residences on the island of Mykonos.

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The Greek hospitality landscape is equally poised for expansion and heightened international acclaim.

MHV

MHV, in a series of transactions, sold the remaining 50% stake in Aphrodite Hills Resort Limited to W.R.A. Consultants, marking a significant shift in ownership. The complexity of these deals involves various entities, including Prodea Real Estate Investment SA, Flowpulse Limited, and Ascetico Limited. MHV’s strategic moves also extend to Cyprus and Greece, with notable holdings such as the 5-star Parklane – Luxury Collection in Limassol and the 5-star Nikki Beach in Porto Heli.

Myconian Collection

Deos by Myconian Collection

Founded in 1979 by George and Elefteria Daktylides, the family-owned hotel group Myconian Collection features 11 luxury hotels on Mykonos, led by the second generation hoteliers Panos, Markos, Vangelis, and Marios. The multi-awarded hotel collection comprises three Relais & Châteaux, two Leading Hotels of the World, two Design Hotels, two Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and one Small Luxury Hotels of the World. With a commitment to embodying the captivating allure of Mykonian charm and beauty, the Mykonian family values hospitality, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers worldwide across their diverse portfolio. In the spring of 2024 Myconian Collection will be introducing DEOS, its 12th exquisite property brand. Perched on a hilltop above Mykonos town, DEOS provides panoramic views from the iconic windmills to distant horizons, with Chora’s lively street life just a five-minute walk away.

PHAEA RESORTS

Rosewood Blue Palace

Guided by principles of kindness, generosity, and a profound connection to people and place, PHAEA RESORTS curate distinctive experiences inspired by the local landscape and culture. Demonstrating a commitment to community empowerment, PHAEA RESORTS engages in programs such as the Phāea Farmers, fostering a genuine love for the community while actively pursuing a sustainable path and sharing inspirational stories. The opening of Rosewood Blue Palace is set in 2025, a luxurious and timeless addition to the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts portfolio, enriching the hospitality landscape on the captivating island of Crete. Led by second-generation hoteliers Agapi and Costantza Sbokou, Phāea blends integrity, care, expertise, and passion, embracing innovation, sustainability, and family values across its 4 hotel properties in Crete.

Sani/Ikos Group

In the realm of Greek hotel chains, the Sani/Ikos Group stands out as the first international luxury chain of Greek origin. The Group boasts over 3,450 rooms and suites across 12 resorts in Greece and Spain, consistently recognized among the world’s finest luxury destinations. With ambitious plans for growth, the Group has secured projects for almost 1,000 additional rooms, suites, and villas, extending the Ikos brand to new locations in Greece (Crete) and Portugal (Algarve) with launches scheduled for 2025 and 2026. In 2022, GIC became the largest shareholder in the Sani / Ikos Group through a transaction valuing the Greek-origin international group at €2.3 billion. This move reflects GIC’s commitment to the Greek hospitality sector and underscores the attractiveness of Greek hospitality assets for international investors.

Cover photo by Chris Ouzounis

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