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 and Arion 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.
# # #
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,134 properties in nearly 100 countries and 171,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and Element. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts
The Luxury Collection® is a collection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent decor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 85 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel's distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com
Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A
Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. is a publicly listed company with ownership interests in Serbia and Greece – including Hotel Grande Bretagne, A Luxury Collection Hotel and the Sheraton Rhodes Resort. The company’s principal stockholder is the Laskaridis Family, whose main interests lie in shipping. For more information, please visit www.lampsa.gr.
