Source: Starwood

ATHENS, GREECE – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that the internationally-renowned King George Hotel in Athens will join The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts’ ensemble of the world’s finest hotels. In partnership with Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A, Starwood will open King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens later this year. The opening will mark The Luxury Collection’s eighth hotel in Greece, reinforcing the brand’s global growth as it remains on track to surpass 90 hotels by 2016.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Lampsa Hellenic Hotels as we continue to grow our footprint in Greece, further strengthening Starwood’s position as the world’s leader in luxury hospitality,” commented Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The addition of King George to The Luxury Collection brand portfolio underlines the brand’s commitment of providing authentic travel experiences and exceptional service in this remarkable destination.”

Mr. George Galanakis, Chairman, Lampsa Hellenic Hotels stated, “Through the management of King George hotel, Lampsa has proven their belief that the Greek crisis will be short-lived and in such a case, the business upside will be substantial.”

The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 85 of the finest hotels around the world, spanning 30 countries, offering the brand’s signature concierge service, luxury amenities and indigenous cultural experiences. When the hotel re-opens, King George will introduce to the most discerning global travellers an extraordinary experience and impeccable service that is offered at all Luxury Collection Hotels.

Featuring a majestic neoclassical façade, the hotel welcomed its first guests in 1936 and occupies a prime location in the historic Syntagma Square, the centre of Athens’ golden quarter. King George 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.

The hotel’s luxurious 78 rooms and 24 suites either offer impressive views of the city and the Acropolis or overlook the tranquil inner courtyard. Spanning 350 square metres across the entire ninth floor of King George, the magnificent two-bedroom Royal Penthouse Suite comes with a private terrace offering a stunning panorama of the city, a private swimming pool and open-air Jacuzzi.

The magnificent Tudor Hall, the hotel’s signature restaurant on the seventh floor, will offer diners an exquisite culinary experience alongside panoramic views of Athens. King George will also feature a bar, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a business centre, as well as intimate event and function spaces for special celebrations.

Starwood Strengthens Luxury Position

In the last five years, Starwood has doubled its global luxury room count to meet growing global demand. With more than 160 luxury hotels operating under the St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W brands, Starwood has the largest footprint of luxury hotels in the industry.

“The Luxury Collection brand offers a compelling blend of indigenous travel experiences and unparalleled service that appeals to today’s luxury travellers,” says Bart Carnahan, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The addition of King George into Starwood and The Luxury Collection portfolio reinforces our continued commitment to expand our luxury portfolio throughout Europe.”

Starwood currently operates 10 hotels in Greece under the company’s Sheraton, Westin and The Luxury Collection brands. The seven additional 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 and Santa Marina Resort & Villas, Mykonos. The landmark Hotel Grande Bretagne is adjacent to King George Hotel and is also owned by Lampsa.