Old memories or up and coming chic?

Hellenikon. A name that may not mean anything to some but for seasoned island-hoppers it could well bring back memories of the old Athens Airport which closed in 2001, near to the resort of Glyfada. With its old east terminal (for international flights) and the west terminal for Olympic Airways flights, UK travellers generally would be brought back from the islands the evening before and taken to one of the hotels in the Glyfada area to either wait for the coach to take them to the airport for their flight home or to leave their luggage and go out to eat in one of the local restaurants.

Hellenikon nowadays means something else as the whole area is now one of the most ambitious and transformative urban development projects in Greece with the old airport being central to the plans. The 8 billion euro project is set to reshape the future of the Athens Riviera, creating a stunning blend of residential, commercial, leisure and cultural spaces.

Back in the day one of the hotels that tour operators used for customers was the Hotel Fenix, located just south of the eastern end of the runway at Hellenikon. This hotel was purchased by ACE Hotels and completely transformed into the ACE Hotel & Swim Club Glyfada, becoming one of the first new hotels to be part of the new project.

Chris, our managing director, was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of this hotel in September last year, just before its grand opening at the beginning of October. Whilst ACE Hotels are known for their cutting-edge design and focus on creating spaces that feel fresh, vibrant and inviting, Chris was amazed at the style and atmosphere the team have created. As you enter the hotel, you are greeted by sleek, minimalist interiors along with unique touches reflecting the artistic spirit of Greece including locally inspired furnishings.

At the heart of the hotel it the spectacular swim club, which no doubt will become an iconic pool area in the heart of the new project. Whilst the rooftop section of the swim club was not open at the time Chris visited, if it is anything like the ground floor part of the club, it will be spectacular.

Welcoming, comfortable loungers are alongside the pool with jacuzzi at one end. Whether you prefer sun or shade, there was plenty of options over where to sit. Chris was told they would be bringing in DJ's to play chilled out music next to the pool area so that hotel residents can get a real experience, rather than just a hotel stay.

It was clear from the rooms that a lot of thought had gone into the hotel. As you enter the room on the left hand side, there is a large space for hanging clothes along with an equally large vanity unit with towels etc. The toilet and walk in shower are opposite this.

The bed was super comfortable with a thoughtful side table and chair also in the room. A really nice touch was the record player which you can get records from the main lobby area to listen to. The small balcony with two chairs which either overlooks the ground floor pool area or the front entry to the hotel.

Whilst Chris was not able to get the full eating experience at the hotel as it had not yet fully opened, the chef had prepared an extensive choice for breakfast which was excellent and the plans for the restaurant and coffee shop were explained.

The staff at the hotel were second to none with no request being too much. Happy to strike up conversations all the way from the General Manager to the bar and lobby staff, it was a pleasure to see people proud of what they have done.

All in all this will be an excellent addition to the very up and coming Glyfada/Hellenikon scene and makes an ideal option either instead of a couple of days in the centre of Athens (which is still only 20-25 minutes away by taxi or public transport) at the end of your holiday or for a relaxing city/beach break with the beach clubs of the Athenian Riviera close by.

Chris will definitely be making a return to this hotel.

For further information please contact [email protected] or call 0115 654 7795