Hilton signs first Thessaloniki hotel for 2029 opening

Hilton has signed an agreement with Greek property developer DIMAND for its first hotel in Thessaloniki, with opening expected in 2029. The 184-room property will operate under the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and be managed by Hilton.

The project in Greece’s second-largest city will form part of the regeneration of the historic FIX district, where a former brewery site is being redeveloped for mixed uses. Hilton said its Greek portfolio now comprises more than 70 hotels operating or in the pipeline.

New-build and heritage accommodation

Hilton Thessaloniki will split its accommodation between two buildings: a new main hotel containing 154 rooms and a restored heritage building with 30 rooms. DIMAND is developing the project within a wider masterplan by architects Foster + Partners, combining new construction with the retention of the site’s industrial heritage.

Planned hotel facilities include two restaurants, two bars, communal space, fitness facilities and areas for conferences and events. A rooftop terrace will have a swimming pool overlooking the city and sea, according to Hilton.

A neighbouring building is intended to accommodate the Philharmonic Orchestra and art exhibitions, adding cultural uses alongside the hotel. For operators and property investors, the agreement places a Hilton-managed hotel within a broader district redevelopment rather than a standalone hospitality project.

DIMAND links signing to district investment strategy

Dimitris Andriopoulos, chief executive officer of DIMAND, said the signing reflected Thessaloniki’s increasing appeal to investors and tourists. He linked the choice of the city’s western gateway to growing investment interest in the area and DIMAND’s strategy of regenerating whole districts rather than investing only in individual properties.

Andriopoulos said the FIX redevelopment, alongside other investments under way in the western gateway, would help create a new neighbourhood. Nikos Trikourakis, DIMAND’s head of hospitality, described the Hilton partnership as an expression of confidence in the city’s potential and part of the developer’s commitment to its long-term development.

Further expansion of Hilton’s Greek portfolio

Alan Mantin, Hilton’s vice president, development, Southern Europe, identified Greece as a strategic market for the group. He said the Thessaloniki agreement supported Hilton’s efforts to expand in destinations serving a broader range of travellers.

Andreas Koukas, Hilton’s senior director, development, Greece & Cyprus, cited Thessaloniki’s cultural identity, expanding business community and growing travel demand as reasons for entering the city. Those assessments accompanied the announcement of Hilton’s first project there.

Hilton currently has more than 50 trading hotels in Greece, with recent openings including Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa. The Thessaloniki signing adds a future managed property to that network, with development planned ahead of the expected 2029 opening.