Athens' Santikos Collection opens first urban hotel

Athens-based hotel owner and operator Santikos Collection has opened The Alex in the port city of Piraeus, Greece, on the Athens Riviera, 15 minutes from the city center.

The Alex has 34 guestrooms and suites with two restaurants, including a rooftop bar. Perched on Kastella’s Hill, the hotel overlooks the harbor of Microlimano, lined with fishing boats, yachts and a range of bars and restaurants including the Michelin-starred Varoulko.

The property is the Collection’s first city hotel and fifth property within the portfolio, joining Marpunta Resort on the island of Alonnisos, Santikos Mansion in the Pelion region and the Aegean Suites & Princess, both located on Skiathos. 

"We’re hugely excited that our first city hotel is opening," said Katerina Santikou, business development director for the Santikos Collection. "Location is everything and we’ve found the perfect spot with 180-degree views of the Athens Coast. We are thrilled that our vision of creating a simple, minimalist yet luxurious, laid-back space that will attract a young professional, local and international audience has become a reality. The communal spaces are lively and vibrant, and visitors can choose between cultural day trips to Athens or islands such as Hydra and Spetses." 

The dynamic growth of tourism in Greece continues to boost investment activity throughout the country and throughout the wider Mediterranean region. The Mediterranean Resort & Hotel Real Estate Forum (MR&H) will return to Greece for the second year in a row this October 29 to 31 at the Hilton Athens. The event, hosted by Questex, parent company of Hotel Management magazine, is dedicated to the investment, development and operation of resorts and hotels within the region.