DIMAND and Hilton partner on landmark hotel development at Thessaloniki’s FIX complex

The new hotel, which is expected to open within the next three to four years, will form part of DIMAND’s €196 million mixed-use development in Thessaloniki. The addition of Hilton Thessaloniki further strengthens Hilton’s portfolio in Greece, complementing properties including Conrad Athens The Ilisian, Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa.

The hotel will comprise 184 guest rooms and suites and will be operated directly by Hilton under a 25-year management agreement. Of these, 153 rooms will be accommodated within a newly constructed seven-storey building with a gross floor area of approximately 11,250 sq m. The property will feature contemporary public spaces, two restaurants, two bars, wellness and fitness facilities, and conference and event venues. A rooftop swimming pool with panoramic views over the city and the Thermaic Gulf will be among its key amenities. The building is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification, while the architectural design has been entrusted to the internationally renowned practice Foster + Partners.

The restored listed building, with a total floor area of approximately 7,000 sq m, will accommodate 31 guest rooms and suites, together with wellness facilities including a spa and hammam, food and beverage outlets, a microbrewery, and conference facilities. The architectural design for the restoration has been prepared by Georges Batzios Architects.

The agreement was presented by DIMAND Chief Executive Officer Dimitris Andriopoulos, Hilton Senior Director of Development for Greece and Cyprus Andreas Koukas, and Alan Mantin, Vice President, Development, Southern Europe, Hilton.

Mr Andriopoulos described the agreement as a landmark development for Thessaloniki, noting that it followed several months of substantive discussions between the two parties. He stated that Hilton’s presence is expected to significantly enhance the regeneration of the historic FIX complex and contribute to the wider transformation of the city’s western gateway.

Representing Hilton, Alan Mantin, Vice President, Development, Southern Europe, highlighted Greece as one of the group’s most important growth markets in Southern Europe and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to further expanding its presence in the country. “We are delighted to be entering the Thessaloniki market and have great confidence in the city’s long-term prospects,” he said.

Andreas Koukas, Senior Director, Development, Greece & Cyprus, Hilton, noted that the agreement reflects Hilton’s confidence in the growth potential of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, emphasising the region’s strong prospects for hospitality investment. Nikos Trikourakis, Head of Hospitality at DIMAND, also outlined the anticipated contribution of Hilton Thessaloniki to the city’s broader economic and tourism development.

Strengthening the Branded Hotel Market

According to DIMAND’s management, Thessaloniki continues to have a relatively limited supply of internationally branded hotels. Of the approximately 150 hotels currently operating in the city, only around 5% belong to international hotel groups or operate under recognised global hospitality brands.

Hilton’s entry into the redeveloped FIX complex is expected to strengthen Thessaloniki’s position within the international hospitality market while serving as a catalyst for additional investment and the continued regeneration of the city’s western gateway.