Esperia Hotel ceased its operation around 2010 while the area in which the building is located constitutes one of the most important axes of the historic center of Athens, next to very important buildings.
It is noted that the former Esperia Hotel belongs to EFKA, a Greek social security fund, and it was leased to the Fattal Hotels for a 30-year period with a 10-year extension, following an international restricted tender.
The investment will contribute to EFKA € 1.150.000 annually, while a minimum of € 10,5 million will be invested in the conversion of the building into a 5-star hotel.
The former Esperia Hotel on Stadiou Street will operate under the name Leonardo Royal Esperia Palace Hotel Athens, according to a Leonardo Hotels & Resorts release.
According to Tsolakis Architects, who have undertaken the project of designing the hotel's redevelopment the main goal is to restore the intention of the original drawings of the building by unifying the elements of the facade into a new system.
Using the elements of the existing facade, that is the grid of the balconies and the horizontal elements of the rooftop, Tsolakis Architects propose the creation of a 'filter' which highlights the particular architectural elements of the building.
On the lower floors the vertical elements are denser in order to protect the visitor from the hustle of the city and the busy street.
On the top floors they become increasingly sparse, allowing unobstructed views of the city. Another element added to the filter is a green system with vertical plants alternating with the vertical elements of the facade.
The design of the hotel aims both to serve the guests staying in the rooms and to create the right conditions for hosting events and any type of gatherings.
The main restaurant is located on the 9th floor, with unobstructed views of the west side of the city and the Acropolis, while a small dining area is created on the terrace next to the rooftop swimming pool.
