Greece’s hospitality landmarks are slowly starting to bounce back, taking all the safety measures to welcome new guests!
Going on vacation at this point is much needed but at the same time, it might seem risky to some. After a month of complete shutdown, Greece slowly started to raise measures and finally got out of quarantine. Due to the better situation and the flattened curve of the COVID -19 pandemic, Greek hotels are preparing to open their doors to guests and tourists from all over the world, taking all the safety measures and introducing a completely new health & hygiene program. Below, find the first round of Greek hotel reopenings, aiming to revive the tourism industry in the country and give “summer 2020” a chance to be safe yet still amazing!
Ikos Resorts
When: 1st July
Safety measures: All staff members will be tested for Covid-19 prior to the resort opening and will then receive regular molecular diagnostic tests. All guests will be strongly advised to undergo a test 72 hours prior to arrival at the resort. At all resort entry points, there will be non-invasive touchless temperature measurement devices, on top of round-the-clock medical support across the resort, and an in-resort ambulance. Meticulous disinfecting technology that meets Ecolab guidelines will also be used throughout the resort and guest rooms. With the upgraded Ikos Resorts Mobile app, guests will able to enjoy Ikos Olivia’s renowned 24-hour room service fully contactless, make digital restaurant and spa bookings, view the resort’s impressive array of à la carte menus curated by Michelin starred chefs and 300 local and international wines selected by the Ikos Sommelier, fully zero-touch.
Costa Navarino, (Peloponese)
When: June 19
Safety measures: Besides the protocols set by the World Health Organization and the Greek Authorities, enhanced measures are applied at Costa Navarino. The hotels will adopt the innovative system developed by Marriott. Further measures introduced by Costa Navarino, include a new in-house 24/7 medical center, temperature measurement for everyone each time they enter the resort, regular molecular tests for associates, hiring of trained staff for sanitization, additional hiring of associates to address the enhanced needs in health and safety.
Four Seasons (Athens)

Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens
When: June 12
Safety measures: During these times, taking a pause from the daily routine of the past few months is a well-deserved luxury. While guests unwind, Four Seasons Athens takes care of everything else. Health and safety remain the first priority at Four Seasons. To offer a safe environment for guests and employees, Four Seasons properties across the globe are implementing Lead With Care, a full-scale health and safety enhancement designed in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International.
YesHotels ( Periscope, Semiramis, New Hotel)
When: 1, 15, 1 July
Safety measures: The luxurious hotels of YesHotels group are welcoming their guests again, starting on July 1st. Adapting to the new reality, the hotel staff is well trained to prevent COVID-19, according to state guidelines and ready to ensure compliance with all necessary hygiene rules. All guests will be encouraged to download the hotel’s app to their mobile before they arrive. Through the app there will be electronic check-in / check out, registration, electronic menus of restaurants, use of gym after reservation, room and door services, transfers, chat, voice & video communication, etc. In order to ensure meticulous cleaning and disinfection of the rooms, the check out will be at 11 in the morning and the check-in will be at 3 in the afternoon. Guests will be checked (optional) and encouraged to use hand sanitizer while staying at the hotels. Reminders of the rules of hygiene will be constantly made by screens in the lobby, while there will be a special marking for the observance of the rules of hygiene in all common areas.
Elivi Skiathos

Photo: Courtesy of the hotel
When: July 1
Safety measures: The idyllic hotel will open with enhanced health and safety protocols to safeguard guests visiting this summer. These include online check-in to reduce face-to-face contact, the use of ULV fogging equipment to thoroughly disinfect rooms, regular disinfection of high-touch areas, hand sanitizer dispensers in all public areas for customers to use and complimentary travel-size hand sanitizers in each room.
Mitsis Group Hotels
When: On July 1, Rinela Beach Resort & Spa hotels in Crete, Alila Resort & Spa in Rhodes, Blue Domes Resort & Spa in Kos and Sofitel Athens Airport will first welcome their guests again. On July 10, the Galini Wellness Spa & Resort in Kamena Vourla will open.
Safety Measures: 1. Operation at low occupancy to ensure proper distancing
2. Intensified cleaning & disinfection across all high-volume touchpoints & guestrooms
3. Welcome safety pack with disinfectant gel and mask for all guests upon arrival, as well as disinfectant dispensers in public areas
4. High standards of food safety according to HACCP procedures and contactless service at the restaurants
5. 24h operation of F&B outlets to allow ample time & space for lunch & dinner
6. Social distancing specifications in recreational areas, pools & all the Blue Flag awarded beaches
7. Simple & fast check-in / check-out procedures
8. Doctors on call 24/7 to provide special care to our guests
9. Ongoing training for our compliant staff
10. Awareness campaign at all hotels
Divani Apollon (Athens)
When: June 1
Safety measures: The Divani Collection Hotels will introduce its guests to the “Clean & Healthy Stay Commitment”, a new health & hygiene program to be applied at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso hotel. Divani’s new health scheme gives priority to the safety of its guests and staff by fully respecting the health protocols and operating guidelines announced by the Greek government and the World Health Organization. The group has redesigned the services of its private Apollon Beach, outdoor pools and restaurants, based on international quality standards, with the aim to maintain the high level of facilities and amenities and enhance the visitor’s experience. Divani Collection also recognizes the strong need for digital services and has invested in technological excellence, offering the opportunity to customers to check in and check out online to minimize waiting time in public areas; book sunbeds on the beach and at the hotel’s pools online; and use electronic menu and booking for the hotel’s restaurants.
Domotel Hotels & Resorts
(Olympia, Xenia Volos, Anemolia, Arni, Agios Nikolaos, Kastri)
When: June 2020
Safety measures: Domotel Hotel & Resorts reopens its luxury boutique and lifestyle hotels all over Greece. With hotel units in popular and easily accessible by car tourist destinations such as Athens (Domotel Kastri), Thessaloniki (Domotel Olympia) ), Volos (Domotel Xenia Volos), Karditsa (Domotel Arni), Sivota (Domotel Agios Nikolaos) and Arachova (Domotel Anemolia), the Greek hotel chain is actively involved in the restart of Greek Tourism. Based on new tourism data, Domotel Hotels & Resorts has partnered strategically with Revival Consulting Services S.A. to create a comprehensive standard certificate for the health and safety of its visitors, B&W’s Swiss Approval. In this context, Domotel Hotels & Resorts includes a new service address in its hotels, the B&W Department, which will have: Blue Office to ensure the effective and immediate provision of medical care and basic primary health services to its guests in case of emergency, and the White Office, which will deal with the organization and implementation of hygiene and prevention rules to avoid and limit possible transmission of diseases.
Canaves Oia, Santorini
When: July 1
Safety measures: The hotel’s “Covid-ready Approach” scheme features: Cleanliness Protocols, such as enhanced in-room cleaning using EcoLab Covid-free certified products and cleaning in high temperatures of all bedding, frequent disinfection of all public areas and high-touch spaces during the day and increased cleaning and focusing on high-touch areas like associate entrances, laundry rooms and staff offices. It also includes staff training with, collaboration with a major training company for specialized consulting in health & safety procedures, online and in-class training of all staff members on hygiene protocols and management of potential incidents. Every staff member will comply to the WHO hygiene and safety protocols (hand cleaning, keeping distance etc). Also, about food safety standards, all restaurant and bar seating areas will comply with the government’s social distancing measures, all employees in the kitchen will use personal protection equipment (masks, gloves, sanitation products). Also, complimentary in-room breakfast is available such as private dining options are also available upon request. Safety measures include new reception services. Arriving guests will be provided with sanitizers and the reception area will be disinfected frequently, and also contactless solution will be available. As for the guests medical support, there is an appointed doctor near the premises, an official representative for Covid-19 related incidents and direct communication with Santorini hospital.
St. George Lycabettus (Athens)
When: Now
Safety measures: The recently renovated signature athenian hotel St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel has reopened its doors to provide guests with luxurious hospitality . The five-star property is among the city’s historic hotels, offering business and leisure travelers high-quality services for the last 40 years. To ensure the safety of the guests and staff against the COVID-19 pandemic, St. George Lycabettus has implemented the necessary hygiene and cleanliness protocols including contactless check-in and check-out. Furthermore, its staff has been properly trained to offer guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy their stay.
AthensWas Hotel (Athens)
When: Now
Safety measures: The luxury boutique hotel, has implemented the health protocols announced by the Tourism Ministry and Greece’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) and has since redesigned its strategy aiming to protect its visitors and host them in a safe environment. A special COVID-19 section is available on the AthensWas website, where visitors can find out all they need to know about the hotel’s new policy including the increased hygiene measures, changes in the opening hours of public areas, check-in and check-out procedures. Among the newm measures, are providing medical masks and gloves for our guests upon request and strict cleaning and disinfection of rooms and suites with steam cleaners & UVC Disinfections (ultraviolet sterilizer).
Barceló Hydra Beach Resort (Hydra)
When: July 3
Safety measures: Barceló Hydra is a five star family resort in the beautiful island of Hydra and consists of three beaches, open-air bars and restaurants, served buffet, outdoor sports facilities and swimming pools, a water sports center, an outdoor mini club and a modern spa.The hotel will start its operation on July 3, having adopted all the necessary health and safety measures. For that matterm it has described the WeCareAboutYou program, where guests can find everything about the safety measures and plan their stay accordingly.
Micra Anglia Boutique Hotel (Andros)
When: June 26
Safety measures: Located in the Chora of picturesque Andros island, Micra Anglia revives the islands’ past grandeur welcoming guests in an exquisite 19th century mansion. In the light of the COVID-19 situation, the hotel has launched a new section on their website, informing guests about it’s new operation policy. Following the government guidelines on hotel disinfection and hygiene the hotel offers an even more personalized experience, including private check-in, pre-selection of amenities, utensils, coffee makers found in the rooms, a customized Mini-bar stock by order and a beachfront exclusive establishment on the famous Gialia beach to ensure safe and relaxing access to the beach for the guests.
Grecotel Hotels & Resorts (Αthens, Halkidiki, islands)
When: Various dates until July 15th
Safety measures: The Grecotel hospitality group will operate its properties under its “Summer in the Sea” program which aims to offer vacationers a safe holiday experience, close to nature and the sea. “This summer, in the vast areas of our resorts, every room offers its own umbrella by the sea. All services are provided from a distance, according to specific schedules and routes. Furthermore, food is served outdoors, in buffet- and family-style, and self-service,” Grecotel said.
Aria Hotels
When: June 15th
Safety measures: Now established as a provider of authentic Greek holiday experiences, often in lesser-known destinations, the privately-owned boutique hotel and villas company, Aria Hotels has opened its doors for the summer season. Emphasizing authenticity and exclusivity, Aria Hotels offers holidaymakers a wide range of experiences from city centre apartments, to hilltop retreats, to secluded beach houses on Greece’s islands and mainland spanning Athens, Cyclades, Crete, Skiathos, the Peloponnese and more. With concerns over the coronavirus outbreak still prevalent, Aria Hotels recognizes its responsibility to guests and will take all necessary health and safety measures in line with state regulations to create a safe and secure environment for all.
Hilton Athens
When: July 1st
Safety measures: Hilton Athens reopens its doors on July 1st and with its unique facilities and new health & safety protocols, it will certainly become the ideal destination for a perfect summer staycation. Guests will be able to see and feel the cleanliness throughout the hotel – the rooms, the bars, the restaurants, the gym, the pool, the spa and all the public areas. At the same time, Hilton has launched “Dream Away”, a new, exciting accommodation offer for leisure guests seeking value and flexibility.
Hilton will implement CleanStay, its new program for cleaning and disinfecting its hotels around the world. The company has worked with Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturer of Dettol, and Mayo Clinic, to develop safe policies and guidelines as well as staff training to provide visitors with an even cleaner and safer stay from the moment of check -in to check-out. According to Hilton CleanStay, special cleaning products and upgraded disinfection protocols will be used in order to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they visit or stay at the hotel. The program features:
- Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to indicate that guest rooms haven’t been accessed since they were cleaned
- Extra disinfection of top 10 high touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles
- Increased cleaning frequency of public areas
- Guest-accessible disinfecting wipes at entrances and high traffic areas
- Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers
- Reduced paper amenities (like pads and guest directories) in rooms
- Enhanced cleaning & other changes to buffets, in-room dining and meeting spaces
- Industry-leading contactless check-in and check-out with Digital Key at more than 4,700 properties globally
- Evaluation of new technologies like electrostatic sprayers with disinfecting mist and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects
- Enhanced Team Member safety and well-being with personal protective equipment and enhanced training and protocols
With the largest outdoor swimming pool in the city, Hilton Athens is the ideal summer destination in the city center for a swim or a drink at the Oasis Pool Bar. If you are staying in Athens this summer, the “Dream Away” offer gives you the opportunity to enjoy your summer staycation or weekend escape by offering you unique benefits: up to 20% on the room rate, complimentary late check-in or late check-out and no deposit required. In this way, Hilton gives you the flexibility to organize a rejuvenating experience for you and your family after such a difficult time.
Novotel Athènes
When: July 1st
Safety measures: Having begun its story of hospitality in Athens in 1988, Novotel Athènes, a member of Accor, is ready to welcome visitors and begin its 2020 season on
Wednesday, July 1st. Always aiming to protect its guests and associates, Novotel Athènes is opening its doors once more, committed to following all related guidelines set by health and governmental bodies. The hotel is also implementing a range of enhanced health and prevention protocols set by Accor. In combination with the “Health First” certification which is required by national law, the above protocols set the foundations for the smooth re-opening of all its facilities and ensure a safe stay. As part of the strategic partnership of Accor with AXA, guests will have the opportunity to access a network of health professionals for the provision of medical care services, whilst they will also be offered the option of medical tele-consultations if needed.
Summer Senses, Paros
When: July 1st
Safety Measures: With the health and safety of its guests and team members as its ultimate goal and priority, Summer Senses Luxury Resort will open its doors on July 1st, taking into consideration all preventative and precautionary measures enforced by Health Protocols for Tourism Businesses. All Summer Senses staff members have received special training in the application of the new health protocols and a specialized action plan has been incorporated for the hotel’s operation as depicted in our Keeping you Safe! Guide. The hotel has expanded its strategic collaboration with Diversey®, an international leader in health and sanitation solutions, using specialized professional disinfectants, certified according to European Standard EN14476, while maintaining its top quality standards and certifications EN ISO 14001:2005, EN ISO 22000:2005 & H.A.C.C.P. by TUV® AUSTRIA.
SEE ALSO:
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