The historic Astir hotel in Patras has reopened as the Mercure Patras Astir, after a renovation worth more than €10 million, Vassilicos House of Hospitality said.
The hotel has been a Patras landmark since 1973. It now belongs to the Mercure network of the international Accor group.
Vassilicos House of Hospitality carried out the project with the Mentzelopoulos family, which is connected with the ownership of the property. The group holds a 25-year lease, with an option to extend it for another 15 years.
“This third investment by our group in Patras confirms our belief in the city’s potential to become an attractive tourist destination,” Alexandros Vassilikos, president of Vassilicos House of Hospitality, said.
Inside the Mercure Patras Astir
Work began in spring 2024 and lasted about two years. Because the building is about five decades old, the upgrade included major strengthening of its structure, as well as work to improve energy performance and cut water use.
The Mercure Patras Astir is now a four-star hotel with 116 rooms and suites. It also has a restaurant, a gym, a pool and a rooftop bar overlooking the port.
The hotel stands at 16 Agiou Andreou Street, in the city centre. In addition, its event spaces cover almost 900 square metres across seven halls for conferences, business meetings and social events.
When fully operating, the Mercure Patras Astir expects to employ more than 50 people, with the number approaching 60.
A bet on Patras tourism
Vassilikos said the city’s location, the Rio–Antirrio bridge and the port give Patras an edge in attracting visitors, along with access to western Greece and European markets.
He also said Patras has room to grow in city and business travel and to win a larger share of the conference market. Similarly, the hotel plans to work with local suppliers and producers.
With the new hotel, the group now runs seven hotels in Athens, Patras and Kavala. In Athens, it has the Stratos, Alexandros and Parthenon, while Kavala has the Galaxy.
In Patras, the group also runs the four-star Achaia Beach, with 85 rooms, and the five-star Patras Smart, with 51 rooms. Earlier, the government approved a new master plan for the Port of Patras.
Source: AMNA
