Cretan Investment Group (CIG), the investment arm of MK Hotel Collection, led by Marita Karatzi, has completed the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn Athens Syggrou Avenue, further strengthening its presence in prime urban hospitality assets.
The transaction forms part of CIG’s broader strategy to invest in mature, income-generating hospitality properties located in key metropolitan corridors with long-term growth potential. The Syggrou Avenue asset is situated on one of Athens’ most important business and development axes, connecting the city center with the coastal front and benefiting from consistently strong demand across corporate, leisure, and conference travel segments.
The acquisition was structured as a sale-and-leaseback transaction, ensuring full continuity of operations. The hotel will continue to operate under the Hilton Garden Inn brand, with no changes to management, staffing, or day-to-day operations, preserving stability for both guests and partners while securing predictable returns for the investor.
According to the Group, the deal aligns with Cretan Investment Group’s investment philosophy, which focuses on hospitality real estate with strong fundamentals, resilient cash flows, and long-term value creation, particularly in strategically positioned urban locations.
Commenting on the acquisition, Marita Karatzi, CEO of Cretan Investment Group, stated:
“This acquisition reflects our strategy of investing in hospitality assets with strong fundamentals, long-term performance visibility, and resilience over time. We remain committed to creating value through targeted investments and a clear, disciplined asset management approach.”
Cretan Investment Group & MK Hotel Collection
Cretan Investment Group operates as the dedicated investment vehicle of MK Hotel Collection, specializing in the acquisition, development, and strategic repositioning of hospitality real estate in selected destinations. Its investment approach emphasizes asset quality, sustainable returns, and long-term portfolio resilience.
MK Hotel Collection manages a diversified portfolio of hotel and tourism assets, primarily focused on Crete, with exposure to both resort and urban hospitality segments. Core assets include the 5-star Unique Blue Resort & Villas (120 rooms) in Amnissos, Pnoé Breathing Life (60 rooms) and Cicada Suites (6 suites) in Karteros, as well as Elios Hill (275 rooms) in Hersonissos.
The Group has also expanded into branded residential hospitality, through projects such as Rua Augusta (7 suites) in central Heraklion and the Agia Pelagia Villas development, operating under the MK Residences umbrella. The portfolio is complemented by Cicada Seaside Experience, an all-day restaurant and lounge located on Karteros beach.
At the same time, the development of MK Club strengthens brand equity and supports long-term value creation across the Group’s hospitality ecosystem, enhancing synergies between hotels, residences, and lifestyle offerings.
With the acquisition of Hilton Garden Inn Athens Syggrou Avenue, Cretan Investment Group signals its intention to further expand selectively in prime urban hospitality assets, reinforcing its position as an increasingly active player in the Greek hotel investment market.
