- The Spanish Group further strengthens its presence in the Greek market, with a total of four hotels on the islands and one in Athens.
- The fifth Meliá hotel in Greece marks the first INNSiDE by Meliá hotel in Greece.
Meliá Hotels International expands its portfolio in Greece with the signing of a new franchise agreement for the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in Elounda, Crete, marking a new chapter in lifestyle travel in the country.
This move introduces a new hotel concept in Greek hospitality – a high quality lifestyle brand that focuses on the demanding preferences of the new generation of travellers. The agreement, which was signed on 24 May 2024, marks not only the fifth Meliá hotel in Greece, but also the debut of INNSiDE by Meliá in the country. The strategic addition strengthens the partnership between Zeus Hotels and Meliá Hotels International, which now involves more than 1,050 rooms.
The agreement concerns the current Elounda Ilion, which will be renamed INNSiDE Crete Elounda. Located at the top of a hill with unobstructed views of the sea and the beautiful Elounda, INNSiDE Crete Elounda is expected to open its doors in May 2025 as a fully renovated and renewed 5-star hotel according to the brand’s standards. Known for its picturesque landscapes and historical significance, Elounda is located on the northeast coast of Crete opposite the famous island of Spinalonga, combining Greek tradition with high-end holiday experiences.
INNSiDE by Meliá represents more than just a hotel brand, as it introduces a holistic lifestyle approach designed for those with an adventurous spirit. Each hotel in the collection highlights the essence of the destination where it is located, fostering a sense of community among travellers. At INNSiDE Crete Elounda, guests will discover 85 rooms of contemporary luxury, as well as a common area that harmoniously hosts the lobby, reception and bar, ideal for both work and relaxation. From in-room amenities to the inspiring Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges and fitness centers, every detail is designed to make guests feel as much at home as possible. INNSiDE Crete Elounda offers an experience of freedom and creativity, designed for a new generation of independent travellers with an adventurous spirit. At the same time, sustainability is incorporated in all aspects, mainly through the avoidance of paper and plastic use, free organic cosmetics, as well as the organization of events, city guides and presentations by local artists, honoring local culture. In addition, the project is supported by Meliá Hotels International, one of the world’s leading companies in the tourism sector, with Mediterranean origins and a long-standing presence in leading destinations such as the Balearic Islands, the coast of Spain, the Caribbean and South East Asia.
INNSiDE Crete Elounda joins the growing portfolio of Meliá Hotels International in Greece in partnership with Zeus Hotels, which includes Sol Marina Beach, Sol Cosmopolitan and Affiliated by Meliá Blue Sea Beach. Meliá Hotels International’s portfolio in Greece also includes the Meliá Athens hotel in Athens.
Lefteris Papakaliatis, CEO of Zeus Hotels, said: “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Meliá Hotels International. The new hotel in Elounda reinforces our commitment to raise Greek hospitality standards and offer exceptional experiences to our guests.”
Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman & CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “We are delighted to introduce INNSiDE by Meliá to Greece. This partnership allows us to combine Meliá Hotels International’s industry expertise with Greece’s unrivalled hospitality, strengthening our presence in both the Greek market and the wider Mediterranean region.”
Meliá Hotels International
Founded in 1956 in Mallorca (Spain), Meliá Hotels International operates more than 400 hotels (portfolio and pipeline) in more than 40 countries, under the umbrella of 9 brands: Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ME by Meliá, The Meliá Collection, Paradisus by Meliá, Meliá Hotels & Resorts, ZEL, INNSiDE by Meliá, Sol by Meliá and Affiliated by Meliá. The Group is one of the world’s leading hotel chains in the leisure sector and its experience in this sector has enabled it to establish itself in the growing market for leisure-inspired urban hotels. Its commitment to responsible tourism has led the Group to be recognized as the most sustainable hotel company in Europe (awarded as a “Sustainability Yearbook Member” in 2024 by S&P Global), as well as the “Top Employer 2024” brand in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France and Vietnam. Meliá Hotels International is also included in the IBEX 35 index of the Spanish stock exchange.
