Published on
April 3, 2026
Image generated with Ai
Marriott International has reached an important milestone through its European expansion plans, which now include new operations in Greece. The hospitality giant has recently signed nine new hotel agreements that will add nearly 1,000 rooms to the Greek market. The move supports Marriott’s mission to grow its presence in Greece, which serves as one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
The newly signed properties include a mix of luxury resorts, extended-stay hotels, and premium boutique properties. These hotels will be scattered across some of Greece’s most desirable locations, from iconic islands to bustling urban centers, enhancing Marriott’s portfolio and strengthening its presence in key tourist regions.
A Strong Push into Greece’s Premier Travel Market
Greece continues to be a leading destination in Europe for both leisure and business tourism. With its rich history, beautiful islands, and Mediterranean lifestyle, the country remains a prime market for global hotel brands. Marriott’s expansion is part of a broader trend in the industry, where the demand for high-quality accommodations continues to grow, particularly in Greece’s coastal and island regions.
In total, Marriott now boasts 47 properties across 10 brands in 12 Greek markets, and this new expansion will build on that foundation. The nine new properties, featuring both well-established Marriott brands and newcomers to the region, will serve both international tourists and the local population, offering a diverse range of options to suit all types of travelers.
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New Hotel Signings: What’s Coming in Greece
Among the exciting new properties coming to Greece are two significant brand entries. Marriott will introduce Residence Inn by Marriott and Le Méridien, expanding its presence in both the extended-stay and luxury segments.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Athens
Located in the heart of Greece’s capital, this 57-room Residence Inn will cater to guests looking for long-term stays, blending the comfort of home with the convenience of hotel services. Its central location makes it ideal for business and leisure travelers who want to explore Athens’ vibrant culture and history while enjoying extended accommodations. - Le Méridien Sissi Crete
Scheduled for opening in 2027, this 229-room property will grace the largest Greek island, Crete. This resort-style hotel will offer guests a blend of luxury amenities, exquisite dining, and access to Crete’s famous beaches, mountains, and archaeological sites. The Le Méridien brand is known for its upscale offerings, and this property will be no exception, appealing to travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Expanding Marriott’s Resort Portfolio Across Greece
In addition to these brand new signings, Marriott is also focusing heavily on luxury growth with the inclusion of some premier resort properties in top Greek destinations:
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- Hymnos, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Zakynthos
Set to open later this year, this 94-room resort will be situated on the beautiful island of Zakynthos, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. As part of The Luxury Collection, this resort will offer an exclusive escape with top-tier amenities, a world-class spa, and personalized services designed to attract discerning travelers looking for a high-end experience. - Orosea, Paros, Autograph Collection
On the island of Paros, a 40-room property in the Autograph Collection will debut in 2026. This boutique-style hotel will be uniquely designed to reflect the island’s Mediterranean charm, making it an ideal destination for guests seeking a blend of exclusivity and authenticity.
Marriott’s Design-Driven Hotel Offerings
Marriott is also emphasizing its presence in the boutique hotel sector by introducing properties under the Design Hotels brand, which is known for its stylish, high-design properties. These include:
- Tella Thera, Member of Design Hotels (20 rooms) — A modern, stylish addition to the island of Santorini, this hotel is set to cater to travelers who value design, culture, and boutique experiences.
- Stamna Sifnos, Member of Design Hotels (20 rooms) — Located on Sifnos, another famous island in the Cyclades, this hotel is designed to provide guests with a more intimate, immersive stay while blending local culture with contemporary design.
- Eréma, Member of Design Hotels (41 rooms) — A chic property planned for Milos (opening in 2026), offering high-end amenities and a design-driven aesthetic to those visiting the island for its unique landscapes and luxurious accommodations.
Expanding Beyond the Islands: Urban Centers and Key Destinations
While the majority of Marriott’s new hotels are situated on the islands, several of the upcoming properties will be located in Greece’s major urban centers, including Athens and Heraklion. Marriott is also expanding into Crete, Greece’s largest island, where several hotels are under development, including:
- The Tenant, Heraklion Crete, Tribute Portfolio Hotel (40 rooms) — A stylish, luxury hotel set to open in 2026, offering a distinctive urban experience with access to the island’s rich cultural heritage and history.
- Milatos Marriott Resort Crete (314 rooms) — Expected in 2028, this large resort will bring a full-service experience to the northern coast of Crete, enhancing the island’s appeal to both leisure travelers and those looking for more upscale resort-style vacations.
Why Greece? Marriott’s Strategic Focus on the Mediterranean
Jerome Briet, Marriott’s Chief Development Officer for Europe, Middle East & Africa, emphasized the tremendous growth potential in Greece, describing it as one of the world’s most desirable leisure destinations. He noted that the new signings demonstrate Marriott’s confidence in Greece’s tourism market and the strong demand for its diverse hotel offerings. The new hotels reflect the company’s strategy to tap into Greece’s robust tourism market, particularly in areas that are popular for both luxury leisure travel and cultural exploration.
The expansion comes at a time when Greece’s tourism industry has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with international arrivals steadily increasing and major resorts continuing to see strong demand. Marriott’s enhanced presence is expected to contribute significantly to this momentum, especially with its appeal to various types of travelers.
The Bigger Picture: Marriott’s Growing European Presence
Marriott expands its operations in Greece because this expansion links to its plan for EMEA region business growth. The company has already reported impressive growth figures by adding hundreds of new properties across the continent in 2025, which includes multiple locations in Mediterranean and leisure-driven markets like Spain, Italy and Turkey. The diverse portfolio of Marriott, which includes luxury brands, premium resorts, and select service properties, enables the company to serve all European travellers throughout the year.
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