Hard Rock’s First European Hotel Casino Breaks Ground in Athens
by Briana Bonfiglio /Construction is now underway on Hard Rock International’s first hotel casino in Europe, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, which broke ground last week and is slated to open in 2027.
The $1.6 billion project will bring the major hospitality brand to Athens, Greece as it expands its European presence with a 1,100-room hotel and casino with 180 tables and 1,500 gaming machines. The property will also feature 15 dining options, a 3,000-seat theater, a spa, and a fitness center.
“Today is a very special day as we celebrate this momentous occasion to bring our unique brand of world class entertainment to Athens,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. “We are grateful to all the political leaders, our partners at Gek Terna and the people of Athens for supporting us and this project.”
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens is being built at the site of the former Hellinikon Airport. Hard Rock International has several existing European hotels, which do not include casinos, in Spain, Ireland, Hungary, and Switzerland.