It’s a new kind of Greek Revival in the city of Athens, where the Brown Hotels group fuels the transformation of the up-and-coming Omonia Square neighborhood. Once lauded as the go-to destination for theater and music, the area’s panache faded following the demolition of its grand central fountain. Today, a brand-new fountain — with LED illumination and a thermo-neutral surface surrounding it — soars more than 65 feet into the air. In addition to the new fountain, streets connecting Omonia and Syntagma Square now boast newly planted shade trees, and inviting new micro-parks span the surrounding neighborhoods.

Brown Hotels, working with the local municipality, played a key role in this ongoing refurbishment project, with the launch of three properties in its international design collection underway, and four more planned during the next two years, marking an important expansion beyond the brand’s Israel base. Investment in the Omonia Square district and surrounding city locations includes new boutiques, cafés, coffee shops, restaurants and bars in freshly renovated spaces that invite guests to come and explore Greece’s lively, colorful capital.

Leon Avigad, founder, Brown Hotels, said, “We believe that Athens is a destination on the rise, taking the opportunity to expand early into the market. Greece has much more to offer than just the islands — Athens has a vibrant art, cultural and nightlife scene, and we’re excited to play a part in the revival of the city. Having partnered with many local talents such as architects, designers, chefs and mixologists, we’re proud to be involved with cultivating the creative community in Athens.”

New accommodation choices include Brown Acropol, DAVE Red Athens and the Villa Brown Ermou. Guests arriving at the historic Neoclassical building housing the Brown Acropol are greeted by a 1950s mural created by A. Pikionis, son of respected architect Dimitris Pikionis. Along with the hotel brand’s signature lobby library, the vintage-inspired space features 165 guestrooms and suites, a period-décor cocktail bar, a spa and fitness center. On the roof, guests can relax in hot tubs while sipping Champagne and admiring the city views.

At DAVE Red Athens, the retro design continues — this time, with edgy industrial elements such as exposed pipes and bare concrete walls. Room touches play up nostalgia with vinyl record players, and the hotel structure’s former life as the headquarters of the Communist Party of Greece gets a nod with a mural located at the entrance of the mezzanine area. Hammocks, pool tables, a cozy bar and original Nintendo and Packman consoles furnish this area of the hotel. Each of the 87 rooms has an urban swagger vibe, while crimson touches splash throughout, including the rooftop terrace and a soon-to-launch underground nightclub accessed via a secret door in the Brown Hotels library.

The Ermou shopping street and Syntagma Square provide the backdrop for the stylish Villa Brown Ermou. Offering 51 swish rooms and suites, this boutique property exudes sophistication expressed in classic elements, including natural materials, wood parquet flooring, decorative marble mantlepieces and a design palette featuring sage green, pale pink and velvet furnishings. By winter, the rooftop space will be completed, providing guests with a swimming pool, lounge area, French-style bistro and a spa fitted with a hammam, dry sauna and Jacuzzi baths.