Bob W Stadiou: New investment in Athens by Finnish alternative hospitality company

Bob W, the Finnish alternative hospitality company, is making a new investment in the Greek capital, strengthening its strategy of expansion in Europe. The new property, Bob W Stadiou, will operate as premium serviced apartments, repurposing a former office building in the center of Athens.

Bob W has signed a long-term lease agreement with real estate developer Blend Development, led by Paris Kallitsantsis. Blend Development, in collaboration with Sirec Energy, is proceeding with the complete renovation of the property at 54 Stadiou Street, which will be transformed into a luxury 4-star hotel with 130 rooms.

The investment, worth 25 million euros, aims to revive the timeless urban elegance of the 20th century while maintaining the traditional elements of the 9-story building of 5,500 sq m. The goal is to upgrade the building's energy efficiency, integrate sustainable solutions, and provide a high-standard hospitality experience.

Photo by Bob W Akadimia Athens

Bob W: The technological player in premium hospitality

Bob W, which was founded in Helsinki in 2018 by Niko Karstikko and Sebastian Emberger, operates in the serviced apartment sector, offering a hybrid model between a hotel and short-term rental. The company has a portfolio of 38 hospitality units in 17 European cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Florence and Munich.

Its presence in Greece began in the summer of 2023 with Bob W Akadimia Athens (Zalongou 4) and Bob W Eolou (Vyssis 2 & Aiolou), while the new investment in Stadiou is its third location in Athens.

Technology and sustainability: The two pillars of Bob W

Bob W Stadiou is designed based on the principles of sustainable development and smart hospitality. The units will operate with 100% renewable energy sources, while solutions such as:

• Modern thermal insulation and energy-efficient lighting
• Reduced water consumption
• Exclusively contactless services and automated check-in processes

The company has developed its own environmental footprint measurement system, the Lodging Emissions & Guest-night Impact Tracker (LEGIT), in collaboration with environmental consultancy Furthr. According to Bob W’s data, converting commercial buildings into premium accommodations can reduce CO2 emissions by 50-75% compared to new construction.

Bob W CEO Niko Karstikko said the company is proving that technology-enabled hospitality can provide an exceptional experience without the environmental burden.

Photo courtesy of Bob W Eolou

Bob W’s Growth Strategy in Greece

Greece is a key pillar of Bob W’s Mediterranean strategy, with Athens playing a central role in its expansion. The company is looking for additional properties to manage, capitalizing on the growing demand for flexible and premium accommodations in the city center.

Paris Kallitsantsis, Managing Director of Blend Development, emphasized that the partnership with Bob W is part of the revitalization of Stadiou and Athens, breathing new life into historic buildings.

The renovation of Bob W Stadiou is underway, and the first guests are expected to be welcomed in the winter of 2025.

Athens at the epicenter of premium hospitality

With Bob W Stadiou, the Finnish company takes another important step in the Greek market, bringing a new, technologically advanced and sustainable hospitality proposition. Athens is establishing itself as a key hub for Bob W, while the partnership with Blend Development demonstrates the growing momentum of investment in urban regeneration and the tourism sector.

Bob W’s arrival in Greece confirms that the combination of technology, sustainability, and premium service is the future of hospitality.

Photo courtesy of Bob W Eolou

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