Marriott grows in Greece: 9 new hotels on the way, and for us Italians that's great news

For those who love Greece, and for those who increasingly think in terms of. qualifying points, status and nights, this is news to mark. Marriott announced nine new projects in the country, for a total of nearly 1,000 rooms, strengthening its presence in one of the most beloved destinations for Italians.

The substance is simple: More Marriott hotels in Greece means more opportunities to earn Bonvoy points or use them to book stays in a nearby destination that is easy to reach from Italy and perfect for long weekends, summer vacations and island hopping.

Why this news is also of interest to Italian readers

Greece has always been one of the strongest destinations for the Italian market. It is close, it is convenient, it offers so many solutions between cities, islands and the sea, and it manages to bring together what many people are looking for: Relatively short flights, excellent value for money, and a huge choice of destinations.

This is precisely why, whenever a large chain expands its presence in the country, the news is also relevant to us. In the case of Marriott, it is even more so, because we are talking about an ecosystem where so many TFC readers are already accumulating or trying to make the most of points Marriott Bonvoy. Having more facilities in Greece means. more choice, more flexibility, and more chances to find interesting redemptions without having to go to the other side of the world.

The most important news: two new brands debut

The most interesting part of the announcement is that Marriott is not just adding rooms: also brings to Greece two brands that until now were not present in the country, that is. Residence Inn by Marriott e Le Méridien.

The former will debut with the Residence Inn by Marriott Athens, a structure from 57 rooms scheduled for the 2027. It is a less "holiday" opening than others, but can be very useful for those looking for a base in Athens, perhaps for a longer stay or to combine the capital with other stops on the trip.

Much more interesting from a leisure perspective, however, is the arrival of the Le Méridien Sissi Crete, a hotel from 229 rooms which will bring one of the Marriott Group's most recognizable brands to the coast of Crete. For those familiar with the brand, it means expecting A more lifestyle, curated product with a premium positioning.

Crete is one of the great protagonists

If there is one island that Marriott seems to want to bet big on, it is the Crete. And from the Italian point of view, it is anything but a random choice: it is one of the most popular Greek destinations, has a long season, frequent connections and lends itself well to both purely relaxing vacations and more elaborate itineraries.

In addition to the new Le Méridien, Marriott also signed the Milatos Marriott Resort Crete, structure from 314 rooms scheduled for the 2028, e The Tenant, Heraklion Crete, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, with 40 rooms, expected in the 2026.

Translated into TFC language: Crete is becoming more and more interesting for those who want to stay within the Bonvoy perimeter, accumulate nights, use points or simply choose a chain property in a popular vacation destination.

Not just Crete: Marriott also grows on other beloved islands

The expansion does not stop there. Marriott also announced the arrival of new facilities on some of the eastern Mediterranean's most desirable islands.

A Zakynthos will open Hymnos, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, a resort from 94 rooms scheduled for the 2026. Here the highlight is obvious: this is a new opening in the luxury segment, and this means a possible new high-end option for those who want to take advantage of Bonvoy points on one of the best-known and most beloved islands even to the Italian public.

A Paros is instead expected in the 2026 l'Orosea, Paros, Autograph Collection, with 40 rooms. Here, too, the positioning is clear: more refined, more boutique, more experiential structure.

Finally, at Milos Marriott signed Eréma, a Member of Design Hotels, with 41 keys, scheduled to open later this year. This is interesting news because Milos is an increasingly desirable island and not so rich, until now, in options loyal to large hotel programs.

Design Hotels continues to carve out space

Marriott also mentioned that in 2025 it has already signed and opened two small facilities affiliated with Design Hotels: Tella Thera e Stamna Sifnos, both from 20 rooms.

These are not openings that make noise because of the numbers, but they are interesting because of the type of product. Design Hotels are often more unique, more identity-driven, and less standardized than classic chain hotels. And in Greece this approach makes a lot of sense, because it allows Marriott to also cover that segment of travelers who are looking for a more authentic experience, without giving up the benefits of the loyalty program.

Marriott presence in Greece becomes increasingly important

With these new signings, Marriott consolidates an already significant presence in the country. Today the group counts in Greece 47 facilities and more than 6,000 rooms, distributed over 10 brand and in 12 markets.

Brands already present include. The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Tribute Portfolio, Autograph Collection, Design Hotels, and Moxy. With the debut of Residence Inn e Le Méridien, the portfolio expands further and covers virtually every segment: from city hotel to resort, from premium lifestyle to true luxury.

The real good news is one: more Bonvoy options in a nearby destination

In the end, the point is this: Greece is one of the most popular destinations for Italians, and it is also one where many TFC readers are more likely to return several times, perhaps changing islands or alternating between simpler stays and more aspirational facilities.

For this reason, Having more Marriott hotels where you can accumulate or use points is always good news. It means more choice, more flexibility and more opportunities to really make the Bonvoy balance into a concrete, close and perfect destination for a real vacation.

It may not be the news that changes the world of loyalty programs, but for those who look to Greece as a recurring destination and want to squeeze better points and status, this Marriott expansion is one of those new things that really matters.

• new openings