- Bob W signs leases for central Athens office building to convert into serviced apartments
- Deal adds an extra 130 units to Bob W’s growing portfolio of over 5,000 across UK and EU
- Comes after operator launched new LEGIT tool for more accurate hotel carbon tracking
Helsinki, 11th March 2025 – Bob W, the tech-powered hospitality operator, has signed a long-term lease agreement to transform 4,500 sq m of an Athens office building into 130 design-led serviced apartments.
The operator has exchanged contracts with developer-landlord Blend Development for 54 Stadiou Street, situated in an ultra-prime location in the historic city centre and close to a range of major landmarks and transport links.
Located in the heart of Athens, Bob W Stadiou will offer easy access to the city’s best shopping, dining and visitor attractions. Just a short walk away, Ermou Street – Athens’ premier shopping district – features a range of international brands, boutique stores and artisan shops.
The former office will undergo a full conversion into premium serviced apartments, offering customers a blend of tech-driven convenience, sustainable design and a hyper-local guest experience. It comes as the firm continues to trailblaze in repurposing former commercial assets into high-quality, design-led accommodations.
Bob W Stadiou will also be its third property in Athens, joining Bob W Akadimia and Bob W Eolou. The latest lease agreement further strengthens Bob W’s broader European expansion, bringing its total number of units to over 5,000 across the continent.
Fit-out works at 54 Stadiou Street have already begun, with Bob W Stadiou set to welcome its first guests this winter. Refurbishment works will enhance the building’s energy efficiency with modern insulation, energy-saving lighting and water-efficient features – all powered by 100% renewable electricity.
The latest lease agreement comes after Bob W launched its latest sustainability report, as well as the Lodging Emissions & Guest-night Impact Tracker (LEGIT). The new carbon measurement tool, developed in collaboration with environmental consultancy Furthr, provides operators and guests with detailed environmental impact metrics for each room type.
Niko Karstikko, Co-founder & CEO of Bob W, said: “We’re leading the way when it comes to meeting white-hot demand for a smarter, more sustainable alternative to traditional hospitality.
“With each new property added to Bob W’s rapidly expanding portfolio, we’re proving that tech-powered hospitality can deliver both efficiency and an elevated guest experience, all without compromising on exceptional design or environmental responsibility.
“Securing such a prime location at Stadiou Street marks the latest milestone in our ambitious, pan-EU growth strategy. And at the heart of that is our commitment to repurposing urban spaces into high-quality, design-led accommodations that truly reflect the character of their neighbourhoods – while at the same time setting bold new standards for modern hospitality.
”Bob W has become a trusted and value-adding partner for landlords when it comes to the growing trend of office conversions, breathing new life back into city centres. This approach also supports our sustainability efforts, as repurposing existing buildings instead of new construction reduces CO₂ emissions by 50–75%.” [1]
”We believe in Athens – and Greece more broadly – as a long-term viable market at the core of our Mediterranean strategy. That’s why we are excited to announce our third property in Athens alone, with many more in the country in the years ahead.”
Paris D. Kallitsantsis, managing director at Blend Development said: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Bob W through this second project, further contributing to the regeneration of Stadiou Street and the Athens city center.
“As demand for high-quality serviced apartments continues to rise, we see this collaboration as an important step in delivering innovative hospitality solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern travelers. With the expertise of Bob W and the partnership with Primetown, we are confident this project will set new standards in the Athens short-stay market.”
Backed by apps that provide a seamless digital front desk and robust customer service, guests can easily select super-early check-ins or late check-outs based on live availability and have access to the mainly chat-based perfect host ‘Bob W’ for recommendations and local tips.
The operator’s ‘marketplace’ also connects guests to local breakfast spots, gyms, facilities, and a host of digital products to ensure a truly local experience.
Bob W is actively seeking to sign other suitable lease agreements and management agreements across Europe to expand its portfolio and is open to discussions with landlords and agents.
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References:
[1] RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute)
Media enquiries:
Victoria Ward
Abode Worldwide
+44 7875 155020
Stewart Paterson
Abode Worldwide
+44 7387 314249
About Bob W
Launched in 2019, Bob W is a tech-powered hospitality operator offering a smarter alternative to mainstream hotels and traditional short-term rentals. Sustainably operated, design-led full-service aparthotels and hotel conversions combine the consistent quality and aesthetics of a lifestyle hotel with the personal touch and amenities of a short-term rental. Backed by Europe’s leading venture capitalists, family offices, and entrepreneurs, including Evli Growth Partners, ByFounders, Flashpoint, IDC Ventures, Elevator Ventures, Verve Ventures, NREP, Wolt co-founder Miki Kuusi, and Supercell co-founders Ilkka Paananen and Mikko Kodisoja, Bob W is building the technology to give every guest an authentic 5-star hospitality experience, at scale, while leading the world’s transition to sustainable hospitality. The company has secured over €70 million in funding to date.
The company’s portfolio expands to over 5,000 units in total, with 18 cities in Europe live today, with further rapid expansion underway in existing and new markets.
Check out this 60-second intro video or visit our website for Bob W press pack, images, assets, and more.
