Photo: Metropolitan Expo / Google MapsHotels for XENIA 2026 at Metropolitan Expo, Athens
XENIA 2026 runs 21 to 23 November at Metropolitan Expo, Athens. 34,702 visitors (2025)
- Free-cancellation rooms
- Lock today's hotel rate
- Company invoice
- Book rooms for your team
Where to stay
Where to stay for XENIA 2026: the closest hotels to Metropolitan Expo are in Athens Airport/Spata and Doukissis Plakentias, with Syntagma/City Centre a short ride away. Rooms near the venue sell out first, so book a free-cancellation rate early. Add your company name and tax number at checkout for an itemised company invoice.
Popular areas for attendees: Athens Airport/Spata · Doukissis Plakentias · Syntagma/City Centre · Piraeus.
About XENIA
XENIA, the hospitality trade show for hotels and tourist accommodation in Greece, runs at Metropolitan Expo beside Athens International Airport from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 November 2026, 10:00 to 18:00 each day.
Organised by FORUM SA, a member of the NürnbergMesse Group, it brings more than 500 exhibitors of construction and renovation products, interior design and lighting, hotel equipment, food and drink, smart technology and booking platforms together with hotel owners and managers, villa and rooms to rent owners, architects, engineers, decorators and F&B teams.
The 2025 edition counted 34,702 hospitality professionals, including executives from hotel groups abroad. The 2026 programme includes the Digi Hotel Stage in Hall 1, The Red Spot Stage and the Aither architecture project in Hall 2, a first Material Wall of new materials and the General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels on Saturday 21 November.
Entry is free for professionals with an invitation or a business card. Metropolitan Expo is about 2 km from the airport terminals and well outside central Athens, so XENIA hotels range from the airport area in Spata to Doukissis Plakentias, Syntagma and Piraeus on Metro line 3. This page shows live rates for your dates; your invitation is separate from your hotel booking.
Why book with Event Escapes
- Athens hotels for XENIA sorted by distance to Metropolitan Expo, from the airport area in Spata to Doukissis Plakentias, Syntagma and Piraeus
- Live rates for 21 to 23 November 2026, with dates you can change for stand build, a single day of meetings or all three days
- Free cancellation rates shown where the hotel offers them, useful while your meetings and the hoteliers' programme settle
- An itemised invoice emailed at booking, plus a group quote within 24 hours through our enquiry form for exhibitor and hotel group teams
Event at a glance
- Dates
- 21 Nov to 23 Nov 2026
- Length
- 3 days, Sat to Mon
- Venue
- Metropolitan Expo
- City
- Athens, Greece
- Airport
- ATH
- Attendance
- 34,702 visitors (2025)
- Sector
- Hospitality
Event Escapes is independent of the organiser. We book your hotel; badges, tickets and stands are handled by the organiser.
Live rates near the venue
Hotels near Metropolitan Expo for XENIA 2026
Plan your stay
Rates shown for a 3 night stay, Fri, Nov 20 → Mon, Nov 23, arriving the day before the fair opens, or choose your own dates above.
Hotel rates near major event venues rise as the dates approach and the closest hotels sell out first. Booking a free-cancellation rate early locks the price with no downside.
On the map
The venue, your hotel options and where to eat, all in one view. Tap the map to explore it full screen.
Free cancellation first
Flexible rooms prioritised so plans can change without penalty.
Company invoice
Itemised invoice billed to your company, emailed the moment you book.
Stay close to the venue
Hotels ranked by walking distance to the halls.
Lock today's rate
Reserve at the current price and book several rooms for the team.
Booking hotels for a team or company?
Book several rooms near Metropolitan Expo, keep every stay on a free-cancellation rate, and add your company name and tax number at checkout to receive an itemised invoice for your accounts, emailed the moment you book.
- Itemised company invoice, emailed instantly
- Bills to your company name and ABN / VAT / tax number
- Free-cancellation rates prioritised for changing plans
- Book multiple rooms for the team in one place
Send this page to colleagues so everyone books their own room near the venue, all at today's rate.
Exhibiting or sending a team? Tell us how many rooms you need and we will send a personalised quote within 24 hours, with the distance from every hotel to Metropolitan Expo. If the closest hotels are nearly full, we split your team across neighbouring hotels a few minutes apart. Corporate accommodation for XENIA
Free XENIA Insider Guide
Do XENIA the easy way. Get our curated guide, plus first access to near-venue rooms before they sell out.
- The best hotels within walking distance of the venue
- Where to host clients for dinner near the halls
- How to beat the sold-out fair-week rooms
We'll email your guide and occasional XENIA hotel deals. Unsubscribe anytime.
Need to expense this trip? Business invoices available at checkout.
Where should you eat during XENIA?
Metropolitan Expo sits by the airport, roughly 35-45 minutes by taxi from the centre (or Metro Line 3 to Syntagma, ~40 min); evening events cluster around Syntagma and Plaka, while the classic Posidonia seafood crowd decamps to Mikrolimano in Piraeus, about 30-40 minutes by taxi from downtown. Plan the direction of your dinner before you leave the hall.
Photo: Varoulko Seaside Restaurant / Google Maps
Photo: ozthefoodcritic / Google Maps
Photo: Varoulko Seaside Restaurant / Google MapsVaroulko Seaside
Greek seafood, fine dining
Mikrolimano marina, Piraeus; ~35 min taxi from central Athens
Lefteris Lazarou's waterfront seafood temple, the first Greek restaurant to win a Michelin star, and the natural stage for a landmark Posidonia dinner by the marina.
Tip: Reserve a seaside terrace table well ahead during Posidonia week; tasting menus available.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Papaioannou Restaurant Vouliagmeni / Google Maps
Photo: Sureyya Arioba / Google Maps
Photo: Papaioannou Restaurant Vouliagmeni / Google MapsPapaioannou
Greek seafood
Mikrolimano waterfront, Piraeus; ~35 min taxi from central Athens
One of Athens' most celebrated seafood kitchens, ultra-fresh fish simply and superbly cooked right on the fishing harbour, a maritime-crowd favourite.
Tip: Go for the daily catch displayed on ice; book a harbour-front table at sunset.
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Photo: Tatiana Belikova / Google Maps
Photo: Steve / Google Maps
Photo: A. R. / Google MapsZillers Rooftop
Modern Mediterranean
Monastiraki/Syntagma, near the Cathedral; central, walkable from Syntagma
A rooftop with a full-frontal floodlit Acropolis view, the reliable choice to impress a client over polished Mediterranean plates without leaving the centre.
Tip: The Acropolis-view rooftop tables must be requested and booked in advance, especially at sunset.
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Photo: Kuzina / Google Maps
Photo: George P. / Google Maps
Photo: RF / Google MapsKuzina
Modern Greek
Thissio, Adrianou (pedestrian street); ~10 min taxi or walk from Syntagma
Creative Greek cooking with a rooftop Acropolis view along the atmospheric Thissio strip, a comfortable middle ground between casual and formal.
Open in Google Maps
Photo: Okio Restaurant Fine Dining Athens / Google Maps
Photo: Okio Restaurant Fine Dining Athens / Google Maps
Photo: jessica c / Google MapsOkio
Mediterranean-Asian fusion
Plaka/Syntagma border; central, walkable from Syntagma
Refined, sharing-style Mediterranean-Asian plates in a stylish central room, a lively option when the group wants something contemporary rather than tavern-traditional.
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Photo: 정세진 / Google Maps
Photo: Gustav / Google Maps
Photo: Anca Rosca / Google MapsKostas
Souvlaki / Greek street food
Agia Irini Square, off Aiolou; central, ~5 min walk from Syntagma
A tiny, historic souvlaki counter that's an Athens institution, the perfect quick, authentic bite between meetings or before an evening event.
Tip: Cash-friendly, lunchtime only and often sells out early, go before 14:00.
Open in Google MapsAfter the halls close: Athens
Client dinner, team night out or a free day after XENIA: bookable experiences in Athens, same account, same checkout.
How do you get to XENIA?
From Athens International Airport (ATH)
- The organiser says Metropolitan Expo is reached on the Attiki Odos, 2 km after the airport facilities
- During XENIA the organiser runs free shuttle buses from opposite the Sofitel entrance on the arrivals level, every 20 minutes, with the first to the venue at 09:00 and the last at 17:00
- Return shuttles from the venue to the airport run from 10:00 to 19:00, according to the organiser
- Metro line 3, the suburban railway and the OASA express buses all stop at the airport, so you can connect with the shuttle there
From central Athens and Piraeus
- Metro line 3 runs from Piraeus (Dimotiko Theatro) through Monastiraki, Syntagma and Doukissis Plakentias to the airport station, the organiser notes
- The organiser's free shuttle also runs every 20 minutes from Doukissis Plakentias metro station to Metropolitan Expo, with the same 09:00 to 17:00 outbound times
- OASA's airport express buses run 24 hours a day: X95 from Syntagma (about 60 minutes), X96 from Piraeus, X93 from the intercity bus stations and X97 from Elliniko
- OASA lists a full fare of 5.50 euros on the airport express buses, payable by contactless card on board
How do you get around during XENIA?
On show days
- The organiser lists opening hours of 10:00 to 18:00 on Saturday 21, Sunday 22 and Monday 23 November 2026
- Invitations are checked when you board the exhibition buses and again at the entrance, including for visitors who arrive by car
- Drivers have free parking at the venue; the organiser lists 6,250 free spaces in front of the two entrances
- The Digi Hotel Stage is in Hall 1 and The Red Spot Stage and the Aither project are in Hall 2, so plan talks around your stand visits
Where to stay for XENIA
- Hotels in the airport area at Spata give the shortest trip to the halls, useful on long stand days
- Doukissis Plakentias, on Metro line 3, has its own free XENIA shuttle to the venue
- Syntagma and the city centre suit evenings out and sightseeing, with Metro line 3 and the X95 bus to the airport
- Piraeus is at the start of Metro line 3 and suits hoteliers arriving by ferry from the islands
Do you need a visa for XENIA?
Visa-free / visa on arrival
- Check the current visa rules for your passport before you travel; the European Commission's visa policy page links to the EU lists of nationalities that do and do not need a visa for the Schengen Area
- Greece is in the Schengen Area, and visitors from visa-exempt countries can make short business trips there without a visa
- Non EU travellers are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System, fully operational since 10 April 2026, with fingerprints and a facial image taken at the border, so allow extra time at passport control
- ETIAS, the EU's planned travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, was not in operation when we checked; the EU says it will announce the start date several months before launch, so check before you fly
eVisa / visa required
- If your nationality is on the EU visa list, apply for a Schengen short stay visa through Greece's consulates or their appointed visa centres
- The European Commission says to apply at least 15 days before your journey and no earlier than 6 months beforehand, and you may need to book an appointment first
- The organiser's pages did not describe a visa letter service when we checked; hosted buyers can ask the organiser's international visitors team, and other visitors should contact the organiser early
Documents to carry
- A passport that expires at least 3 months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, the rule the European Commission gives for visa applicants
- Your XENIA barcode invitation or your business card
- Your hotel booking and return travel details, plus copies of your visa supporting documents and travel medical insurance if you need a visa
Entry and visa rules change; check current requirements with the Greek embassy or consulate, or official EU sources, before you book.
First time at XENIA?
- Request a free admission invitation on the organiser's site; the barcode arrives by email as a PDF, is personal and covers two people
- Professionals without an invitation can still enter free by filling in an invitation at the venue and showing a business card or business stamp
- Babies, children under 12 and pets are not allowed into the exhibition
- Exhibitors cover construction, decoration, energy and automation, digital technology and security, kitchen and table equipment, food and drink, and health and wellbeing, so plan your route by sector
- Hotel owners, managers and procurement staff from abroad can apply to the Hosted Buyer programme, which asks for at least 8 meetings and 2 days at the show
Insider tips from repeat attendees
- The General Assembly of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels on Saturday 21 November is the largest gathering of Greek hoteliers, so the first day is busy with decision makers
- The show runs Saturday to Monday, which suits hotel owners who are freer at the weekend in the off season
- XENIA's organiser also runs HORECA, the hotel and foodservice supply show at the same venue in February, if you supply both markets
XENIA travel FAQs
When is XENIA 2026?
XENIA takes place 21 Nov to 23 Nov 2026 at Metropolitan Expo in Athens, Greece.
Where is XENIA held?
XENIA is held at Metropolitan Expo in Athens, Greece. The nearest airport is ATH.
When and where is XENIA 2026?
XENIA 2026 runs from Saturday 21 to Monday 23 November 2026 at Metropolitan Expo, Athens International Airport in Spata, open 10:00 to 18:00 each day.
Is XENIA free to visit?
Yes, for professionals. Request a free admission invitation online, valid for two people, or fill in an invitation at the entrance with a business card or business stamp. Children under 12 are not admitted.
Where should I stay for XENIA?
The airport area at Spata is closest. Doukissis Plakentias has a free XENIA shuttle, and Syntagma and Piraeus are on Metro line 3 to the airport, where the shuttle to the venue starts.
How do I get to XENIA by public transport?
Take Metro line 3, the suburban railway or an OASA express bus to the airport, then the free XENIA shuttle from opposite the Sofitel on the arrivals level. Shuttles also run from Doukissis Plakentias metro station every 20 minutes.
Is XENIA the same as HORECA?
No. Both are run by FORUM SA at Metropolitan Expo, but XENIA in November is for hotels and tourist accommodation, while HORECA in February covers hotel and foodservice supply. They have separate dates and admission.
Does booking a hotel include XENIA admission?
No. Your invitation comes from the organiser and is separate from your hotel booking with us.
Register for your attendee badge
Your entry badge is separate from your hotel. Get it from the official XENIA portal before you travel. We handle the travel; the event handles the badge.
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More to plan and book around Athens, all on Event Escapes.
Which hotels are closest to Metropolitan Expo?
The closest hotels to the venue with the distance, the walk or ride time and an indicative nightly rate, refreshed weekly. Live prices for your exact dates are in the booking section above. Last checked 8 November 2026.
Cheap and 3 star hotels near Metropolitan Expo
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Stay Athens Airport Hotel - FREE shuttle from and to the airport★★★ | 2.0 km | ~8 min ride | €105 |
| Seasabelle Hotel near Athens Airport★★★ | 4.8 km | ~16 min ride | €141 |
More hotels close to Metropolitan Expo
| Hotel | Distance to venue | Walk or ride | From per night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Athens Airport★★★★★ | 2.3 km | ~9 min ride | €294 |
| Zeus Dolce by Wyndham Athens★★★★★ | 5.2 km | ~18 min ride | €168 |
| Holiday Inn Athens Attica Av. Airport West by IHG★★★★ | 7.1 km | ~23 min ride | €635 |
| St. Thomas Bed and Breakfast★★★★ | 7.7 km | ~25 min ride | €99 |
EventEscapes is an independent travel platform and is not affiliated with XENIA or its organizers. Dates and venues can change. Verify with the official event site before booking travel.