About Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens
Hotel Grande Bretagne stands on Syntagma Square in the very center of Athens, directly across from the Hellenic Parliament. It has welcomed guests since 1874 and is one of the best known landmarks of the city, an officially classified five-star hotel that is today part of Marriott's The Luxury Collection.
The look inside is classic and grand, with antiques and artworks throughout the public spaces, while rooms and suites pair that old-world style with modern comforts. Suite guests enjoy a dedicated butler service, with a private check-in on the sixth floor.
A piece of Athenian history
The building began as a mansion built in 1842 for Antonios Dimitriou opposite the palace of King Otto. In 1874 it was bought and turned into a hotel by Efstathios Lampsas, a chef trained at the royal court and in Paris, and it quickly became the heart of Athenian social life.
Over the years it hosted foreign missions during the first modern Olympic Games of 1896, served as a headquarters during the Second World War, and saw Winston Churchill take part in talks there. A major restoration in 2003 brought the hotel to its present form, and in-house guests can join a weekly tour of its art and antiques collection.
Dining with a view of the Acropolis
The highlight for many visitors is the GB Roof Garden on the eighth floor, a Mediterranean restaurant with open views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and Parliament. Downstairs, the Winter Garden serves breakfast, light lunches and afternoon tea.
Alexander's Bar, named after its 18th century tapestry of Alexander the Great, has been named the best hotel bar in the world by Forbes. There is also a cigar lounge, a garden lounge on the first floor, and the GB Corner with Greek delicacies and a wine library.
Pools and wellness
The hotel has an outdoor rooftop pool with a pool bar and views toward Lycabettus Hill, and on summer evenings classic films are shown outdoors. The GB Spa, with its thermal suite and indoor pool, is being renovated, and massages, facials, a hair salon and a temporary fitness area are offered on the first floor in the meantime.
Location and getting around
Few addresses in Athens are more central. The Changing of the Guard in front of Parliament takes place just across the square, and Plaka, Monastiraki, the National Garden and the upscale Kolonaki district are all within an easy walk. The Acropolis is roughly a 20 minute stroll through Plaka.
Syntagma metro station and bus stops are right on the square, and Athens International Airport lies about 35 km away. Private car transfers can be arranged on request.
Good to know
Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00. The hotel is non-smoking, welcomes pets in guest rooms, and offers 24-hour room service and a multilingual concierge team. With its history, its views and its unbeatable position on Syntagma Square, it suits travelers who want a classic grand hotel at the center of Athens.
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