The Hotel Grande Bretagne has an incredible eating place. Almost everywhere offers views of the Temple and the Parthenon. The hotel is centrally located in Athens and within easy walking distance to many museums and shopping areas. This eight-story 19th-century building exudes charm and old world elegance. It also boasts state-of the-art facilities such as the award winning GB Spa. International communities have repeatedly given this historic landmark their highest honours.
Historical Background
Athens started to attract wealthy Greeks from the Diaspora after the Ottoman fall of 1830. They were looking for their ancestral heritage. Antonis Dimitrios, a Greek immigrant from the Diaspora, returned to Athens in 1842 to open a business. He purchased a plot of land near the Palace of King Otto, and ordered Athens’ first Stadtpalais. This magnificent residence reflected the sophisticated city lifestyles enjoyed in London and Paris. The first hotel was built in the form of a magnificent 90-room mansion.
In 1874, the hotelier Savvas Kentros bought the Dimitriou home along with Efstathios lampsas. With a staggering loan amount of 800,000 drachmas he transformed it into Hotel Grande Bretagne. The glittering hotel was hailed as Athens finest because of its extraordinary opulence. However, the hotel was the host of the 1st Modern Olympic Games, which took place in Athens in 1896.
The Headquarters of the Greek Army was located in Hotel Grande Bretagne during the first year of World War II. The hotel became the headquarters of the Third Reich after Greece was liberated from Nazi occupation in 1941. The civil war between the communist resistance of the Greek Army and the communist resistance continued after the end of World War II. The Hotel Grande Bretagne was home to many refugees over the years and hosted diplomatic negotiations between George Papandreou, Britain’s delegation, and Winston Churchill.
The hotel was finally able to reopen its doors to the global elite of the political, social and economic spheres after 1956’s restoration of peace. Constantine Karamanlis, a fifth-floor resident, spent four months creating a new government after the collapse of the Junta in 1967.
The Perfect Location
The windows and balconies offer breathtaking views, much like images in a living guidebook about Athens. As the sun sets, enjoy a chilled ouzo and watch the Parthenon turn a delicate rose shade. It is still a remarkable experience 2,463 years later. The personalised Butler Service is a legend in its own right. It is a must-have for busy diplomats, families on European tours, and business visitors with hectic schedules. A surprising number of issues can be addressed by Butlers, including how to arrange urgent courier delivery or refresh a suit, and protocol for hosting foreign dignitaries at private dinners.
Room
You can enjoy beautiful restored antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, plush carpeting, luxury collection beds in taupe and cream accents, original artworks, crystal chandeliers, and deep upholstered armchairs. Some rooms may be a bit old and worn. The devil is in the details. Depending on the location of your room, you may enjoy spectacular views of the House of Parliament and Lycabettus Hill. High speed internet is available at an additional charge. Basic internet is also available for free.
Hotel Grande Bretagne pool
The rooftop pool at Hotel Grande Bretagne is located on the seventh floor. The pool is beautiful, but it can get very crowded due to the large number of rooms in the hotel.
Spa and fitness center at Hotel Grande Bretagne
The hotel Grande Bretagne boasts a spa located on the basement level. It also houses a gym and an indoor swimming pool. You can access the gym 24/7 with your key card. Howeve, the spa is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Although we did not receive any spa treatment, the whole space was stunning with all the usual amenities: steam rooms, relaxation rooms, and juice bars.
Lobby
The classically-inspired lobby feels more like a luxury hotel than a hotel. It is made of glossy marble and has intricate antiquity-themed designs that frame a black-and-white chequered square. The wooden reception desk features a gilded mirror and columns in classical style. Plush furnishings such as brown velvet sofas, Persian carpets and leafy plants add to the feeling of comfort.
Grande Bretagne Hotel Alexander’s Bar
Alexander’s Bar is not the only thing at Hotel Grande Bretagne. Alexander’s Lounge is also available. It is basically a cigar bar with all types of drinks and light snacks. So, this is located on the first floor of the hotel, one level above the lobby. It has both indoor- and outdoor seating.
Concierge Exclusive
The Hotel Grande Bretagne is a walking distance from the Acropolis. The landmark of Parthenon and the Acropolis. Plaka is an old neighbourhood in Athens, located around the eastern and northern slopes of Acropolis. The Monastiraki Flea market is where you can find unique antiques, indigenous gifts, and the best selection of souvenirs. It wouldn’t be remiss to mention that the Original Olympic Stadium, Lycabettus Hill and Ancient Agora are all within easy walking distance.
Food and Drink
The GB Roof Garden offers a great view and a great breakfast. It’s a lavish spread that tastes as good and looks as it is. There are traditional sweet cheeses, spinach, and custard pie options, as well as scrambled eggs with crispy bacon and smoked salmon. There are many breads, preserves and cereals available, as well as fruit, pastries and yogurt. All of this is served with endless and delicious cappuccinos. Eggs Benedict, French Toast, French Toast, and other items can also be ordered a la carte.
Service and Facilities
Service is impeccable, from the slick doormen to the attentive maitre d’s, A concierge will contact you to make recommendations and reservations. The sixth and seventh floor guests receive a 24 hour butler service. There is no better hotel in Athens: the destination spa features a variety of thermal and herbal steam rooms as well as an ice fountain, reflexology foot spa, exceptional (and expensive) Valmont facials, and massages. The wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym, hair and nail salon, and barbershop. The seventh-floor outdoor pool is also available to guests from April through October.
- Bar
- Fitness centre
- Laundry
- Parking
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Sauna
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
What is the check-in time and check-out time at Hotel Grande Bretagne (a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens)?
Check-in opens at 03:00 PM and checkout is open until 11:00 AM. Subject to availability, you can request an early or late check in during your booking. Additional fees may also apply to guests who check in or out after the specified times. For guests who check in and check out, the hotel provides luggage storage.
How can I get to Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, a Luxury Collection Hotel?
Additional parking is available nearby if the first one is full. For your convenience, you can also rent a valet service that provides full-service parking. The hotel can also arrange private transportation or taxis for you if you need to travel around Athens.
Is there a breakfast menu at Hotel Grande Bretagne (a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens)?
You can start your day right with the buffet and continental breakfasts offered by Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens. However, if breakfast is not included in your room rate, adults can enjoy breakfast at an additional 42 EUR. Agoda also allows you to save money on breakfast by booking a room that includes breakfast. This is usually cheaper than purchasing it at the hotel.
Final Thoughts
The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Paris is a magnificent hotel. This historic hotel is still in great condition. It has many amenities and outlets. There is an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as several great food and beverage outlets.
Hotel Grande Bretagne is the ideal hotel for anyone who’s visiting Athens. It’s not cheap, but it isn’t expensive. Points are a great way to get there.
What was your experience at Hotel Grande Bretagne?
