With breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square, the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill, or the original Olympic Stadium, the five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivaled perspective of Athens’ mythical history.
Whether it be American celebrities or dignitaries worldwide, anyone traveling to Greece has spent at least a few nights at this classic, old-world hotel. Guest names you might recognize include Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Greta Garbo, Sean Connery, and Francis Ford Coppola. Sting, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Jay-Z, and Jose Carreras also resided at the hotel whilst on tour.
From the marble lobby (with a 15-foot ceiling) to the sweeping views over the Hellenic Parliament and Acropolis, this five-star hotel is an oasis in this busy city. It is also a “Luxury Collection” property within the Marriott Hotel Brand, so you can earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points during your stay.
Location
Overlooking the Parliament (you must watch the changing of the guard here with their unusual march and pompom shoes…), in the heart of the city since 1874, this multi-awarded landmark hotel is within easy walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums, and the business district.
Hotel Grande Bretagne can be found in one corner of Syntagma Square and next to the National Gardens. Syntagma Metro station is adjacent to the hotel entrance, and The Parthenon is around 20 minutes walk away.
Style & Character
As the name in this review suggests, this property is nothing short of “Grande.” Elegance and opulence reign supreme in this cornerstone of Greek grandeur. The style of the hotel feels like it hasn’t changed since the hotel was born. The look is palatial and deeply historic, with swathes of marble, immaculate deep rugs, creamy pillars, and plenty of chandeliers.
Stay here for classically luxurious rooms, wonderful service, an outstanding spa, and a superb rooftop where you can lounge around the pool or eat under the stars.
Service & Facilities
The multi-awarded GB Spa welcomes guests with a fresh, innovative approach to total well-being in the heart of the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne. Guests can take a dip in the elegant indoor pool (free to all guests) or experience a rejuvenating treatment in one of the couples and singles treatment rooms.
There’s also a traditional sauna as well as three steam rooms, each infused with a variety of essential oils: One with eucalyptus oil to assist with headaches and congestion; one with cinnamon and other spices to stir the senses and revitalize; and the third with lavender, to calm and soothe the soul.
The hotel also features a Fitness Studio, an outdoor rooftop pool (open April to October) flanked with loungers and pictured above, and a gift shop, the GB Corner Gifts & Flavors, filled with authentic gifts and indigenous delicacies by the French Pastry Chef Arnaud Larher.
Rooms
The hotel now features 320 immaculate rooms and suites that marry charming old-world elegance with state-of-the-art facilities. Each elegantly appointed guestroom and suite offers refined living with sumptuous fabrics, original artworks, museum-quality antiques, and classic architectural features.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an abundance of natural light and captivating views across Acropolis Hill and Syntagma Square. It’s worth mentioning that the Classic rooms overlook the atrium, so it’s worth upgrading if you’d like a room with a view.
All rooms and suites come with an opulent ensuite bathroom, a well-stocked refreshment center, restorative water bottles and nightly turndown, flat-screen TVs, and access to highspeed wifi.
Food & Drink
The hotel offers all you could want and more in its seven drinking and dining destinations, not forgetting the incredible Wine Library, a distinct “library” showcasing all the 3,000 wine labels of the legendary hotel.
The GB Roof Garden Restaurant is ideal for a romantic rooftop Mediterranean meal. This is also where you can enjoy a wonderful hotel breakfast with a glorious buffet spread, eggs to order and views unlike any other in the city.
The Winter Garden is renowned for its delectable afternoon high teas, while The Atrium, the Bar 8, and the GB Pool Bar & Grill offer incredible alfresco dining under the Athenian sunshine or stars.
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