Hotel Grande Bretagne

The splendid neo-classical façade of the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens immediately suggests a bygone era's opulence and grandeur. Originally built as a private home, this magnificent building evolved to become a 5-star 320-room hotel. Besides, it blends old-world luxury with ultra-modern amenities. This is also one of Athens' most refined hotels, where visitors can immerse themselves in Europe’s oldest capital city's historical culture.

Location

The hotel has a delicate situation off Syntagma Square in Athens' heart overlooking the Greek (Hellenic) parliament building, the former royal palace. Hotel GB sits within sight of the Acropolis and Greece’s most famous ancient building, the Parthenon, and close to the National Gardens.

This fashionable area boasts several museums, theaters, restaurants, and classy boutique shopping in famed Voukourestiou Street. Additionally, just below the Acropolis, guests can also visit the original Olympic Stadium, the Panathenaic, built-in marble for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Reception

The Grande Bretagne is part of the Grand Luxury Hotel Group, known for its impeccable staff and exceptional concierge services. Guests are greeted with formal but warm style and ushered into the lavish splendor of a lobby of high ceilings, classic pillars, and glamorous seating. 

Marble, mosaic flooring, walls adorned with gilded mirrors, and fine art pieces lead into the Winter Garden's glass-topped atrium. Moreover, corridors of saffron yellow recount the history of Athens through paintings and objects d’art.

The Rooms: Classic and Deluxe

This hotel is luxury on a vast scale, with 320 rooms and suites, some overlooking the city's most historic sites. Classic and deluxe rooms are well-appointed with bathtubs and/or showers in lavish marble bathrooms: these feature Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and ultra-fluffy bathrobes/slippers.

Moreover, refined décor in soft colors of cream/beige/taupe surround deeply comfortable beds with delicate fabrics and linen. Antique furniture, paintings, patterned sink-in carpeting, and gilt highlights accompany comfort features. There is also state-of-the-art communications and entertainment technology. 

Classic rooms have a delightful courtyard view, while deluxe rooms overlook the city. Both have views from large windows with frames of swags and drapes in sumptuous fabrics.

Room Specials

Guests can also select Classic or Deluxe rooms with views of the Acropolis from a balcony or terrace. Rooms on the sixth and seventh floors also offer a private butler service.

The Suites: Junior, Deluxe, Grand, Executive, Penthouse, Presidential, and Royal

All suites include the rooms' luxury features with extra space, additional rooms, and features with 24-hour butler service on all floors. Besides, one or two-bedroom Deluxe and Grand suites have courtyard or city views. 

Acropolis views feature in some Grand and all other suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and terraces. Moreover, natural light fills rooms by day while sparkling chandeliers and ornate lamps illuminate at night.

Special Suites

The Penthouse Suite has many opulent extras. These include a balcony and veranda with a private outdoor pool, marbled hall, a living room, and a dining area for up to 10 persons, plus a second bathroom. 

Gorgeous oriental rugs cover the center of the spotless glowing floor. Additionally, the Presidential is a sumptuous chic apartment-style suite in classical design with gorgeous silk and velvet fabrics, elegant furniture, antiques, and art pieces. 

Burnished wood floors, molded ceiling and fireplace, plush rugs, and splendidly appointed dining table for up to 12 persons also add to the opulence. A black marbled bathroom has a separate steam room, lush extras, and a range of toiletries. 

Furthermore, the royal suite is the ultimate in style and opulence with many ornate features, fabulous antiques, lots of gilt and crystal with silken padded seating. Moreover, dining for 14 persons, private wine cellar, private gym, and lavish en-suite bathrooms complete the splendor.

GB Dining Top to Bottom - GB Roof and Winter Garden

Guests can dine roof to ground level from several restaurant options, viewing Athens' ancient sites or enjoying the elegance of the winter garden. 

The Roof Garden restaurant has spectacular views across the city towards the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Here guests can enjoy a fabulous breakfast, a fine lunch, or a romantic evening meal under the night sky. 

Breakfast dishes are buffet-style with every imaginable wake-up dish. These include egg concoctions, cheeses, jams, artisan bread, pastries, cereals, and yogurts. Drinks include great coffee and fine teas, and freshly squeezed fruit juices. 

Lunch and evening menus are inspired seasonal creations of Mediterranean cuisine from an award-winning team of culinary experts. Drinks are also available at the GB bar. 

The ground floor Winter Garden offers a retreat from the rush of the city dining in classical elegance amid marble and potted palms. Lighter meals are served all day, from European breakfast and morning coffee to lunch, tea, and evening menus. What is more, piano music accompanies evening diners.

Pool and bars. The Alexander Lounge and Bar. Pool Bar and Grill

The Alexander Bar is worth seeing only for the magnificent 18thcentury tapestry of Alexander the Great hanging behind the counter. In the sophisticated but warm ambiance of these restful places, guests can relax in swish leather. There is also plush seating, and you can enjoy a magnificent array of brandies, cognacs, wines, and spirits. 

In fine weather, the roof Poolside Bar and Grill with Lycabettus Hill views offers an alternative to the restaurant. This lovely outdoor pool echoes the vista of old Athens in symmetry, style, and greenery. You can also have drinks and snacks among fragrant plants overlooking the city. 

GB Spa and Fitness Center

Situated below the Winter Garden is the very swish, world-class spa facility offering ultra-luxurious ESPA and Valmont face and body treatments. 

Steam baths with herbal and thermal treatments, foot spas, and ice fountains are also available. A hair salon, barber, manicurist, and state-of-the-art gym are in the same excellent complex.

Children and Special Needs

Children are welcome at the GB with activities, kids' menus, and babysitting services. Besides, some of the rooms are for special needs, with staff on hand to assist.

Takeaway

The Grande Bretagne is a globally renowned hotel benefitting from a magnificent position in the heart of Athens and walking distance to exclusive shopping areas. In keeping with the city, the hotel successfully blends history and tradition with modern technologies and lifestyles.