A trip to Greece is a bucket list experience in and of itself. Whether it’s the lure of retracing the footsteps of philosophers or the dream of the vivid natural beauty of the Greek Isles, most roads to exploring Greece run through Athens. Visitors from the United States will enter the country via the Athens airport (ATH), and whether you stay in Athens, explore more of the mainland, or island hop, this iconic city will play a part in your trip. The historic Hotel Grande Bretagne is a must-book for those who want their Athens experience to be pure luxury.
A+ Location for Exploring Athens on Foot
The Hotel Grande Bretagne is located in the center of Athens, Greece, across from Constitution Square and the House of Parliament. It is a very central and desirable location for seeing the sights in Athens. The hotel is about 20 miles from the airport. In moderate to heavy traffic, you’ll need to allow an hour to get from the airport to the hotel. In light traffic, the trip will be closer to 30 minutes.
The hotel is within walking distance to the Acropolis – get ready for those steps! – as well as the Ancient Agora, the original Olympic Stadium, several museums, and multiple blocks of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s easy to explore the city on your own – most people speak English – but the Hotel Grande Bretagne’s concierge staff can arrange a guided walking tour of the historic sights, local food tours, or custom tours suited to your interest.
The hotel is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, which means that the property has a deep connection to the location in addition to top-notch amenities and comfort.
Want more luxury travel ideas? Get inspired with our newsletter!
Splurge Pricing
This gorgeous hotel is not for the budget traveler – expect to pay around 1,000 Euros per night for a standard room. July and August are considered high-season in Greece, so expect to pay premium rates during summer and on weekends. A midweek stay in November will run less than a summer weekend, so keep that in mind when planning travel. Booking.com often has breakfast deals, and rooms booked through Marriott Bonvoy may allow eligible travelers to use AAA or Military discounts.
I stayed in a King Suite with a city view, where an October stay runs around 1,500 Euros per night. Things go up from there, with extra bedrooms and views of the Acropolis, which raises the pricing accordingly.
King Suite With City View
My 430-square-foot suite had a separate living room with a pocket door that allowed me to separate it from the bedroom. The roomy living room included a couch, chair, coffee table, and writing desk and had a long, rectangular window that looked out over the city.
The bedroom had a King bed with premium linens, two nightstands, a chair, and a large flatscreen television. The adjoining bathroom had marble floors and countertops, a double vanity—a feature I love to see while traveling—with a lighted makeup mirror, fluffy towels, and a separate tub and shower. The room also came with robes and slippers and a slew of bathroom amenities, including dental kits with toothbrush and toothpaste and vanity kits with cotton pads and emery boards.
Other amenities include turndown service, a valet for business suits, coffee/tea service, a fruit bowl, and chocolates.
This room is ideal for a couple traveling together who enjoys premium space. Any couple with a double vanity at home and must deal with a crowded bathroom counter while traveling will appreciate the ample space. The separate living room and bedroom give guests room to spread out and allow one person to work or watch television while the other sleeps. WiFi is included in the room, and it worked very well.
Dining at Hotel Grande Bretagne
While it’s always fun to get out of the hotel and immerse yourself in the personality of a new city, the Hotel Grande Bretagne’s dining options are not to be missed.
GB Roof Garden
The GB Roof Garden serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During my stay, I had breakfast and dinner here. Inside and terrace seating is available, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis. My table had a view of the Acropolis, which is lit up at night, and the experience of dining in this luxurious setting was indeed a “pinch me” moment. The service is impeccable, and the menu is both elegant and simple, focusing on seafood, meats, and various pastas and risotto dishes. Breakfast has an extensive buffet with a variety of hot and cold dishes and is complimented by a small menu of made-to-order dishes.
Dinner is available from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. – yes, you read that correctly! Greek dinnertime is much later than the U.S.A. dinnertime. I ate at 9:00 p.m., which is on the late side for me, but the GB Roof Garden was still going strong on a weeknight.
Other Dining Venues
- THE ATRIUM of Alexander’s Lounge – Sweet and savory breakfast, afternoon tea, and baked goods.
- Bar 8 – Indoor/Outdoor bar on the eighth floor with dreamy views of the Athens skyline.
- Alexander’s Bar – Enjoy a libation with an exquisite 18th-century tapestry as a backdrop.
- GB Pool Bar & Grill – Light and healthy meals and cocktails to be enjoyed poolside.
Other Hotel Grande Bretagne Amenities
This property has a full spa offering massages, skin treatments, hair and nail services, and a fitness studio with personal trainers available to assist with crafting new workouts. There are two pools: a small indoor pool in the spa and an outdoor rooftop pool with a view of historic Lycabettus Hill, available from April to October.
According to mythology, Athena was carrying a rock when a raven informed her of an unfortunate event. This caused the rock to slip from Athena’s hands and fall, resulting in Lycabettus Hill. Whether or not you believe this is true, it’s a reminder of how vital ancient legends are to Greek culture, and they add an element of depth to mere basking in the sun or splashing in the sparkling pool.
History of the Hotel Grande Bretagne
The Hotel Grande Bretagne celebrates its 150th year of uninterrupted operation in 2024. It has been a landmark in Athens since 1874 and has witnessed every major historical event since then, including the 1896 Olympic Games, both World Wars, and, more recently, the 2004 Olympic Games. Famous guests include Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, opera singer Maria Callas, and Aristotle Onassis.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has 320 rooms and suites and offers a desirable location and the perfect pairing of old-world opulence and modern convenience.
Who is This Hotel For?
The Hotel Grande Bretagne is for the traveler who appreciates and expects luxury and an elevated standard of service and doesn’t mind paying for it. There are many nice hotels in Athens, but this iconic property has next-level service and a take-notice ambiance that is evident from the moment you approach the hotel by car. The experience of entering the lobby is sensory and transformative, setting the tone for an absolutely perfect stay. The staff strives for that perfect level of service that guests should expect at this price point.
The rooms and suites are ideal for couples or friend groups traveling together. Connecting rooms are available to allow travel groups to combine the need for both space and privacy. Many hotel dining venues have a dress code, so if your vacation attire is strictly shorts and flip-flops, this might not be your place. The Hotel Grande Bretagne makes the perfect splurge for a honeymoon, anniversary, retirement, or other trip that marks a special occasion. The atmosphere and service are high-level but also comfortable and approachable.
Read more:
Leave a Reply