Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens: A Detailed Overview

Would you like to experience luxurious living in Athens? Right in the heart of the city on Syntagma Square, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has a prime spot opposite the Hellenic Parliament.

This historic gem, dating back to 1874, is all about luxury and grandeur. It’s super close to must-see spots like the Acropolis Hill and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, making it perfect for both fun trips and business stays.

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Quick facts for Grande Bretagne Hotel

A historical sepia-toned photograph of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, showcasing its grand arches and facade with horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians in the foreground, taken in 1874.
  • The Grande Bretagne Hotel was founded in 1866 in a nearby location. In 1874, the hotel business was relocated to the Antonis Dimitriou mansion (built in 1842) and continues to house it to this day.
  • In 1888, it was one of the first establishments that used electricity.
  • In 1927, the hotel expanded with a new facade on Voukourestiou Street, and the rooms were upgraded to include telephones and private bathrooms.
  • When the Italian invasion of Greece began on October 28, 1940, the Hotel Grande Bretagne was taken over by the General Staff of the Army.
  • It is a family-friendly business (pets are not allowed).
  • It has 384 rooms (including 79 suites), among which there are 2 Royal Suites, each covering an area of 550 square meters.
  • It is 1 km from the Acropolis Hill.

Architectural Elegance

A nighttime view of the illuminated Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, with its grand facade and holiday lights adorning the surrounding trees, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Grande Bretagne hotel’s architecture is a blend of classic Victorian design and Greek neoclassical elements.

The exterior of Hotel Grande Bretagne showcases grand arches and wrought-iron balconies, while the interior is pure opulence with its marble floors, high ceilings, and plush Victorian furnishings.

The lobby is particularly impressive, with glossy checkered floors, crown-molded ceilings, and several seating areas filled with luxurious Victorian chairs and couches.

Luxurious Accommodations in Hotel Grande Bretagne

Hotel Grande Bretagne offers a variety of luxurious rooms and suites, each designed to provide maximum comfort and elegance.

The rooms feature high ceilings, antique furnishings, and modern amenities. Some suites offer private balconies with stunning views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens.

The Royal Suite, in particular, is a highlight, providing a truly regal experience with its spacious layout and opulent decor.

Dining Options

The hotel offers several dining options, each providing a unique culinary experience:

  • GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar: This rooftop restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Acropolis and serves a variety of Mediterranean and international dishes. It’s an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, providing a relaxed yet elegant dining experience.
The elegant Winter Garden lounge at Hotel Grande Bretagne, featuring luxurious seating arrangements, ornate columns, lush greenery, and a stunning stained-glass ceiling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.
  • Winter Garden City Lounge: Located within the hotel, this lounge offers a serene environment for enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea.
 An elegant interior view of Alexander’s Bar, featuring a luxurious bar counter with high stools, plush seating, and a large tapestry depicting a historical scene on the wall.
  • Alexander’s Bar and Cigar Lounge: This bar is famous for its classic cocktails and fine spirits. The adjacent cigar lounge offers a selection of Cuban cigars and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
A vibrant outdoor pool area at Hotel Grande Bretagne, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and shaded by umbrellas, with a view of Lycabettus Hill in the background.
  • GB Pool Bar & Grill: Situated by the outdoor pool, this bar offers light snacks and drinks, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the pool.

Wellness and Leisure Facilities

The hotel has extensive wellness and leisure facilities, including:

  • GB Spa: A luxurious spa offering a range of treatments, including beauty treatments, massages, and a hair salon. The spa also features saunas for relaxation.
  • Fitness Studio: A 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight machines, perfect for maintaining your fitness routine while traveling.
  • Swimming Pools: The hotel has both an indoor and an outdoor pool. The GB Pool Bar & Grill complemented the outdoor pool area, providing light snacks and drinks.

Business and Event Facilities

An elegant ballroom at Hotel Grande Bretagne, featuring beautifully set tables, grand chandeliers, and luxurious decor, perfect for formal events and gatherings.

Hotel Grande Bretagne is well-equipped to host business meetings and events. The hotel features 15 meeting rooms, including grand ballrooms, covering over 11,800 square feet.

The business center is open 24/7 and provides all necessary facilities for business travelers.

Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, although the connection may be slow at times. The hotel collaborates with nearby parking garages to provide convenient parking for its guests.

Unique Experiences and Highlights

A view of the Hellenic Parliament building in Athens, with a crowd of people gathered outside on a sunny day, pigeons scattered in the foreground.
  • Historical Tours: Guests can explore the rich history of Athens with guided tours arranged by the hotel.
  • Views of Athens: The rooftop restaurant and certain rooms offer stunning views of the Acropolis, making it a memorable experience for guests.
  • Central Location: Being centrally located, guests can easily walk to many of Athens’ top attractions, including the Acropolis Hill, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the shopping district of Ermou Street.

Book Your Room

With stunning views, top-notch amenities, and delicious dining, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore the city’s best attractions. Ready for an unforgettable stay? Click here to book your room now!

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the city for business, leisure, or a bit of both, this Grande Bretagne Hotel provides everything you need for a comfortable and lavish stay in Athens!

For more travel to Greece tips and beautiful destinations in the Greek islands please join my FREE Facebook Group or SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube & TikTok channels for amazing videos of Greece! Happy and safe travels, Evgenia.

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About the author
Evgenia Mataragka
Hi! I am an Athens-based Greek obsessed with exploring Greece and bringing you the best travel experience ever!

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