Hotel Grande Bretagne
Grand historic palace hotel with old-world gravitas. Think crystal chandeliers, 18th-century tapestries, and gold-key concierges — not minimalist chic. It is the grande dame of Athens and makes no apologies for it.
Request a room on the 6th or 7th floor for butler service and private check-in — it makes a real difference to the arrival experience.
Why It Matters
One of the oldest continuously operating luxury hotels in the Mediterranean. Churchill conducted wartime negotiations here. The Nazis used it as their headquarters in 1941. The hotel bar — Alexander's Bar — was voted Best Hotel Bar in the World by Forbes. The Royal Suite has hosted Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, and Brigitte Bardot. Oh, and the rooftop pool faces the Acropolis.
Built in 1874 as Athens' grandest private mansion, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is the rare kind of city hotel that actually becomes part of the story of a place. It sits right on Syntagma Square, directly across from the Hellenic Parliament, with Acropolis views from the rooftop pool. The Victorian facade looks like it belongs on a London boulevard, not Greece — and inside, the 320 rooms are loaded with museum-quality antiques, original artworks, and marble bathrooms. In 2003 an €82 million restoration brought everything up to current luxury standards without erasing the history.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Classic Courtyard View Room
The entry-level room at the Grande Bretagne, facing the hotel's elegant private courtyard. Furnished with sumptuous fabrics, original artworks, and museum-quality antiques. Marble bathroom with separate bathtub and shower. These rooms are on the smaller side — reviewers note that while they are beautifully appointed, space is modest for the price.
Deluxe City or Acropolis View Room
Step up from the courtyard-facing rooms to get city or Acropolis views — some with balconies. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views across Syntagma Square or up toward the Acropolis. Same luxurious furnishings as the Classic rooms but the outlook makes a significant difference.
One-Bedroom City or Acropolis View Grand Suite
One of the more sought-after configurations — spacious one-bedroom suite with either city or Acropolis views. Full butler service, separate living and dining areas, and a luxurious marble bathroom. Some have standalone soaking or hydrotherapy tubs.
One-Bedroom Courtyard View Deluxe Suite
Larger than the Junior Suite, still courtyard-facing. Dedicated butler service, separate sitting area, and generous bathroom with both tub and shower. Good choice for guests who want the full suite experience without paying for a view.
One-Bedroom Courtyard View Junior Suite
The first tier of the suites program, with courtyard views and the full butler service treatment. Dedicated 24-hour butler service and expedited check-in included. Separate living and sleeping areas.
One-Bedroom Executive Acropolis View Suite
Acropolis-facing executive suite with butler service, private balcony, and elevated amenities. Strong choice for a special occasion stay when the Royal Suite is out of budget.
Royal Suite
The only Royal Suite in Athens. Located on the 5th floor, it spans over 400 square metres across one bedroom and two bathrooms. Every window frames an iconic Athens view — the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, Parliament, Lycabettus Hill. The dining room seats up to 14, there's a dedicated media room, a grand piano in the living room, a private gym, and a wine cellar. This is where Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Callas, Brigitte Bardot, and countless heads of state have stayed. Butler service, naturally.
King · 400 sqmTwo-Bedroom City View Grand Deluxe Suite
Two-bedroom configuration ideal for families or guests wanting more space. City views throughout, with connecting room options available. Full butler service and all standard suite benefits.
The Property
Eat & Drink
7 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The Winter Garden's afternoon tea is considered the most prestigious tea experience in Athens. Curated by the Pastry and Executive Chefs with sweet and savory delicacies. Has been a hotel tradition for decades.
Wine tastings and masterclasses held in The Wine Library at the mezzanine of the GB Corner, which showcases the hotel's collection of over 3,500 wine labels. Led by Head Sommelier Evangelos Psofidis, who has been with the hotel since 2006.
A guided walk through the hotel's history, introducing guests to its antiques and art masterpieces that fill the public spaces and corridors. The Grande Bretagne has been called a living museum. Tours run every Thursday, 17:00–18:00, and must be requested through the Concierge Desk.
Seasonal open-air cinema event in the hotel's outdoor spaces. Part of the hotel's seasonal events calendar.
Every Thursday evening (19:30–22:30), the Winter Garden hosts a live opera duet — soprano and tenor — against the backdrop of the hotel's elegant lounge. One of the more distinctive regular events in Athens' hotel scene.
The Butler & Concierge team can arrange exclusive private tours of Athens and beyond, including limousine or helicopter excursions. Also: access to private art collections, bespoke dinners at the Acropolis, event tickets, theater bookings. The concierge team hold Les Clefs d'Or certification.
A Saturday and Sunday lunch experience at GB Roof Garden Restaurant (13:00–17:00), centered on roasted Bresse chicken with house-made gravy, seasonal truffle, and refined garnishes. Created by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis and Chef de Cuisine Giannis Rokanas.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Over 1,100 sqm of function space including the Grand Ballroom, Golden Room, Royal Room, Athenian Hall, Boardroom, Churchill's, Chairman's, Diplomat's Room, and the Executive Room.
Full business center with express check-in and check-out.
Complimentary in-room and property-wide Wi-Fi. Marriott Bonvoy members receive complimentary access when booking direct.
Professional babysitting available upon request. Children's menus in all restaurants. High chairs, disposable bottles available. 50% discount on children's laundry.
State-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center with Life Fitness cardio and resistance equipment — treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights, stair climbers, weight machines. Locker rooms and sauna rooms included. Available to hotel guests only.
Pets permitted in guest rooms only. Maximum 1 pet per room. Non-refundable pet fee of €200 per stay.
65 sqm indoor heated pool surrounded by white marble walls and flooring, evoking ancient Roman baths. Part of the GB Spa — currently temporarily closed for renovation. Open year-round when operational.
50 sqm heated outdoor pool on the 7th floor with unobstructed views of Lycabettus Hill. Served by the GB Pool Bar & Grill. Open May through October only. Lifeguard on duty. Gets crowded in high season.
The GB Corner Gifts & Flavors shop features GB-branded products, Zeus + Dione handmade clothing, and indigenous Greek delicacies and chocolates. Open Monday to Saturday, 11:00–20:00. Also includes The Wine Library showcasing the hotel's 3,500-label wine collection.
Each concierge holds the gilt 'clef d'or' insignia of the international concierge society and is a certified destination expert. Services include dinner reservations, private tours, limousine and helicopter arrangements, event tickets, florist, car rental, and more.
Personalized 24-hour butler service for all suite guests and guests on the designated Butler Floors (6th and 7th). Includes private check-in, welcome drink, unpacking assistance, private concierge, and more.
The hotel does not have electric vehicle charging stations.
Valet parking available at the hotel. €15 for the first hour, then €1 per additional hour. Exiting and returning restarts the first-hour charge.
Private car transfer available on request. Contact: +30 210-3330889. Athens International Airport (ATH) is 35 km away. Note: Syntagma metro station directly outside gives direct airport access via Metro Line 3.
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