The Grande Bretagne represents the essence of hospitality in Greece
for more than 130 years. Since it reopening in 2003, the promises of defined
excellence have even been exceeded. The Hotel was proud to be again host to the
world of sports on the occasion of the Olympic Games that took place in the
country of origin in 2004. For all guests the Hotel Grande Bretagne
offers a special treat with the impressive SPA area, designed to relax and
refresh body and spirit.
Discerning Travelers from all over the world are invited to revitalize their
energy in elegant Recreation Areas, dive into the freshness of the indoor and
outdoor pool or indulge in a wide range of beauty and wellness treatments.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne offers the best location in Athens
with spectacular views to Acropolis and sets a spectacular example in the
international hotel business, offering pure luxury in service and living. This
prestigious hotel, reflecting Europe's finest history and hospitality, is a
perfect asset to the legendary hotels of The Luxury Collection brand within
Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Grande Bretagne has reached a new era of defined excellence. Your
stay with them shall be crowned by every conceivable amenity and impeccable
service.
HistoryThe Grande Bretagne is not simply a luxury hotel in Athens (surely
the most luxurious establishment in Greece) - it is an institution in itself.
Ever since it opened its doors to receive the first visitor in 1874, the Grande
Bretagne has been a point of reference in the social, political and economic
life of Athens and, by extension, of the whole of Greece.
Over the 126 years of the hotel' s existence one also observes the evolution
of a basically agricultural society -just half a century after the country's
liberation from the Ottoman rule and the creation of a tiny, impoverished
country- through the gradual stages of development leading to a modern State and
the creation of an important middle class with a European character.
Over this period, the country lived through an unfortunate war with Turkey,
two Balkan Wars that tripled its territory, two World War~, the Asia Minor
Disaster and its accompanying radical transformation of the structure of Greek
society, and the Civil War, with its catastrophic consequences.
At the same time, the nature of visitors traveling to Greece changed radically,
passing from a few thousand wealthy travelers -admirers of Ancient Greece and
its monuments- to millions of visitors, whose interests also encompass seaside
resorts, entertainment, business or governmental leasing.
All of these developments had serious repercussions on the Grande Bretagne's
evolution, whose very creation -thanks to Efstathios Lampas' perspicacity-
though undoubtedly excessive when compared to the needs of the time, was
instrumental in both introducing Western standards and creating a strong
bourgeois mentality in what as yet was the young Athenian society. The existence
of a hotel on an equal footing with similar European establishments, where
visitors felt at ease in a familiar environment, contributed to the development
of a flow of high-level travelers and became the prototype for the later
development of other hotels and related activities.
Crowned kings and princes, Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers,
business tycoons, prominent names in Literature and the Arts, renowned
journalists, well-known theatre actors and film stars and many other travelers
were regular patrons of the hotel~ which became the Greek State's official
guesthouse.
Athenian society embraced the hotel. The Grande Bretagne, in the way of the
great luxurious hotels in the rest of Europe, was always the venue of the Greek
capital's important social gatherings. Receptions, balls, cotillions, marriages,
fashion shows and banquets were regularly held in the hotel's halls, while the
lounges, salons and the bar were the meeting place of businessmen, politicians
and journalists at the same time as being a favorite haunt of cosmopolitan
Athenians.
As the history of the Grande Bretagne unfolds, so does the transformation of the
city of Athens, as well as the political history of Greece, with which the hotel
is indissolubly associated. There is no political or historical event in modern
Greek history with which the Grande Bretagne is not somehow linked, by one means
or another.
It should be noted that, with the exception of the 36 new rooms added on the
sixth and seventh floors in 1974 and the creation of the GB Corner and new bar
in 1976, no major modernization had been carried out on the Grande Bretagne’s
premises since the mid-1950’s, when the wing overlooking Constitution Square was
rebuilt.
As a result, the hotel's furniture, and its interior decorating in general,
were beginning to show signs of "time fatigue", while all of its installations (heating,
air conditioning, bathroom facilities, lifts, telephone and appliances, had
become antiquated, constantly breaking down and needing maintenance.
In this respect, the year 2000 marked an important milestone in the Grande
Bretagne’s recent history as it heralded the entry of Hyatt Regency SA in the
capital of Hellenic Hotels Lampsas SA. Through the Athens Stock Exchange, Hyatt
Regency acquired a majority stake in the company, allowing it to control the
Board of Directors and implement a radical renovation of the hotel's premises.
In 2005 Hyatt, following a restructuring of its strategic planning, sold its
shares in the owing company of the Hotel Grande Bretagne to the Laskaridis
shipping family, who were already major shareholders in Hellenic Hotels Lampsa
SA. Following this transaction, the Laskaridis family controls in excess of 60%
of the equity.
The Grande Bretagne has been restored to its former glory and transformed
into an establishment capable of meeting the modern requirements of hotel
hospitality, while simultaneously contributing to the upgrading of Athens' hotel
infrastructure.
Finally, it is not by accident that Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.,
the large international corporation in charge of the hotel's management for the
next twenty-five years, has listed the Grande Bretagne in its “Luxury Collection",
which includes some of the most luxurious hotels across the globe.
Approximately 82 million euros were invested to create a state-of-the-art,
five-star hotel worthy of that title. Reconstructed from top to bottom, it
features 290 rooms and 31 suites, all of them newly refurbished, and redecorated
in keeping with the old Grande Bretagne’s traditional style. These are completed
by modern networks and facilities, the hotel's premises also housing three
restaurants, two swimming pools, a spa, spacious halls and conference rooms as
well as all other comforts expected of a European deluxe hotel of the twenty-first
century.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne offers the
best location in Athens, within short walking distance from the
business center as well as the fashionable Kolonaki Square with exclusive
shopping, entertainment, restaurants and cafes. Also nearby are important
museums and the historic and picturesque old quarter of Plaka with tavernas,
open air coffee shops, flea market and souvenir shops. A large number of rooms
offer splendid views of the Acropolis, Parliament and National Gardens. The
Hotel Grande Bretagne is an architectural landmark and the historic grande dame
of the city.
Transportation:
The Hotel is located 27 kilometers (approximately 45
minutes) from Eleftherios Venizelos, the new Athens International Airport.
Transfer taxi or limousine to and from the airport available, on request.
GB Corner
The most famous brasserie in the capital lies to your right as you walk into
the lobby. The GB Corner is famous not only for its unique ambience and
excellent Mediterranean cuisine, but also for its clientele. Highly renowned
Athenians meet there to partake in GB Corner's refined environment, complete
with its luxurious yet functional lighting and the unique comfort afforded by
perfectly designed chairs and dinner tables arranged to allow privacy in crowd.
GB Corner sets the standards against which people measure the best of Athens
eateries.
Located in a corner of the hotel’s main lobby, GB Corner is the property’s
signature restaurant. It boasts a sophisticated, yet lively, atmosphere. Much of
the mood stems from its 1900 art-deco interior design, which is essentially
elegant in style and a delightful reminder of such a charming era.
The varied, colorful, Mediterranean menu by Chef Bertrand Valegeas is
complemented by the relaxed and comfortable surroundings. An open kitchen
enhances the atmosphere of the restaurant.
Drop in anytime for lunch or dinner from 12 noon until 2 o'clock in the
morning and dine in the company of the capital's most influential writers,
politicians and professionals. Relax at one of the exclusive ground floor tables
or luxuriate in the historical loft with its leather button sofas. Whichever you
choose, you are sure to be impressed by the speed of the service.
And as you savor the tantalizing cuisine, let your eyes wander over the rich
collection of art deco from the 1900s. Relax and allow yourself to be carried
away by the magical sounds of instrumental melodies.
GB Corner is the ultimate Mediterranean experience in a truly historic city.
This is the place to be seen in Athens.
GB Roof Garden
Unparalleled in the capital, this magnificent roof-top restaurant with
contemporary design provides breathtaking city views.
Stunning vistas summon up a totally relaxing ambience for breakfast and
dinner year round. The restaurant re-opened in June 2006, following a complete
renovation. Grilled steaks, fresh seafood and the very noblest of Mediterranean
cuisine from Chef Emilio Bracciale are served, as guests savor the experience of
watching the sun set majestically behind the ancient Acropolis, firing the
imagination to thoughts of a truly classical age.
Open now during breakfast, lunch and dinner, you are given the opportunity to
enjoy your meal with great view of the whole of Athens. Regardless of the
weather, sunny, cloudy, rainy, windy, have a unique experience in the GB Roof
Garden.
Winter Garden
A cafe-style restaurant, the Winter Garden offers continental breakfast,
a-la-carte breakfast dishes and, from mid-morning to closing time, a selection
of tempting, light snacks.
In the heart of the hotel’s lobby, adjacent to the bar, this restaurant even
boasts some specially planted palm trees!
Live music
Opening Hours: 6.30 am – 2 am
Location – ground floor
The Cellar
A wine connoisseur’s dream, with even more. The Cellar is a delightful
tasting room and a relaxing haven to enjoy an old favorite beverage or meet a
new one! It is definitely the place to enjoy a selection of Greece’s leading
wines
You don’t have to be a connoisseur to visit The Cellar. It is simply a place to
be savored by those who enjoy the finer things in life.
The Cellar is also available for private dining and private meetings
Bard & Lounges
Alexander's Bar
A superb cocktail bar reflecting the excitement and enthusiasm here in this
buzzing Greek capital.
The focal point of the bar is an extraordinary tapestry from the 18th century of
Alexander the Great
In a warm, congenial atmosphere, Alexander’s offers premium brand cognacs,
brandies, local and international wines and other beverages as well as the most
impressive selection of cigars in a specially designed walk-in humidor.
All of this is accompanied by live music and, of course, warm and friendly
service.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 2 am
Location - ground floor
Pool Bar
The place to relax with a refreshing drink in a pleasant open-air poolside
setting.
Laze or swim amid an environment of pergolas, aromatic plants and a magnificent
view of the Lucabettus Hill. At night there are few equals to this illuminated
view. The perfect romantic interlude.
Opening Hours: 11 am – 7 pm
Location – 8th floor
Atrium
After a high energy workout or a relaxing body treatment in GB Spa, easeback
into real life in the beautifully tranquil atrium. Enjoy a variety of freshly
prepared juices
Hours of operation:
10:00 a.m. - 18:00 p.m
