The Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens

Are you visiting Athens and are interested in what staying at the Hotel Grande Bretagne would be like… look no further. We have a complete review of the Hotel Grande Bretagne featuring how we booked, the room, spa, dining, and location.

There are some hotels in the world that exude a grandeur that transcend time. The Hotel Grande Bretagne is one of those hotels. Originally built as a home then eventually converted into a 5 star, you will truly feel like royalty visiting or staying at this magnificent property.

This was a highlight of stay in Athens and I would love to come back and bring my wife. It’s an experience unto itself and the best part…you could use points to stay here via Marriott Bonvoy since it is part of the Luxury Collection. The point rates were very high during our stay, and we ended up booking via Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts to trigger the $200 credit.

Stay Details:

• When: January
• Where: Athens, Greece
• Room: 2 twin
• Payment:
  • 350Euro a night – Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts
    • 12pm check in when avail
    • Room upgrade ( Parliament view )
    • Daily Buffet Breakfast at GB Roof Garden
    • Guaranteed 4pm check out
    • 85 EUR Spa credit ( can’t be used at Hair Salon, Mani/Pedi, or products )

Location:

Location, Location, Location. I loved where the hotel sits in the city. You can easily walk to the Acropolis in 30 to 40 minutes, Archaeological site of the Olympeon, Greek cathedrals, loads of cafes, restaurants, and the views from the roof are second to none. It’s across the street from a large park that had oodles of people sipping coffee, chatting, and even dancing at night.

First Impression:

5 star. The hotel and its counterpart the King George are both Marriott Luxury Collection properties and prior to coming, I wondered exactly what the difference would be…the King George is often quite a bit chaper. While both are impressive from the outside, the Grande Bretagne is in another league.

Sitting on a bustling corner with room views of the Acropolis or Parliament, the exterior of the building is exactly what you’d imagine a stately, century old 5 star grande dame of the city to be.

That extends to the public spaces. The lobby has soaring, frescoed ceilings, murals that rival a museum, and if you mosey just a bit futher into the large glass ceiling atrium you are SURE to be wowed. This is a fantastic place to convene for afternoon tea, see and be seen, and an evening Old Fashioned which we enjoyed as a nightcap every evening of our stay.

The Room:

Could it be updated and refreshed? Sure. Does it feel dated? Yes. Is that a massive part of the charm of this hotel…100%

Shortly after our bags were delivered, we were given a welcome tray of Uzo, a famous Greek liquor, and sweet treats. I’m not a fan of Uzo so we passed on this, but it was a nice touch!

We reserved a two-twin bedroom, and the funny part, when we first entered the room they had the beds shoved together. If you’re unfamiliar with staying in European hotels, most King beds are two twins that they push together and sheet like one big bed. Since Dave and I were looking for our own space, we separated them.

The bathroom

Quite small, but the water pressure in the shower was impressive. Loads of high end products, but it’s a tight squeeze in there.

Dining:

There are multiple dining, drinking, hanging out spaces in the hotel. Sadly, the pool was closed, like it wasn’t even open for pictures, but I can imagine that would be an incredible spot to chill that we didn’t get to experience.

GB Roof Top

Hands down my favorite spot. The views are stunning, the drinks were delicious, and coming at sunset will drop your jaw.

This was the first place Dave and I visited after checking in…we had a glass of champagne and a wonderfully delicious spread of Greek delicacies. We enjoyed a sunset or two up here as well.

The biggest disappointment was the breakfast. Nothing that special, and I wouldn’t go out of your way to make it, or pay for it if it isn’t included. The food in Greece is exceptional and the breakfast just wasn’t. It was included in our rate so we tried it one morning; however, on the day of departure we slept in rather than wake up for the breakfast spread

Atrium + Alexander’s Cigar Lounge

On the interior of the hotel, above the atrium, there is a cigar/whisky bar. So cool with indoor and outdoor seating. We weren’t looking to smoke cigars, but I could have been tempted to end a night here smoking a stogey. What a cool way to make use of what would otherwise be an awkward space.

Winter Garden City Lounge + Alexander’s Bar

Some spaces exude society and the hoi paloi come to see and be seen. Stick your pinkie out, fluff your feathers, park your car at valet for everyone to see, and prepare to strut your stuff when you com ehere. We finished each night here underneath the bar mural enjoying some bar concoction of whiskey or bourbon.

They even serve nuts in individual containers to remind you where you are.

Upon return, I’d surely enjoy an Afternoon Tea here as we didn’t have time to on this trip.

Alexander’s Bar

Grab a nightcap, as we did with Old Fashioned’s, or just marvel at the incredible tapestry that must be 25 feet long and 15 feet high. Keep an eye on the horse that has oddly human-like eyes.

Spa

Another incredible treat the Hotel Grande Bretagne affords its guests is the spa/pool.

Talk about an ornate, hyro treatment facility not only offering a beautifully tiled pool, but saunas, steam showers, and aromatherapy rooms.

These are all complimentary to guests, but you can also book a spa day as a non-guest.

Gym

These is a small, but nice enough gym, which I absolutely only stepped foot to get this picture.

Overall

I had the fortune to eat a wonderful multi-course meal on the top floor of the King George Hotel and got to see some of the common areas and facilities. A very nice hotel, but definitely a step down from the Grande Bretagne. Should I return to Athens with my wife, it would be a great treat to stay at the Grande Bretagne; however, it should be noted that guests of both hotels can utilize the facilities of sister properties. For instance, we were allowed to charge our meal to the GB from the KG. If the rates were very far apart, you’d get a very similar experience at the KG with the ability to enjoy all the GB has to offer.

Keep an eye on Marriott Bonvoy rates this hotel. Often you’ll seen them fall below 65k, even 50k, meaning you could take advantage of the free night certificates that come with some Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards.