Visiting a new city can be so exciting! Researching what to do and where to stay can be overwhelming. Online photos can be deceiving. If you are booking the trip yourself, you really are on your own, and mistakes can be hard to fix once you have arrived. The hotel is booked and now you are second guessing yourself, have you made the right decision?
My recommendation is that you use a travel consultant always, so you have help, recommendations, and someone to go to if you have a problem. If you are a do it yourselfer, hopefully the information on this luxury hotel in Athens will help you.
Let’s get started….
Athens is a vibrant and interesting city. There are many neighborhoods and areas where you will find hotels around the city. There is one hotel in particular that I have found to be the best choice when in Athens, The Hotel Grande Bretagne. The hotel is pure luxury, a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection and centrally located, making your stay perfect.
The building was built in 1842 for a very wealthy Greek businessman. In 1874, the home was sold, restored and named Grande Bretagne. The hotel has survived war, served as Nazi headquarters and at the end of the war the British used the hotel as their headquarters.
In 2003 the Grande Bretagne underwent a complete and extensive renovation, taking it back to its original glory. Located in the heart of Athens, the hotel is stunning, the service impeccable without being stuffy.
Located on Syntagma Square, and across from the House of Parliament, you will have easy access to all that the city has to offer.
From the hotel you can walk across the street to watch the changing of the guard at the House of Parliament. Cross another side street and you will find the main stop for the City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off bus tours. Walk to the Plaka shopping area where you will find great little shops and eateries. The Monastiriki neighborhood is also very close by for additional shopping and a bit of Greek culture. Stroll through the National Gardens to the Panathenaic Stadium to see Olympic history.
From the moment you enter the hotel, you will feel the history oozing from the walls, if only they could talk. Wrapped in beauty and luxury, you will not feel out of place.
Right behind the main lobby is the Winter Garden Lounge. Here friendly servers will greet you. Dine on a European breakfast, light lunch, high tea or dinner with live piano music. Sit, rest and enjoy a Greek coffee.
Tucked off to the side of the Winter Garden is Alexander’s Bar. The bar was voted the best hotel bar in the world by Forbes magazine. The bar area is intimate and warm and inviting. Pull up a leather stool or find a table to enjoy a drink from the impressive drink menu and a light bite if you are hungry. The drink menu offers many choices including the rare single malt Macallan series of 1937, 1940, 1946, 1952, 1969 and 1973. The 18th century tapestry of Alexander the Great is the stunning focal point behind the long wood bar that graces the room.
The rooms are elegant, comfortable and spotlessly clean. Filled with period furnishings, marble baths with robes and slippers. The beds are so comfortable you will be swallowed up, waking rested after a great nights sleep. My recommendation is to book or have your travel consultant book you a room with a step out balcony. Having the balcony allows fresh air into the room along with the lively sounds of the city.
The pool is located on an upper floor where you can relax, eat, have a few drinks and forget you are in the middle of a bustling city.
Walking back into the hotel after a busy day sightseeing, you are craving something sweet, just a little bite; stop into the hotel shop and pastry shop. You will find so many choices for a snack.
The rooftop restaurant and bar is an absolute must while at the hotel. The Rooftop Garden is an open air restaurant that serves a lovely and extensive breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. If you book with a travel consultant, ask if they can get you an added amenity which will include breakfast daily during your stay. The views are breathtaking of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and House of Parliament.
During your stay you must find time to go up for a drink at night. Go as soon as the sun gives the city a goodnight kiss and slowly slides beneath the horizon and the lights start to flicker on in the city and the Acropolis, there is no better sight.
The hotel can be a bit pricey as are most hotels in large cities. If you find you have a little wiggle room in your budget, book the hotel without a second thought, you won’t regret your stay.
Until next time,
Safe travels,
Terri