Hotel Grande Bretagne: Athens Luxury

The Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens Hotel Review is part of the Trip Report Athens Marathon: The Original Course which includes the following cities:

• Toronto, Canada
• Detroit, Michigan 
• London, England
• Athens, Greece
• Giza, Egypt
• Cairo, Egypt
• Luxor, Egypt
• Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
• Abu Dhabi, UAE

Click here for the picture preview.

Getting There: Take the x95 bus for 5 euros. It drops you off at Syntagma Square where the hotel is located. Be sure to scrape together cash before getting ripped of at the currency exchange at the airport.

The Hotel Grande Bretagne is traditional luxury at its finest. Everything is fancy and sophisticated in keeping with Athenian culture.

The Location 

Right next to Syntagma Square, the Hotel Grand Bretagne provides the ideal location from which to explore Athens. The major attractions including the Acropolis are all within walking distance.

The Lobby 

The Hotel 

The Room 

I used a SPG Suite Upgrade and was given a Deluxe Suite. The room included a butler who was on call until 11pm. The butler services include pressing shirts, providing restaurant recommendations, and giving directions. I didn’t end up using his services so I can’t compare it to the excellent butler at the St. Regis New York.

The room was very elegant with beautiful chandeliers, a marble bathroom, and as the website puts it ‘classical furniture.’ I must not be Penske material because I found it to be gaudy and boring. There’s a distinct difference between smart luxury and let’s go play croquet luxury. If you’re looking for the latter, this is your place.

The Cigar Lounge 

Please stop by my Cigar Lounge for a nightcap or the Alexander Bar located on the ground floor.

The Rooftop 

The room had a courtyard view but that was fine because the view from the rooftop restaurant and bar was surreal.

The Staff 

Courteous and professional is an accurate way to describe the staff. They were refined but not pompous and very welcoming.

The Cost 

6000 SPG + $110/night was a great value considering the suite goes for $600/night.

Overall 

You have two choices if you want to stay at in SPG hotel in Syntagma Square, the Hotel Grande Bretagne or the King George which is located next door. I stayed in both and prefer the King George for its modern, unassuming luxury.

<==Back to EasyJet – Onto King George Hotel Athens==>