Athens, Greece
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Athens luxury hotel with prominent views of the Acropolis
Standing proudly in Syntagma square, next to the Hellenic Parliament, since 1874, the Hotel Grand Bretagne is the most iconic historical hotel in Athens. Its rooftop pool and restaurant have views over the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill, which, combined with the hotel’s old world charm and grandeur, make it a truly impressive place to stay.
Now part of the Marriott Luxury Collection, each of the 320 rooms and suites are beautifully styled, with antique furnishings, chandeliers and traditional tiled floors. Throughout the hotel, each gilded and ornate corner tells a story of the past, from the stylish Alexander’s Bar which features an original 18th century tapestry depicting Alexander the Great entering Gaugamela, to the rose-hued Winter Garden Lounge with its stained-glass ceiling.
With such spectacular views, you’ll also want to head up to the rooftop pool and bar. Seeing the Acropolis illuminated at night is a truly spectacular sight so make sure you try one of their signature cocktails and enjoy the sparkling lights of the city. Food wise, the Roof Garden restaurant specialises in Mediterranean dishes packed with fresh and fragrant flavours. Afternoon tea in the Winter garden is another highlight, or treat yourself to their caviar menu for some real indulgence.
The hotel itself is within easy distance of Athens’ main attractions. The Acropolis is just a 20 minute walk away, and its neighbouring museum is also a must-see. Monastiraki Flea Market, the city’s biggest and best, is a short walk, and Piraeus port, should you wish to partake in some island hopping, is a 20 minute drive.
Highlights
The 320 rooms and suites are elegantly styled in tones of butter yellow with grand antique furnishings
Enjoy afternoon tea under the stained glass ceiling of the Winter Garden restaurant
Relax at the stunning rooftop pool and bar, soaking up views of the Acropolis
Sample an expertly made cocktail at the renowned Alexander’s Bar
Explore some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks within walking distance of the hotel
The impact of your stay:
- City hotels, like the Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, serve as custodians of rich heritage, actively preserving a significant neoclassical building with a history dating back to 1842. Through dedicated efforts in conservation and restoration, the hotel ensures the enduring legacy of cultural heritage within its walls.
- Conducting a comprehensive plastic audit, the hotel addresses common sources of plastic waste with clear reduction targets. Initiatives include filtered water stations, replacing plastic straws with reusable alternatives, and collaborating with sustainable suppliers. The commitment extends to green cleaning practices, using non-toxic or plant-based solutions, and employing energy-efficient equipment. Recycling is prioritised with clearly labelled bins, complemented by staff and guest education on proper waste sorting.
- The hotel actively engages its staff in a wide range of local fundraisers, aligning with a robust commitment to community support. These initiatives include regular fundraising activities with various local charities, donation drives for clothing and books, weekly food donations to support the homeless and socially vulnerable groups, and regular contributions to local orphanages.
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Places to combine Hotel Grande Bretagne with
Crete
With unparalleled views of the Aegean and an atmosphere of effortless serenity, Phāea Blue Palace is the only boutique hotel in Crete situated directly on the beach.
Each room and suite is curated with natural materials, handcrafted Greek artwork and a colour palette inspired by he surrounding sea, sand and olive groves. Some feature private pools, while others open onto terraces that frame uninterrupted views of the horizon.
Step onto the hotel’s private 200-meter pebble beach, where wooden decks and plush loungers invite leisurely afternoons under the sun. Meanwhile the spa offers a collection of treatments inspired by ancient Greek wellness rituals as well as yoga and pilates sessions that take place under the open sky.
Dining at Phāea Blue Palace is an immersive journey into the culinary heritage of Greece. At Anthós, the hotel’s signature open-air restaurant, chefs prepare exquisite dishes in a live kitchen using the finest local ingredients. For an intimate seafood experience, The Blue Door evokes the charm of a traditional Greek taverna, where the catch of the day is served just steps from the water’s edge. The Phāea Farmers Feast invites you to savour farm-to-table creations, where time-honoured cooking techniques celebrate the island’s fertile land and rich gastronomic traditions. As twilight descends, the scenic Votsalo Bar, perched above the sea, beckons with artisanal cocktails and a thoughtfully curated selection of Greek wines, offering a front-row seat to the spectacular Aegean sunset.
Santorini
After a day of exploring the island, sit back and enjoy a spectacular sunset while sipping a refreshing cocktail at Grace Santorini.
Contemporary design and traditional artworks and pieces of furniture make each of the 22 rooms unique and inviting. The bathrooms are large and luxurious. Make yourself at home in a sea view suite, or drink in the views of the caldera from The Villa. For a touch more privacy, opt for a suite with fragments of volcanic rock arranged across the windows, creating something of a “one-way” effect.
Whether you’re on honeymoon, or simply on holiday, Grace Santorini is the perfect place from which to experience what the village of Imerovigli has to offer.
Discover Mediterranean fusion at the Santoro restaurant where the menu is inspired by the flavours and produce of the Cycladic islands. Or enjoy evening drinks under the stars at the pool bar. The new Champagne and Cocktail Lounge has an extensive list of bubbly to choose from as well as exciting cocktails paired with dishes by the chef.
Treat yourself to an in-room spa treatment, or make use of the hotel’s boutique gym.
