A trip to Greece is an experience in itself. Whether it’s the lure of retracing the footsteps of the philosophers or the dream of the dazzling natural beauty of the Greek islands, most routes to exploring Greece pass through Athens. Visitors from the United States will enter the country via Athens Airport (ATH), and whether you stay in Athens, explore more of the mainland, or cruise the islands, this iconic city will play a role in your trip. The historic Hotel Grande Bretagne is a must-see for those who want their Athens experience to be pure luxury.

A+ location for exploring Athens on foot

The Grande Bretagne Hotel is located in the center of Athens, Greece, opposite Constitution Square and Parliament. It is a very central and sought after location for visiting the sights of Athens. The hotel is approximately 20 miles from the airport. In moderate to heavy traffic, it will take an hour to get from the airport to the hotel. With light traffic, the journey will be closer to 30 minutes.

The hotel is just a short walk from the Acropolis – get ready to take those steps! – as well as the Ancient Agora, the original Olympic stadium, several museums and several blocks of restaurants, bars and shops. It’s easy to explore the city on your own – most people speak English – but Hotel Grande Bretagne’s concierge staff can arrange a guided walking tour of historic sites, local food tours, or personalized tours tailored to your interests.

The hotel is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, which means the property has a deep connection to the location in addition to top-notch amenities and comfort.

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Crazy price

This beautiful hotel is not for budget travelers: expect to pay around 1,000 euros per night for a standard room. July and August are considered high season in Greece, so expect to pay higher rates in summer and on weekends. A midweek stay in November will last less than a summer weekend, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Booking.com often offers breakfast deals, and rooms booked through Marriott Bonvoy may allow eligible travelers to use AAA or military discounts.

I stayed in a King Suite with a city view, where a stay in October costs around 1,500 euros per night. Things go up from there, with additional rooms and Acropolis views increasing prices accordingly.

King Suite with City View

My 430 square foot suite had a separate living room with a pocket door that allowed me to separate it from the bedroom. The spacious living room included a sofa, chair, coffee table and desk and had a long rectangular window overlooking the city.

The bedroom had a king bed with premium linens, two nightstands, a chair, and a large flat screen TV. The en-suite bathroom had marble floors and counters, a double vanity (a feature I love to see when traveling) with a lighted makeup mirror, plush towels, and a separate tub and shower. The room was also equipped with bathrobes and slippers as well as a host of toiletries, including dental kits with toothbrush and toothpaste and vanity kits with cotton pads and emery boards.

Other amenities include turndown service, business suit valet, coffee/tea service, fruit basket and chocolates.

This room is ideal for a couple traveling together who benefit from premium space. Any couple with a double sink at home and having to deal with a crowded bathroom counter while traveling will appreciate the ample space. The separate living room and bedroom provide guests with space to spread out and allow one person to work or watch TV while the other sleeps. WiFi is included in the room and it worked very well.

Dinner at the Hôtel Grande Bretagne

While it’s always fun to get out of the hotel and immerse yourself in the personality of a new city, the Hotel Grande Bretagne the dining options are not to be missed.

Roof garden GB

GB Roof Garden serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During my stay, I had breakfast and dinner here. Indoor and terrace seating is available, with breathtaking panoramic views of the Acropolis. My table had a view of the Acropolis, which is lit up at night, and the experience of dining in this luxurious setting was indeed a pinch-me moment. The service is impeccable and the menu is both elegant and simple, focusing on seafood, meats and various pasta and risotto dishes. Breakfast includes a full buffet with a variety of hot and cold dishes and is complemented by a small menu of cooked-to-order dishes.

Dinner is available from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. – yes, you read that right! Greek dinner time is much later than in the United States. I ate at 9:00 p.m., which is late for me, but the GB Roof Garden was still bustling on a weeknight.

Other places to eat

• Alexander’s Lounge ATRIUM – Sweet and savory breakfast, afternoon tea and pastries.
• Bar 8 – Indoor/outdoor bar on the eighth floor with dreamy views of the Athens skyline.
• Alexander’s Bar – Enjoy a libation with a magnificent 18th century tapestry as a backdrop.
• GB Pool Bar & Grill – Light and healthy meals and cocktails to enjoy poolside.

Other amenities at the Hôtel Grande Bretagne

This property features a full spa offering massages, skin treatments, hair and nail services, and a fitness studio with personal trainers available to help you create new workouts. There are two swimming pools: a small indoor pool in the spa and an outdoor rooftop pool with views of the historic Lycabettus Hill, available from April to October.

According to mythology, Athena was carrying a stone when a raven informed her of an unfortunate event. This caused the rock to slip from Athena’s hands and fall, giving rise to Lycabettus Hill. Whether or not you believe this to be true, it’s a reminder of how vital ancient legends are to Greek culture, and they add an element of depth to simply lounging in the sun or splashing in the sparkling pool.

History of the Hôtel Grande Bretagne

In 2024, the Hôtel Grande Bretagne is celebrating its 150 years of uninterrupted activity. It has been a landmark in Athens since 1874 and has witnessed every major historical event since then, including the 1896 Olympic Games, both world wars, and most recently the events of the 2004 Olympic Games. Famous guests include Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, opera singer Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis.

The Hôtel Grande Bretagne has 320 rooms and suites and offers a privileged location and the perfect alliance between the opulence of yesteryear and modern comfort.

Who is this hotel for?

The Grande Bretagne Hotel is aimed at the traveler who appreciates and expects luxury and a high level of service and who does not hesitate to pay for it. There are many fine hotels in Athens, but this iconic property offers next-level service and a remarkable ambiance that is evident from the moment you approach the hotel by car. The experience of entering the lobby is sensory and transformative, setting the tone for an absolutely perfect stay. The staff strives to achieve the perfect level of service that guests can expect at this price point.

The rooms and suites are ideal for couples or groups of friends traveling together. Connecting rooms are available to allow groups of travelers to combine the need for space and privacy. Many hotel restaurants have a dress code, so if your vacation outfit is strictly shorts and flip-flops, this may not be your place. The Hôtel Grande Bretagne is the ideal location for a honeymoon, anniversary, retirement or any other trip marking a special occasion. The atmosphere and service are of a high standard but also comfortable and approachable.

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