On our June 12-day Princess Mediterranean cruise, we decided to spend part our shore time in Athens, visiting the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Located in regal Constitution Square and adjacent to the Parliament, this Hotel has long been witness to the history of Athens. The Hotel Grande Bretagne has won numerous awards including: Travel + Leisure, T+L 500 Best Hotels, a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List member, and the choice of Spa Finder Magazine Readers as the Best SPA in Greece.
We were to be the special guests of Georgia Boosalis, Director of Sales. Georgia gave me an in-depth tour of the hotel. I was able to see many rooms, the incredible spa, multiple restaurants, and the pool (gorgeous). Throughout the tour, I was impressed by the classic décor, the attention to detail, and the courtesy of the staff. Then it got better!
Georgia took us to the roof where we would be her guests for lunch… and what a lunch it was. The food was incomparable, exceeded only by… the view. From the rooftop restaurant you have an incredible view of the Acropolis. I found my attention wandering repeatedly, dazzled by the views looking over Athens. If nothing else, I would stay here for the views from the roof at lunch or dinner. (The food was pretty good too!)
The view of the Acropolis from the Hotel Restaurant.
What makes the hotel special? When you walk in, it feels like a Grand Hotel of days past. There’s a feeling of elegance, old world charm, and old-fashioned luxury, yet the hotel has all the modern conveniences you would expect – they just don’t get in the way of the feeling of timeless luxury.
I’ve had many clients visit Athens… and they all prefer to stay at The Hotel Grande Bretagne… I can understand why. One room tip: Reserve an upper floor room with a balcony facing Constitution Square, the Parliament, and the Acropolis. Along with spectacular scenery, you can watch the changing of the guards from your balcony. As a Virtuoso guest you can enjoy the immense buffet breakfast and attentive, but not intrusive, service.
Currently the Virtuoso Amenities include
– Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
– Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests served in Restaurant
– A complimentary 3 course set menu lunch for up to two people in one of the following restaurants – GB Corner, Winter Garden or GB Pool Bar & Grill,
– Early check-in/late check-out subject to availability
If you are going to Athens, then this IS the hotel to reserve. Great location, wonderful staff, incredible decor, and what views. We’d be happy to coordinate this visit for you!
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