The Grand Lady of Greek Hotels:
The Grande Bretagne Hotel on Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens is arguably the most renowned hotel in all of Greece.
The Grande Bretagne's Location :
Positioned on Syntagma Square, just opposite the Parliament Building,
the Grande Bretagne puts visitors within easy reach of almost everything in Athens. The Athens Metro and bus lines all converge here, and private taxis are abundant. It is also within easy walking distance to many museums and shopping areas in Athens.
The Grande Bretagne's Ambiance :
The Grande Bretagne offers a gleaming version of fin-de-siécle luxury, with gilded woods, fine fabrics, and chandeliers in the public ares. It is definitely a classically European grand hotel rather than a classically Greek one.
The Grande Bretagne's Clientele:
The Hotel Grande Bretagne is the accommodation of choice for visiting diplomats and other international power-players. It is accustomed to meeting the needs of those expecting the very best.
Special Tip About the Grande Bretagne:
If you're traveling from the United States, the parent company, Starwood Resorts, sometimes has
special offers available which you cannot get in Greece.
Accommodations:
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has 321 rooms and suites, some with a view of the Parthenon though you may trade off a slightly smaller room for the grander view. Prices start at about US 300 a night and rise dramatically from there, but most tourists will not be booking either the Royal Suite or the Presidential one.
Furnishings & Fabrics:
It's rare for a hotel to be known for its choice of fabrics, but the quality of upholstery, curtains, and sheets here strikes even those who can't tell silk from spandex. Every bit of wood exudes fine craftsmanship and care to detail.
Star Rating:
While the rating system in Greece is sometimes open to interpretation, the Hotel Grande Bretagne is recognized as a true 5-star hotel.
More on the Grande Bretagne:
Renovated in 2003 just prior to the Olympic Games in Athens, the Grande Bretagne hotel occupies a prime corner location on Syntagma Square, overlooking the Parliament building just across the street. The building was originally a royal palace, and its exalted beginnings still pervade the atmosphere.
Many Athens attractions are within easy walking distance, and the Athens Metro stops on Syntagma Square. There is never a shortage of taxis in this area, though most of them may be "private" taxis rather than "public" ones, with accordingly higher prices. The Grande Bretagne is now part of the Starwood group of hotels.
What's the downside? Not much if you're addicted to luxury and willing to pay the price. In times of political or economic unrest, Syntagma Square, the Parliament Building, and nearby embassies are usually the target of strikers and other protesters, and this can snarl up traffic in the area.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Constitution Square (Syntagma Square)
Athens, 10563 Greece
Phone from the US: (011) 30 210 3330000
Fax: (011) 30 210 3228034
Email: info@grandebretagne.gr
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