In 2024, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, the most historic luxury hotel in Athens, celebrates 150 years of operation. Having first opened in 1874, the hotel has an intriguing history that starts as far back as 1842.
Hotel Grande Bretagne History
It was first built as a house in 1842 for a wealthy Greek businessman from Lemnos. Later in 1874, Efstathios Lampsas bought it and restored it with an 800,000 drachma loan and gave it the name which it holds today. Lampsas was a chef who trained in Paris and wanted to open the hotel to high-income European travelers.
In 1888, electricity was installed, and in 1930, a new wing of the hotel was built. Fast forward to 1940 and the Greco-Italian War, and the hotel held the Greek General Headquarters. Then, during the Axis occupation, the hotel became the Nazi headquarters. In 1944, it became the headquarters for the British military.
Hotel Grande Bretagne Amenities
The view from the Grande Bretagne’s Roof Garden Restaurant lets you see the Olympic Stadium, and even the Acropolis from where you sit on your barstool. The hotel also offers a thermal suite, complete with a herbal bath, grotto, ice fountain, couples retreat, and an indoor pool. If you stay at the Grande Bretagne, you can expect butler and valet services, concierge, a cigar lounge, a Wine Library and a seasonal poolside bar with a view of the Lycabettus Hill.
Celebrities at the Hotel Grande Bretagne
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has distinguished itself over time as a place for royal families, heads of state, celebrities, and VIPs of every kind. Among them are Churchill, Onassis, members of the Kennedy family, Maria Callas, Elizabeth Taylor, Jacques Chirac, and many other celebrities. It has also been active in political life, because at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, politicians and wealthy socialites often convene for discussions here.
Renovation of the Hotel Grande Bretagne
The renovation of the hotel introduced some of the most famous facilities that you can find inside today. For example, the modern form of the Hotel Grande Bretagne features 320 rooms and suites, a Royal and a Presidential Suite, an indoor heated swimming pool as well as an outdoor pool. It also features a luxurious Spa, the renowned GB Roof Garden, the charming Winter Garden, and plenty of meeting rooms including the fabled Grand Ballroom.
Hotel Grande Bretagne Rooms
All rooms have internet access, voicemail, minibar, safe, CD/stereo player, satellite flat screen TV, deluxe bath add-ons, bathrobes and slippers, and more. Arguably the most impressive features are found in the two Presidential and Royal suites, which are between 200 and 400 square meters, respectively. Some of their amenities include a 16-seat dining room, fireplace, sauna, gym and soaking tub, and walk-in closets.
Alexander’s Bar
Alexander’s Bar is known for its rare tapestry, premium cognacs, whiskeys and cocktails, as well as its fine cigars and 3000-bottle Wine Library for wine-lovers. It was also voted the best hotel bar by Forbes Magazine in 2019. Alexander’s Bar’s signature mixed drink—the Mandarin Napoleon Select — is a blend of Dubonnet Rouge, Grand Marnier, gin, and fragrant essential oil of Sicilian tangerines.
Hotel Grande Bretagne Spa
One of the most impressive features of the Grande Bretagne is its awarded spa. A visit to the spa starts with a journey through the thermal suite, which has a laconium, sauna, and herbal steam bath. One other highlight is the couple’s suite, as well as the ice fountain and the amethyst grotto.
Other Unique Experiences in Athens
The area in central Athens where the Hotel Grande Bretagne is located is home to a number of other attractions. To see our complete list of unique experiences in Athens, click here.
