Like the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the center of Athens, the prestigious Grand Hotel Bretagne began its story in the 1840s as the elegant mansion of a wealthy businessman named Antonis Dimitrios. As a hotel, its legacy began in the 1870s when it was purchased with the approval of the royal family to convert it into Greece’s first luxury hotel. In the 400 years or so since then, this magnificent dame has hosted kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, and countless influential tastemakers and celebrities. The Grand Bretagne is the crown jewel of Athens’ main square Syntagma, which serves as the city’s central axis and its neighbor the Parliament, where the guards change hourly. It has secret tunnels from the Second World War, when the Nazis occupied Athens and lived in the hotel for three years. It is said that Hitler also stayed here on the eve of the Soviet invasion in 1941. Later in history, when Greece was embroiled in civil war, the hotel became the center of a conference between the British and then Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, bringing Churchill to stay. Over time, floors were added to the original two, extensions were built, and in 2003, the hotel underwent a complete renovation, ready for its next chapter.
Staying in such a special place leaves a lasting impression. Its decoration is classical, drawn on traditional Greek motifs, and historic features are preserved wherever possible. heavy curtains Dress the windows. Bathrooms are marbled. Paintings and elaborate mirrors are framed in gilt. The spa is impeccable with a pool and circuit of herbal steams and saunas. The rooftop bar and restaurant has postcard views of the Acropolis and Plaka that wrap around it like a skirt. Days begin with breakfast on the terrace, with iconic views, newspaper in hand, under the bright white light that shines only in Greece.
Nearby attractions: The hotel has a prime location on Syntagma, the main square of Athens, where important events takes place in the city. From here you can walk to all the main tourist areas of Athens.
Address: 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str, Athina 105 64, Greece
