Athens' most prestigious hotel since 1874, overlooking Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. Opulent rooms, rooftop restaurant, and legendary service make this the city's premier address.
Hotel Grande Bretagne stands at the corner of Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens, directly facing the Hellenic Parliament and within a short walk of the Acropolis Museum, Monastiraki, and the city's main metro hub. This neoclassical palazzo was constructed in 1842 as a private residence and converted into a hotel in 1874, making it the oldest luxury hotel in Athens and one of the most storied addresses in the Mediterranean. Today it operates as part of The Luxury Collection under Marriott International.
The building's grand facade, marble lobbies, and hand-restored interiors reflect over 150 years of careful stewardship. The hotel accommodates guests in 320 rooms and suites spread across eight floors, including signature categories such as the Grand Suite and the Royal Suite. Furnishings draw on classical Greek motifs, with rich fabrics, antique mirrors, and period artwork throughout.
Dining at Hotel Grande Bretagne is itself an occasion. The GB Roof Garden, open seasonally, serves Mediterranean cuisine on a terrace with unobstructed views over the Acropolis and the city. GB Corner operates as a signature all-day brasserie on the ground floor, drawing both hotel guests and Athenians for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alexander's Bar is a classic lobby bar known for its gin programme and afternoon tea service.
The GB Spa occupies the basement level with a heated rooftop pool overlooking Syntagma Square, an indoor pool, hammam, and a full menu of treatments drawing on ancient Greek wellness traditions. The fitness centre is open 24 hours.
Service at Hotel Grande Bretagne is characterised by personal butler assignments for every guest, a multilingual concierge team capable of securing reservations at the city's most exclusive tables, and private archaeological tours outside regular visiting hours. The hotel has hosted heads of state, royalty, and leading cultural figures since its founding, and the staff culture reflects this tradition of discreet, exacting hospitality. Rates sit firmly in the ultra-luxury bracket, with high-season room rates beginning around EUR 500 per night and suites reaching several times that figure.
Amenities
- rooftop pool
- spa
- fine dining restaurant
- bar
- gym
- concierge
- butler service
Location
1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square, Athens 105 64, Greece
37.9755, 23.7348 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop GB Roof Garden restaurant with panoramic Acropolis and city views
- Neoclassical palazzo dating to 1842, the oldest luxury hotel in Athens
- Full-service GB Spa with rooftop pool and ancient Greek-inspired treatments
- Personal butler service and dedicated 24-hour concierge for every guest
- Prime Syntagma Square location — steps from Parliament, metro, and Plaka
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a room on the upper floors facing the Acropolis for unobstructed views from the balcony.
- Book the GB Roof Garden well in advance during summer — it fills weeks ahead for dinner.
- The Syntagma Square location means peak traffic and occasional protest noise; upper floors significantly reduce street sound.
- Ask the concierge about after-hours private Acropolis tours, which the hotel can arrange for small groups.
- Parking directly at the hotel is extremely limited; the Klafthmonos Square car park two minutes away is a reliable alternative.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is provided at the main Syntagma Square entrance with step-free routes to the lobby and lifts serving all guest floors. Accessible room configurations are available on request. Some historical lobby areas and the rooftop pool zone involve steps; staff assistance is available and the concierge team can plan fully accessible itineraries. Guests with mobility requirements are encouraged to contact the hotel in advance to arrange room allocation.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Grande Bretagne close to the Acropolis?
The Acropolis is approximately 1.2 km from Syntagma Square and walkable through the Plaka neighbourhood in around 20 minutes. The hotel concierge can arrange private guided transfers or walking tours directly from the lobby.
Does the hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes. The GB Spa operates both a heated rooftop outdoor pool overlooking Syntagma Square and an indoor pool. Both are accessible to all hotel guests, with dedicated hours reserved for spa treatment guests.
What is the nearest metro station to Hotel Grande Bretagne?
Syntagma metro station (Lines 2 and 3) is directly in front of the hotel on the square, under two minutes on foot. It connects to Monastiraki, Omonia, Piraeus, and Athens International Airport.
What dining options are available at the hotel?
The hotel has four dining and bar outlets: the seasonal GB Roof Garden restaurant with Acropolis views, GB Corner all-day brasserie on the ground floor, Alexander's Bar for cocktails and afternoon tea, and in-room dining available around the clock.