Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
There are many beautiful sites to see in Athens, both ancient and modern. It may surprise you that one of these sites is the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
This elegant, historical landmark, referred to by some as the “Royal Box of Athens,” was first built as a mansion after the Ottoman Empire’s fall in 1830. The backdrop to much of Greece’s history, the Grande Bretagne became the Third Reich’s headquarters in 1941 and the setting of diplomatic negotiations between George Papandreau and Winston Churchill. In 1974, when the Junta of 1967 collapsed, Constantine Karamanlis set in motion the makings a new government from within the hotel walls.
The Hotel Grande Bretagne sites many notable celebrities that have stayed at this elegant hotel including “Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Maria Callas and Brigitte Bardot … Greta Garbo, Sean Connery and Francis Ford Coppola…Sting, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Jay-Z and Jose Carreras…”
In the early 2000s, major construction began restoration of the five-star luxury hotel. Everyone could not wait to see what would emerge! In 2003, the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne reintroduced itself to the country and its visitors. Its classic elegance and modern amenities make each stay an experience.
This luxury Starwood Hotel in the heat of Constitution Square has an undeniably central location across the street the Parliament, the ancient Olympic Stadium as well as in walking distance from the Acropolis, Kolonaki, the National Garden and more. Necessary for any long stay in Athens during the summer months, the hotel has an outdoor pool – providing necessary relief from the hot Greek summer sun.
Luxury comes with a luxurious price, but amazing deals can be found on the “Offers” page on the hotel Home page. For example, find a 155-Euro four-night stay during the high season if you book early enough (this offer was found on March 1,2009 and booked for June-June).
If you don’t stay at the hotel, I recommend taking a few minutes to walk inside. Be amazed at the gorgeous rich lobby (notice the antiques) and take an elevator ride up to the GB Roof Garden for unbelievable views.
Much of this information can be found on the Web site. Check it out: http://www.grandebretagne.gr/