Athens' most iconic hotel since 1874, the Grande Bretagne is a landmark of elegance facing Syntagma Square and the Parliament. The rooftop GB Roof Garden restaurant offers legendary city views, and the spa is among the finest in Greece.
Hotel Grande Bretagne occupies a commanding position on Syntagma Square in central Athens, directly facing the Hellenic Parliament. Operating since 1874, this five-star landmark is one of the oldest and most celebrated hotels in Greece, housed in a grand neoclassical building that has witnessed much of modern Greek history. The hotel is part of The Luxury Collection portfolio and has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and world leaders over its century-and-a-half of continuous operation in Attica.
The hotel offers 320 rooms and suites spread across multiple categories, from classic Superior Rooms to the palatial Royal Suite. Interiors blend classical European grandeur with contemporary comfort, featuring marble bathrooms, rich fabrics, and bespoke furnishings. Many rooms overlook Syntagma Square, Lycabettus Hill, or the National Garden.
Dining centers on the celebrated GB Roof Garden restaurant, perched on the rooftop with panoramic views spanning the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the Saronic Gulf. The ground-floor GB Corner café and bar serves morning coffee through evening cocktails, while Alexander's Bar is one of Athens' most storied cocktail destinations and a landmark venue in its own right.
The spa occupies an entire floor, offering an indoor pool, hammam, body treatments, and fitness facilities. The rooftop outdoor pool with its Acropolis backdrop is one of the most photographed hotel amenities in Athens. The concierge team is widely regarded as the most knowledgeable in the city, arranging private tours, restaurant reservations, and island excursions. Butler service is available for suite guests.
The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Monastiraki Flea Market and the Plaka neighbourhood, and a two-minute walk from Syntagma metro station (Lines 2 and 3), which provides direct connections to Athens International Airport. Extensive conference facilities and dedicated event spaces make the property a leading address for business travel in Attica.
Amenities
- rooftop pool
- spa
- fine dining
- concierge
- wifi
- gym
- butler service
Location
Vasileos Georgiou A 1, Syntagma, Athens 105 64
37.9757, 23.7360 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop GB Roof Garden restaurant with panoramic Acropolis and city views
- Athens' most iconic hotel in continuous operation since 1874
- Alexander's Bar — a historic Athens institution for cocktails on Syntagma Square
- Full-service spa with indoor pool, hammam, and a rooftop outdoor swimming pool
- Steps from Syntagma metro and directly opposite the Hellenic Parliament
Tips for visiting
- Book a room on the upper floors facing Syntagma Square for direct views of the Changing of the Guard ceremony held every hour.
- The GB Roof Garden is open to non-guests for dinner; reservations are essential throughout summer.
- Alexander's Bar hosts live jazz on select evenings — check the schedule with the concierge on arrival.
- Request luggage storage or early check-in if arriving before the standard 15:00 time; the concierge team handles this efficiently.
- Syntagma metro (Lines 2 and 3) is one block away and provides a direct 40-minute journey to the airport.
Accessibility
The hotel is accessible via the main Syntagma Square entrance with step-free access and lifts to all guest floors. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available on request. Staff are trained to assist guests with mobility needs throughout the property.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hotel Grande Bretagne suitable for families with children?
Yes, the hotel accommodates families with connecting rooms and suite options. The concierge can arrange babysitting, child-friendly tours, and adapted dining experiences. The outdoor rooftop pool operates seasonally from spring through early autumn.
How far is the hotel from the Acropolis?
The Acropolis is approximately 1.2 kilometres from the hotel, a 15-minute walk through Plaka. The hotel's concierge arranges private guided visits with skip-the-line access.
Does the hotel offer airport transfers?
Yes, the hotel provides private car transfers from Athens International Airport, located approximately 30–40 minutes away. The Syntagma metro station also offers a direct train to the airport in about 40 minutes.
What are check-in and check-out times at Hotel Grande Bretagne?
Standard check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 12:00. Early check-in and late check-out can be arranged subject to availability; requests should be made through the concierge in advance.