Hotel
King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel
An elegant 115-room mansion hotel on Syntagma Square, home to the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall restaurant and a rooftop suite with its own pool.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
The grande dame of Athens hotels, on Syntagma Square since 1874, with 320 rooms, a celebrated roof garden facing the Acropolis and a spa.
At a glance
- Type
- Grand luxury hotel
- Area
- Syntagma, Athens, Greece
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- grandebretagne.gr
Good to know
- Rooftop restaurant and bar
- GB Spa Athens
- Gym
- Concierge
- Valet parking
- Free wifi
- Two Michelin Keys
Why we recommend it
The Hotel Grande Bretagne has watched over Syntagma Square since 1874, when Efstathios Lampsas bought a mansion built in 1842 for a wealthy merchant from Lemnos, restored it and gave it its present name. Over the following century it grew with new wings, and it has been at the centre of modern Greek history: it served as the Greek general headquarters in 1940 and 1941, was taken over by the occupying forces during the Second World War, and became the British headquarters after liberation, when Winston Churchill came to Athens. A major renovation completed in 2003 restored its grandeur, and it is now part of Marriott's Luxury Collection.
Today the hotel has 320 rooms and suites, ranging from classic rooms to a suite of around 400 square metres. The Michelin Guide describes it as a restored Victorian-era mansion, and some rooms have balconies looking towards the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, the Parliament or Lycabettus Hill. The Michelin Guide awards the hotel two Michelin Keys and describes the atmosphere as traditional elegance with a lively edge.
The best-known space is the GB Roof Garden, the rooftop restaurant and bar, which looks straight across the city to the Acropolis and makes a memorable setting for a sunset drink. Downstairs, Alexander's Bar and the Winter Garden offer further places to eat and drink. The GB Spa Athens includes a thermal suite and a pool, and there is a gym.
The hotel suits travellers who want classic luxury and a sense of history, as well as couples on special trips and business visitors. Service is formal and polished, and there is a 24-hour front desk, concierge and valet parking. Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out at 12:00 according to the Michelin Guide. Children of all ages are welcome, but pets are not.
The location could hardly be more central. Syntagma metro station, with direct trains to the airport, is directly in front, and the National Garden, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ermou Street and Plaka are all a few minutes' walk away. The Acropolis is about 20 minutes on foot. Valet and off-street parking, EV charging and bicycles are available for guests.
Hotel Grande Bretagne FAQs
How many stars does the Hotel Grande Bretagne have?
It is a five-star hotel.
When did it open?
It opened as the Grande Bretagne in 1874.
How many rooms are there?
320 rooms and suites.
Is there a rooftop restaurant?
Yes, the GB Roof Garden restaurant and bar, with views of the Acropolis.
Is there a spa?
Yes, the GB Spa Athens, which includes a thermal suite.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00.
How do I get there from the airport?
Take metro Line 3 to Syntagma; the hotel is on the square.
Is it part of a hotel group?
Yes, it is a Luxury Collection hotel.