The Acropolis has seen empires rise and fall, but inside Hotel Grande Bretagne, time moves at its own pace. For 150 years, this landmark hotel has been more than just a place to stay—it has been the city’s cultural salon, where politicians, artists, and travelers meet to sip martinis, swap ideas, and watch history unfold.
While Athens is in the midst of a creative renaissance, the Grande Dame of Syntagma Square remains at the heart of it all—evolving, yet unchanged in essence.
With new spaces and experiences debuting this season, Hotel Grande Bretagne is poised to be the most coveted seat in Athens this summer.
Here’s why:
The Martini That Knows Athens Better Than You Do
Athens’ most legendary martini isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual. Served under the watchful gaze of an 18th-century tapestry depicting Alexander the Great, this storied bar has been a gathering place for the world’s most discerning travelers, power brokers, and bon vivants for over a century. If only those walls could talk, they’d whisper of Winston Churchill’s preferred pour, Onassis’ late-night toasts, and the quiet clink of crystal marking countless clandestine conversations.
The 18th century tapestry of Alexander the Great is the focal point of the Alexander’s Bar
Aperitivo, Athenian-Style
Athens’ power players, artists, and travelers have long gathered here as the city transitions from golden hour to twilight. ‘Il Giardino Segreto’, the hotel’s inner courtyard, is the setting for aperitivo, Athenian-style—sophisticated yet unhurried, where Italian flavors meet old-world charm. Guests sip on a crisp Assyrtiko, indulge in handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza, and embrace the timeless ritual of an evening well spent.
The ultimate Athenian Aperitivo at Il Giadino Segreto
The ‘Secret Cinema’ Above Athens
In Greece, summer and cinema go hand in hand. For over a century, open-air theaters have been a beloved ritual, woven into the country’s cultural fabric. The first therina sinemá (summer cinemas) appeared in the 1920s, turning city courtyards, rooftops, and hidden gardens into enchanting alfresco escapes. At ‘Pool Your Cinema’, this time-honored tradition gets a luxurious twist—where classic films play under the stars, Veuve Clicquot is served chilled, and Athens itself becomes the ultimate backdrop.
‘Pool Your Cinema’ – open air screenings with a luxurious twist
Where the Grand Tour Meets the Grand Spa
In the footsteps of the Grand Tour, where travelers once roamed in search of art, culture, and enlightenment, today’s modern explorer finds a different kind of indulgence at GB Spa. Inspired by ancient Greek wellness rituals, the spa blends tradition with luxury—whether through an olive oil-infused massage reminiscent of classical beauty secrets or a steam bath that echoes the grand thermal sanctuaries of antiquity. But the real secret? The spa’s serene thermal pool is rumored to sit atop a hidden tunnel—one that once connected the hotel to Parliament. Here, history is quite literally beneath your feet.
The award-winning GB Spa where history is quite literally beneath your feet
The Renaissance of its Rooftop
Few places in Athens offer a vantage point quite like this—where the Parthenon seems close enough to touch, and the city unfolds in golden hues at sunset. Now, with a striking redesign by London’s renowned design firm Goddard Littlefair, the iconic GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar has been reimagined for a new era of Athenian grandeur. A harmonious blend of neoclassical elegance and contemporary sophistication, the transformation reaffirms the hotel’s role as the cultural heart of the city. From its sleek, open-plan layout to the warm glow of intimate marble lighting, the space is only outplayed by a new menu that blends tradition and innovation under the culinary vision of Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis.
