What makes us unique. Athens destination guide. Financial press releases. Brief history of the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The Hotel Grande Bretagne is not simply a luxury hotel in Athens (surely the most luxurious establishment in Greece) - it is an institution in itself. Ever since it opened its doors to receive the first visitor in 1874, the Grande Bretagne has been a point of reference in the social, political and economic life of Athens and, by extension, of the whole of Greece. Over the 133 years of the hotel' s existence one also observes the evolution of a basically agricultural society -just half a century after the country's liberation from the Ottoman rule and the creation of a tiny, impoverished country- through the gradual stages of development leading to a modern State and the creation of an important middle class with a European character. Over this period, the country lived through an unfortunate war with Turkey, two Balkan Wars that tripled its territory, two World Wars, the Asia Minor Disaster and its accompanying radical transformation of the structure of Greek society, and the Civil War, with its catastrophic consequences. At the same time, the nature of visitors travelling to Greece changed radically, passing from a few thousand wealthy travellers -admirers of Ancient Greece and its monuments- to millions of visitors, whose interests also encompass seaside resorts, entertainment, business or governmental liasing. All of these developments had serious repercussions on the Grande Bretagne's evolution, whose very creation -thanks to Efstathios Lampas' perspicacity- though undoubtedly excessive when compared to the needs of the time, was instrumental in both introducing Western standards and creating a strong bourgeois mentality in what as yet was the young Athenian society. The existence of a hotel on an equal footing with similar European establishments, where visitors felt at ease in a familiar environment, contributed to the development of a flow of high-level travellers and became the prototype for the later development of other hotels and related activities. Crowned kings and princes, Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers, business tycoons, prominent names in Literature and the Arts, renowned journalists, well-known theatre actors and film stars and many other travellers were regular patrons of the hotel~ which became the Greek State's official guesthouse. Athenian society embraced the hotel. The Grande Bretagne, in the way of the great luxurious hotels in the rest of Europe, was always the venue of the Greek capital's important social gatherings. Receptions, balls, cotillions, marriages, fashion shows and banquets were regularly held in the hotel's halls, while the lounges, salons and the bar were the meeting place of businessmen, politicians and journalists at the same time as being a favourite haunt of cosmopolitan Athenians. As the history of the Grande Bretagne unfolds, so does the transformation of the city of Athens, as well as the political history of Greece, with which the hotel is indissolubly associated. There is no political or historical event in modern Greek history with which the Grande Bretagne is not somehow linked, by one means or another. It should be noted that, with the exception of the 36 new rooms added on the sixth and seventh floors in 1974 and the creation of the GB Corner and new bar in 1976, no major modernization had been carried out on the Grande Bretagnes premises since the mid-1950s, when the wing overlooking Constitution Square was rebuilt. As a result, the hotel's furniture, and its interior decorating in general, were beginning to show signs of time fatigue, while all of its installations (heating, air conditioning, bathroom facilities, lifts, telephone appliances, etc.) had become antiquated, constantly breaking down and needing maintenance. In this respect, the year 2000 marked an important milestone in the Grande Bretagnes recent history as it heralded the entry of Hyatt Regency SA in the capital of Hellenic Hotels Lampsas SA. Through the Athens Stock Exchange, Hyatt Regency acquired a majority stake in the company, allowing it to control the Board of Directors and implement a radical renovation of the hotel's premises. In 2005 Hyatt, following a restructuring of its strategic planning, sold its shares in the owing company of the Hotel Grande Bretagne to the Laskaridis shipping family, who were already major shareholders in Hellenic Hotels Lampsa SA. Following this transaction, the Laskaridis family controls in excess of 60% of the equity. The Grande Bretagne has been restored to its former glory and transformed into an establishment capable of meeting the modern requirements of hotel hospitality, while simultaneously contributing to the upgrading of Athens' hotel infrastructure. Finally, it is not by accident that Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide Inc., the large international corporation in charge of the hotel's management for the next twenty-five years, has listed the Grande Bretagne in its Luxury Collection, which includes some of the most luxurious hotels across the globe. Approximately 82 million euros were invested to create a state-of-the-art, five-star hotel worthy of that title. Reconstructed from top to bottom, it features 290 rooms and 31 suites, all of them newly refurbished, and redecorated in keeping with the old Grande Bretagnes traditional style. These are completed by modern networks and facilities, the hotel's premises also housing three restaurants, two swimming pools, a spa, spacious halls and conference rooms as well as all other comforts expected of a European deluxe hotel of the twenty-first century. Click here and book the room of your dreams Click for the experience Stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne and indulge in our award-winning spa.

The Presidential suite. Guest Rooms of the Grande Bretagne. Luxurious fabrics and restored antiques personalize our 321 rooms and suites, all newly renovated. Distinctly refined residential elegance is reflected in each of the 59 well appointed suites, while butlers and staff provide unsurpassed service. All rooms and suites offer the finest appointments : beds are cocoon of pure comfort with multiple pillows and cloud soft douvets, plush bathrobes and slippers the wall-to-wall marble bathrooms are well designed with fog resistant mirrors, quality amenities and lighted magnifying mirrors. All rooms are equipped with cable television, voice mail, high-speed internet, minibar and wood-paneled wordrobes with in-room safes Precious fabrics, fine furnishings, and the latest high tech facilities, carefully combined to preserve a perfect harmony. Classic Rooms 122 Deluxe Rooms 140 Junior Suites 22 Deluxe Suites 16 Grande Suites 16 Grande Deluxe Suites 3 Presidential Suite 1 Royal Suite 1 Total 321

The legendary beauty of Arion Hotel Villas reflects breathtaking views to the Saronic Gulf, elegant and sophisticated decor in all rooms and suites, original paintings, private swimming pools and beaches, gourmet restaurants and unique modern luxuries at every turn. Contemporary lines dominate the interiors accented by modern artwork and minimal furnishings. All rooms and suites frame exceptional views of the Saronic Gulf and the hotel's Olympic size swimming pool. Blue Palace, Resort Spa The Luxury Collection Elounda, Crete. Enjoying an unparalleled location within breathtaking views, Blue Palace is the perfect destination for those seeking a combination of natural beauty, deluxe accommodation, the finest cuisine and a world-class spa. Santa Marina Resort Villas The Luxury Collection Ornos Bay, Mykonos. On a private peninsula, Santa Marina is a heaven of seclusion, luxury and personalised service just five minutes from Mykonos town. Vedema Resort The Luxury Collection Megalohori, Santorini. Vedema Resort, on Santorini Island, originates from a 400-year old winery that dominates the heart of the property. Pampering is being fulfilled by the resorts indulging Spa. Mystique, Oia The Luxury Collection Oia, Santorini. Situated on Oias famous cliffs, the stylish Mystique features dazzling views of clear blue equatorial waters, the volcano, and the Aegean Caldera. Surrounded by some of the worlds most beautiful scenery, the resorts island-style design pays homage to nature in a climate of unabashed luxury. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/mystique. W Athens (opening 2009) W Hotels Astir Palace Beach, Athens. Nestled between the Athenian Riviera/s most sensational sights and private beaches, W Athens is minutes away from the excitement of the centre. Set in the exclusive Astir Palace Resort, the 162 room W Athens offers the best of both worlds.

Also see, additional offers. STAY AT THE HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE and indulge in our award-winning spa. Shop at the city's upscale boutiques; enjoy the 'savoir vivre' of the Athenians by strolling through chic cafes, hip clubs or traditional taverns. Rediscover Athens' old and new sights or simply relax in comfort. The Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an array of amenities to maintain a luxurious lifestyle during your stay in Athens. Our exclusive arrangement includes: Accommodation in a luxurious room. Full American breakfast daily at the GB Roof Garden. One ESPA Aromatherapy Massage at the GB Spa per room per stay. Full use of the GB Spa facilities and fitness studio. Earn Double Starpoints®. Exclusive shopping privileges in selected shops in Athens. Welcome amenity upon arrival. Complimentary newspaper. Late check-out until 4pm. ENJOY AN EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AT: CHOPARD D. ANAGNOSTOPOULOS JEWLERY. Present your room key to receive benefits in selected stores All boutiques deliver shopping to the hotel. Terms and Conditions. Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and exclude taxes of 11,18%. The offer is valid from the 1 st of January 2008 until the 31 st of December 2008. Minimum stay for offer is 2 nights, Thursday to Sunday only. Rates vary from season to season (above rates are an indication only). Offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Blackout dates may apply. Please request for rate plan: EAMEPRO