Luxury Hotels - Athens best hotel?

Grande Bretagne or Electra Palace? Why?
(Electra is working out to be slightly cheaper).

The GB does tend to have rioting outside its front door most days, I understand ....!

Much prefer King George's Palace around the corner - smaller, better service, better food.

the view from the GB's rooftop restaurant is stunning. if you don't end up staying there at least stop by for brunch...

Grande Bretagne or Electra Palace? Why?
(Electra is working out to be slightly cheaper).

As Athens is my hometown I feel qualified to respond. ;)

By American standards the Electra is at best a 3 star hotel. This is based on room size, bed and linens comfort, and amenities. I cannot comment on the quality of their staff.


The Grande Bretagne is considered the grande dame of Athens hotels, although as someone mentioned upthread it is usually in the epicenter of any rioting. I've also had friends complain about the rooms being rundown. The staff can also be a bit snooty, though I don't know why.

We always stay at the Hilton when visiting my folks as we find that it offers the best value, especially when finding a rate that includes their buffet breakfast. The rooms are well-appointed, beds are very comfortable. Staff is typically very good, although like all Greek establishments they have their share of disinterested employees. Their GM is very good.

Hope you have a fun and safe trip.

But a Hilton is a Hilton is a Hilton. I don't want to wake up in the morning and not know if I'm in Athens or Atlanta.

But a Hilton is a Hilton is a Hilton. I don't want to wake up in the morning and not know if I'm in Athens or Atlanta.

Book an Acropolis View room, open your eyes in the morning when you wake up, look out the window and there'll be no doubt where you are.

Having said that, I appreciate and understand your point.

Athens hotels are limited.
I had a recent stay at the Bretagne during the Riots and cannot recommend this due to the regretable proximity to Syntagma. The rooms and service were "good." The same with King George (where on my stay, the entry steps were damaged).
The Hilton is slightly farther from the hot seat. I didn't stay at the Andromeda, but the location is very good (near the US embassy).

As Athens is my hometown I feel qualified to respond. ;)

By American standards the Electra is at best a 3 star hotel. This is based on room size, bed and linens comfort, and amenities. I cannot comment on the quality of their staff.


The Grande Bretagne is considered the grande dame of Athens hotels, although as someone mentioned upthread it is usually in the epicenter of any rioting. I've also had friends complain about the rooms being rundown. The staff can also be a bit snooty, though I don't know why.

We always stay at the Hilton when visiting my folks as we find that it offers the best value, especially when finding a rate that includes their buffet breakfast. The rooms are well-appointed, beds are very comfortable. Staff is typically very good, although like all Greek establishments they have their share of disinterested employees. Their GM is very good.

Hope you have a fun and safe trip.


Very nice post, Jane. Thanks for sharing. Do you know the room number you stayed in? Maybe I can ask for the same room.

Much prefer King George's Palace around the corner - smaller, better service, better food.

Do you know the room number where you stayed in?

Very nice post, Jane. Thanks for sharing. Do you know the room number you stayed in? Maybe I can ask for the same room.

I don't remember our room number but any "Acropolis-View" room should do. I hope you enjoy your visit to Athens.

Do you know the room number where you stayed in?

I have stayed several times. Favourite is probably Acropolis-view Suite 601.

Without a doubt the Grande Bretagne is pretty special and the quintessential Athens grand dame hotel experience. It helps to have a little Starwood status as they almost always upgrade.

I always felt the Hilton was a few blocks too many out of the heart of the action.

That said I have never been at the GB during protests and I can imagine it would be a hassle.

If you do the Bretagne I would suggest their gold floor, or whatever they call it. There is no lounge but the checkin and service were great. Regular rooms were tiny if that matters. Make reservations for the rooftop restaurant for dinner.

If you do the Bretagne I would suggest their gold floor, or whatever they call it. There is no lounge but the checkin and service were great. Regular rooms were tiny if that matters. Make reservations for the rooftop restaurant for dinner.

Wasn't impressed with their gold floor. TINY little room for check-in - very amateurish I thought, and I didn't have a single good meal in the entire hotel, although I agree that the views from the 'Italian' restaurant on the roof are stunning. AWFUL pool area - really nasty, with the smell of french fries wafting from the tacky little café.

This is why I much prefer the King George.

Wasn't impressed with their gold floor. TINY little room for check-in - very amateurish I thought, and I didn't have a single good meal in the entire hotel, although I agree that the views from the 'Italian' restaurant on the roof are stunning. AWFUL pool area - really nasty, with the smell of french fries wafting from the tacky little café.

This is why I much prefer the King George.

King George is my favourite too and funny enough I always go for 601!

However I also favour Hotel Pentelikon if I want to stay away from the city centre.

I can't talk about comparisons, but we had a wonderful stay with largely very helpful staff last March at the Grand Bretagne. The view of the Acropolis at night and in the morning for breakfast was spectacular. Do the other hotels have that kind of view?

I can't talk about comparisons, but we had a wonderful stay with largely very helpful staff last March at the Grand Bretagne. The view of the Acropolis at night and in the morning for breakfast was spectacular. Do the other hotels have that kind of view?

The view from the presidential on the top floor is stunning as is from the restaurant. There is no right or wrong, it's all down to personal opinions and preferences. I personally cannot stand the Grand Bretagne. It is overly pretentious and reminds of a Victorian unloved museum.

I agree concerning the GB. The view of the Acropolis from the balcony of the room at sunset was quite special. The rooftop restaurant was very nice as well each morning.

I have stayed at the Airotel Stratos Vassilikos Hotel and the Airotel Parthenon. Both were great. The Stratos Vassilikos is well away from the demonstrations at Syntagma and is quite lovely. Breakfast buffet is exquisite. Parthenon is not as fancy, but also has a great breakfast buffet and is steps from the Dionysiou Areopagitou, which is the long boulevard from which you can easily access the Acropolis, Plaka, Lofos Filopappou, the new museum, etc.