Aug 10, 2014, 4:07 pm
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Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (a Starwood property)
Syntagma Square · Athens 10564 ∙ Greece · Phone: +30 210 3330000 · Fax: +30 210 3228034
http://www.grandebretagne.gr/en/ (English web pages)
e-mail: info.gb starwoodhotels.com
Reservations: United States 1-800-325-3589
GB France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom: +800-325-45454
CN China 8008 688 688; IN India 000 800 650 1405; RU Russian Federation +353-21-4930492; SA Saudi Arabia 800 844 1348
Dining options: link
In-room amenities and gifts available: link
Synopsis: Historical hotel at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, across street from Parliament, views from rooftop garden of Parthenon, Acropolis, Lycabettus and much more. Some great view rooms, some patio rooms.
Getting there from ATH / Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών "Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος"):
Express bus X95 to Syntagma (Constitution) Square, c 20 min 24 hrs, duration ~70 minutes. EUR 6.00 per person.
Metro number 3 from airport (signed Aghia Marina) to Syntagma Square (but watch for thieves and pickpockets). You can also connect from this metro to Line 1 at Monastiraki to Piraeus and its cruise and ferry ship terminal. EUR 8.00 per person, 36 minutes.
Taxi: From Door 3 of the Arrivals Level: 5 AM - midnight €35 and
Night Service midnight - 5 AM: €50. Athens Taxi Tours costs EUR 38 - link About 45 minutes. Note: The charge is determined by the time of arrival at the destination and includes all applicable surcharges and extras. No extra baggage, toll, etc. charges, and if they tell you there are, it's a lie to get more money.
Arranged transport: I use Greek Taxi / PK Travel for EUR 50 for a carload; they wait for me at the terminal with a name sign, can stop at an ATM and the like, and use modern, comfortable Mercedes vehicles. Hotel can also arrange vehicle, limousine or VIP transfers.
We used George’s Taxi for 5 different airport transfers and 2 tours and they were fantastic- they also charge EUR 50, have Mercedes cabs, meet and greet and assist with luggage, and have friendly, English speaking drivers. https://www.taxigreece.com/
(lower right wiki corner)Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens (a Starwood property)
Syntagma Square · Athens 10564 ∙ Greece · Phone: +30 210 3330000 · Fax: +30 210 3228034
http://www.grandebretagne.gr/en/ (English web pages)
e-mail: info.gb starwoodhotels.com
Reservations: United States 1-800-325-3589
GB France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom: +800-325-45454
CN China 8008 688 688; IN India 000 800 650 1405; RU Russian Federation +353-21-4930492; SA Saudi Arabia 800 844 1348
Dining options: link
In-room amenities and gifts available: link
Synopsis: Historical hotel at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, across street from Parliament, views from rooftop garden of Parthenon, Acropolis, Lycabettus and much more. Some great view rooms, some patio rooms.
Getting there from ATH / Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών "Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος"):
Express bus X95 to Syntagma (Constitution) Square, c 20 min 24 hrs, duration ~70 minutes. EUR 6.00 per person.
Metro number 3 from airport (signed Aghia Marina) to Syntagma Square (but watch for thieves and pickpockets). You can also connect from this metro to Line 1 at Monastiraki to Piraeus and its cruise and ferry ship terminal. EUR 8.00 per person, 36 minutes.
Taxi: From Door 3 of the Arrivals Level: 5 AM - midnight €35 and
Night Service midnight - 5 AM: €50. Athens Taxi Tours costs EUR 38 - link About 45 minutes. Note: The charge is determined by the time of arrival at the destination and includes all applicable surcharges and extras. No extra baggage, toll, etc. charges, and if they tell you there are, it's a lie to get more money.
Arranged transport: I use Greek Taxi / PK Travel for EUR 50 for a carload; they wait for me at the terminal with a name sign, can stop at an ATM and the like, and use modern, comfortable Mercedes vehicles. Hotel can also arrange vehicle, limousine or VIP transfers.
We used George’s Taxi for 5 different airport transfers and 2 tours and they were fantastic- they also charge EUR 50, have Mercedes cabs, meet and greet and assist with luggage, and have friendly, English speaking drivers. https://www.taxigreece.com/
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece [Master Thread]
Mar 6, 2014, 5:17 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
We are currently staying here, and have enjoyed our visit until the German President and his delegation arrived. One would expect the hotel to be able to handle dignitaries and their delegates in an efficient manner but it is simply not the case. They let the group completely take over the hotel lobby and restrict entry & access to the property. I don't understand why they don't create guest only entry & access. Instead as a guest, we are forced to go through German security screening and when accessing the elevators they are held for the dignitaries while we are left to wait.
Mar 7, 2014, 3:27 pm
#152
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam E+, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,032
Haha, reminds me of one episode a few years back - I was barred from entering my hotel because Liza Minnelli was leaving at the very same moment. I had to wait outside till she had gone out of the door and into her car. Only then I was allowed to enter 
Mar 7, 2014, 7:55 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
I also happened during an ASEAN summit one time to stay on the same floor as a number of generals from Myanmar- those guys had very serious security.
Mar 8, 2014, 1:42 am
#154
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,272
Experienced that as well at GB Athens last Jan 2014 when the president of e.u. was there jan 7-9. Not too bad actually in the lobby except when it gets full with the reporters. But was on the same floor as the e.u. pres. or some vip so that was weird as way too many security giving me the looks.
I think greece's turn to be president of e.u. council no? So expect more things like this to come this year with all the heads of state and what not.
On a lighter note, one of my favourite hotels, comparable to hotel imperial wien
I think greece's turn to be president of e.u. council no? So expect more things like this to come this year with all the heads of state and what not.
On a lighter note, one of my favourite hotels, comparable to hotel imperial wien
Mar 8, 2014, 7:38 am
#155
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Sonoma
Programs: Several here and there, but not as many during my road warrior days!
Posts: 715
We got a nice call from the GM explaining that he was also dismayed at how the German delegation handled security and restricted access. He said about half the guests at the hotel have expressed their concerns. He said most dignitaries and their security detail prefer the staff entrance, as it is controlled and easier to control sniper fire.
I guess the German President liked all the publicity using the front door. It was refreshing to see the German President and his group leave, only to replaced by an EU delegation. The GM offered us an nice upgrade on our next visit. I agree, great hotel when you can enjoy it and not be barred from entry and access.
I guess the German President liked all the publicity using the front door. It was refreshing to see the German President and his group leave, only to replaced by an EU delegation. The GM offered us an nice upgrade on our next visit. I agree, great hotel when you can enjoy it and not be barred from entry and access.
Apr 7, 2014, 6:16 am
#156
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: SPG Plat 100, A3*G
Posts: 678
Does anyone have any advice about getting to this hotel from ATH airport?
I arrive at the airport very late (around midnight) and the hotel has transportation for 75€. I'm guessing this is just one way, which is a bit too much (if it were for a return, it wouldn't be so bad)
Any suggestions?
I arrive at the airport very late (around midnight) and the hotel has transportation for 75€. I'm guessing this is just one way, which is a bit too much (if it were for a return, it wouldn't be so bad)
Any suggestions?
Apr 7, 2014, 2:43 pm
#157
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam E+, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,032
Very easy...the metro 
Embark at the airport - which is the first stop for the metro. Disembark at Syntagma Square, which is where the hotel is located.
The metro station even have exit signs for the GB.
Easy. Cheap. Convenient.
Embark at the airport - which is the first stop for the metro. Disembark at Syntagma Square, which is where the hotel is located.
The metro station even have exit signs for the GB.
Easy. Cheap. Convenient.
Apr 7, 2014, 3:59 pm
#158
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: US CP, MR Plat, SPG Plat, HHonors Gold, National X
Posts: 917
Does anyone have any advice about getting to this hotel from ATH airport?
I arrive at the airport very late (around midnight) and the hotel has transportation for 75€. I'm guessing this is just one way, which is a bit too much (if it were for a return, it wouldn't be so bad)
Any suggestions?
I arrive at the airport very late (around midnight) and the hotel has transportation for 75€. I'm guessing this is just one way, which is a bit too much (if it were for a return, it wouldn't be so bad)
Any suggestions?
It leaves you right at the door for 5 euros and runs every 15 mins 24h/day!!
Apr 7, 2014, 4:10 pm
#159
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Programs: Star Alliance Gold, Skyteam E+, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,032
Jun 11, 2014, 4:07 am
#160
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CT/ Germany - Ich spreche deutsch
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy LTTE, HH Dia, HY Expl
Posts: 4,657
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece 2007 onwards [Master Thread]
Just finishing up a wonderful 2 night stay at the Grande Bretagne and heading on to Oia. Stay was virtually perfect with only a couple of small nitpicky issues.
As a Platinum we were pre-upgraded to a nice Deluxe Suite on the 4th floor. Room definitely has that old world royalty feel to it and everything was spotless.
Concierge staff was great and helped us out with booking a ferry transfer from Santorini to Heraklion which I had found confusing to book online. They also recommended a nearby restaurant for dinner on our first night which we sadly could not find due to a very confusing sign at the restaurant. We ended up at another restaurant just down the street ( 34 Metropolis was the address) and had a wonderful dinner outside with several courses and a bottle of Greek red wine for only Euro 55 + tip.
On the second night we decided to dine at the rooftop restaurant and the dinner was spectacular. Service and food were as wonderful as the view.
As our Platinum amenity we chose the breakfast. Lots of nice options to pick from on the buffet and with the added Acropolis view.
All round one of our best SPG stays in a while. As mentioned, if I were to nitpick I would say that they need more than one bellman outside since we lugged our own suitcases into the hotel on arrival since the one bellman was clearly busy. In addition, we also encountered issues due to a political VIP guest. Every guest had to go through a metal detector very time you entered the hotel and there were constantly people in suits standing around everywhere. A mild annoyance that evidently is very common based on other reviews above. Clearly the staff entrance option mentioned to sonomawine by the GM was not this dignitaries preferred mode of entrance either!
As a Platinum we were pre-upgraded to a nice Deluxe Suite on the 4th floor. Room definitely has that old world royalty feel to it and everything was spotless.
Concierge staff was great and helped us out with booking a ferry transfer from Santorini to Heraklion which I had found confusing to book online. They also recommended a nearby restaurant for dinner on our first night which we sadly could not find due to a very confusing sign at the restaurant. We ended up at another restaurant just down the street ( 34 Metropolis was the address) and had a wonderful dinner outside with several courses and a bottle of Greek red wine for only Euro 55 + tip.
On the second night we decided to dine at the rooftop restaurant and the dinner was spectacular. Service and food were as wonderful as the view.
As our Platinum amenity we chose the breakfast. Lots of nice options to pick from on the buffet and with the added Acropolis view.
All round one of our best SPG stays in a while. As mentioned, if I were to nitpick I would say that they need more than one bellman outside since we lugged our own suitcases into the hotel on arrival since the one bellman was clearly busy. In addition, we also encountered issues due to a political VIP guest. Every guest had to go through a metal detector very time you entered the hotel and there were constantly people in suits standing around everywhere. A mild annoyance that evidently is very common based on other reviews above. Clearly the staff entrance option mentioned to sonomawine by the GM was not this dignitaries preferred mode of entrance either!
Jun 23, 2014, 8:50 pm
#161
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: MA
Programs: DL DM/2MM Marriott Platinum, HH Diamond,
Posts: 8,907
We are currently staying here, and have enjoyed our visit until the German President and his delegation arrived. One would expect the hotel to be able to handle dignitaries and their delegates in an efficient manner but it is simply not the case. They let the group completely take over the hotel lobby and restrict entry & access to the property. I don't understand why they don't create guest only entry & access. Instead as a guest, we are forced to go through German security screening and when accessing the elevators they are held for the dignitaries while we are left to wait.
Aug 10, 2014, 4:25 pm
#162
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Just finishing up a wonderful 2 night stay at the Grande Bretagne and heading on to Oia. Stay was virtually perfect with only a couple of small nitpicky issues.
As a Platinum we were pre-upgraded to a nice Deluxe Suite on the 4th floor. Room definitely has that old world royalty feel to it and everything was spotless.
Concierge staff was great and helped us out with booking a ferry transfer from Santorini to Heraklion which I had found confusing to book online. They also recommended a nearby restaurant for dinner on our first night which we sadly could not find due to a very confusing sign at the restaurant. We ended up at another restaurant just down the street ( 34 Metropolis was the address) and had a wonderful dinner outside with several courses and a bottle of Greek red wine for only Euro 55 + tip.
On the second night we decided to dine at the rooftop restaurant and the dinner was spectacular. Service and food were as wonderful as the view.
As our Platinum amenity we chose the breakfast. Lots of nice options to pick from on the buffet and with the added Acropolis view.
All round one of our best SPG stays in a while. As mentioned, if I were to nitpick I would say that they need more than one bellman outside since we lugged our own suitcases into the hotel on arrival since the one bellman was clearly busy. In addition, we also encountered issues due to a political VIP guest. Every guest had to go through a metal detector very time you entered the hotel and there were constantly people in suits standing around everywhere. A mild annoyance that evidently is very common based on other reviews above. Clearly the staff entrance option mentioned to sonomawine by the GM was not this dignitaries preferred mode of entrance either!
As a Platinum we were pre-upgraded to a nice Deluxe Suite on the 4th floor. Room definitely has that old world royalty feel to it and everything was spotless.
Concierge staff was great and helped us out with booking a ferry transfer from Santorini to Heraklion which I had found confusing to book online. They also recommended a nearby restaurant for dinner on our first night which we sadly could not find due to a very confusing sign at the restaurant. We ended up at another restaurant just down the street ( 34 Metropolis was the address) and had a wonderful dinner outside with several courses and a bottle of Greek red wine for only Euro 55 + tip.
On the second night we decided to dine at the rooftop restaurant and the dinner was spectacular. Service and food were as wonderful as the view.
As our Platinum amenity we chose the breakfast. Lots of nice options to pick from on the buffet and with the added Acropolis view.
All round one of our best SPG stays in a while. As mentioned, if I were to nitpick I would say that they need more than one bellman outside since we lugged our own suitcases into the hotel on arrival since the one bellman was clearly busy. In addition, we also encountered issues due to a political VIP guest. Every guest had to go through a metal detector very time you entered the hotel and there were constantly people in suits standing around everywhere. A mild annoyance that evidently is very common based on other reviews above. Clearly the staff entrance option mentioned to sonomawine by the GM was not this dignitaries preferred mode of entrance either!
As to VIPs, this is what happens. Some of the worst may be the unnamed wealthy oil kingdom potentates with their entourages, private security who treat others like rubbish. My last stay in Greece (at the Hilton) was also when Benjamin Netanyahu was there; enough said, security was pretty tight.
Aug 11, 2014, 1:42 am
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
Aug 11, 2014, 10:18 am
#165
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: SPG Plat; OneWorld Emerald; *A Gold
Posts: 53
Just finished 2 night stay at this property. Was fully booked, so no plat upgrade unfortunately, but they were accommodating with early check-in and late check-out.
- Great service
- Spa was nice, although steam/sauna area could have better sound proofing from the pool area. Variety of steam/sauna rooms was good.
- Rooftop pool was great (it faces Lycabettus Hill, not the Acropolis). It gets a bit packed around 3-5pm, where it is hard to find a lounge bed, and even at times a chair
- Rooftop bar/restaurant had amazing views of the Acropolis, Syntagma square and the changing of the guards. Food was good, drinks were good. Breakfast is served up, which was a nice treat (one of the better breakfasts as a plat gift)
- Hotel was very centrally located, cabs were < €5 to most places. Can even walk to most places if it's not too hot outside
- Great service
- Spa was nice, although steam/sauna area could have better sound proofing from the pool area. Variety of steam/sauna rooms was good.
- Rooftop pool was great (it faces Lycabettus Hill, not the Acropolis). It gets a bit packed around 3-5pm, where it is hard to find a lounge bed, and even at times a chair
- Rooftop bar/restaurant had amazing views of the Acropolis, Syntagma square and the changing of the guards. Food was good, drinks were good. Breakfast is served up, which was a nice treat (one of the better breakfasts as a plat gift)
- Hotel was very centrally located, cabs were < €5 to most places. Can even walk to most places if it's not too hot outside