Autumn is a great time to visit Greece in my opinion, and here I am in Athens again after one year. For hotel I’m just choosing between the two Luxury Collections – Grand Bretagne and King George, which are actually sister hotels that have similarly positive reviews. It was not a hard decision at all, when I saw Grande Bretagne has two swimming pools whereas King George has, er, none.
My five suite night awards from last year are still in the drawer and I’ve finally got an occasion to apply them, except that they didn’t clear eventually as the hotel is very full. My SNAs are likely going to expire (again) and I’ll probably choose something else this year.
Grande Bretagne hotel is very centrally located off the Syntagma square, with the acropolis in proximity and excellent metro connections. Surprisingly I heard virtually no noise during my stay despite of the very busy neighbourhood.
On the sign board is Grande Bretagna, Great Britain’s French name written in Greek, which I find amusing.
First time I’m seeing a hotel selling themselves as an Amex FHR member.
Although my effort to apply the SNA fell through, I was excited to see an upgrade to a Grand Suite in the app. When I arrived however, I was told it’s actually a display error and I’m staying in a Grand Deluxe Room.
My room is on the fifth floor:
The size is pretty generous, but I can’t say I’m a fan of the furnishing style. Under close inspection the room is not as old as it first appears – I think it’s the colour of the paint and choice of furniture that’s set a depressing tone. The TV and its stand for example, seems an antique from last century.
Bathroom:
It comes with a very nice balcony:
My room is northwest facing, so rather quiet but very little sunlight even during the day. A balcony overlooking the Acropolis will be stunning.
I got a bottle of liquor and some sweets as the welcome gift.
The daily turndown service is very thoughful.
The spa centre is on floor -1, which also welcomes guests staying at the King George.
The swimming pool is heated, but just.
And of course, the sauna and steam rooms.
There’s another outdoor swimming pool on floor 7.
Athens in October is still quite warm, but not warm enough for me dip into an unheated pool :p I spent a long time chilling on a sun lounger though.
Their main restaurant is on floor 8, and it’s consistently busy every morning when I come here for breakfast. A (small) queue can be expected at times.
I believe its view is one of the most important motivations for hotel guests to wake up early.
I doubt you’ll find a comparable view at any other hotel in Athens. The breakfast buffet:
Plus an a-la-carte menu, which is included for Platinum+ members:
It’s not a lot of choice, and the eggs benedict I ordered is under par.
The level of service at Grande Bretagne is very high, and almost every member of staff I encountered during my stay was very warm and friendly. Especially the ones at breakfast, who’d bring me to a table with view without me asking and proactively attend to my needs. My friend joining me in breakfast from the King George said it’s not nearly as good over there.
My 4pm late checkout request was taken care of without a problem. Although the room’s design is not my cup of tea, the overall experience was pretty positive and you could come for a coffee (and the view) if not staying.
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