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The Hotel Grande Bretagne
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Grande Bretagne. Some of you who have known me over the years may be surprised. I had to throw away most of my clothes before I checked in but I did a little shopping and I actually fit right in with the GB crowd. I know many people will think that the experience will change me but I want to assure you that I am still the same old Matt, despite the experience. OK. The Grande Bretagne, for those of you who don't know is the oldest and most elegant luxury hotel in Athens and one of the finest and most well-known in the world. A room there will cost you a several hundred bucks a night at least but if you have the money it is worth it. I didn't have the money but because the GB has such an amazing history, my friend Mike Constantinou of Greece Accommodations Direct put me up there so I could write an article about it. I don't know if the staff knew who I was or what I do but they sure treated us nice. In fact for the three days we were there I did not want to leave the hotel. And then the day we were supposed to leave we were wait-listed and our flight was full so we had to stay another night. I was very happy. I don't know if Mike was. There are other luxury hotels but they are new, modern and can be miles away from downtown. The Grande Bretagne (and our room) overlooks Syntagma Square and you can watch the changing of the Evzone guards from your balcony. We had a view of the Parthenon, tons of channels on the TV, a fridge full of booze and snacks and a room service menu about 8 pages long. Incredible breakfast buffett in the GB Corner. There is a pool on the roof with a snackbar and at night one of the best hotel bars and restaurants with a terrific view of the Acropolis and Syntagma Square. Great food. The Alexander Bar off the main lobby is a classic European John Le Carre kind of hangout. Check out the tapestry. You never know who will be standing around in the lobby when you come down in the morning. Anyone from the Prime Minister to your favorite movie star. In the basement is another swimming pool and a state-of-the-art health spa which is probably better than the one you belong to. I could go on but I need to save it for the article (don't worry Mike). If you are luxury minded this is the best. I almost forgot... the staff are terrific. Friendly, helpful, happy and personable, from the doorman to the concierge all the way to the maids and busboys and girls.
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