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Aside from jazzed-up hotels, the city’s infrastructure is sparkling with a new airport, subway system and tram network. This all makes it easier to get to Hotel Grande Bretagne (www.grandebretagne.gr) in Athens’ Constitution Square. This Grande Dame, a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection, has undergone a major restoration. Its central location in this historic city means that select rooms (specifically on floors four through seven) have fabulous views; request an Acropolis Deluxe room, but specify the sixth floor to get a terrace.
All suites here have butler service. Most Grand Deluxe Suites have private balconies or terraces and must be booked via phone. Nikos Toultsinakis (Nikos.Toultsi [email protected]) is your liaison if you’re sending a VIP.
The Spa and Wellness Center is a true urban oasis; even with six treatment rooms it’s still a good idea to book ahead via Spa Manager Anne Specque ([email protected]).
The Grande Bretagne Roof Garden is buzzing in summer, so book accordingly. In the cooler months, the indoor GB Corner (a major draw for sophisticated locals) requires an advance booking of at least three weeks. Non-guests of the hotel can only dine with a prior reservation.
George Deligiannidis (0030 210 333 0889; George. Deligian
[email protected]) and Panos Christou (0030 210 333 0889; [email protected]) can customize Athens itineraries for your guests. General Manager Timothy Ananiadis (0030 210 333 0802; [email protected]) likes to be contacted if VIPs are arriving.
Just nearby, King George II (www.lhw.com) is another legendary hotel in Constitution Square which has also undergone an enormous restoration. Many of the suites at this hotel (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) are the size of an apartment. Request the Royal Penthouse Suite for those seeking a low profile, since it has its own elevator and separate entrances for staff and guests. Book this suite, as well as the Acropolis Deluxe Suite and the King George II Suite, via fax, e-mail or phone rather than GDS. Not booking a suite? For those looking for extra space, we suggest a Deluxe Room or Junior Suite, which are larger then Premier and Superior rooms.
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Because the spa has only two rooms, it’s a must to book ahead; the spa director is Angeliki Fergianaki ([email protected]). Request Erasmia Vlastaki for one of the best massages in Athens. Dine at Tudor Hall, with amazing views of the Acropolis and historic Athens. Travel agents should feel free to contact General Manager Vassilis Minadakis ([email protected]) for special concerns.
The Astir Palace Vouliagmeni (www.astir-palace.gr) is a short drive outside of the city on the “Athenian Riviera,” meaning most rooms have sea views. Three hotels make up this complex: the Arion, Nafsika and Aphrodite. Book your clients in the Arion (great for leisure guests who will enjoy its gym and brasserie) or the Nafsika (for affluent business travelers).
Suites in each are apartment-like in size and furnishings, and each has a VIP Floor. Insider secret: The resort has a private helipad, and you can also request helicopter service for your client. The airport for private jets is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. There is no spa here, but one is slated to open by next year. Contact General Manager Pavlos Zorbas if you’re sending VIPs. Visit the nearby Glufada shopping district for famous designer boutiques.
Jet setters love the Grand Resort Lagonissi (www.grandresort.gr), just 45 minutes outside of Athens. This member of The Leading Hotels of the World sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Aegean from every angle. Translation? Every room in the main building has a sea view, while all luxury bungalows, villas and suites are on the waterfront. Request the Royal Villa for your most demanding clients; it has two master bedrooms, a full kitchen and two heated pools, one inside and one outside. Another “wow:” the Dream Suite has a master bedroom with a glass retractable top for stargazing.
Elli Kotronarou manages the nine-room waterfront BluSpa. Be sure to request Julie Pafili, the most popular masseuse.This stunning resort, managed by Alexandros Koustodonits (contact him if you are sending a VIP), also has its own helipad for those flying in on their own means.
For customized Greece itineraries, contact Greece a la Carte (www.greecealacarte.gr).