Book Presentation: The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens: An Iconic Hotel

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a new edition of Dr. Angelos F. Vlachos' book, “The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens: An Iconic Hotel”, was launched on Friday, November 1st. The event, held in the hotel’s legendary Grand Ballroom, was organized by Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. and Kerkyra Publications S.A., Economia Publishing.

First published in 2003, Dr. Vlachos' book provides a rich historical account of this "Grand Dame of Athens," tracing the hotel’s journey from its founding in 1874 to the present day. The newly updated edition, with a contemporary design and rare archival materials, offers a well-documented perspective on the evolution of Greek hospitality, told through the story of this emblematic hotel that has played a central role in the life of the capital for nearly three centuries.

The event was coordinated by journalist Apostolos Maggiriadis, who introduced an evening of remarks from distinguished guests. Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni described the hotel as a city landmark, a witness to significant events that have shaped Athens and modern Greece. Lampsa S.A. Managing Director Anastasios Homenidis expressed his appreciation for the many generations of staff who have contributed to the hotel’s legacy. Dr. Vlachos, the author, described the book as a unique hybrid of study and album, showcasing how the people, building, and business have journeyed through time, intricately woven into the fabric of society, politics, and the economy. Publisher Alexandra Vovolini of Kerkyra Publications S.A., Economia Publishing, noted that this fourth edition, available in both Greek and English, is the most comprehensive version yet, with enriched photographic content.

The panel discussion following these remarks featured Apostolos Doxiadis, former Managing Director and Vice President of LAMPSA S.A. and great-grandson of the hotel’s founder, Efstathios Lampsas, alongside Pavlos Tsimas, journalist and Lampsa S.A. board member. Tsimas, who contributed both the editorial and narration for the documentary "150 Years of Grande Bretagne: The Story Within History", shared his insights into the hotel’s enduring legacy.

The book is available in Greek and English at the GB Corner Gifts & Flavors shop in the Hotel Grande Bretagne and through Kerkyra Publications S.A., Economia Publishing.