Flying *A from Australia to Europe

[boomy]

The service was excellent and the CSM was always there to see if I need anything. She encouraged me to try all the Greek wines on the list tonight and I definitely don't need much encouragement to drink wine

the whites were just ok but the reds were excellent.
The food menu.

Smoked Chicken Breast Salad.

Veal and Eggplant Ragout was very nice!

Some traditional Greek sweats, yum!

 

[boomy]

After landing shuttles where waiting to take us to the terminal. The 1st shuttle was dedicated to J pax which meant I had it all for myself, I felt like a VIP
All the advantage of arriving first to the terminal was gone when my bag came out almost last.
At that point I was just grateful to get it considering it traveled all the way from SYD, including a long stopover in CDG (well known for luggage thefts).
I was worried when I saw that my original lock has been cut off and replaced with a different one (which my key could open) but I was soon relieved when I saw that nothing inside was stolen.

 

[boomy]

I stayed at Hotel Grande Bretagne, one of Greece finest hotels and a member of SPG Luxury Collection.

It's perfectly located in the heart of the city (Syntagma square), next to Parliament House.
It's also close to Plaka neighbourhood where most of the tourist attractions are on the way to Acropolis.
This hotel was opened in 1842 and it has a lot of history, with many important people passing thorough it's doors over the years.
View of Parliament House from my room.

Can even see the change of the guards.

 

[boomy]

I felt the Platinum love when I received an upgrade to Deluxe Suite.
The hallway leading to the Suite.

The living room.

The bedroom.

The bathroom, marble everywhere!

100ml Molton Brown amenities, very nice!

 

[boomy]

Complementary bottle of sparkling wine, Ouzo, fruits, chocolates and water.

View of Parliament House at night.

View of the hotel at night.

 

[boomy]

Alexander's Bar is located on the ground floor. It features an 18th century tapestry of Alexander the Great and offers an impressive coughtail list.
There is also a Cigar lounge on the 1st floor.

I tried a local Fig and Rum coughtail.

The roof garden restaurant is on the must visit list on every itinerary, even for people who don't stay in the hotel, for it's great views of the Acropolis.

 

[get me outta here]

Aegean looks great, lovely food. Beaut ATH hotel. How long do you have there?

 

[boomy]

Aegean looks great, lovely food. Beaut ATH hotel. How long do you have there?

Yes, Aegean were surprisingly good. I didn't expect much from them.

 

[OATEK]

Yes, Aegean were surprisingly good. I didn't expect much from them.

Glad to hear your report, as I am lining up for a flight or two with Aegean on my next Euro trip.

 

[boomy]

Glad to hear your report, as I am lining up for a flight or two with Aegean on my next Euro trip.

Can't do much about the plane. It's usually A319/320/321 intra-Europe for most airlines.
As long as they do their best to provide a nice meal and good service, I'm happy.

 

[boomy]

Breakfast at the hotel before going out to the city. Good selection but somehow I always find myself eating the same things in the morning, no matter where I am in the world.

What a view to start the day with

The swimming pool.

The lobby.

 

[blackcat20]

I love the whole idea of cake for breakfast in Europe...

 

[amaroo]

That Hotel looks the goods. Will keep that one in the memory bank.....

Enjoying the TR.

 

[boomy]

Athens is a very vibrant city, it's recommended to walk down the narrow streets and alleys and enjoy the atmosphere.
Most of the important landmarks are within walking distance from each other, although it does require a fair bit of waking so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

 

[boomy]

Climbing to the Acropolis through Athens oldest neighbourhood.

 

[boomy]

The gates of Acropolis.

The majestic Parthenon.

 

[boomy]

Time to sample some Greek food
Starting with Greek Salad and fresh bread.

Saganaki and Tzatziki with Kalamata olives.

Moussaka, a Greek delicacy!

Kebabs with yogurt sauce on pita bread.

 

[boomy]

Going up to Mount Lycabettus.

Took a short ride on the Funicular.

There is a small church on the top.

 

[boomy]

The First Olympic stadium - made of marble.


VIP seating.

It's all started here.

 

[JessicaTam]

Brilliant TR boomy. And fabulous photographs.

You have whetted my appetite for my TG F flight later this year.