After a disappointing stay at the Athens Marriott Hotel, I moved a couple of miles down famous Syngrou Avenue to spend a few nights at the Grand Hyatt Athens. Holding mid-tier status in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, I wasn’t entitled to much in the way of benefits. The only thing I was counting on for this stay was receiving double credit for each night. That was a Covid 19 promotion that Hyatt ran in 2021 that allowed members of the program to reach elite levels with half the normally required stays.

Double credit for Hyatt nights was the primary reason for choosing this hotel. Escaping the tiny ostensibly upgraded room at the Athens Marriott was secondary but important.

The stay at the Grand Hyatt turned out to be a lot better than anticipated. At check-in, I was pleasantly surprised to receive an upgrade to a junior suite. That was unexpected because World of Hyatt Explorists, my tier, are entitled to a better room than the one booked, if available, but not a suite.

The junior suite was 45 sqm (484 sf) in size and had a terrace. The room included a small sitting area that was open to the bedroom area.

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A welcome note and a gift of a large bottle of water, Tsantali ouzo, and sweets awaited on the table when I walked in. The Athens Marriott made no such gesture in spite of having higher status in the Marriott program.

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The only thing I didn’t like about the junior suite was that the TV was placed in a spot that made it awkward to view from bed. At least the 55-inch TV was displaying another welcome message when I walked in.

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The bedroom area had of space for the king size bed. Nightly turn down service was included.

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The closet contained robes and slippers.

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The minibar was well stocked. I always peruse them but only partake as a last resort.

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The marble bath featured a “rain shower” shower head and a hand-held wand. Rain showers are very popular. I like them but appreciate hand-held wands more. Illuminated shaving mirrors are also a nice touch.

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Hyatt supplied a variety of amenities to improve the bath experience.

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I didn’t have access to the lounge, but the breakfast buffet was included with the room.

I sampled a couple of restaurants in the area and recommend Jaipur Palace which is located about one block away on Syngrou Avenue.

Another nice feature is the roof-top pool with a view of the Acropolis and Athens skyline.

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Overall Impression

The Grand Hyatt Athens provided a great stay. If I’d known in advance about the lousy room I was assigned at the Marriott (in spite of having status that should have provided a full suite), I would have booked this hotel for all of the nights in Athens. The Grand Hyatt was actually cheaper than the Marriott which is unusual. Furthermore, the service at the Grand Hyatt was better, and the welcome gift and notes showed that my business was appreciated.

I have one more post – the Delphi Archeological Museum – to wrap up the trip to Greece. Thanks for visiting, and enjoy the rest of your weekend.