Earth Hour 2016: Hotel Grande Bretagne, King George Go Dark for a Brighter Future

Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George at Syntagma Square in central Athens.

By spending an hour in the dark this Saturday, March 19, the Grande Bretagne and King George hotels will join millions around the world to send a powerful message about a brighter future for the planet.

The two central hotels in Athens will turn off their lights on the occasion of Earth Hour, the global environmental awareness event created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas have stood in darkness during previous Earth Hours. Some people enjoy Earth Hour with a candle-lit dinner or a candle-lit bath, while others host large events or parties, either in darkness or with candles, to celebrate the one thing we all have in common — our planet.

“Earth Hour gives Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George the opportunity to take part in the biggest ever global event in the fight against climate change, and to demonstrate to our associates and guests just how important simple actions can be towards saving energy and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions”, said the general manager of both hotels, Tim Ananiadis.

Energy-saving measures

King George, exterior.

To underscore parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s dedication to environmental sustainability, Hotel Grande Bretagne and King George will also share other energy-saving measures during Earth Hour, March 19, at 8:30 p.m. local time: turning off exterior lighting; dimming interior lighting in all public and banqueting areas plus food & beverage outlets offering guests the opportunity to dine by candlelight while ensuring of course that the safety of its guests and associates is not jeopardized in any way. Guests will be advised of the actions being taken by the hotel with messages on their in-room TV screens and will also have the opportunity to participate, either by switching off or dimming their own in-room lights. The hotel management will also encourage its associates to support Earth Hour in their own homes.