Athens’ Hotel Grande Bretagne ‘Not for Sale’, Says Owner

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Lampsa Hellenic Hotels SA, the owner of Athens’ Hotel Grande Bretagne denied this week reports in local press that the historic hotel was up for sale.

Referring to rumors that the landmark luxury hotel was to be sold to Arab interests last week, Lampsa Hellenic Hotels SA said that “information” and “assumptions” about an imminent sale were “preposterous”, particularly at this “difficult period for the country and Greek tourism during which there is no room for antics”.

The celebrated hotel in the heart of Athens reopened on July 15, after remaining closed for four months due to the Covid-19 health crisis.

In its statement, Lampsa SA underlines that the company is “neither in advanced, initial, or any negotiations with Arab or investors of other origins” for the sale of the hotel.

Lampsa adds that to the contrary, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company is “implementing investments, focusing on efforts to return to normalcy, and planning its future growth”.

The statement goes on to add that there is no thought, plan or programing for the sale of parts or the entire hotel.

In its statement, the company says it will not allow misleading or false information to tarnish the reputation of Lamspa SA, which has been present on the Greek and international business scene for a century, and is “established as one of the healthiest and most powerful companies in the country, with global recognition”.

Lampsa Hellenic Hotel SA announced that it will – should the need arise – proceed with legal action against all parties involved.

Lampsa Hellenic Hotels SA (Lampsa) is active in the establishment, operation and management of hotel complexes. Besides the Hotel Grande Bretagne which is managed by Starwood Hotels, Lampsa also owns 51 percent of shares in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Belgrade, a 70 percent stake in the Excelsior Hotel in Belgrade, and a 50 percent stake in Touristika Theretra SA, which owns the Sheraton Rhodes Resort.