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ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
word of mouth

C elebrating a milestone of historical

signif icance, the premiere of the
documentary “150 Years Hotel Grande
Bretagne: Hosting History” marked a
poignant tribute to the illustrious journey
of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens.
Directed by Thodoris Papadoulakis and
produced by Indigo View, the captivating
film commemorates the 150th anniversary
of the Hotel with a rich tapestry of
narratives and insights. The screening
took place at Pallas Theater in Athens, on
Tuesday 9 April, the day of the Hotel’s actual birthday. It was
exactly 150 years ago, on 9 April 1874, when entrepreneurs Savvas
Kentros and Efstathios Lampsas co-signed the official agreement
to jointly run the establishment.
Olga Kefalogianni, Minister of Tourism, praised Hotel Grande
Bretagne as a symbol of refined hospitality and a cornerstone of
Athens’ identity. Chloe Laskaridis, President of LAMPSA Hellenic
Hotels S.A., emphasized the hotel’s deep connection to Greece’s
history and expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort behind
the documentary.
Narrated by Pavlos Tsimas, who was also the film’s chief editor, and
featuring music composed by Minos Matsas ,the film intertwined
interviews with key personalities, such as Dr. Angelos F. Vlachos,
Author of the book “The Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens”, the
Former CEO & Former VP of LAMPSA Hellenic Hotels S.A. and
great-grandson of entrepreneur Efstathios Lampsas, Apostolos
Doxiadis, the journalist and writer Nikos Vatopoulos, Queen
Anne-Marie of Greece, Former Queen of the Hellenes Princess of
Denmark, Kostas Kostis, Professor at the Department of Economics
of the University of Athens, the Shipowner & Principal Shareholder
of LAMPSA Hellenic Hotels S.A. Athanasios Laskaridis and the
President of the Board of Directors of LAMPSA Hellenic Hotels
S.A., Chloe Laskaridis. ‘‘THE HOTEL
The premiere drew notable figures from politics, hospitality, GRANDE BRETAGNE
and the arts, culminating in a spectacular event at Hotel Grande
Bretagne featuring music, dance performances, and a gastronomic IS A CONSTANT
feast curated by Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis. OF BEAUTY AND
The documentary will soon be broadcast by the Hellenic
Broadcasting Corporation - ERT, offering audiences a deeper QUALITY.
understanding of the hotel’s enduring legacy. As part of the AN ICONIC SYMBOL
anniversary celebrations, guests staying at the hotel will have
the exclusive opportunity to watch the documentary on their OF HOSPITALITY
in-room TVs.
The creation and screening of the documentary were integral to the IN THE GREEK
hotel’s ongoing 150th-anniversary celebrations, titled “150 Years CAPITAL. AN
Hotel Grande Bretagne: Always Grand.” The event underscored
the hotel’s commitment to excellence and its role as a cultural ATHENIAN
institution. «ARK» OF HAUTE
In conclusion, the premiere of “150 Years Hotel Grande Bretagne:
A TIMELESS EMBLEM Hosting History” was a testament to the hotel’s timeless elegance PANOULIS PHOTOGRAPHY AESTHETICS.’’
Highlights from the premiere of the documentary and enduring significance in the heart of Athens. As it continues Olga Kefalogianni, A TRIBUTE TO THE HOTEL GRANDE BRETAGNE, ATHENS
“150 Years Hotel Grande Bretagne: Hosting History” with exclusive coverage to write new chapters in its storied history, Hotel Grande Bretagne President of the Board of Directors of LAMPSA Hellenic Hotels S.A., Chloe Laskaridis (middle), Shipowner & Principal Shareholder of LAMPSA
of the Hotel’s backstage operations throughout the decades. remains a beacon of hospitality, luxury, and heritage.  Minister of Tourism Hellenic Hotels S.A. Athanasios Laskaridis and Evi Lazou-Laskaridis, Chairman of the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation.

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