Based in Athens, Lampsa Hellenic Hotels S.A. is one of Greece’s oldest hospitality companies, in 2021 celebrating over 100 years since its establishment. The company owns and operates a selection of high-end luxury properties in Greece and Serbia, including the iconic Grande Bretagne hotel in Athens, and is now investing in expanding its portfolio.
Chloe Laskaridis, Chair-person, Executive President Lampsa Hellenic Hotels, explains that the company was established by the Lampsa family 150 years ago but in the late 1990s, majority control of the business – then consisting only of the Grande Bretagne – was acquired by the Laskaridis family.
“The Grand Bretagne has always been a jewel and a unique property in the city of Athens, so when the previous owners decided to sell, the opportunity was a no-brainer for any Greek family that lives and does business in Greece,” she says. Under the new owners, Lampsa has extended its portfolio to the operation of three of Athens’ top 15 hotels
The company’s landmark properties in Athens include the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a historic icon located in the heart of the city, as well as the King George Hotel, situated next to the Grande Bretagne. Both are operated under Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand. Lampsa’s luxury portfolio in Athens is complemented by the Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery, operated by Accor.
In Belgrade, the company operates the Hyatt Regency Belgrade, a flagship high-end property catering to corporate and government clients, and the Excelsior Mercure, Lampsa’s only four-star property.
150 years of luxury
“The Grande Bretagne is the jewel in our crown, but we are equally proud of all of our properties. For example, the Athens Capital is one of our newest properties and a completely different product to our first two Athenian hotels, nicely complementing our offering,” says Laskaridis.
“Our focus is on the high-end city luxury hotel market,” she summarises the company’s strategy. “While for all three of the Athens properties, the US is the company’s Number One feeder market, primarily targeting leisure guests, the hotels in Belgrade welcome an international clientele that seeks suitable premises for high-end official events.”
Laskaridis emphasises that this year marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, as the Hotel Grande Bretagne commemorates one hundred and fifty years of enduring luxury and rich heritage since the Grande Bretagne first opened its doors in 1874. “Reaching 150 years of uninterrupted service is a remarkable feat for any organization and all of us, along with our associates, feel proud to be guardians and continuers of a unique heritage.”
“The hotel is an emblem of timeless elegance in Greece; it’s an Athenian landmark that has borne witness to all the major events in recent history. With 150 years of excellence, the hotel serves as the gold standard for unparalleled opulence, haute aesthetics, and impeccable Greek hospitality.”
Under the tagline “Always Grand”, the company has planned a special programme which will be enhanced with bespoke events during the year, highlighting significant points in the hotel’s history and reminding us of all the elements which make the Hotel Grande Bretagne a true landmark for Athens.
Clear differentiators
All Lampsa’s properties boast enviable locations, such as Athens’ city centre and Belgrade’s bustling hubs, ensuring high visibility and accessibility, for both leisure travellers and corporate clients.
However, Laskaridis points out that what is behind the hotels continuous popularity is the level of service. “Service is number one, an absolute must, it makes or breaks the business. You can be in the best location, but if you don’t provide the five-star service that our guests require, they won’t come back.”
She reflects that although post pandemic the hospitality sector globally has experienced a talent shortage, Lampsa has been fortunate to employ dedicated and long-tenured staff who take immense pride in their roles, and love the properties.
“Staff are key for maintaining our position as a top-end hotel operator. It is thanks to our staff that our hotels have collected numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Greece’s top employers, and for the Grande Bretagne and the King George being rates amongst the best hotels in the world.”
Collaborations with international operators like Marriott, Hyatt, and Accor also enhance operational excellence and provide access to cutting-edge sustainability practices and training protocols. “Of course we do what we can in terms of sustainability, but operating listed heritage buildings like the Grande Bretagne has some constraints. Still, we strive to integrate sustainability into our operations, from sourcing food locally to seasonal menu planning.”
Building on excellence
The company is not only dedicated to continuing the legacy of its historic properties but is also looking to expand its portfolio, with the same care spent on every detail. Within 2022 and 2024, Lampsa has made several major investments, including the acquisition of a building adjacent to the Athens Capital Hotel, now fully converted to a boutique hotel, offering 17 suite apartments ready to be opened in January 2025.
A major investment is also being made in Lampsa’s ambitious project aiming at creating the best luxury mountain resort in Greece with the revamp of the Elatos Resort on Mount Parnassos, some two-hour drive from Athens, which the company acquired in 2023.
The modernised resort will offer over 40 secluded wooden chalets scattered throughout a 25-acre forest area and a wellness centre. “This is an exciting project, turning a fantastic, beautiful property into a top-notch wellness facility to compete with some of the best Swiss and German ones,” says Laskaridis.
Last but not least, the company has recently also acquired the majority shareholding in Regency Casinos, marking the company’s diversification into the entertainment sector. The plan is to relocate Montparnasse Casino to Attica, Athens’ northern suburbs, and create the ultimate destination for hospitality and entertainment.
This multidimensional project is set to bring new life to the area, featuring a 5-star 150 room hotel, a state-of-the-art cultural events and conference hall, a casino, underground parking and stunning gardens. At 300 million euros, this is the biggest investment in Lampsa’s history.
With its bold and well-funded plans, it seems that Lampsa is set to continue its impressive history, blending heritage and modernity. The recipe for success? “The combination of unbeatable location, top service, a family dedication and best industry practices are factors that have been instrumental in ensuring that we remain successful. We love what we do. We are a family business, so we care. We are investing our own money and I think that really shines through,” Laskaridis concludes.
