It opened its doors in 1874, long before the Ritz in Paris and the Savoy in London. Over the years, its rooms, suites, and halls have hosted events that have influenced both social and political history. It is the only non-governmental building that, to this day, continues to be a residence for prominent historical figures, with a narrative that has been, is currently being, and will continue to be written. Hom Parviz is the man leading the team behind this prestigious establishment. His family fled Tehran for London in 1979 amidst the upheaval of the Iranian revolution. After a long journey across the globe, he now resides and works in Athens, where the hotel serves as a symbol of the city and the country.
My first encounter with the industry lasted 11 years. I started working part-time at the Hard Rock Cafe in London as a dishwasher, earning my first paycheck at just 17 years old. Over the years, I progressed through various positions within the company and eventually became a general manager. This was during a period of significant growth for the company, which involved frequent travels to new locations opening across Europe and America, including training sessions at the company’s center in Florida. When I became a family man, with my first wife hailing from Australia, we made the decision to move there. Naturally, my parents, just like any Greek family, were concerned about my decision to live abroad. At the same time, I received an opportunity from my uncle, who was involved in tourism-related investments in Azerbaijan. He offered me a position as F&B Director. Before we fully settled in Australia, we moved to Azerbaijan for about three years. This marked the official beginning of my career in hotels. From Azerbaijan, I ventured to Spain, then Oman, returned to Australia for five years, and finally went back to Azerbaijan as a general manager. The transformation I witnessed upon my return was astounding; a country that once had intermittent electricity and water now buzzed with rapid development across all sectors.
My journey continued through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Serbia, This cycle at Hyatt lasted 27 years. My next chapter took me to Greece, here in Athens, where I took on a new role at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.
Before you arrived in Athens, what was your image of this unique hotel?
I was familiar with the hotel because its owners are the same as those of the one in Belgrade where I had previously worked. I had visited Athens several times and always stayed here, making it exceptionally familiar to me. When I was offered the opportunity to work here, I didn`t have to think twice. On one hand, there is the hotel`s rich history and significance; on the other, there is the beautiful city of Athens that hosts it.
Is there a particular part of the hotel`s history that impresses you and that you would like to share?
One remarkable story is that of a young man left Athens in the 1800s to explore Europe. He returned with knowledge and experiences that laid the foundation for this hotel`s rich narrative. Winston Churchill`s "visit" and the intriguing story involving the explosives in the basement, along with many other events that continue to unfold even today, are all notable. It is an incredible honor for me to be part of this legacy. Much of this history is documented in our new book, recently published to commemorate our 150th anniversary.
150 years, not 10 or 20
Yes, it has been a significant year for us. It took considerable time and, of course, financial resources to create the celebration program for our guests, staff, and the city. We`ve produced publications, videos, documentaries, and festivities, all designed to showcase the many facets of this remarkable milestone in our history.
Do you have a favourite spot in the hotel?
Our new space in the atrium on the first floor is perhaps one of my favourite spots. The beauty f being indoors while still feeling connected to the outdoors is truly special. You have privacy in a a well-maintained environment with everything you need at your fingertips. Of course, I should also mention the eight floor. The view of the city and the Acropolis, combined with the inviting atmosphere and exquisite cuisine, make it a must-visit destination.
King George, another exceptional hotel with a rich history, is located right next door.
This year has been outstanding, especially with the Michelin star awarded to Tudor Hall last September and the consistently high level of service provided by our dedicated team. These achievements foster trust among our loyal clients and help elevate the hotel`s name on an international scale. As a charming boutique hotel, our guests are welcome to enjoy the amenities offered by both establishments.
In recent years, we have seen international brands enter the Greek market one after the other. Four Seasons Athens, Conrad Athens, One & Only Aesthesis, and Mandarin Oriental are justa few of the names that are already present or soon to be in the vicinity. How do you manage to maintain your position in this competitive landscape?
With 150 years of operation, we have a remarkable history; when we first opened, only our building and the parliament existed in the area. While many hotels have emerged around us since then, the historical significance of the Grande Bretagne remains unchanged. The Athenian Riviera is stunning, and the suburbs of Athens have their own character, but our location, along with everything that has happened here, coupled with our continuous vigilance, the dedication of all of the staff who have worked at the hotel over the years, and both individual and collective efforts, ensures our enduring success in providing high-quality service.
I would like a comment on the relationship between quality and price
The lawz of supply and demand always hold true. Beyond that, we are cautious. Today, airlines have skyrocketed the cost of tickets, and the rising prices of energy and raw materials—especially in terms of the quality we aim to uphold—present ongoing challenges that we monitor closely.
What is the biggest issue facing the hotel market today?
The labour market is a key concern. Today`s young professionals are eager to work but want to do so on their own terms. At the same time, there is a shortage of skilled personnel. We must remember that the professionals starting their careers today—individuals aged 22 or 23—are the future leaders of our industry. It is essential to understand their needs and find a balance. This is a complex issue that also affects the existing staff. Market growth and new arrivals are key factors that play a significant role. Since we are located in the city centre and offer specific amenities, our established reputation over time works in our favour. We must remain vigilant, as this issue will likely continue to be a priority for quite some time. If you consider that this year has been truly impressive—better than last year`s—it`s clear the extent of the effort put forth by both management and ownership.
What can we expect to see in the future?
The renovation on the 8th floor has just been completed, and work continues in various areas of the building as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the hotel in the best possible condition. This effort often goes unnoticed by guests, but it is a continuous undertaking. At the same time, in collaboration with Marriott, we are working on the next steps to create new channels and experiences. We must keep in mind that we welcome thousands of visitors daily. For example, just yesterday we served breakfast to 620 guests, with an additional 600 for lunch and dinner on the eighth floor alone, not including the winter garden, mezzanine, King George Hotel, or various events. Given these numbers, it is clear that every change, no matter how small, requires careful timing and execution
Login or register to join the conversation