I stayed at the most famous hotel in Athens. Its rooftop restaurant with Acropolis views can't be missed, even if you're not a guest.

• Hotel Grande Bretagne, which opened in 1874, is the oldest and most famous hotel in Athens, Greece.

• The hotel survived both World Wars and was where the modern Green government was formed.

• Its rooftop restaurant, which has a perfect view of the Acropolis, was my favorite part.

Tucked into the beating heart of Athens, with a perfect view of the Acropolis and mere steps from Greece's former royal palace, stands the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

It's a noble name with a reputation to match, attracting powerful leaders and royals from all over the world, including British kings (Charles III) and American queens (Lady Gaga).

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Marriott property, is not only the oldest hotel in the city that birthed democracy, but it's also the most famous. So when I planned a trip to Greece, I knew I had to stay there.

Could the 5-star hotel live up to its royal reputation?