Rejuvenated Indie Hotel Granada Taking Shape on West Peachtree
New chapter about to begin for 100-year-old Spanish Colonial building that was previously the Artmore Hotel
06/06/2024
BY BRIAN CARR
On West Peachtree Street, restoration work continues to hum along inside the 100-year-old Spanish Colonial-inspired building that will reopen its doors later this summer as a revitalized independent hotel in the heart of Midtown.
Hotel Granada is now taking reservations. Boasting 120 elegantly appointed rooms and a charming open-air courtyard restaurant serving as an all-day dining and cocktail destination, the hotel evokes the timeless elegance of a Western European retreat.
We recently met with the team for a hard-hat tour and spoke with leadership about what's in store at this historical gem in Midtown.
100 Years, 1,000 Stories to Tell
The building's distinct stucco façade and red-tiled roof represents a departure from Atlanta’s modern skyline, embracing its rich history as a longstanding fixture of the city. Originally built as the Granada Apartments, an urban retreat for Georgia socialites, Hotel Granada’s design and branding pays homage to the characters that dwelled there decades ago. Inside and out, the diligent restoration and design theme bridges old world Spanish bohemian and Southern charm.
Investment Team Bullish on Midtown
Hotel Granada is being redeveloped by Scarp Ridge Capital Partners and Monomoy Property Ventures, spearheaded by industry veterans Greg Rush and Kevin Vaughan, respectively.
"We view Atlanta as the economic engine of the Southeast," Vaughan said. "It's clear to us that the Midtown submarket is the center of gravity in Atlanta and has excellent fundamentals for hotel demand. We're looking forward to finalizing the project alongside our best-in-class design and management partners, and for Hotel Granada to play an important role in the social fabric of Atlanta for years to come.”
Vaughan expressed that restoring one of the oldest buildings in Midtown takes a lot of teamwork and problem solving. In some areas, the team took the building down to the studs and had to build it back up while carefully preserving its architectural character and history.
Inviting Courtyard Space
At the heart of Hotel Granada is its central courtyard, Pom Court, along with a signature lobby bar and restaurant that function together as an all-day dining destination. Seated under the shade of canopy-forming Crepe Myrtle trees and café umbrellas surrounding the historic Granada fountain, guests can enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning, followed by cocktails and Spanish-Southern small plates in the evening. The team also teased their plans for a toney cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes that will open sometime later in a space below the courtyard.
Aparium Hotel Group's Entry into Atlanta Market
The hotel will be managed and operated by Aparium Hotel Group, whose portfolio includes 11 hotel properties coast to coast, from Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon to Hotel Haya in Tampa, FL. Aparium will open four new properties in 2024, including Hotel Heron in Alexandria, VA, Hotel Granada in Atlanta, GA, Populus in Denver, CO and Hotel Westland in Seattle, WA.
“The unveiling of Hotel Granada marks a significant milestone for us,” says Mario Tricoci, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Aparium Hotel Group. “Hotel Granada stands as a testament to Atlanta’s enduring spirit and reflects Aparium’s commitment to creating distinctive, independent hotels within the vibrant communities we’re proud to serve.”
Fun Programming Planned for Guests and Locals
Chalyne "Chay" Steer is Hotel Granada's Director of Lifestyle. Her role at the property will center on creating unique experiences and offering a full lineup of fun things to do for people who spend time there that includes not only out-of-town visitors but also locals.
Steer is busy this summer creating local partnerships with a range of special interest groups, from run clubs and floral workshops to local experts that can put on courtyard cocktail pop-up events and live music performances at the hotel.
"This is exciting because we're making a place where locals and travelers can come together," Steer said. "Our local guests can escape to a timeless hideaway in the heart of Atlanta. What we're offering to locals is differentiated from anything else available in the city."
To stay updated on Hotel Granada’s opening, follow @hotelgranada_atlanta. For more information and to make a reservation visit granadaatlanta.com.
