Hotel Granada

In a city of flashy displays of size, creativity and culture, Hotel Granada offers a chance to experience Atlanta differently. Stepping through a teal-and-terracotta mosaic that spells “Granada” at the entrance marks the transition from midtown Atlanta’s grayscale cityscape into the neighborhood's own Mediterranean getaway. It also marks the moment I lost track of where I was: the open-air eatery, decorated with a canopy of string lights, lush greenery and Spanish tiling, reminded me of weekends spent in Southern Spain. 

Juxtaposed by jagged skyscrapers on all sides, this four-story butter-colored stucco structure sparks intrigue—it’s a visual hyphen in a sea of steel and concrete. Hotel Granada—true to its name—promises something different: guests and passersby alike pause at the 100-year-old ode to Spanish-colonial architecture. Here’s what we thought of it. 

Why should you stay at Hotel Granada? 

A member of Marriott’s design hotels, this place was originally built in 1924 as an apartment complex. It boasts some of its century-old original details along with modern nods to Atlanta culture, but the restored terracotta roof and floor tiling stay true to its original construction. Inside, with historic wallpaper featuring iconic Atlanta landmarks and art from the Savannah College of Art and Design, the space guides visitors through the city's past and present. 

What are the rooms like at Hotel Granada? 

Featuring just 120 rooms, from the double-bed guestroom to the deluxe Piedmont suite, the spaces come with contemporary furnishings and modern en-suite bathrooms. Each room has a small sitting area with locally acclaimed literature: Waffle House Vistas and Peaches—two coffee table books that catalog the visual identity of Georgia—and the horseshoe-shaped property offers an intimate stay with views of its courtyard. The decor is clean and simple, with dreamy Mediterranean hues. 

What are the best things to eat and drink at the Hotel Granada? 

It’s safe to say that the main attraction of Hotel Granada is the curated culinary experiences, sewn into the property. On sunny days, Pom Court’s fusion menu is meant to be enjoyed outside, on the breezy patio that anchors this open-air dining concept. But on gloomier days, bespoke archways lead to the velvet-clad sitting area, where warm lighting inspires a completely different yet equally eclectic dining experience. Blue cornbread, seafood paella and peach cobbler are just a few of the dishes that marry Southern classics with Spanish cuisine. Recently, under new management, the restaurant’s menu has regularly changed, but they expect to continue prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, according to Samuel Thomas, the hotel manager. 

The bolded takeaway from my dinner at Pom Court is how you’ll barely remember that you’re in a hotel restaurant, and May Peel, the newly renovated Speakeasy experience, took this sentiment to the next level. Try the Midnight Stroll: an old-fashioned with coffee and banana caramelized by a blow torch was the showstopper of the night that kept me sipping despite my usual avoidance of Rum. The bar also features cocktails hand-curated by Samuel Thomas, whose passion is evident in every sip. The space is open yet moody, the perfect spot for a nightcap.

What’s the service like at the Hotel Granada? 

Interactions with hotel staff were professional and warm. At peak times, there was a steady queue for check-in and check-out, so expect a balance of Atlanta coolness and Southern Hospitality. 

What are the facilities like at the Hotel Granada? 

A simple gym with free weights is located on-site, along with the aforementioned drinking and dining experience. A dedicated conference room, best suited for small to medium-sized meetings, is tucked behind May Peel and available for booking through their website. Overnight event booking and block room pricing are also available through an online inquiry form. Travelers joined by their furry friends are enthusiastically welcomed, and after booking a pet-friendly stay, guests are greeted with dog treats and a pet bed on arrival. Reception is prepared with a list of pet-friendly activities to enjoy around the city upon request. 

What’s the area like around Hotel Granada? 

Nestled in Midtown, a neighborhood known for its proximity to some of Atlanta’s most artsy attractions, the property is walking distance to a handful of restaurants, bars and an assortment of museums. The High Museum of Art, the Museum of Design and Atlanta Symphony Hall, to name a few. Located on the MARTA red and gold lines, guests are a 30-minute walk to the Fox Theatre and a 20-minute train ride from the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.

Apart from the MARTA train, public transport in Atlanta is limited, so be prepared to take a rideshare for less popular destinations not located on one of MARTA’s four main lines. The good news is that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a half-hour ride on MARTA from Hotel Granada. In fact, the location of Hotel Granada makes relying on public transport far more feasible than it is for most of the city. 

Why you should book a stay at Hotel Granada 

To see Atlanta through a different lens. It has all of the comforts of a hotel, but none of the mundanity, and while the property is not an ultra-luxury stay, nor does it advertise itself as such, it is an affordable and engaging option that challenges comfort zones, stepping beyond the traditional skyscraper hotel. 

DETAILS 

Address: 1302 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 

Price per night: starting at approximately $164 USD per night 

Closest transport: The Arts Center Marta Station is a 2-minute walk away. 

Book now: via Booking.com 

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