Samantha Hurley

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 Pie