After a comprehensive two-year restoration, Hotel Granada recently opened its doors in Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown district. Once the Granada Apartments, this century-old building has been beautifully transformed into a luxurious and timeless hideaway, blending Southern charm with European-inspired design with a lively courtyard, downstairs bar, lobby cafe, and more.
A Masterful Restoration with Artistic Roots
Located just steps from the city’s cultural landmarks—including Piedmont Park, SCAD Atlanta, and the Fox Theatre—Hotel Granada invites visitors to experience a unique blend of history, artistry, and modern sophistication. To start, Ken Gowland of MetroStudio led the preservation of the building’s Spanish Colonial architecture, keeping its original stucco walls and red-tiled roof. Historic elements, like the inlaid “Granada” tiles and the refurbished fountain in the courtyard, add nostalgic charm, while subtle touches honoring Atlanta’s culture appear in the hotel’s design, such as references to the Fox Theatre and the 1996 Olympic torch.
The hotel’s design was curated by Cameron Carr, who crafted an inviting, bohemian-Spanish atmosphere in the public spaces, blending terracotta tones, bespoke wooden furniture, and cozy textiles to create a warm and inviting environment.
Courtesy of Hotel Granada.
A Commitment to Local Collaboration
Developed by Monomoy Property Ventures and Scarp Ridge Capital Partners, and operated by Aparium Hotel Group, Hotel Granada reflects a collective vision to honor both the history of the building and its Midtown Atlanta location. The hotel’s opening is the culmination of years of careful planning and collaboration, ensuring that it is not only a luxury destination but also a space that welcomes both visitors and local Atlantans.
“We wanted to create a hotel that feels deeply rooted in its neighborhood, while offering something fresh and exciting for all who visit,” said Kevin Vaughan, Principal at Monomoy Property Ventures.
Artistic Collaborations and Local Talent
One of Hotel Granada’s defining features is its collaboration with SCAD, featuring an art collection curated by SCAD Art Sales, including pieces by alumni like Liz Robb, Abigail Chase Miller, and Angela Burson. Local artisans, including Katie Troisi Pottery, also contribute their craftsmanship to the hotel’s décor, with emerald catch-all bowls and Waffle House books are featured in guest rooms.
Courtesy of Hotel Granada.
A Blend of Comfort and European Elegance
Hotel Granada offers 120 uniquely designed guest rooms, each reflecting the building’s historical European character. The rooms feature plush bedding, velvet seating, and curated art pieces. Larger suites like the Oasis Studio, Piedmont, and Mosaic suites provide additional living and dining spaces, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and luxury.
In-room amenities include Grown Alchemist bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and curated beverages. Each guest’s experience is uniquely tailored, with room layouts that vary, ensuring no two stays are alike.
Dining at Pom Court: A Culinary Fusion
The hotel’s all-day dining destination, Pom Court, sits at the heart of the property, offering a mix of Southern and Spanish cuisine. Guided by shareable plates, the menu features inventive dishes like Deviled Eggs & Chicken Chicharron, Garlic Prawns, and Patatas Bravas with romesco salsa. Guests can enjoy light bites or hearty meals, such as the Tortilla Española, a Spanish-style omelet, and seasonal cobblers and cakes for dessert.
The restaurant also offers an innovative spirits program with seasonal cocktails like the Tecktonic (gin, white port, cucumber) and frozen favorites like the Pom Pom (tequila, watermelon, pomegranate, white tea). Non-alcoholic beverages, such as the Team Spirit (white tea, watermelon, pomegranate, rose water), offer other refreshing alternatives.
Courtesy of Hotel Granada.
Community-Focused Spaces and Experiences
Beyond its accommodations, Hotel Granada aims to be a hub of community engagement, hosting planned programming—from mindful meditation to floral workshops and weekend brunches. For business gatherings or special events, the hotel provides versatile meeting spaces, including a 10-person board room and a central courtyard for outdoor receptions. These spaces are designed to elevate both corporate events and personal celebrations, with customizable setups to suit a variety of occasions.
Whitewall spoke with Carr about how her interior design honored the building’s heritage and the local atmosphere, and how one found mosaic tile inspired it all.
WHITEWALL: How do you think this space speaks to Atlanta and its visitors?
CAMERON CARR: Our goal was to bring the building’s heritage to life as a Southern-ified version of itself. To pay homage to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, we incorporated local art in the rooms and lobby and added historical symbols like the 1996 Olympic torch and Fox Theatre marquee in the wallpaper by the guest rooms.
Courtesy of Hotel Granada.
May Peel, courtesy of Hotel Granada.
WW: Can you tell us a bit about your creative design practice at large? What makes a “Cameron Carr” interior?
CC: The studio’s chief concern is staying away from trends—always aiming to create spaces that are both novel and enduring. We like to make sure each project is rooted in a bulletproof concept that all design decisions can ladder up to. Considering all details big and small, with highly customized furniture and lighting, each space is able to develop a distinct personality, and an identity that’s entirely its own.
WW: How did you hope to add your unique touch to Hotel Granada?
CC: Our primary goal was to honor the uniqueness of the building’s Spanish Colonial architecture, while enhancing it in a way that felt refreshed and distinct in Atlanta’s Midtown landscape. We were able to achieve this through unique custom millwork—my favorite being the turned wood stiles incorporated in the lobby millwork—and custom furniture throughout.
WW: What was your starting point for the project? What particularly from the hotel’s past inspired the design?
CC: During the initial discovery phase, a tile mosaic was uncovered in the main entryway to the courtyard, which was a driving factor in the ultimate naming of the hotel that we’re still working to restore this mosaic back to its original glory. There’s also the refurbished central fountain in the courtyard that serves as a reminder of the hotel’s heritage. I was most excited about this because I always feel a bold sculptural feature is a key.
An Approach to Design Tranquility
WW: Inside, shades of green and blue join natural materials for a calming, Southern palette. What did you want this space to evoke or embody?
CC: I wanted the interiors to evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality. The calming greens and blues combined with natural materials create an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and feel at home from the moment they walk in.
WW: Can you tell us a bit about the special design features you added in to make this space special—like the beautiful tile floors, wicker and wooden furniture pieces, velvet benches, tassel-lined materials, and more?
CC: The rich terracotta tile floors anchor the space, while the custom wicker and wooden furniture pieces add texture and warmth. Velvet benches and tassel-lined materials provide a sense of traditional Southern style but with a bohemian flair. Each element was carefully selected to give the space a truly bespoke feel.
Courtesy of Hotel Granada.
A Favorite Space at Hotel Granada
WW: What’s your favorite space at the hotel?
CC: My favorite space is Pom Court because I love how the interplay of vibrant colors, eclectic patterns and lush greenery creates an enchanting atmosphere for guests to unwind and connect with each other. However, I also enjoyed designing May Peel, which continues the design story from Pom Court and the lobby but with a more sumptuous, moody vibe on the club level. As guests descend, they experience a deepening color palette, with dark midnight blue enveloping the space.
WW: You just starting working on a new boutique hotel and bathhouse concept in Houston, TX. What will that be like?
CC: We’re currently kicking off work on a boutique hotel and bathhouse concept in Houston. Think San Vicente in West Hollywood!
