Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker, Courtesy of Hotel Granada
More than 100 years ago, socialites are said to have congregated at the Granada Apartments in Midtown, where a Spanish-Colonial vibe provided a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. Scarp Ridge Capital Partners and the Aparium Hotel Group are reviving this feeling with the opening of Hotel Granada, a 120-room boutique hotel with an all-day restaurant, elevated cocktail lounge, and an open-air courtyard.
“This was a great opportunity to preserve a historic building in this location and really offer something different than what other hotel operators are doing in the market,” says Greg Rush, founder and managing partner of Scarp Ridge Capital Partners, the company redeveloping the space.
In the 1980s, the Granada Apartments were converted into a hotel. There, it operated under various names—mostly recently the Artmore. After a complete renovation, it will offer what Rush calls, a “Spanish Boho meets Southern charm” experience. The hotel’s storied past will be relived through careful restoration of historic elements, such as a once-hidden tile floor mosaic of the word “Granada.” Other features nod to the Mediterranean architecture, including a stucco exterior, red terracotta roof, and preserved archways. Interior designer Cameron Carr infused the space with tones of blue and green, as well as earth tones, for a calming effect, and SCAD artwork will line the walls. Expect velvet furniture coverings and hints of gold, lending to a rich aura.
“We wanted to elevate the experience. The building lent itself to a higher level of service for our guests,” Rush says.
Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker, Courtesy of Hotel Granada
The suites and rooms feature high ceilings and large windows, bringing in plenty of natural light. The original kitchens and kitchenettes were removed, creating extra space to relax. There are numerous unique floor plans, some with baths and other with standalone showers. Rooms are decorated with Spanish-influenced art from local artists. All guests have access to the new fitness center downstairs.
Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker, Courtesy of Hotel Granada
All day long, Pom Court restaurant—named for pomegranates (“granada” in Spanish)—will serve hotel guests and visitors with both indoor and courtyard seating. Led by executive chef Jaime Cubias (formerly of the Optimist) and food and beverage director Rae Doyle, it will offer coffee and pastries in the morning, brunch on weekends (coming soon), and Spanish-Southern small plates for dinner. Those who choose to dine outdoors will be shaded by giant cocktail umbrellas and crepe myrtle trees and soothed by the sound of the historic Granada fountain in the center.
Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker, Courtesy of Hotel Granada
Photo by Jason Thomas Crocker, Courtesy of Hotel Granada
When dinner wraps up, a yet-unnamed cocktail lounge opens one floor down. With a dark and moody ambiance, it will offer small bites and shared plates in an elegant atmosphere. It’s slated to open in September.
“Hotel Granada is intended to be more than a place someone spends the night,” Rush says.
