One of my favorite things about exploring my city is learning about all the history and how things have changed over the years. It’s truly fascinating when you think about culture like that! Especially when there’s a building as cool as The American Hotel—this historic landmark is a perfect example of how Atlanta has grown and why the city is considered the Gem of the South.
Steeped In History
The American was downtown Atlanta’s first modern hotel when it was built in 1962. It was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a safe haven for travelers and welcoming ALL people to stay there. To add to that, the hotel has hosted some very notable guests. Do Muhammad Ali, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and Martin Luther King Jr. sound familiar?? Yup, they, among other cultural figures have stayed at The American.
Retro Vibes
But a place that old, like any, was in need of some renovations as the years went on. So the hotel underwent $16 million in renovations bringing the storied past to the present with stunning mid-century modern design and super cute nostalgic furnishings. How do I know? Well… I got to attend the lovely grand re-opening event!
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
In the revamped American, the rooms are fabulously retro and so fun. I seriously could spend hours just soaking in the nostalgic vibes! And, the attention to detail is super impressive. Posh prints and patterns play in settings defined by classic decor that accessorize the space as if they were plucked from an era gone by. I’m talkin’ vintage-style mini fridges and 60’s car-themed headboards… and don’t even get me started on the poolside bar. It’s not your typical tiki—it’s an Airstream trailer! Sooo chic! The perfect backdrop to snap an impromptu poolside pic (or ten). 😉
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
Photo credit: Tony Benner Photography
If you prefer a more covert experience, you must visit The Cloakroom Kitchen & Bar, which pays tribute to the Cold War era. But classic eats and creative cocktails aren’t the only indulgence on the menu. Guests can get a taste-of-the-times courtesy of a “red phone” that lets you “spy in” on a high-stakes conversation between Kennedy and Khrushchev. Gasp!!!
The American Hotel’s inspiring history and its newly remodeled digs make it a true gem in downtown Atlanta. I love how vintage it all feels while still being hip and different. I can’t wait to spend a weekend getting to know more about this lovely lifestyle hotel! Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got some throwback vibin’ to get back to. 😛
The newly revamped American Hotel is located at 160 Ted Turner Dr NW in downtown Atlanta, conveniently located just a hop-skip from Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Aquarium, and Philips Arena.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if you spot me lounging poolside with Mai-Tai in hand. 😉
21 Comments
I love the retro vibes going on in the American Hotel and the rich history behind it all. If walls could talk! Now, let’s talk about your shoes! I’m in love with them. I’m such a shoe person and I can’t stop gawking at those shoes. Amazing!
Hey Alli! I’m a sucker for shoes too. (hides face) Those pom pom heels are always a hit!
Learning about history is something we enjoy. Haven’t stayed at this hotel but I do know its history. Beautiful hotel .
What a fabulous hotel! I love history, so I’d enjoy staying here and learning more about the area.
Beautiful! The renovations look amazing. I love how they added a modern design but also incorporated nostalgic things too. That is an impressive list of celebrities who stayed there as well.
It looks like a pretty neat hotel. It’s got that retro feel with an updated look. It would be fun to stay there. If I ever get out that my I might check it out.
So interesting knowing the history! I travel to Atlanta often and will have to look this hotel up on my next visit.
WOW! This hotel looks beautiful. I love staying at places with a theme that carries over throughout and the retro vibe here seems to do so. We’re ATL bound in December and I am looking for a place to stay so this review is really timely.
I like the retro vibe of the hotel. It’s also nice that they still have a contemporary look mixed with the nostalgia of the hotels heritage. – Franc
Not only is the retro vibe so cool. It is amazing that they have all that history packed in there. Looks like a great place to stay.
Wow I love a good renovation. This hotel looks so nice and welcoming now. If I’m ever in this area I will be sure to check this one out.
The American sounds like a great place to stay. I love to learn the history behind the places I visit.
Wow, that is super cool. I love all the pictures on the wall and would love to visit in person.
I like every starting at hotels like this that offer the chance to stay somewhere that’s important to American history. The Cloakroom sounds cool too!
There is definitely a great throwback look to the hotel. It’s cool that they’ve committed to this style!
This looks awesome! I would love to visit and stay in a hotel like this. I love historical places and sights. Great photos too by the way,
This is a must visit hotel. I love the photographs on the wall. So much history to learn there. Loving the retro furnishing. The pink phone is so cute! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I’m in Chattanooga and always looking for new places to spend the weekend. I would love to explore this on our next trip down.
It sounds like that building must just feel interesting due to all of its history. The retro decorations look fun!
This looks like a wonderful hotel to stay in! I love the revamp – they did a wonderful job. It’s so modern and sleek! And you can’t go wrong when it comes to learning about some fun historical facts.
What a beautiful renovation of the American- I feel that with each room you enter a different era and you are on a new adventure! Do you intend on making any more stops around Atlanta to re-discover the city? If so, would love to connect and partner on a blog post!