The vibrant and always-bustling Classic City of Athens, Georgia is now home to two new boutique hotels, both of which made their debut this winter—just in time for the University of Georgia’s graduation and the upcoming fall football season. Both hotels feature keyless/contactless check-in (read: no front desk) and are the perfect size for full buyouts for weddings and other special events.
Greek Revival style meets sophisticated Southern charm at The Athenian, a beautifully restored 11-room antebellum home in downtown Athens. Each of the spacious rooms is uniquely designed and named after a Greek god or goddess. Features such as large, airy windows, tall ceilings, heart-of-pine floors, and antique fireplaces give each room its own distinct look and feel. One of the fan favorites here is Hera, which boasts rose-hued tones, botanical prints, gold hardware, and a fabulous oversized shower.
The property’s beautifully decorated lounge is a prime gathering spot. This main floor space oozes stylish comfort with interior design touches such as deep marine-hued walls, plush leather seating, and moss green accents, all anchored by floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the buzzy Athens downtown. The lunge’s self-serve bar offers a curated selection of wines, beers, and other drinks making it an inviting and sophisticated place to relax.
The back part of the house is a newer addition with a spacious communal area, including a large table, an ice machine, a coffee bar, and tasty snacks always on hand. Guests will also enjoy a nice luxury touch—a Condor (the local chocolate shop) chocolate bar in every room.
Check-in is seamless, but the hotel has only six parking spots and availability may be limited, especially on busy weekends, so plan to park across or down the street just in case.
Formerly the Southern Bell Telephone & Telegraph Exchange building, The Bell is located on West Clayton Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic property exudes charm with its warm, inviting interior design that blends contemporary elements while honoring its vintage phone company roots. Original switchboards are framed and displayed along the hallways, and several original features, such as the cast-iron stair carriage, balustrade, handrail, and steel-framed windows were carefully restored. Indeed, during the renovation, the team uncovered the building’s original design plans, created by the renowned P. Thornton Marye—famous for his work on Atlanta’s iconic Fox Theatre.
The boutique hotel offers eight unique guest rooms, an expansive four-bedroom suite, and a rooftop terrace with enviable views—perfect for guests who want to rise above the buzz, especially during a busy football weekend. The property also features a cozy lounge with a wet bar, coffee station, and a fully stocked selection of wines and beers. It’s a great place to gather before heading out or simply unwind with a book if you’re looking for a break from the downtown bustle.
Guestrooms are all individually designed with rich textures, deep color palettes, intricate patterned ceilings, architecturally striking lighting, and modern amenities. However, a downside to the hotel’s historic charm is the street noise. The windows are not double-paned, so guests may experience some noise from the lively Athens atmosphere. For a better night’s sleep, earplugs are provided by the bedside, though ideally, you’ll want to join in on the fun of this spirited college town, which stays lively well into the night.
Like The Athenian, The Bell also offers a contactless check-in/out experience via Kasa, a platform that provides smartphone room access and 24/7 virtual front desk support. While there is no traditional front desk, a staff member is available on-site during business hours to assist with any issues.
Nearby Dining and Entertainment
Although neither hotel has its own restaurant, both are within walking distance of Athens’ best dining spots. The Bell is just across the street from The Last Resort Grill, a legendary destination known for its southwestern-inspired Southern cuisine. Opened in 1966 as a music venue (with famous performers like Steve Martin and Jimmy Buffett), it has become a local favorite for its excellent menu, nightly specials, and top-notch service. The no-reservation policy is easily managed with a waitlist, and it’s just steps away. Be sure to try their famous salmon and grits, drizzled in a savory Dijon caper sauce. Creature Comforts Brewing, home of the original Tropicalia (Avenger Thor’s beer of choice), is also just down the block.