Weekend Getaways in Georgia: Hotel Indigo Athens

November 23, 2019 - Updated

Sensibility and style meet at this avant-garde, eco-chic boutique hotel in the heart of historic Athens, Georgia. Drawing architectural inspiration from the covered bridges of the American South, Hotel Indigo Athens dominates the downtown cityscape of “The Classic City.” Using sustainable and salvaged materials sourced from around the city, such as local granite and reclaimed wood from a 100-year-old South Carolina cotton mill, Hotel Indigo opened in 2009 as one of the country’s first LEED Gold-Certified Hotels and is one of the city’s top eco-friendly hotels today.

Combining a modern Southern farmstead-style with the rich cultural history of the city, the 130 room hotel features contemporary guest accommodations, art-centric spaces, including the famous Rialto Room, where nationally acclaimed musicians regularly take the stage, and the Madison Bar & Bistro, the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails. In keeping with Athens tradition, this luxury eco-chic boutique hotel features an arts and music theme that celebrates Athens' vibrant college-town scene.

Located just minutes from the main campus of the University of Georgia, Hotel Indigo Athens is ideally based for guests visiting the university for class reunions, celebrations, homecomings and other sporting events. Commonly referred to as UGA, the University of Georgia is the State of Georgia’s flagship university and home of the ‘Georgia Bulldogs’ intercollegiate sports teams.

From friendly, welcoming service and exceptional eco-friendly initiatives, to the chic designer interiors and special little touches like the locally designed music posters on the walls, Hotel Indigo is committed to providing an exclusive, distinctive, unforgettable experience to all guests.

1.Hotel Indigo Athens Rooms & Suites

Designed by New York City’s Ellen Hanson Designs, guest rooms and suites are sophisticated spaces of contemporary charm with modern décor, beautiful artwork, state-of-the-art technology and spectacular cityscape views. Award-winning interiors boast soothing shades of seafoam and cream and feature designer décor such as detailed upholstered headboards with feature tufts and built-in side reading lights, rustic wooden ceilings and stunning photographic murals of local flora.

Modern amenities abound with spacious en suite bathrooms featuring spa showers and deluxe Aveda bath products, coffee machines with local favorite Jittery Joe’s micro-roasted coffee, daily housekeeping and recycling services and complimentary high-speed wireless Internet.

Standard guest rooms offer lovely bedrooms with two queen beds or one king bed, en suite bathrooms with glass-enclosed spa-like showers with hydromassage showerheads and luxury Aveda bath products. Rooms also feature a work desk and chair as well as large windows that offer great views of the campus and city. The hotel offers connecting/adjoining rooms for families or groups of friends.

Twenty four spacious Penthouse Guest Rooms are located on the top floor of the hotel and command stunning views of the university campus and surrounding city of Athens. Rooms are furnished with either two queen beds or one king bed and feature high ceilings, wall-to-wall windows offering breathtaking views, and luxurious en suite bathrooms with vanity mirrors and bespoke plush terry robes. A small mini bar and fridge provide complimentary beverages for guests in the Penthouse Guest Rooms.

Six well-appointed Balcony suites are ideal for guests who wish to entertain with a separate living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, dining table for four and private balcony off of either the living room or bedroom. The bedroom offers a king-size bed and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, double vanities, large mirrors and plush bespoke terry robes.

Two luxurious whirlpool Suites feature spacious and comfortable living areas with queen sleeper sofas for extra guests and a separate bedroom with either two queen beds or one king bed. Spacious en-suite bathrooms boast luxurious whirlpool tubs, separate walk-in showers with rain showerheads, double vanities and plush bespoke terry robes.

For a touch of grandeur, the hotel offers two Presidential Suites that ooze sophistication and style. With wall-to-wall windows that embrace beautiful city views, the 1,000 square foot Presidential Baby Grand Suite features a single bedroom with king-size bed, en suite bathroom with walk-in shower and whirlpool tub and an additional guest toilet. A spacious living area offers a queen sleeper sofa and romantic love seat while a dining table for four and wet bar with ice machine is ideal for entertaining.

The Presidential Billiard Suite is the hotel’s largest suite and perfect for small meetings, social gatherings and bridal events. This 2,000 square foot apartment includes a full-size gourmet kitchen, a separate bedroom with king-size bed and en suite bathroom with whirlpool tub and a living room with queen sleeper sofa for extra guests. A full bar and custom-built billiard table that converts to a dining table for four provide ample space for entertaining.

Hotel Indigo also offers seven handicap accessible rooms, including one king bed, two queen beds, suites and on the executive level. These spacious accommodations feature large en suite bathrooms with roll-in showers and chairs and easy closet access.

2.Dining at Hotel Indigo Athens

Madison Bar & Bistro is a stylish, contemporary bistro that presents a great gathering spot for cocktails, dinner and socializing. Boasting a laid-back, relaxed ambiance with handcrafted farm tables and an outdoor fire pit, Madison Bar & Bistro serves a menu of international cuisine created from locally sourced ingredients.

Open for breakfast and dinner daily, the menu features sharing platters of veggie antipasto, bruschetta and nachos, mains of pasta, pork chops, burgers and fries and crispy garden fresh salads and sweet desserts. Don’t miss trying local favorites such as Jane Bakery treats, artisanal cheeses from nearby Greendale Farms and creamy Red Mule grits. Enjoy a drink at the bar or outside next to the fire pit, with a range of microbrews by Creature Comforts and Terrapin breweries and Jittery Joe’s micro-roasted coffee on offer.

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3.Hotel Amenities & Services

The Hotel Indigo’s 5,000 square foot Rialto Club offers an ideal venue for weddings, business meetings, social events or live concerts. The Club features beautifully designed granite rotunda entrance, a fully equipped bar and wine cellar and spacious areas with comfortable leather-backed bar stools and cozy lounge seating. Advanced acoustics and state-of-the-art technology allows for presentations and speeches and experienced event planners can assist with a variety of event details. Other Services (Family Services & Kid’s Club)

Parents of students at the University of Georgia are treated like the VIPs they are at Hotel Indigo-Athens with a special VIP Parents program that includes discounts on hotel stays and accommodations throughout the year. Whether introducing new students to the university or joining them to enjoy a ‘Georgia Bulldogs’ game, parents of prospective or current students can enjoy all that the Hotel Indigo has to offer at discounted rates.

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Guests of the hotel can enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, resistance machines and a free weights section. Weddings/Reunions/Conference Facilities

Celebrating Athens' vibrant college-town and artistic scene, the hotel has a gallery and outdoor exhibition space that features local and regional artworks open to the public to enjoy.

The Gallery@HotelIndigo Athens is a unique exhibition space that features high-quality regional art across a variety of mediums on a rotational basis. Visitors and locals can enjoy a selection of curated contemporary artworks on display which are rotated on a quarterly basis and feature both local and regional artists, highlighting the best of art in Athens and northeast Georgia.

Another cultural feature of the hotel is the Glass Cube@HotelIndigo. This innovative, freestanding outdoor exhibition space features visually engaging and experimental works just outside the hotel’s main entrance.

4.Things to Do Nearby

Nestled below the Blue Ridge Mountains, the university town of Athens is a harmony of old and new, boasting picture-perfect Antebellum architecture, a Victorian-era downtown teeming with trendy shops, contemporary art and eclectic nightlife and one of the South's most progressive culinary scenes.

Well known for its relaxed blend of Southern heritage and modern entertainment, the university town of Athens offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Step back in time and explore the 16 historic districts and four house museums across the city, stroll through the beautiful State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which is only five miles from the hotel, or venture out on the town for an evening of drinking, dancing and live music with the locals.

History buffs can soak up Civil War attractions, history and heritage museums, historic homes as well as an array of tours and trails, while thrill-seekers will love the plethora of adventures and activities, such as zip-lining, tree climbing, hang gliding, skydiving, rock climbing, motorcycling and motor cross. For something less adrenaline-pumping, outdoor lovers can hike, bike and ramble the many trails, paths and scenic byways in the area.

Athens is home to Terrapin Beer Co., one of the larger craft brewers in America, and located just five minutes from the hotel. The famous brewery is open for tastings every Wednesday through Sunday and visitors can enjoy guided tours led by knowledgeable guides, sample the freshest brews and kick back to live music. Beloved Terrapin mainstays include Liquid Bliss, Golden Ale and HI-5 IPA, as well as a signature chocolate-peanut butter porter that could convert even the hardiest non-beer drinker. The brewery also hosts an array of events, like special cask nights where visitors can taste limited-release beers.

500 College Avenue, Athens, GA 3060, Phone: 877-775-1106

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