It’s a Destination All Its Own

By Lanier Dunn

Located in the heart of downtown Elberton, Georgia, the Samuel Elbert Hotel is amongst the most prominent and historic local landmarks.  Built-in 1925, the hotel operated for four decades until it was converted into an office building.  In 2016, the building was completely renovated and transformed into a new full-service boutique hotel.  The Samuel Elbert Hotel has a distinctly different appearance from all other buildings on the square because it was built in the non-classical Tudor Revival style.  The historic exterior has been preserved, and the interior still features the original two-toned terrazzo floors and impressive stone fireplace.  By ironic circumstances, this hotel, which was named for General Samuel Elbert, one of the heroes of the American Revolutionary War against England, was built at the height of the popularity of an English style.  And, it was a building that would have looked perfectly at home in the country from whose dominance General Elbert and his fellow revolutionaries had fought to free America.

With lovely views from almost every window, the Samuel Elbert Hotel combines the character of a historic property with the technology and conveniences of today.  The luxurious 27-room getaway accommodates meetings and events, perfect for retreats or family gatherings.  Guest rooms and suites are situated on three floors.  Each room has its own unique character and charm enhanced by the appealing city views through the original windows of 1925.  Our décor with updated design elements will give you a taste of modern downtown living inside a traditional building filled with memories of a bygone era.

The Samuel Elbert Hotel will be your gateway to all our community has to offer—explore downtown Elberton and the Elbert Theatre, take in the wonderful recreation areas of Lake Russell and Lake Hartwell, play Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course, follow the trail of historic site markers in Elbert County, visit the mysterious Georgia Guidestones, or stay with us for your game day at UGA.

Elberton is centrally located between Athens, GA and Anderson, SC, and is 110 miles east of Atlanta, 65 miles southwest of Greenville, and 80 miles northeast of Augusta.  Known as “The Granite Capital of the World,” Elberton produces more granite monuments than any other city.  Elberton is also known for attractions including granite monuments, historic homes and architecture, beautiful lakes, and the 20,000 seat Granite Bowl stadium. 

Golfing at its finest can be found 10 miles north of the Samuel Elbert Hotel at the Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course.  Designed in 2001 by Bob Walker, Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course is located at Lake Richard B. Russell.  This championship 18-hole golf course is located inside the Georgia state park, with 10 of the 18 holes skirting the shoreline.  While much of the water does not come into play, it can assure you both a challenge and some of the best views in the state.  The elevation changes, doglegs, and well-placed bunkers will demand use of every club in your bag.  Whether you come to play over summer vacation or visit us while enjoying the milder winter weather in Georgia, you will find Arrowhead Pointe to be an exceptional golfing experience.

Located nine miles north of the Elbert Hotel are the infamous and mysterious Georgia Guidestones.  A granite monument erected in 1980, the Guidestones has been described as a modern American Stonehenge.  A set of 10 guidelines is inscribed on the structure in eight modern languages, and a shorter message is inscribed at the top of the structure in four ancient language scripts:  Babylonian, Classical Greek, Sanskrit, and Egyptian hieroglyphs.  One slab stands in the center, with four arranged around it. A capstone lies on top of the five slabs, which are astronomically aligned. An additional stone tablet, which is set in the ground a short distance to the west of the structure, provides some notes on the history and purpose of the Guidestones. The designer and meaning of the Guidestones are unknown, leading to speculation and conspiracy theory.

Visit these attractions and enjoy Elberton while being a guest at the Samuel Elbert Hotel, which is one of North Georgia’s finest boutique hotels that is a destination all its own.  We are ready to make your next getaway or group function unique and memorable.  Visit us online at elberthotel.com or call 762-533-0049. 

Lanier Dunn is the city manager of Elberton.  As a lifelong resident of Elbert County, he traces his roots to several of the original settling families of the local area after the Revolutionary War. He has managed several historic building rehabilitations in downtown Elberton and works to make preservation economically viable.