Downtown Athens
Hotel Indigo athensis in a pitchperfect downtown location convenient to restaurants, clubs and the University of Georgia, this Downtown University Area hotel is truly an inspiring alternative to your typical stay. Our thriving downtown neighborhood resonates with local color and sound, as does our hotel, offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine at Madison Bar and Bistro to our own art gallery featuring works by local artists. Relax in our courtyard with a distinctive cocktail from the bar, or reserve our Rialto Room for a private gathering or event. Our green hotel is LEED Gold Certified, and we’re pet-friendly, with special amenities for your furry friends.
Described as “a sensibly eco-chic boutique hotel in the heart of historic Athens,” Hotel Indigo Athens has provided the city with a luxurious and comfortable place to stay since 2009. Along with being a fantastic spot for weddings and dinner receptions, Hotel Indigo Athens captures the spirit of Athens and the professionalism of the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) all under the same roof.
Back in 2007, Rick Fine and Barry Rutherford of the Atlanta-based Rialto Property Partners had a vision to build a 165 unit condominium known as The Rialto at College in the city of Athens, Georgia. The city of Athens approved the construction, however the project was immediately discarded due to the economic downturn that occurred later that year. Quick to turn around their bad luck, Rick and Barry approached the IHG with the intent of purchasing a Hotel Indigo franchise. Successful in their endeavors, Rick and Barry gathered a team that consisted of themselves as first-time real estate developers, architects who had never designed a hotel, a construction company who had never built a hotel, and an interior design firm who had never designed a hotel. In the face of these great obstacles, the team turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones; the hotel was built under-budget in twelve month’s time and opened its doors to the public on August 29th, 2009.
We are extremely proud of the ‘new look’ that Indigo has taken on with our recent remodel. It provides a real ‘home away from home experience,’ and is welcoming to all of our guests
Barry Rutherford, Managing partner
From the day the doors opened, Hotel Indigo Athens has been the recipient of several prestigious marks and awards. At the time of completion, it was IHG’s only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Hotel among their 4,500 hotel system. Hotel Indigo also has the pride of being the only branded boutique hotel in Athens, and since its opening has won five nationally recognized building and design accolades.
Located one block away from Historic Downtown Athens and 150+ dining, shopping, and entertainment venues, Hotel Indigo offers 130 luxury guest rooms, including 10 executive suites and 2 presidential suits, one with a baby grand piano and another with a full-size billiard table. Every guest room was crafted with elegance and comfort in mind, creating “the most sophisticated and thoughtfully designed accommodations” in all of Athens. Each room comes with 12 foot ceilings and expansive windows, allowing for a very spacious room for guests of all ages. Flat screen TV’s, spa-inspired showers stocked with Aveda products, and complimentary WiFi all provide the comforts of a home away from home. Guests staying for business purposes can work worry-free with unique and designated meeting places and meeting planning services. All guests can make use of the 24-hour fitness room, and feel safe with on-site security and a dedicated parking lot with secure access. For guests needing to travel, shuttles to the Atlanta airport and local businesses can help you on your way. Hotel Indigo has also partnered with HopOn Athens to provide clean, eco-friendly rides from the hotel to Downtown Athens. On your way out, don’t forget to earn your IHG reward points for your stay!
The Gallery at Indigo is a cozy yet intimate space for a multitude of events. It’s the perfect place for bridal luncheons, corporate retreats, or small gatherings. Curated and directed by DiDi Dunphy, The Gallery displays various artwork from Athens-native artists, allowing for a creative atmosphere to flow through the room that rotates on a quarterly basis. 10-foot windows provide excellent natural lighting, and custom farm tables are sure to bring a smile to your face.
After ten years since their opening, the hotel underwent a massive and drastic transformation of its interior, as designed by Atlanta-based ai3 Design Firm. $3 million later, the hotel appears brand new with all new furnishings and art throughout the hotel. New furniture in the lobby with woodworking by Athens-native Sons of Sawdust provides a welcoming first impression along with a warm and receptive feel. Even long-time guests of Hotel Indigo may come back to a hotel they are unfamiliar with at first glance, as all of Hotel Indigo’s 130 rooms have been renovated with new beds, entertainment systems, artwork, TV’s, and other furniture. Since the remodeling and new additions, many guests that have stayed at the Hotel Indigo have commented on the new design, saying “It feels like home.” There are so many new features to discover at Hotel Indigo!
A newly constructed outdoor patio provides guests with easy access to an outside area for relaxation and socializing. A retractable awning that covers the entire area allows guests to still sit outside and enjoy themselves even when the weather may be less-than-enjoyable. A brand new firepit provides warmth and comfort on chillier nights in Athens, while brand-new outdoor furniture provides even more comfortable seating arrangements.
The Madison Bar & Bistro offers relaxation in style and is heralded as a favorite gathering spot. Whether you’re starting your day off with a great breakfast or settling in for a comfortable evening with an appetizing dinner, The Madison Bar & Bistro has much to offer. Get your day started right with a cup of Athens’s local Jittery Joe’s coffee in the morning, and enjoy the evening with the bar’s refreshing Happy Hour and some socializing. Creature Comforts, Southern Brewing Company, and Terrapin have all generously partnered with The Madison Bar & Bistro to offer fresh, locally sourced, and authentic beverages.
The DEN offers a comfortable gathering room placed apart from the rest of the main lobby. In here, you can enjoy your food from The Madison Bar & Bistro and catch up on current events or socialize with friends and family. This quaint alcove offers a great alternative if you’re looking for a more secluded spot to work.
Strong Street Provisions is your one-stop-shop for all things local to Athens. Offering a wide range of newspapers, food, and drinks from authentic shops around the Classic City, you’re sure to find something for everyone here. Don’t forget to grab a map of the City of Athens on your way out to sightsee and shop!
The final part in Hotel Indigo’s remodeling campaign, The Rialto Club is the first choice for special events in Athens, offering a 5,000-square-foot space for business meetings, social events, or live concerts. Two mounted 10x10ft screens with mounted DLP projectors and a state-of-the-art sound & lighting system will take your events to the next level of professionalism. Able to accommodate around 250 guests, a full-service bar and in-house catering options allow for dinner parties large and small to find comfort in this luxurious space. The Rialto Club is expanding their horizons in 2020, as they are excitedly looking forward to planning weekly jazz nights and live music concerts, with a strong campaign to make The Rialto Club a more public music venue.
Hotel Indigo is also a fantastic place for all things concerning weddings. Whether it’s a rehearsal dinner, wedding, or reception, you can rest easy knowing Hotel Indigo’s talented event staff will make your planning as simple as possible. With over 30 years of experience in the wedding field, you can tie the knot in style in The Rialto Room and enjoy a post-wedding brunch in The Gallery. They’ll even reserve some hotel rooms for your out-of-state guests! With 130 rooms to choose from, your guests will have a comfortable stay while enjoying this special time in your life. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming when Hotel Indigo is involved, and the event staff will work closely with you in order to plan the most perfect day for you and your family and friends. Hotel Indigo has been the venue for hundreds, if not thousands, of couples, so why not make it yours as well?
Whether you’re in Athens for a football game, a wedding, a business trip, or a sightseeing adventure, Hotel Indigo can accommodate your needs. Offering a wide range of areas to socialize, excellent food and drink, and a team of staff who are knowledgeable about the local area, Hotel Indigo can handle the planning while you get to enjoy your time in Athens. For more information, visit our website at www.indigoathens.com, or give us a call at (706)-546-0430. We hope that you’ll stay with us on your next excursion to the Classic City!
