Any new proposed hotels for atlanta (Druid Hills, Jackson: foreclosed, leasing, condo)

[mapwizard]

[ATL Golfer]

Working in the hotel industry I can say without question there is an overabundance of supply in Atlanta. You will probably not see anything worthwhile come online for some time. If it isn't out of the ground now...it isn't coming out of the ground for some time.

In the meantime, everything else will struggle to stay alive (See W Downtown which was recently foreclosed on. See Palomar which was recently seeking to severe its ties from Kimpton (if I were the owner I would go with Autograph from Marriott and tap that reservation system)).

[jsimms3]

I do believe that Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites are trying to do a combo hotel at the corner of 10th and Williams St (across from Chinese Buddha/Chevron). I have a rendering, but I am too lazy to save it as a JPEG and then post it. It looks like it will happen, but not for a year or two. There is literally a replica of this that opened in Jacksonville in 2009, but the rendering for the one here in Atlanta is actually more attractive (it's about 8-10 floors of hotel on top of 4 levels of parking, and there will be ground level storefronts).

I agree the market is overbuilt, and unfortunately I no longer work around people in the hotel investment side of RE, so I don't have any hearsay. I do hear the Loews hotel portion is doing quite well, though. Also, I recommend Pacci in the Palomar for good food prepared by a lady head chef (who is young and very nice). I've heard of the criminal elements being a problem at the W Downtown (the loud, rambunctious crowds that are similar to those at AS but with nicer clothes and cars). The St. Regis was just sold to an Orlando investor, but it's doubtful many changes will be made there.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by jsimms3

I've heard of the criminal elements being a problem at the W Downtown (the loud, rambunctious crowds that are similar to those at AS but with nicer clothes and cars).

These are hotel guests or just people hanging out there? How is that hotel doing otherwise?

[jsimms3]

Hanging out there. W Hotels are a combo business traveler hotel and lounge spot for locals. The "locals" at W Downtown seem to be of the rowdier variety, but this is only what I have heard. I do know someone in the APD who has also told me that he has had to respond to several calls there. (Rappers have performed there, etc etc...) Hotel is probably doing fine...residences still have a longer way to go than the other new condo buildings (most of which are rapid fire leasing up/selling now that they have finally reduced prices enough).

[arjay57]

Well, whatever it is let's hope they get a grip on it fast. The last thing this town needs is a reputation for more rowdiness.

[BringBackCobain]

W in Perimeter had a similar problem, which may be why it is being renovated and rebranded.

[DTL3000]

This is why we can't have nice things.

[arjay57]

Wouldn't it be great for Atlanta to be known as the the city with the sharpest, most intelligent people where you can always count on having a safe, sophisticated urban experience?

[jsimms3]

Atlanta is getting to be sophisticated, i.e. the developers of projects and places are bringing ideas back from around the world. The general population here is lagging somewhat in properly dealing with the onslaught of sudden sophistication, and there will always be a low class element ruining things for others (in most cities actually), but I believe in 5-10 years the intown residents (of all colors and backgrounds) will crowd out the criminal element travelling in from further reaches.

If one looks at the demographics in Midtown, Inman Park, Poncey-Highlands, Druid Hills, Buckhead, Mozley Park, English Ave, etc etc, you're looking at an incredibly diverse, affluent, highly educated (like 60-80% have bachelor's degrees or higher) population. It's the get rich quick schemers, hood rich, criminal rich, occasionally white trash elements that travel in and cause problems (whether it's beating up gays in Midtown of all places or robbing and assaulting residents or just being loud and obnoxious and sketchy). These people will start to not feel as welcome, I predict (and hope). They can throw their big parties and congregate in locales closer to where they live. Midtown Blue does an awesome job (and apparently Mark Toro has a working relationship with Midtown Blue through his active participation on Midtown Alliance).