Rivet House: You’re Going to Love this New Urban Retreat in Athens

A new boutique hotel with an amazing onsite restaurant and holistic spa has opened in Athens — and you’re sure to love it.

Rivet House, developed by husband-and-wife team James and Jessica Whitley, has opened its doors in the historic Southern Mill development of the Classic City.

“James and I feel lucky to call Athens home and have always loved welcoming friends here and introducing them to such a special place,” says Jessica Whitley, Rivet House Co-Founder and Creative Director. “Rivet House gives us the opportunity to extend that same hospitality to visitors in a more impactful way, while still offering something exciting to our local community through Osteria Olio and The Spa. Our hope is that everyone who walks through the doors immediately feels welcomed, inspired, and at home.”  

Bringing a refined approach to the century-old, adaptive reuse building, the design-centric hotel features 50 guest rooms and suites, alongside Osteria Olio, a neighborhood dining destination serving regionally inspired, modern Italian cuisine; and The Spa at Rivet House, offering an urban oasis through personalized treatments and holistic offerings.

Rivet House

The 50 guest rooms at Rivet House, consisting of standard king, standard queen, premier king, and king suites, feature soaring ceilings, large, light-filled windows, and exposed restored brick, striking a balance of rich and bold, yet welcoming and warm.

Thoughtful finishes throughout the rooms include fluted white oak vanities, custom furniture and mill work, and cream faux-denim drapery as a nod to the fabric once produced within its walls.  

Room rates begin at $341 per night.

Part of the Southern Mill Development just minutes from downtown Athens and The University of Georgia campus, the four-building complex was originally founded as Southern Manufacturing Company in 1902. The property was reimagined in 2018 as the Southern Mill Development, becoming one of Athens’ first adaptive reuse projects, which is now home to retail, office, and residential spaces.  

Stay Here: Rivet House

Osterio Olio

Osterio Olio, Rivet House’s onsite restaurant offers modern, Italian cuisine with a Southern perspective. Led by Chef Mark Bolchoz, the menu embraces hyperlocal and seasonal ingredients, which shine in antipasti and handmade pastas like Agnolotti di Mais and Ziti alla Vodka, alongside signature entrees such as Chicken Napoletana and a 20-oz Ribeye with Salsa “Accorto,” enjoyed a la carte or family style.

The bar program boasts an impressive wine list as well as creative cocktails and spirit-free offerings.  

Osterio Olio is an exciting addition to Athens’ dynamic culinary scene, creating a destination for locals and hotel guests, whether for an after-work aperitivo or a celebratory dinner.  

Osteria Olio is open for dinner seven days a week from 5pm-10pm Sunday-Thursday, and 5pm-11pm Friday and Saturday, the Bar is open daily at 3pm for drinks with light bites available at 4pm; reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

The Spa at Rivet House

The Spa at Rivet House offers a tranquil and calming refuge for guests embarking on a transformative journey of balance and restoration. The Spa aims to create the ultimate retreat for guests seeking a luxurious sojourn through a menu of services, personalized treatments, and holistic offerings for the face, body, and soul.  

In addition to traditional services, The Spa at Rivet House offers Light Stim LED Infrared Therapies, Cryo Want Treatment, Electrical Muscle Stimulation treatments, CBD Soothing Balms, Cupping, and Sound and Meditation Therapy. Appointments can be made HERE.

Looking for more amazing boutique hotels in the Atlanta area? Check out these 13 Most Amazing Boutique Hotels Atlanta Has To Offer.