The New Bell Hotel Brings Historic Elegance to Downtown Athens

Athens, GA just got a little more stylish. The Bell Hotel, perched at 183 West Clayton Street, has officially opened its doors after a two-year transformation that turned the 108-year-old building into a boutique haven for travelers. Once home to Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Co. (Understand the name now?), this neoclassical beauty is now serving up a perfect mix of historic charm and modern luxury.

The building, which dates back to 1916, spent decades flying under the radar as a quiet commercial space after the telephone company moved out in the ’60s. But in 2022, the Foster family—Atlanta-based developer Brad Foster, philanthropist Marie Brumley Foster, and their three sons—saw its potential and took on the challenge of bringing it back to life. They teamed up with local architects, designers, and preservationists to create something truly special.

Stepping into The Bell feels like walking into a story. The design, led by Athens-based Arcollab and Atlanta’s Seiber Design, weaves the building’s historic elements with bold, mid-century modern vibes. Original architectural details—like the steel-framed windows and cast iron staircase—were carefully restored, while new additions like the rooftop terrace bring a modern touch. The terrace, by the way, isn’t just for looks. With its panoramic views of downtown Athens, it’s already set to be a go-to spot for celebrations and quiet evenings alike.

Inside, the hotel’s eight guest rooms and a sprawling four-bedroom suite each have their own personality. Rich colors, patterned ceilings, and playful accents make every space feel thoughtfully curated. The bathrooms? Let’s just say, even they didn’t skimp on the details. Custom tiles and sleek, modern fixtures make it clear this is a space where function and flair go hand in hand.

But it’s not just the rooms that stand out. The lobby, designed to feel like a parlor, is exclusive to guests and features a cozy mix of marble floors, polished wood, and playful design touches. One standout is the vintage telephone mural—a nod to the building’s original purpose. And the elevator? It’s decked out in an Andy Warhol-inspired design that feels part museum piece, part photo op.

Art plays a big role throughout the hotel. The Fosters brought in illustrator Alex Robitaille to create Jazz Age-inspired portraits for each room, giving the space a sense of storytelling that ties into Athens’ vibrant culture.

And while the building’s history takes center stage, the guest experience is thoroughly modern. Thanks to a partnership with hospitality tech company Kasa, visitors can enjoy features like contactless check-in and smartphone room access. It’s a nice balance—celebrating the past while making sure guests have all the conveniences they’d expect today.

For the Fosters, this project was personal. “We wanted to bring this building back to life in a way that honors its history but also creates something fresh and exciting for the community,” Brad Foster shared. And it shows. From the painstaking restoration work to the bold design choices, The Bell Hotel feels like a love letter to both Athens’ past and its present.

With its prime downtown location near the University of Georgia, The Bell is poised to be more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination. And whether you’re in town for a game, a show, or just to explore, it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special.

Reservations are now open, and if the buzz is any indication, this might just be the place everyone will be talking about.