**Design Hotels Expands U.S. Presence with New San Diego Property**
Design Hotels has unveiled a boutique property in a historic San Diego building, marking a significant step in its U.S. expansion.
The newly opened **Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter**, located in downtown San Diego, is the brand’s first property in the area. Design Hotels, a collection of nearly 300 independent hotels under the Marriott International umbrella, continues to grow its footprint across the United States.
The 96-room Granger Hotel blends the building’s original architectural features, dating back to 1904, with modern custom artworks and a mix of vintage and bespoke furniture. According to the brand, this combination creates a unique aesthetic that honors the property’s history while embracing contemporary design.
The building itself has a rich past, having previously housed the Merchant’s National Bank—an early predecessor to today’s Bank of America—and later, a local jeweler, Joseph Jessop, during the mid-1900s.
To bring the hotel’s design vision to life, operators Alvin and Kevin Mansour collaborated with Erika Baker, lead designer and creative director at Oram Hotels, a hospitality investment and management company. The team curated a collection of artwork for the property, including a vintage Philip North painting in the lobby and two custom murals created by Baker in partnership with local muralist Taylor Wilson.
“Every element of the hotel reflects the cultural nuances of the surroundings, inspired by the rich heritage of our location,” the Mansour brothers said in a statement. They added that the space is designed to “invite guests to immerse themselves in the local narrative.”
The hotel’s design incorporates elements from various eras, spanning the 1920s to the 1970s. Features include original 12-foot windows, a color palette of blush, chartreuse, and cerulean, as well as velvet and animal-print upholstery.
Guests can enjoy two on-site dining options: **5th & Lox**, a café, and **The Parlor Room**, a lobby lounge offering handcrafted cocktails.
The Granger Hotel’s opening is part of Design Hotels’ broader U.S. expansion strategy. The brand is focused on entering “inspiring new destinations that catch the attention of artists, architects, designers, and developers,” according to Ceara Sadler, senior director of brand and commercial operations for the Americas.
Sadler noted that the brand has recently gained momentum in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Over the past year, Design Hotels has signed 10 new agreements across the U.S., further solidifying its presence in the market.
With its unique blend of history, art, and modern design, The Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter is poised to become a standout destination in San Diego’s hospitality scene.
Source: hoteldive.com