The Hyatt Centric Buckhead hotel may be a new building, but the design team took inspiration from local traditions you may not be aware of. The exterior of the hotel, designed by Cooper Carry, fits in with the other modern glass buildings that comprise the Buckhead skyline, but the 15 story hotel stands alone on the side of GA400 by Lenox Mall. The hotel’s location would certainly be an interesting home-base for exploring the Buckhead area. PATH400 runs alongside the hotel, allowing easy access to MARTA and Buckhead’s tech corridor. A walk across the Gordon C. Bynum pedestrian bridge offers easy connection to Peachtree Park and the beautiful section of PATH400 near Lindbergh.
Georgia’s Pottery Tradition
Director of Sales and Marketing, Yajaira Torres gave me a tour of the new Hyatt Centric, and explained the origins of the hotel’s interior design. New York-based Sawer & Company designed the hotel interiors, guest rooms, and meeting spaces. Sawyer took inspiration from Georgia’s pottery tradition for the interior spaces. The Buckhead area was home to one of Georgia’s “Jug towns” in the 1800’s. Artisans used the local clay to create stoneware for personal use and for sale. Ms Torres explained, “There were lots of pottery artists, and they like to be considered artisans just like blacksmiths. They felt that their work was just as essential as [a blacksmith’s].”
You can see the pottery influence in the shapes, colors, and textures throughout the hotel. The unique front dest looks like a glazed clay pot, and it’s backed by a wall of decorative terra cotta bricks. The design cues are not always so obvious. The designers also employ subtle patterns and earth tones throughout the hotel that invoke pottery motifs and clay.
Top Chef Times Two
The Hyatt Centric Buckhead’s restaurants were both conceived by Chef Hugh Acheson. Chef Acheson is a James Beard award winner who is well known for Georgia favorite restaurants like 5&10 in Athens and Empire State South in Atlanta. The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry designed the interiors for both restaurants, and they share a similar Eastern Asian aesthetic.
Mount Royal
You will find Mount Royal next to the lobby on the ground floor. The rich colors and layered textures of wood, tile, and fabric bring to mind a Moroccan bizarre, but with a decidedly high-end vibe. The outdoor terrace seating expands the restaurant’s seating during warmer months. Ms. Torres described Mount Royal as a Montreal Steakhouse, where guests are encouraged to share a great meal. “Chef Hugh is not about the showmanship of “Chef”. He wants it to all be in the food. That tells the story, and also the vibe. So when people are happy, their tummies are happy, they’re having a good time.”
Spaceman
Spaceman is the name of Chef Hough’s rooftop restaurant. The 360º views from 15 stories up are breathtaking. Guests can enjoy two outdoor terraces, with seating, TV’s to watch sports, and lawn games. The menu at Spaceman is smaller plates and tapas to share. Ms. Torres told me that Chef Hugh intends Spaceman to be the beginning of your evening. “The idea is for everyone to start here with cocktails and close a day of business. Wind down here, followed by a very good meal [downstairs at Mount Royal]”.
The Hyatt Centric Buckhead may be designed for visitors, but there is a lot for locals to love. Ms. Torres told me that Peachtree Park residents are starting to come to the hotel to let their dog’s play on the hotel’s lawn, and the hotel is delighted about it. The ethos of a Hyatt Centric hotel is that it is centrally located and part of the community. I believe the Hyatt Centric Buckhead is off to a good start!
