Discover Captivating Art at These Premier Southern Hotels

Among the numerous hotels today striving to become attractions in their own right, few excel like the Kessler Collection. This trailblazing hospitality brand has mastered the art of crafting properties as enchanting as the cities they inhabit, blending opulence with cultural depth. Art has always been integral to the Kessler Collection, particularly at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, and Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville.

Founded by Richard Kessler in 1984, the Kessler Collection is famous for its luxurious boutique hotels, dining venues, and retail experiences. Each location seamlessly merges art, music, gastronomy, culture, and design, showcasing Kessler’s profound passion for artistic endeavors. By intertwining these interests, the hotels in the collection offer inspiring and unforgettable experiences for every guest.

Art-inspired accommodations along the Savannah River

Immerse yourself in the allure of the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, set in a beautifully renovated power plant in charming Savannah, Georgia. The hotel embraces its industrial heritage, featuring expansive, museum-like areas decorated with historical relics and an impressive collection of artworks—paintings, murals, sculptures, and statues—from renowned artists.

Discover the historic Generator Hall, once the centerpiece of the Georgia Power Plant, where you’ll find Chromina Joule, a striking chrome dinosaur sculpted by paleopathologist David Trexler. The walls are adorned with Terry Allen’s poignant photographs of the old power plant, alongside original works by Peter Kiel, Max Pedreida, and Gene Francis. Don’t forget to visit the Gretsch Museum in the hotel’s Atlantic building, showcasing a permanent collection of music memorabilia, including 97 historic guitars, each a masterpiece in its own right.

Dine in any of the hotel’s 12 restaurants, where you’ll encounter unique artworks, including a vibrant graffiti mural by Atlanta artist Greg Mike in Graffito and an exquisite array of African art in the Baobab Lounge. Be sure to check out Lunch 11 by Surgio Funari in Turbine Café, a striking steel sculpture inspired by the iconic photo Lunch atop a Skyscraper by Charles Clyde Ebbets.

With an abundance of art, dining choices, spa amenities, and the stunning rooftop Compass Pool, you can soak in the lively atmosphere of Savannah’s premier entertainment hub, the Plant Riverside District, right from the hotel. While the property offers everything needed for an unforgettable stay, art enthusiasts should also explore the fascinating contemporary exhibitions at the nearby Savannah College of Art and Design and its acclaimed SCAD Museum of Art. Don’t miss the chance to dive into modern art at the nearby Jepson Center, enhancing your Savannah adventure.

A lively Charlotte hotel brimming with South American charm

Nestled in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, the Grand Bohemian Charlotte presents a vibrant retreat inspired by the Viennese secession art movement, blending Argentinian and European influences. Everywhere you turn, original works by international artists await.

As you enter the lobby, be captivated by the shimmering porcelain floor, perfectly complemented by a sleek stainless steel front desk. Gaze at the gold-leaf barrel vault ceiling and a mural by artist Sarah Pelfrey, depicting crystal swallows that symbolize luck and prosperity. To the left of the front desk, discover artworks by Buenos Aires artist Andrea Carreras, including a modern rendition of Lady Godiva on her horse, along with the signature bohemian horse statue by Jiang Tiefeng.

Discover more Argentinian influences at Mico Restaurant, where vibrant murals, gold-leaf columns, and bespoke chandeliers inspired by Argentina’s landscapes create a captivating ambiance. The walls are adorned with paintings by Andrea Carreras. This artistic vibe carries over to the rooftop bar, Búho, which serves a creative array of cocktails and South American-inspired tapas ideal for sharing.

The theme extends into the guest rooms—upon exiting the elevator, you’ll notice a piece by Max Pedreira adorning the corridor walls. Follow the tango dancer’s fan depicted on the custom carpet to your room, featuring leather headboards that honor the country’s heritage. The room’s drapes draw inspiration from the iron gates of Buenos Aires’s Paz Palace, while portraits by Pablo Santibanez Servat grace the nightstands.

Make sure to set aside time to explore Charlotte’s vibrant art scene, from downtown’s public art displays to masterpieces at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture.

A stylish retreat just outside Birmingham

In Birmingham, Alabama, art thrives in diverse forms, showcased by the extensive collection at the Birmingham Museum of Art, which spans various cultures and eras, alongside the impressive sculptures found in the Charles W. Ireland Sculpture Garden.

The chic Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, nestled in the lush surroundings of Mountain Brook, Alabama, just outside Birmingham, captivates with its spacious rooms adorned in warm hues of burgundy, mauve, and orange, mirroring the vibrant colors of the nearby Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The hotel offers an array of lifestyle experiences, including classes at the Habitat Cooking School led by skilled instructors and wine blending and tasting sessions. During this 90-minute experience, guests can savor light bites while sampling various wines and creating their own blends with personalized labels.

Explore the hotel’s on-site art gallery, where every piece tells a story. With a wide array of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, the gallery champions local artists and frequently updates its collection. There’s always something new to uncover at this venue.

A charming retreat in Greenville with views of a waterfall

Nestled in downtown Greenville, South Carolina, the renowned Reedy River and captivating waterfalls flow through Falls Park. Overlooking these iconic falls is the Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville. Designed to harmonize with Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge, the lodge features warm wooden elements, natural stone details, and guest rooms decorated in luxurious greens that reflect the area's natural splendor.

The property exemplifies classic American craftsman architecture, showcasing a low-pitched gabled roof, broad overhanging eaves, and artisanal stone and wood craftsmanship. It merges familiar comforts and attentive service with artistic interiors and contemporary amenities.

Explore the lodge’s extensive collection of Western and Native American art gathered from Richard Kessler’s personal collection. This collection captures the rich legacy, ancestral presence, and diverse artistic traditions of various Indigenous tribes across North America, including jewelry, baskets, blankets, and bronze sculptures. Discover the Tanner Bay Collection, which features historical artifacts unearthed in Georgia, dating back to 8,000 B.C.E.

Additionally, explore the artistry of the natural world, featuring stunning geodes and remarkable crystal formations from Brazil and Uruguay, displayed in the porch area and Greenspace Courtyard. A beautifully presented slab of petrified wood, a fossil created when wood is submerged in water or volcanic ash, graces the lobby. At the entrance, you’ll find the Wind Spirit sculpture by Jerry McKellar, which embodies the legend of the Four Winds, alongside a striking canyon landscape painting by artist Robert Harper in the main lobby.