The Georgian Hotel: History, Ownership & Dining Ties

The art deco facade at 1415 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica has greeted travellers since 1933, but The Georgian Hotel is more than a single landmark: the name also appears on properties in Vancouver and Atlanta, each with its own story. This article separates verified fact from rumour across those locations, drawing on official property records, preservation group documentation, and local journalism to trace the hotel’s history, ownership changes, and cultural cachet.

Last checked: 2026-09-23

Name: The Georgian Hotel (Santa Monica), Georgian Court Hotel (Vancouver) · Location: Santa Monica, CA, USA and Vancouver, BC, Canada · Established: 1933 (Santa Monica) · Style: Art Deco, boutique luxury · Notable For: Historic landmark, celebrity associations, ocean views

What is the history of The Georgian Hotel?

Origins in Santa Monica

Hotelier Rosamond Borde commissioned architect M. Eugene Durfee to design the building at 1415 Ocean Avenue. The Santa Monica Conservancy records a construction date of 1931 and a public opening in 1933 — a distinction noted by both preservation documents and the hotel’s own historical account (Santa Monica Conservancy; The Georgian Hotel). During Prohibition, a basement speakeasy reportedly operated on the premises, according to Santa Monica landmark materials (Santa Monica Landmarks).

In the 1930s the hotel drew Hollywood figures such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Charlie Chaplin — names repeated in the hotel’s own history section (The Georgian Hotel). During World War II it housed workers from the nearby Douglas Aircraft Company, and in later decades it was converted into apartments and even a retirement home before being returned to hotel use (The Points Guy; The World of Interiors).

Art Deco architecture

The eight-story building is described by the Santa Monica Conservancy as combining Art Deco elements with other period influences. After BLVD Hospitality acquired the property in 2020, the design firm Fettle led a restoration that InsideHook called “Havana-inspired Art Deco.” The project began construction in March 2022 and was completed in 2023, according to owner Jon Blanchard (Santa Monica Daily Press).

“I’d been trying to acquire this particular hotel for about 13 years.”

— Jon Blanchard, owner/manager, to Santa Monica Daily Press

Does The Georgian Hotel have a MICHELIN star?

The Georgian’s restaurant profile

No evidence of a MICHELIN star exists in the sources reviewed. The hotel’s official site does not claim one, and no restaurant associated with the Santa Monica property or the Vancouver property appears in the MICHELIN Guide as of June 2025. The Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver does contain a restaurant — confirmed by the hotel’s official site — but it has not been awarded a star. What this means: readers searching for a star should look to dedicated fine-dining venues in each city rather than the hotel properties themselves.

Who owns the Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver?

Ownership and management

The Georgian Court Hotel in Vancouver (not to be confused with the Santa Monica property) appears to be independently owned. Publicly available records do not name a specific owner entity. The hotel’s official website lists it as a boutique property, and it houses a restaurant called “The Georgian Court’s restaurant” — but ownership details are not disclosed. The pattern: unlike the Santa Monica property which became part of a global brand, the Vancouver location remains a stand-alone operation with less public ownership information.

What are the best hotels in Vancouver compared to The Georgian?

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is owned by Fairmont (part of Accor), a major global chain. It opened in 1939 and is a historic railway hotel. Compared to the Georgian Court Hotel (which opened in 1976), the Fairmont is older and significantly larger. Official site.

Wedgewood Hotel

The Wedgewood Hotel is independently owned and operated, similar to the Georgian Court. It is located in downtown Vancouver and is known for its European-style luxury. Unlike the Georgian Court, the Wedgewood has a MICHELIN-starred restaurant (Bacchus). The trade-off: the Georgian Court offers a more subdued, business-oriented experience, while the Wedgewood leans toward fine dining and romance.

What is the oldest hotel in Vancouver?

Historic hotels in Vancouver

The title of oldest continuously operating hotel in Vancouver belongs to the Hotel Vancouver (opened 1887, later rebuilt as the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver in 1939). The Georgian Court Hotel opened in 1976, making it a relatively newer property. Other historic contenders include the Manor Hotel (1913) and the Blue Horizon Hotel (1962). The catch: the Georgian Court is one of the older boutique hotels in the city, but it is not among the oldest overall.

“The Georgian has been part of the Santa Monica shoreline since 1933, carrying the glamour of California’s Golden Age into a new chapter.”

— Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Unbound Collection listing