Rooted in design, fueled by artistry, and shaped by the iconic history of our 1904 building, the Granger Hotel is a celebration of organic beauty, creativity, culture, connection, and storytelling, with a nod to Granger’s unique connection to one of the building’s most iconic and wild past tenants. Zoo animals—they too stayed at Granger while awaiting their permanent homes to be prepared at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. As you move through the space, you’ll be immersed in a thoughtfully curated experience—where every texture, every piece of art, and every design element tells a story and blends decades in time to create a timeless oasis of texture, tone, and inspiration.
Each detail evokes something unique, intriguing, and deeply meaningful. A bold fusion of past and present, our interiors embrace contrast—melding rich history with contemporary expression. Luxe, one-of-a-kind materials, layered tones, and striking textures pay homage to the sultry allure of the Gaslamp Quarter. Every space is designed with intention, an invitation to experience history reimagined in an unexpected way. As the first San Diego hotel to be recognized as a Design Hotel™, the Granger Hotel proudly joins this prestigious global collection.
Design was led by Erika Baker, lead designer and the Creative Director for Oram Hotels, in collaboration with Kevin and Alvin Mansour, “The Originals.” The design vision is a testament to innovation, storytelling, and timeless artistry.
Designed to beautifully blend the charm and energy of the late 19th century with the sleek sophistication of the mid-20th century, the space marries eclectic vintage details with contemporary design. Imported handmade tiles and exotic rose-colored stones set an elegant yet playful tone, while subtle nods to the wild—like a custom ceiling mural created by the lead designer and a local muralist, featuring abstract elephant and lion motifs—add intrigue. A mix of metals, textures, patterns, and bold shapes is balanced by thought-provoking artwork. The rooms embrace a light and refreshing palette with touches of deep navy and rich espresso hues, evoking a delicate, serene, and rejuvenating feel, while the wide hallways still feature the original 120-year-old doors. In the lobby, lush surroundings and cozy nooks inspire playful curiosity and endless discovery
Architect
William Quayle
Built
1904
Style
Romanesque
A collection of 300+ independent hotels rooted in design, locality, and culture.
When you understand the past, you understand the present. The Granger Hotel stands as a testament to time as a landmark, rooted in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter since 1904. Every corner tells a story honoring the past, ever art piece speaks with intention of what was and what we invite to come – from original ceilings, to our widen and moody halls, to arched panorimic widowns in out suites, history speaks.
The Granger Building
1904
Dr. Harry Wegeforth
American physician who founded the Zoological Society of San Diego and the San Diego Zoo.
From banking halls to roaring lions to inspired stays —the Granger Hotel has lived many lives.
Built in 1904 by Ralph Granger and originally designed by architect William Quayle in all its Romanesque beauty, the building first stood as a cornerstone of San Diego’s economic boom, housing Merchant’s National Bank—a precursor to Bank of America.
By 1917, it took a wilder turn—quite literally— serving as a temporary home for tigers, bears, and monkeys as the city rallied to establish what is now the world-famous San Diego Zoo, championed by Dr. Harry Wegeforth, a devoted animal lover and plant enthusiast.
Now, in 2024, the Granger Hotel stands as an endlessly inspired oasis— a bold, playfully designed retreat in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, ready to be the backdrop of your next timeless story, with decades more history to come
A Home Base For the Modern Explorer. Fully Equipped With Everything You Need To Explore Americas Finest City
