From Hollywood Legacy to Modern Luxury: Georgian Hotel Santa Monica Flooring Project

A landmark along Santa Monica’s iconic coastline, The Georgian Hotel has always embodied timeless elegance. Its turquoise façade and Art Deco design made it a Hollywood favorite in the 1930s, and nearly a century later, the property has been reimagined for a new generation of guests. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project was central to this transformation, delivering surfaces that balance historic preservation with modern performance.

Universal Metro was entrusted with bringing the flooring vision to life — a responsibility that demanded both craftsmanship and sensitivity to the building’s historic architecture. Our team prepared substrates with ARDEX systems, installed intricate terrazzo inlays in the lobby, and coordinated large-scale tile installations in the restaurant and bar areas. In meeting rooms and corridors, we laid Tarkett carpet to enhance acoustics and comfort, while back-of-house and service zones were finished with slip-resistant Altro products to ensure safety and durability. Every detail — from the precision of patterned layouts to the seamless transitions between materials — reflected our role in translating the designers’ Art Deco vision into functional, lasting surfaces.

Restoring an Icon with Purpose

The renovation preserved the hotel’s Art Deco spirit while introducing modern hospitality standards. For the Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project, flooring became a storytelling element — linking bold, geometric design with durable solutions for heavy-use areas.

To achieve this, a curated mix of high-quality products was selected:

• ARDEX underlayment and leveling systems provided the critical foundation for all finished surfaces, ensuring smooth installation in a historic structure with uneven substrates.

• Daltile ceramic and porcelain tile brought geometric precision and durability to the restaurant, bar, and circulation areas.

• Tarkett Powerbond carpet offered acoustic comfort and style in meeting spaces and guest corridors, while handling the wear of frequent use.

• Custom terrazzo inlays were fabricated to replicate period-appropriate compass star patterns in the lobby, blending heritage with new performance standards.

• Altro slip-resistant flooring enhanced functionality in service and back-of-house zones without compromising safety.

Flooring Solutions That Elevate Every Space

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project applied these solutions strategically throughout the property:

• Lobby & Reception: Daltile hard surfaces paired with ARDEX-prepped substrates delivered crisp, durable finishes. Custom terrazzo compass stars reinforced the Art Deco aesthetic.

• Restaurant & Bar Areas: Tile and carpet transitions created lively atmospheres while withstanding heavy guest traffic.

• Meeting & Circulation Spaces: Tarkett Powerbond carpet improved acoustics and comfort while carrying Art Deco-inspired colorways.

• Service & Utility Areas: Altro slip-resistant products safeguarded staff operations with long-term resilience.

Spanish-style details were echoed in flooring palettes — muted terracottas, soft browns, and earthy tones that tied seamlessly to the stucco exteriors and arched entryways.

Meeting the Challenges of Historic Renovation

As with any landmark restoration, challenges arose:

• Substrate irregularities addressed with ARDEX solutions.

• Preservation needs, requiring careful installation around original moldings and arches.

• Complex transitions between tile, terrazzo, and carpet, demanding meticulous craftsmanship.

• Scheduling coordination across multiple trades to ensure continuity in active hotel spaces.

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project overcame each of these challenges, demonstrating the value of experience, planning, and skilled labor in high-profile hospitality work.

A Reimagined Jewel on the Coast

With its refreshed interiors, The Georgian Hotel now celebrates its Hollywood-era roots while meeting modern hospitality standards. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project is a showcase of Universal Metro’s ability to balance design heritage with functional excellence — leaving a foundation that’s as timeless as the hotel itself.