Immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of downtown Macon by choosing to stay at either The Woodward Hotel or Hotel Forty Five. These two exceptional hotels offer unparalleled convenience and access to the rich culture, entertainment, and dining options that downtown has to offer. With their prime locations, you'll find yourself just steps away from historic landmarks, eclectic shops, and renowned restaurants. Whether you're here for business or leisure, staying downtown allows you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city while enjoying the comfort and amenities of these exceptional accommodations. Experience the true essence of Macon by choosing to stay downtown.
Hotel Forty Five
401 Cotton Ave
Hotel Forty Five represents a confidence and enthusiasm in downtown Macon that has not been felt in the community’s recent memory. Just ten years ago, the possibility of a hotel in the walkable core of downtown Macon would have been unfathomable. But in February 2022, Hotel Forty Five became the first, new hotel to open in downtown Macon in several decades.
Visit Macon published a market study that stated downtown Macon could absorb 1000 hotel rooms due to its vibrant nightlife, cultural amenities like theaters and art venues, and robust dining scene. IDP Properties purchased the former Willie C. Hill Annex building from Macon-Bibb County with the intent to convert the building into lofts but realized the market potential of being the first hotel in a revitalizing downtown Macon.
The 94-room boutique hotel was completed in 2022, resulting in a $39 million investment, which is the single largest investment in downtown Macon in the past 10 years. When online room reservations went live in November, 200 rooms were booked, showing the excitement around the project. Hotel Forty Five also generates substantial sales tax revenue for Macon-Bibb County. This is particularly significant because the county adopted an OLOST last year, which collects sales tax revenues for the county’s general fund. A hospitality project of this size will generate even more revenue for the county that can be used to make public improvements around the city.
The building has been beautifully restored and converted to its new use, despite being reconfigured into a wide variety of office spaces over its history. Historically known as the Bankers Insurance Building, the structure retains a high degree of architectural integrity. IDP Properties and Mainsail Lodging and Development worked with local architect Gene Dunwody, the grandson of the original architect, to incorporate the art deco elements that make the building distinct. Historic details like the golden brick exterior, original terrazzo floors on the first and second stories, marble on the first floor, and the central elevator lobby on each story have all been restored and become prominent features of this exceptional adaptive reuse project.
Today, the hotel is part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio and managed by Mainsail Lodging and Development.
The Woodward Hotel
350 2nd St
Be our guest! The Woodward Hotel is now open for business. The nine room boutique hotel was completed earlier this year just in time for NewTown Macon to host 300 downtown professionals for the Georgia Downtown Association Conference in August. Guests will find luxury rooms boasting historic architectural details and nods to Southern literature in the decor. Moonhanger Group partnered with NewTown Macon to develop this property to meet the market demand for downtown hotel rooms. Between our robust calendar of concerts at our 8 theatres and venues, 52 locally-owned restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, downtown is a desirable destination for an overnight stay. While you’re here, be sure to visit Quill around back for literature-inspired craft cocktails and take a photo of the mural featuring Pleasant Hill native and Harlem Writers Guild founder John Olliver Killens from the rooftop patio.
