The Carlton Hotel has been a staple of downtown Atascadero since 1928. The new owners have some ideas to spruce it up, and the ground level will soon get some new additions.
Since the purchase of the hotel by Capricorn Property Group, the City of Atascadero Planning Commission has approved several changes, including converting the existing restaurant space into a market distillery. The existing café is set to become a bar/restaurant and bakery, and the existing conference space will become a speakeasy.
“In about 18 months, they should be done with their renovation, which will include anything from like a speakeasy to a distillery, a lot of new commercial space on the ground floor and a few, about nine additional rooms," said Loreli Cappel, Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development.
Some of the new rooms will be located on the ground floor. Three will be added to the second floor, taking over the existing fitness room.
“[They've been in] the hotel business for 40 years and they have a beautiful plan that they're putting together. I think it will really up the occupancy and bring more people to our downtown and be awesome for our residents as well because we're all looking for that space to gather for happy hour after work and for birthdays and celebrations, so I think they'll bring that for us,” Cappel added.
Community members we spoke with remember visiting The Carlton for special occasions.
"Back in 2006 when it was a restaurant and everything, we went there a lot and for Easter," said Kathy Hesch, Atascadero resident.
“If they can make The Carlton more of a draw and really market and advertise it and bring the people, then we're all going to benefit from it. I’m optimistic about it," said Farron Elizabeth Day, owner of Farron Elizabeth Boutique.
Day has owned and operated her boutique downtown for nine years and says she's seen business fluctuate in and out of the hotel. Having loyal customers has helped her stay afloat and she says the new changes create potential for the downtown economy and tourism.
“I would say 90% of my business is all local, which I personally love," Day commented. "All of our customers, we love our customers. But when you throw in the tourists, that's a bonus and it's great for everybody.”
"This would be a special place to celebrate and stay at and then eat here," Hesch said. "And then you have all this community downtown just to cruise around. It's fabulous. So why not?”
The new bar off of El Camino Real is expected to be open in the middle of April.
