NORTH HOLLYWOOD, California—After a few brand transitions and a $20 million renovation, The Garland hotel has transformed into an independent property, and is continuing the dream of the hotel’s original owners—Beverly Garland and Fillmore Crank.
“Upon opening in 1972, the property was a Howard Johnson, then turned into a Holiday Inn in 1993,” said Scott Mills, GM at The Garland. “Then in 2013, the property underwent a $20 million renovation, where it officially became The Garland, with the property-wide renovation completing in June 2015.”
The property was originally built by Crank for his wife, Garland, who was an American film and television actress, Mills said. In 2000, The North Hollywood hotel was handed down to their son, James Crank, “who’s unpretentious, sophisticated style influenced the property-wide expansion and renovation of the hotel into the true resort now known as The Garland.”
Mills served as the GM of The Holiday Inn that occupied the space before it was transformed into The Garland and helped make the transition from a branded property to an independent.
In an email Q&A, Mills talked about making the transition, naming the property and his favorite aspects of The Garland. Here’s what he had to say:
What was it like transforming the hotel into The Garland?
“The process was all consuming. We essentially tore everything down—minus the skeletons—and started over from top to bottom in all areas. We replaced franchise fees, marketing and support with a larger sales and marketing team as well as additional partners and resources to support our goals. Being independent and one of a kind truly inspired all of us and allowed us to be creative.”
“The original name was The Beverly Garland. During the branding process, we realized many guests affiliated our location to Beverly Hills due to the name. To keep the spirit and honor of Beverly Garland as we moved into a new chapter, we decided to drop Beverly and re-brand as The Garland. This would also help with location differentiation. The family came up with the new name as they also wanted our guests and patrons to understand that the hotel is different and has evolved. Beverly is still our muse and her saying, ‘It’s the personal touch that counts,’ is one of our rallying cries.”
Did the property undergo a full renovation?
“The propertywide, multiphase renovation … included updates to The Garland’s 257 guestrooms, of which 14 are suites, lobby and lobby bar, the debut of The Front Yard, the property’s unparalleled neighborhood dining concept, the addition of Beverly Park, a 4,000 square-foot outdoor garden and weddings and events venue and the refresh of Beverly Garland Theatre, a private screening room that can fit up to 130 people.”
Is the feeling of The Garland similar to what it was when it was The Beverly Garland?
“It’s an evolution and continued story from where it all started back in 1972—the relaxed and easy-going atmosphere along with the L.A./SoCal-inspired bohemian vibe continues the original vision of The Garland. We continue to strive and be a partner in the local community while continuing the dream of Fillmore Crank and Beverly Garland.”
What’s your favorite thing about the hotel?
“Everything! The team of hospitality professionals who work here daily and take care of our guests and each other—it’s one big family! Being a second generation family-owned and operated independent hotel in L.A. is a true blessing.”