We had the good fortune of connecting with Pablo Serrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pablo, how do you think about risk?
I am from Argentina. I and my family (wife and 4 years old kid) love our country but we were looking for a change, an opportunity that allowed us to improve our life quality and grow in my passion. So I was looking for an idea related to the hospitality world and was ready for a new challenge, but I never imagined the idea of ​​changing my country and emigrating to a new culture in pursuit of that opportunity. It was when I arrived at Hogansville on vacation, that I realized that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity and we decided to leave everything behind and start this new project here.

It was a very risky move because it is not easy to stay legally in the United States. So I had to do a lot of research and focus 100% on obtaining the residence permit before my stay expired. Otherwise, we had to leave the country and with it, my dreams.
Once I decided to start the project, many people, including all the lawyers I consulted, told me that it was impossible to achieve what I wanted to do. But I kept going, I had to find a way to do it.
After trying several times, I finally found the right person. This attorney took my case and had the courage to at least try. That was all I needed to motivate me, someone who believes in me. And so it was that we continued to advance in the process until I obtained the residence permit, the business license, the alcohol license, and all the necessary documents to open not one, but two businesses in the United States, The Grand Hotel and the bar inside it (The 1890 room), both from 1890.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Grand Hotel and The 1890 Room are two businesses that offer a very unique experience in south Georgia. The building was built in 1890 when the town was being started by Mr. Hogan. After many years of success, the city began to decline until the hotel closed its doors in the 90s. Since then it remained closed, although some owners have tried to re-open it, they have not been able to, so it was closed for around 30 years. Restoring the building was a process that took about 9 months, we have tried to preserve its mid-century style but also add the comfort of our days for a pleasant stay.

Our mission is to be able to provide a relaxing experience and disconnect our visitors from the routine through a trip back in time to the past.
We love to see our guests amazed by the charm of Victorian architecture and get nice feedback from them on how they enjoyed relaxing for a few hours in our bar and then heading to their room with a glass of wine to sit by the fireplace.

In a fast-paced world, we are passionate about being part of a different experience where the here and now are lived in a slower and more sensitive way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When visiting Hogansville, anyone will feel comfortable. It is a small town, but it has a very big sense of community. It is very nice to go for a run and cross some neighbors, then go for a delicious coffee at “Station Coffee” where you will be received with a big smile. On Main Street, you can visit different shops run by their owners, where you can surely find hidden gems.

At noon, the Market, inside El Grand Hotel, will delight your palate with delicious sandwiches that will make your day happier, because there you can talk with your friends that you will surely find there.

In the afternoon, I would consider going for a walk around the city visiting the historical corners and ending up playing golf at the “Drive bar”

At night, there are several options to go for dinner, from a gourmet pizza or homemade burgers to Argentine empanadas.
And finally, a must stop is to go to The 1890 Room for a drink and a delicious dessert.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, First of all, I have to thank God, I believe that He was the one who had the plan and vision of our destiny before we even imagine it. The support of my wife and son without a doubt was a propelling fuel every day to continue advancing. My family from Argentina have helped and encouraged us from a distance at all times, and last but not least, the work team here in Hogansville, PIONEER GEORGIA, have opened the doors for us and supported us in every step we took to achieve this goal.

Website: www.thegrandhotelhgvl.com / www.the1890room.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the1890room/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the1890room

Other: https://www.facebook.com/grandhotelhgvl https://www.instagram.com/grandhotelhgvl/

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