The Tess Debuts in Atlanta’s Buckhead With Nils Bergmann as General Manager
Atlanta’s newest Autograph Collection hotel channels a modern muse of Southern hospitality under seasoned hotelier Nils Bergmann.
Photo: Courtesy of The Tess
Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood has a new boutique player joining its skyline. The Tess, now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and Peregrine Hospitality’s Boutique & Lifestyle Collection, opened this month under the leadership of Nils Bergmann, a veteran of W Hotels, Kimpton, and Hilton’s Curio Collection.
The 201-room hotel aims to bridge Atlanta’s evolving sense of Southern hospitality with the city’s growing appetite for design-driven, lifestyle-led stays. Set along Buckhead’s tree-lined streets near high-end shopping and dining, The Tess blends modern polish with a local point of view—what the brand calls the spirit of “Tess,” its imagined muse. Interiors pair marble, leather, and brass with a soft palette of natural woods.
At the rooftop restaurant Tesserae, guests can expect inventive American fare with panoramic skyline views, alongside a cocktail-forward lobby bar that feels more like a private club than a hotel lounge. A rooftop pool, 17,000 square feet of event space, and a Peloton-equipped fitness center round out the amenities.
“With Nils at the helm, we’re confident the property will not only deliver exceptional service but also establish itself as a cultural touchpoint for the community,” said Peregrine CEO Greg Kennealey.
That sense of community is also built into the Tess Collection, a multifunctional library-meets-studio featuring curated books, vinyl, and even a podcast recording space available for guests and locals. Elsewhere, the property’s “Experience Curator” service replaces the traditional concierge desk with a more personalized, memory-driven approach.
For Bergmann, who previously led the Charter Hotel Seattle, the goal is to refine that balance of personality and polish. “My focus is to build on the momentum The Tess has already generated,” he said. “Everything we do should spark curiosity, foster authentic connection, and reflect Tess’ modern take on Southern hospitality.”
Peregrine Hospitality’s portfolio now includes more than 90 managed or supported properties worldwide.
