Alvin Mansour & Kevin Mansour
Hometown Heroes

Words Allison Reiber DiLiegroImages Michal Rzepecki

Alvin and Kevin Mansour have an eye for real estate, a passion for creation, and lots of love for their hometown, San Diego. 

It didn’t take long for the Mansour brothers to rise to the top of San Diego’s commercial real estate industry. Alvin, the elder sibling, earned a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2011, and Kevin began managing one of their hotels at just 17. Today, their expanding portfolio includes hotels and businesses across San Diego, and their latest venture—the Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter—sets the bar even higher.

“We’ve always had a passion for historic buildings,” Kevin says, “and after completing our first hotel, we had our sights on transforming another of San Diego’s iconic landmarks—the Granger.” Set in a Romanesque-style early 20th-century building in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, the Granger draws inspiration from the eras and calls back to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, which was built around the same time. “It took longer to entitle Granger,” Alvin says, “but the delay gave us the opportunity to implement many priceless lessons.” 

We sat down with Kevin and Alvin to talk about their childhood in San Diego, their vision for the Granger, and their go-to spots around town.

Describe yourselves in three words.

Alvin Mansour: Bold, driven, visionary.

Kevin Mansour: Creative, grounded, enthusiastic.

What was it like to be a kid in San Diego?

KM: It was a wonderful experience. San Diego is a laid-back city with diverse cultures. It also feels like a small town with very humble people, which really shaped our sense of community.

How has the city changed over the years?

AM: San Diego has grown up and come into its own. There’s a new energy, more diversity, and a thriving culinary and cultural scene that makes it stand out. It has transformed from a hidden gem into a celebrated global destination, and people now see it for the dynamic, vibrant place it truly is.

What sparked your interest in hospitality?

AM: After being blessed by two generous parents with big hearts, being hospitable and giving back was engrained from childhood. When you combine that with an insane passion for real estate, hotels felt natural.

You’ve said that your mother was a big influence on you both. How did this show up in the hotel?

KM: Our mother is our biggest inspiration. Her warmth, attention to detail, and her belief in making people feel at home are woven into every part of the Granger Hotel experience. She’s the reason we value the power of a genuine welcome, and her influence shines through in the furnishings, the personalized service, and the overall ambiance.

What is one of your most treasured possessions?

AM: A rosary blessed by Pope Francis.

KM: A stuffed animal given to me by our mother.

Where do you see the Granger in the future?

AM: We want guests to feel like they’re discovering something truly special here. As the city evolves, we hope the hotel will grow with it.

What do you think makes San Diego so special? 

AM: San Diego has this unique blend of laid-back California charm and a touch of sophistication. The Gaslamp Quarter, especially, captures the city’s history and character. It’s always buzzing, the true heartbeat of the city, where locals and tourists come together to experience San Diego’s best in dining, nightlife, and cultural events.

How would you spend a day with friends visiting you in San Diego?

KM: We’d start the day with breakfast in Little Italy and check out the weekly farmer’s market, then head to Coronado or Encinitas for a beach day. Later, we’d grab some tacos and catch the sunset, followed by cocktails and a great dinner downtown. If the night’s still young, we’d catch some live music at one of the venues in the Gaslamp Quarter to top it off.