Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta – Hotel Review

Asking for directions in Atlanta proper will almost without fail include Peachtree, which anchors the southern metropolis as it winds from Downtown to the northern limits of Buckhead. Both ends of Peachtree are homes to cultural attractions and corporate headquarters,  both ends of Peachtree have a distinctive skyline, and both ends of Peachtree are home to Ritz-Carlton Hotels. Being familiar with the Buckhead property, looking up from Peachtree, I had the feeling that I had arrived at my destination even before seeing the hotel’s sign.

Despite the similar bay windowed tower design, logo, and street address, the two properties are, like their neighborhoods, quite different. On the street and second levels, a dark façade and the Atlanta Grill’s well-known and gas lighted Veranda have a distinctly European flavor that continues into the lobby, which is every bit as elegant as a Ritz-Carlton’s ought to be.

I arrived on a Thursday, during Atlanta’s notorious rush hour traffic. Traveling from the south on I-75, I passed the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and entered the “Perimeter” without slowing down below the speed limit once.  Just as quickly, I was checked in and off to my room.

THE ROOM

My Executive Suite was located on the 20th of 24 floors, and had a magnificent view of the skyline, and of the neighboring Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center, the Georgia Dome, and more. The layout was very similar to the same room type at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead  with a spacious living area with a sectional sofa, large-screen television, and a full bathroom, along with a separate bedroom with a larger and even more luxurious full bathroom.

The room was bright both thanks to the excellent full-length bay windows and the LED light bulbs in every single lamp. The elegant furniture was actually comfortable, and through accents such as lamps, throws, and a pair of frosted-glass doors between the bedroom and sitting area, there was a decidedly modern feel to the property. The king-size bed was supportive, and comfortable, and provided a good night’s rest despite an ungodly 5:15 a.m. wake up time.

Both bathrooms were modern-elegant as well, with an on-vanity sink, glass walk-in shower in the bedroom area, and marble floors. The sitting room added a combination shower/tub to the typical powder room that I have seen in these kinds of rooms, which makes the suite even more versatile should one be traveling with family

ROAD WARRIOR SUPPORT

The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta caters to business travelers with its location and with typical business-traveler amenities.

The bedroom section of my executive suite (as do standard guest rooms) had an oval desk, with a padded wood chair that, while not uncomfortable, just didn’t fit me, be it that the desk was inordinately high or its oval shape was too much for my brain to process. I found the coffee table in the sitting area to be a far better fit, and would have preferred the more standard rectangular desks in the office nooks in the hotel’s Ritz-Carlton and Presidential suites.

A staffed full-service business center is available in addition to a computer center in the lobby for quick online and printing needs. Wireless internet is available throughout the hotel, at a cost of $12.95 per day.

Click here to continue to Page 2 – Dining, Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, and Meeting Rooms

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