BACKGROUND There are two Ritz-Carlton hotels in Atlanta – one in Buckhead to the north of the city, and one downtown. Both have been open for more than 20 years and are firm fixtures on the social and business scene. The downtown property has recently emerged from an extensive US$30 million refurbishment, including all rooms and public areas.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? From the outside this is another anonymous downtown block, 25 storeys high, but once inside there is a fresh feel to the new bar and furnishings, which cleverly mix traditional antiques with more modern pieces. Shrouded crystal chandeliers glow red at night, while figured anigre lobby walls are finished in the deepest espresso stain – although whether UK visitors will approve of a Chippendale mahogany sideboard being “refinished in a hand-applied gilded platinum tone” is debatable (I didn’t).
My flight arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson airport at about 6pm and it took an hour to get to the hotel by shuttle bus, so I was impressed to be greeted by name when I stepped out. Security is good, with a key card necessary to access the floors.
WHERE IS IT? On Peachtree Street, the immensely long thoroughfare that stretches right through Atlanta from north to south.
ROOM FACILITIES The 444 rooms range from Deluxe measuring 31 sqm to the 123 sqm Ritz-Carlton suite. They are located on the fifth to 25th floors, all non-smoking, with the Club floors being 21-24. All rooms have a foyer with a marble floor, and a dark wood workdesk with built-in power and data connections. There is a “Bachelor’s chest” with a refreshment centre (glorified minibar) and coffee maker, a 37-inch flatscreen TV that you can link your gadgets to, a choice of pillows and robes, Frette bedlinen, wifi (US$10 for 24 hours), an iPod docking station, a safe, twice-daily maid service, free water and overnight shoeshine. The beds are great and the bathrooms have a marble tub, granite sink, rainshower and Bulgari amenities.
For about an extra US$70 per night, a Club Deluxe room provides you with access to the refurbished 24th-floor Club lounge, where wifi is free. It is a relaxing place to unwind (one room has a high-definition flatscreen TV and plush seating) with work stations and hardwood floors.
The two top suites (Ritz-Carlton and Presidential) are large enough to be used for hospitality with a grand piano, professional entertainment system and a butler’s pantry with separate service entry.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Atlanta Grill (open 6.30am-12am) is a superb restaurant with leather booths, dark wood, dim lighting and a bar where you could happily while away an evening working through the cocktail list or draft beers. It serves traditional fare with a twist, such as shrimp and grits, or steaks served with sides including Yukon Gold mashed potatoes or mushroom fricassee.
Just off the lobby, Lumen bar (lumen is a measure of the perceived power of light, apparently) turns blue in the evening and features shimmering silver drapes, two-metre-high settees covered in blue mohair, mirror-polished, custom-designed handspun metal tables, beaded corkscrew floor lamps, and an under-lit, onyx-topped communal table seating eight. Silk rugs with fuchsia and midnight blue detailing sit on walnut hardwood floors, while next to the bar is a striking canvas by Jen Bradley and a set of wing chairs.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES A conference centre on the third floor has seven meeting rooms, the largest of which holds 100 people theatre-style. It also has a business centre with two computers. There are further meeting rooms on the lobby level and second floor, as well as two ballrooms – the largest, on the lower level, can accommodate 700 people for a reception.
LEISURE FACILITIES A small but perfectly formed gym on the fourth floor (open 5.30am-10.30pm) has water, towels and headphones.
VERDICT It’s great to see a Ritz-Carlton in the US moving into the 21st century not only in terms of facilities but also design. Highly recommended.
Tom Otley
FACT FILE
- How many rooms? There are 444 rooms, including 22 suites.
- Room highlights Fresh design, Bulgari amenities and good high-speed wifi.
- Price Internet rates for a midweek stay in June started from US$298 for a Deluxe room.
- Contact Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, 181 Peachtree Street NE; tel +1 404 659 0400; ritzcarlton.com
