A top luxury hotel in Atlanta hits 15 years.
At just around a four hour drive, Atlanta has long been a popular destination for Charlotteans for everything from a weekend away to business travel. The two cities share some things in common but there are enough differences, too, to make this feel like a true getaway.
And when it comes to needing a homebase for whatever your trip to Atlanta requires, there’s nothing quite like city’s most iconic hotel: The St. Regis in Buckhead.
THE LOCATION
Arriving at St. Regis, the first thing that stands out is the location. Buckhead is one of the most desirable areas in the city: It’s a bustling, stylish neighborhood that’s nicely walkable to a variety of luxury shopping, dining, boutique fitness, and grocery stores. St. Regis Atlanta is across the promenade from Buckhead Village, so you can step out the doors and head wherever your day takes you. I was able to quickly stop by Whole Foods to grab a few items, eat an easy, flavorful lunch across the street at Velvet Taco, and then walk to dinner later at the very charming Yeppa & Co.
THE HOTEL
Stepping inside the doors, the hotel itself manages to combine grandeur with a sense of true Southern welcome. This year, St. Regis Atlanta is celebrating 15 years while continuing to innovate for Atlanta and the surrounding regions. Its on-site restaurant, Atlas, received its first Michelin star as part of the inaugural list in Atlanta launching last fall, and The St. Regis Spa is known for incredible new wellness treatments with innovative products and offerings.
It’s also clear after spending just a bit of time there that this is a place beloved by locals – which is always I sign I use to know that I’ve ended up at the right place.
We stayed on the seventh floor of this luxury hotel in Atlanta. The level leads to a courtyard that overlooks the pool piazza. The pool, a floor below, is a really beautiful spot, and the massive fountain adds a lovely background sound.
More amenities include a well appointed fitness center, butlers, an afternoon tea service, and a champagne sabering each night at 6 p.m (something every location of St. Regis does). The rooms boast a pillow-top mattress with 300-thread-count Egyptian-cotton sheets, spacious white-marble bathrooms, all of which come with tubs, and Juliette balconies.
The Spa at The St. Regis Atlanta, another of the hotel’s biggest draws, has treatments that include sound bowl therapy and a vibrational sound massage, a Blue Diamond offering that relaunched in July, stand-out products from the likes of Sothy’s and Lola’s Apothecary and more.
FOOD & BEV
The food and beverage program is part of what truly sets St. Regis Atlanta apart – and makes it a vital part of the city. The property is home to Astor Court, located up the grand stairway and overlooking the lobby. It’s open for lunch, brunch and the afternoon tea service. It’s light, bright, and more on the casual side.
The St. Regis Bar is one of the city’s most popular nightspots, and boasts creative cocktails alongside an extensive wine list with a small food menu. We ordered the steak tartare, caesar salad, and brussel sprouts. The bar is dark, wood-paneled, and features a large mural of a phoenix. There are lots of cozy little nooks, or you can sit at the bar for a bit of livelier vibe.
The art pays homage to the story of Atlanta “rising from the ashes” as the city has burned down twice.
St. Regis also houses the Garden Room, a garden bar and fine dining experience that’s attached to the newly Michelin-starred Atlas. The Garden Room is filled with plants and features a glass roof for an immersive experience that feels entirely different from other spaces in the hotel.
Inside, Atlas is a striking space that offers five distinct areas. There’s a stunning private dining space, a walnut-paneled bar and lounge, a main dining room and a cozy library. Terrace dining outside offers you a chance to enjoy the temperate weather of Georgia.
One of the things that stood out most to me was the art: The owner, Joe Lewis, has pieces of his own collection of modern 20th-century art on display. It includes Chagall, Bacon, Picasso and Matisse, and the art rotates.
Order à la carte from the seasonal American menu or indulge in the tasting menu.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Whatever the reason is for your travels, this fully renovated luxury hotel in Atlanta provides an unforgettable level of service and attention to detail. Trust us, it’s worth a splurge – and if you’re unable to stay the night for whatever reason, we strongly recommend popping in for a drink at The Bar or a next level dining experience at Atlas.
