Atlanta Travel Guide

With its penchant for hosting conventions and a growing tourist trade, Atlanta stocks more than its share of lodging opportunities. Accommodations range from world class high-rise hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Because Atlanta has become such a Mecca for conventions, even the largest hotels often book solid weeks in advance, so make reservations early.

Downtown

The Atlanta Hilton & Towers, with 104,000 square feet of meeting space, is home to many of Atlanta's major conventions. Built in 1967, the nearby Hyatt Regency underwent a 35 million dollar renovation in 1996. Since then, it draws guests and non-guests to its revolving rooftop restaurant. The Marquis Marriott is perhaps the most striking of downtown's hotels. It features a 50-story atrium lobby that makes you feel like you're standing in the belly of a whale.

If you're in town for a sporting event, try the digs at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, which is connected to the Georgia Dome and the new Philips Arena.

Although it is modern in every way, the elegant marble and wood decor of the Ritz-Carlton recalls the opulence of a bygone age. For those with a smaller expense account, there's the Days Inn and the TraveLodge. For a downtown deal with a historical twist, check in at the Marriott Residence Inn, built in 1928. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn features enormous rooms and allows pets.

Midtown

A bit farther north, Midtown features almost as many hotels as downtown, but at a more relaxed pace.

The world-class Four Seasons Hotel, though less than a decade old, got a $65 million facelift in 1998. The Presidential Suite is a good choice for those in the mood to splurge. The Georgian Terrace, a venerated Atlanta landmark, opened its stately doors in 1911. For a surprisingly affordable price you can join the likes of Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, who slept here in 1939 when the Terrace hosted the cast premiere party for "Gone With the Wind." The Ansley Inn is a bed and breakfast housed in a 1907 Tudor mansion. Visit the Sheraton Colony Square, which has turned down the sheets for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton.

For somewhat lower rates, check out the enormous suites at the Marriott Residence Inn Midtown, or try the Shellmont Bed & Breakfast Lodge, which dates to 1891.

Find even better deals at the Biltmore Suites, constructed in 1924 as an apartment building by one of the Coca-Cola heirs, and host to such dignitaries as Franklin Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower.

Buckhead

There's no such thing as a cheap sleep in Buckhead, but there's also no better place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the finest of Atlanta shopping, dining, and nightlife.

In a neighborhood known for upscale hotels, none can match the luster of the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead. The wood-paneled lobby with its fireplace is a favorite place for the high-powered after-work crowd to meet, and the Dining Room is consistently rated among the city's finest restaurants.

Around the corner, the Grand Hyatt Atlanta underwent a wholesale remodeling job of its own in 1998, while the Embassy Suites offers large rooms and suites ideal for families. For those who can't bear to leave the mall, even after it closes, try the J. W. Marriott Hotel Lenox, which is connected to the exclusive Lenox Square.

For fewer frills and better deals, head for the Holiday Inn Buckhead, the Courtyard by Marriott, or the Fairfield Inn. For Buckhead's take on peace and quiet, check out the Beverly Hills Inn, built in the 1920s on a tree-lined side street.

Virginia-Highland

This largely residential neighborhood is high on charm, low on lodging, but what little there is, predictably, leans toward the quaint and charming.

Just one block off North Highland Avenue, the neighborhood's nerve center of shopping and nightlife, sits the Gaslight Inn. Built in 1913, this quiet B&B provides guests with a truly extraordinary breakfast. A bit closer to Piedmont Park, Virginia Highland Bed & Breakfast is housed in a 1920s bungalow, and features a wonderful sitting porch, flower garden and daily double-cheese omelets.

Just south of the intersection of North Highland and Ponce de Leon, you'll find the Highland Inn. Dating from 1927, this adequate lodge features 100 rooms at affordable rates.

Little Five Points

This hipster hangout draws most of its visitors from local youth and out-of-towners with a curious disposition, so you won't find much in the way of overnight hospitality. A few bed and breakfasts are maintained in nearby Inman Park, such as the King-Keith House. Restored to its 1890 glory, this gem features a wraparound porch and a full daily breakfast. If you're an antique fan, stop by Sugar Magnolia, another Inman Park favorite.

Decatur

The town square of Decatur, a few miles east of downtown Atlanta, surrounds the Dekalb County Courthouse, and is rich with boutiques and a few choice restaurants. The Holiday Inn Select sits close to the government and court offices, and houses the area's most complete convention center outside of downtown. A bit farther north, the Emory Inn rests in a very pleasant wooded environment, and is a comfortable choice if you have business at Emory University. Visitors to the University who value convenience over comfort will be happy in one of the 200 rooms at the Emory Conference Center Hotel.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 58