Everyone enjoys lovely accommodations with an added “je ne sais quoi” when they travel, right? So when people ask you for the best places to stay in Atlanta, what do you suggest? The major chains? Not anymore you don’t! Atlanta boasts an assortment of specialty venues reflecting classic Southern hospitality with modern style. These noteworthy spots present a decidedly different vibe than larger properties by going beyond the ordinary, exuding a signature charm and creating a personal experience for each of their guests. Here are our top picks:
Nestled in the heart of the Midtown arts district, this renovated 1920s Mediterranean gem enchants as a distinctive boutique hotel. Originally built as a luxury apartment building, the Artmore has now transformed beautifully into a unique destination featuring lovely guest rooms, suites and two-story extended-stay accommodations. The outdoor spaces sizzle with the fire fountain patio and exotic tented gardens. Find rates and learn more at www.artmorehotel.com.
This hotel has a storied past with several different names. Designed by famed architect William Lee Stoddart, and opened in 1913 as the Winecoff Hotel, it then became the Peachtree on Peachtree in the 1950s, and finally received a complete overhaul in 2007, updating everything while maintaining the original Beaux Arts appeal. Some of the more interesting tweaks are the customized floors — a ladies-only floor with direct spa access (screaming for girls’ weekend fun!), a fresh-air floor accommodating allergy sensitivities and a pet-friendly floor for the discerning fur baby. Access to the brand new Atlanta Streetcar makes it easy to zip around the sites. Learn more at www.ellishotel.com.
Atlanta’s first true boutique hotel, The Glenn building was constructed in 1923 on the site of former Confederate Major Hamilton Goode’s home, giving it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, The Glenn’s nostalgic exterior is juxtaposed with a contemporary interior, honoring the blend of old and new that reflects the spirit of our city. Personal hosts assigned to each guest take the customization to a higher level for that extra dash of charm. Visit www.glennhotel.com to learn more.
While technically part of the IHG chain, Hotel Indigo skips the traditional hotel mood for something a bit funky. The Atlanta location pays homage to the Fox Theatre across the street, and gets rave reviews for its service. Energetic decor twinkles as eye candy and enhances the distinctive energy of the location. Learn more at www.ihg.com/hotelindigo.
Peace inside the city can be found in a Grant Park Victorian farmhouse built in 1900 as part of a farmstead. Though the neighborhood has developed over the years, this home still showcases many of the original elements and sits on a 3/4-acre property. With four rooms and two cottages, plus goats, turkeys and hens, this unique experience may just have you rethinking city life. Visit www.thesocialgoatbandb.com to learn more.
Shellmont Inn
A B&B with an upscale boutique hotel flair, the Shellmont offers five rooms and a carriage house, all decorated with antiques and suffused with elegance. Lush gardens, opulent Victorian architecture and a graceful aesthetic give a truly romantic air to this sumptuous retreat. This is the real “set-a-spell on the veranda and sip sweet tea” type of haven. Park the car once and enjoy the inn’s proximity to some of Atlanta’s best sights. Learn more at www.shellmont.com.
Built in 1896 and kept in the original family for 100 years, Stonehurst was purchased by an architecture and history enthusiast and lovingly restored to a heightened original glamour. Extra attention paid during the renovation qualifies the construction as ecofriendly, and the gardens meet standards set by the National Park Service. Now visitors can relish the opportunity to step back in time, while still being pampered, in six rooms with gorgeous modern touches and swoon-worthy grounds. Visit www.stonehurstplace.com for more details.
Casually chic suites in Midtown and Atlantic Station locations strive to be discreet and sophisticated. Guests are referred to as residents, echoing the emphasis on providing a true home base, no matter how short or long the stay. A focus on design enhances the sleek modern edge. Visit www.twelvehotels.com.
Welcome to true downtown living! Right on the BeltLine in the energetic Inman Park neighborhood, the eclectic and industrial loft-style savvy lives up to the title … an Urban Oasis indeed. With three guest suites and an optional event space rental in a converted cotton-sorting mill building, the Urban Oasis B&B situates guests right in the heart of Krog Street’s bustle. Learn more at www.urbanoasisbnb.com.
So help Atlanta guests turn their visits into a touch of class by suggesting these smart stay options. They’ll leave feel fashionably refreshed. Bonne Nuit!
Want to know where to stay in our other SB cities? Click any link below:
- Birmingham Hotels with History
- The Best Louisville Hotels
- Memphis’ Best Boutique Hotels
- Nashville’s Best Boutique Hotels and Unique Overnight Options
- Moonshine Hill in Leiper’s Fork
