ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Prior to this trip, the most time I’d ever spent in Atlanta was a layover at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Therefore, I greatly looked forward to enjoying a few days in the city while staying at the newly renovated InterContinental Atlanta Buckhead, an IHG Hotel.

As I walked in, the broken, blush marble floors immediately caught my attention, especially because they continued throughout the main entrance and even into the elevators. Legend says one of the original marble pallets was dropped upon delivery to the hotel during construction, and without enough whole slabs of marble to cover the floors, the designer opted to break it all (though still uncertain if fact or fiction). Regardless of its background, the broken marble stands in contrast to the sweet Southern elegance in the hotel lobby. Oversized floral murals in soft shades of pink and green flanked the doorway to the elevators while a stunning, custom crystal ceiling fixture added beauty and sophistication to the natural light already in the room. Everything was ready for me as I checked in to a room on the eighth floor.

GUEST QUARTERS: As I walked in, the room opened to a small hallway which led to a full bathroom with more marble. This time, golden tones of honey marble filled the floor and bathtub alcove, alongside darker trimmed wood doorframes and crown molding. The king-sized bed was centered in a separate area, along with an independent work station and modern chair facing the Atlanta skyline. A marble-top buffet housed a minibar and served as a dresser for travelers looking to unpack, with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall above the buffet.

In contrast to the lobby, my room presented more neutral tones of black, white and gray with a variety of prints and textures on the carpet and chairs. However, a single floral print on the wall, similar to the murals in the lobby, continued the soft, Southern elegance motif.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I received a full tour of the hotel from Drew Smith, director of sales and marketing, showcasing the Presidential Suite, the newly redesigned Club Lounge, outdoor salt-water pool and The Americano Restaurant. I enjoyed drinks and dinner from The Americano with the Peas and Thank You vodka cocktail and Braised Wagyu Beef Cheeks proving my favorite selections. I also ordered a chocolate tortino for dessert. When I asked the bartender to box it up so I could secretly enjoy a few final bites for breakfast the next morning, he mentioned he “accidently dropped” my half-eaten dessert (creating air quotes with his fingers as he spoke). Therefore, my to-go box contained a fresh, new, gorgeous tortino instead (every bit as good as the first). If that’s not an excellent example of pure Southern hospitality, I don’t know what is!

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Southern elegance easily blends with modern sophistication throughout the interior design of the hotel.
• Enjoy an excellent location in the heart of the Buckhead neighborhood and within walking distance of fashion boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
• The Americano serves brunch, lunch and dinner with an elevated yet approachable menu.

INTERCONTINENTAL ATLANTA BUCKHEAD, AN IHG HOTEL
3315 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30326
tel 404 946 9000
intercontinentalatlanta.com