ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived in Atlanta from Sarasota, Florida, alongside publisher and CEO Francis X. Gallagher to see clients and enjoy a couple of nights at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. Although we were checking in before noon, the staff was attentive and ready for our arrival. With a check-in process so easy, I wandered away from the lobby to take a few social media photos, then came back to retrieve my luggage before taking the elevator to the eighth floor.

GUEST QUARTERS: Tasteful and elegant, my extremely spacious room offered two different window views of Atlanta. A king-sized bed filled the space, with end tables and vertical mirrors flanking the bed. The crisp and simple design, with shades of gray, white and deep mahogany, offered a professional feel. However, the design above the bed on the headboard was slightly off-kilter, offering a bit of whimsy. The room also showcased a sleek chaise lounge, two separate chairs, an oval meeting table and a flat-screen TV.

Two full-sized closets and a separate minibar with coffee and snacks filled the hallway leading to the five- piece bathroom. Clean and classic in shades of black and white, this generously sized bathroom gave me everything I needed on a business trip and more. The two sinks, a water closet, shower and tub made me feel invited to stay longer (and I secretly wished my own home had separate amenities). The bathroom was stocked with Tuscan Soul body cream from Salvatore Ferragamo along with shampoo, conditioner and body wash from Gilchrist & Soames.

A small box of JARDi designer chocolates waited in my room, courtesy of the hotel. It offered the perfect surprise of Southern hospitality wrapped in a blue bow. Only two of the four delicious chocolates made it home with me; I enjoyed the others as a late- night snack.

PHOTO: © CARRIE COX

SERVICES/AMENITIES: In addition to my late-night chocolates, I enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Brassica Restaurant inside the hotel. I ordered egg whites, spinach, avocado and salmon for breakfast, and French onion soup paired with a beet and duck confit salad on a bed of quinoa for lunch. Beyond the food, it seemed the restaurant staff enjoyed their work as much as I enjoyed my meals. They remembered my name, and casual conversation filled our time together … another small touch that makes a memorable difference when choosing hotels for future travel.

Although it was February when I visited, I discovered the English Garden within a courtyard just outside the restaurant, serving as a nice respite for those looking for a bit more greenery in the city. In addition, Waldorf Astoria also boasts a lovely spa and large gym for travelers in search of pampering or stress relief.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead sits in an excellent location with shops, restaurants and boutiques nearby.
• Numerous suites with terraces and balconies are also available, bringing even more luxury to your trip.
• Attentive staff in all areas of the hotel make this a warm and welcoming destination.

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD
3376 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30326
tel 404 995 7500
hilton.com