Overview
by Wendy Irvine
The Ritz-Carlton chain strolls the red carpet onto every luxury hotel list because it specializes in hotel indulgence. And the downtown Atlanta property — placed like a jewel in the middle of the hottest “kidlanta” action — is no exception. Just enter the sophisticated lobby dripping in glamour, accept the offered complimentary champagne, and exhale. A truly stunning hotel experience has begun. But, wait, what’s that – a Jelly Belly bar? Funny you should ask because, yes, it is. Jelly Bellys in peach – this being the Peach State – and vanilla flavors along with cups of cider sit in the lobby for the little (and big) guests.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta sits just a few easy walkable blocks from the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park (two rockin’ climbing structures and breathtaking fountains), the Ferris wheel, the Coca-Cola Museum, the CNN Studio Tour, and the Atlanta Children’s Museum to name a few. A stay at the Ritz-Carlton also means you’re just minutes to sports events at the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena and the Turner Field.
With 444 drop-dead-gorgeous guestrooms, including 22 suites, you’ll be smitten with your deluxe room or suite decked in pale 14-karat decor and dark chocolate furnishings. Each decadent space comes with a high definition flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, turndown service in the evening, and more. The only thing the hotel lacks is a pool, but no worries — the property is in such a premier location that kids would likely trade a pool for Centennial Olympic Park’s shooting interactive fountains that form the shape of the iconic Olympic rings.
Yes, the rings — and the Ritz — are that thrilling.
Our Editor Loves
- Hot downtown location
- Exquisite white-glove service
- Unparalleled concierge level dining
Family Amenities
- Connecting Rooms
- Family Room 5+
- Onsite Dining
- Refrigerator
Room Information
Find the Best Price for Your Stay
Every gem of a room or suite at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta boasts a marbled foyer, 400-thread count cotton linens, and terry cloth robes. Guests can expect to find a rainforest showerhead in the luxury shower, a lighted makeup mirror, and a scale. A Nespresso machine is also on hand with an abundance of pods. It wouldn't be a stay at the Ritz-Carlton without a turndown service each evening delivering a tidied up room and elegant chocolates on your pillows. Shoes need some sheen? Request the complimentary overnight shoeshine service.
Tip: The Ritz-Carlton rooms and suites come with a stocked fridge. Call the property prior to your visit and request an empty mini-fridge be sent to your room. Charge? Zero!
Also, all rooms feature a large high-definition flat-panel TV. Guests can request a DVD player, but the front desk doesn't keep a collection of DVD movies so bring your own to keep the kids occupied.
Deluxe Room (City or Interior View)
The smallest room on property is still a generous 330 square foot room, giving you the choice of one king or two queen beds. If you choose a king, you can also order a rollaway bed and a crib -- sleeping four comfortably. (A fire hazard prevents pairing a rollaway with two queen beds.) If you request two queens and a crib, you can comfortably sleep four people plus a baby.
The deluxe room's bathroom is decked in marble and features a bathtub/shower combo with a rainforest showerhead. A 37-inch high-definition flat-panel TV and a charging station is located bedside.
Executive Suite
Double the size of the Deluxe Room, the 660-square-foot Executive Suite comes with a king bed and a queen size sofa, sleeping four. A crib, a rollaway bed, and a connecting room are all available upon request.
A large luxurious master retreat-like bath sits adjacent to the bedroom with a walk-in shower and a separate tub. (Some bathrooms have a powder room instead of a separate bath.) The bedroom and living room are separated with French doors and a dining table for two to four people overlooks the dramatic city-view. Depending on your preference, a second full bath or wet bar also comes with the Executive Suite.
A 42-inch high-definition flat-panel TV beckons from the living area and a 37-inch TV sits in the bedroom.
Presidential Suite
At a thrilling 990 square feet and sprawling on floors 22 to 24 is the Presidential Suite. You'll enter this gem of a suite onto a large foyer with mahogany hardwood floors that flow into an opulent living room with a library, wet bar, and dining for six. Plenty of seating faces a 42-inch high-definition flat-panel TV. You'll also find a large executive study with a desk with built-in power and data connections.
The bedroom features a king size bed with a 37-inch high-definition flat-panel TV and iPod docking station. A crib, rollaway bed, and a connecting room are available upon request. A queen size sofa sits in the living room and can sleep two more adults. The master bath has an oversized soaking tub and a luxury walk-in shower.
Ritz-Carlton Suite
Offering a stunning 1,320 square feet, room for four adults (plus a child and a baby), a baby grand piano, and sweeping views of Atlanta from the 25th floor, this is a hotel experience for the family memory book.
The living room has a 42-inch high-definition flat-panel TV, a queen pull-out sofa, a wet bar and loads of cozy seating. You'll also find a library, a second bathroom, and an adjacent Butler's pantry with wet bar and separate service entry. The dining table is huge and has seating for eight.
The lavish bedroom features a king bed and a 37-inch, high-definition flat-panel TV and iPod docking station. A crib, rollaway bed, and a connecting room are all available upon request. The master's full marble bathroom has an oversized soaking tub and separate walk-in shower with a rainforest shower head.
Reviews
by kdm101
Literally everything was perfect from check-in to valet to club level amenities. The Club Level was in particular exceptional. Micah was amazing and the entire team went above and beyond. Cannot recommend enough.
by AHK403
I was recently on a business trip to Atlanta and I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Hotel in the downtown area. My stay was exceptional - everyone was so friendly and helpful, the room was impeccable, and I absolutely loved the decor. You can tell this hotel had so much history.
The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom was nicely decorated and appointed. I enjoyed the Asprey toiletries.
I wish to give a special thanks to Connie in the Business Center. She helped me out of a jam and I cannot say enough about her service and professionalism. If the GM is reading this, please give her a raise.
If I could give this hotel six stars, I would!
Family Activities
The fun for kids at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta sprawls super near to the property - just a few blocks outside of the hotel. Kids need to run? Walk an easy 4 blocks to the incredible Centennial Olympic Park. Need indoor fun? Walk about 6 breezy blocks to the Atlanta Children's Museum, the World of Coca-Cola Museum (super fun) and the CNN Studio Tour (for kids over 10). Inside the hotel, the kids will love the following activities:
Jelly Bellys
Upon arrival, while you're enjoying a glass of complimentary champagne, the kidlets can dig into the adorable buffet of vanilla and peach Jelly Bellys in the lobby.
Very Important Kids (VIK) at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
At the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, the little guys will receive a red carpet welcome with a complimentary Ritz Kids activity book and crayons.
Family Dining
Atlanta Grill
At Atlanta Grill, you're invited to sit a spell because you're not in Kansas any longer. The Ritz-Carlton's restaurant carries a casual name that delivers one heck of an indulgent - and delicious - experience. Fabulous weather? Ask for a veranda table so you can soak up the old-world mood with the New Orleans-style wrought-iron railings and flickering gaslight-styled lanterns. Expect charming service and a menu sparkling with grilled steaks, seafood and Southern-inspired meals. Wednesday through Saturday bop to the Jerry Lambert Trio performing jazz music from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. High chairs, booster seats, an intricate coloring page, and crayons await the little ones.
Open for breakfast, lunch, light fare in the afternoon, dinner, and dessert seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a breakfast brunch buffet on the weekends from 6:30 a.m. to noon.
Concierge Club
If you book a room on levels 22 to 25 you'll be asked if you'd like to add the concierge club onto your hotel bill (other floors can partake; just make your request). You might want to do your hotel math - compare the Concierge Club fees to dining prices throughout downtown Atlanta -- because the Ritz-Carlton Concierge Clubs across the globe deliver spectacular meals including breakfast, light bites throughout the day, light dinners, and heavy-on-the-chocolate desserts at a rockin' price. Plus, you can stop by throughout the day for a cup of awesome coffee and a maybe a macaron (or three). Kids will be awed by the sparkling glass jars brimming with fancy candy. And if you don't feel like being social first thing in the morning -- just ask your significant other to pile up a plate, pick up a cup of coffee and bring you breakfast in bed. (Now that's what we're talking about.) Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Gift Shop
The hotel's gift shop sits in the lobby with snack foods, incidentals you may have forgotten, and Ritz-Carlton items.
Jittery Joe's Coffee Shop
Jittery Joe's serves an array of coffee and pastries by 181 Sweets. Guest with a sweet tooth will love that 181 Sweets offers house-made bakeries and seasonal items. Fun Fact: Jittery Joe's features a signature coffee named Eighty-Four Pour in homage to the hotel's opening in 1984. Open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Lumen - Lobby Bar
Lumen, the Ritz-Carlton's jewel-like lobby bar, boasts a classic jazz vibe and serves small plates, salads, wines, seasonal cocktails and signature cocktails. Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Room Service
Room service is available 24 hours a day and is catered by the Atlanta Grill.
Planning & Tips
Family Packages
Family Bed & Breakfast
The Family Bed & Breakfast package will delight the kids with deluxe accommodations for one night, breakfast for four in the Atlanta Grill, and overnight valet parking.
Family Game Day
The sports capital of the South, Atlanta is home to the Hawks, Braves and Falcons playing minutes from the property. The Family Game Day package serves up deluxe accommodations for one night, breakfast for two adults and two children in the Atlanta Grill, $50 in stadium dollars or equivalent to spend at the event, and overnight valet parking.
Georgia Aquarium Family
The Georgia Aquarium Family package gives you four VIP tickets to the famous aquarium, with admission to Deepo's Undersea 3D Wondershow, Dolphin Tales and Changing Exhibit Gallery. The package also covers deluxe accommodations for one night, breakfast for two in Atlanta Grill, and overnight valet parking.
Wi-Fi
Basic Wi-Fi is $9.95 and high speed is $14.95 (Marriott Honors members automatically receive complimentary high speed Wi-Fi and all guests are encouraged to sign up).
Fitness Center
The property has a sophisticated - albeit small -- fitness center located on the fourth floor with cardio machines, weights, towels, cold water, disposable earphones and a scale. Open 24 hours a day.
Business Center
The business center boasts ten computers and several printers. Located on the third floor. Open 24 hours a day.
Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at noon.
Laundry
Dry cleaning services are available and a complimentary shoe shine can be requested each evening.
The Art of Smart Timing
Summer is the busy season, but spring and fall are a lot less crowded, and glitter in their seasonal beauty. Winter is Atlanta's quiet time. Also, keep in mind that Atlantans love parades, fairs, and festivals so do your homework well before you book your trip. Great FYI: On Labor Day Weekend, Dragon Con fans (65,000 sci-fi lovers) book the city.
Getting There
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is the world's busiest airport, but it is also known for delivering a streamlined experience. Having received the "Efficiency Excellence" award from the Air Transport Research Society for 12 years in a row, Atlanta's airport sits on the airport pinnacle of ease, right down to a spa. The airport is about a 15-minute drive to the hotel with light traffic.
Getting Around
The Ritz-Carlton offers valet parking at $38 per night and an independent self-parking lot sits a 2-minute walk from the property at 218 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, GA 30303 and is $22 a night; atlantaparking.spplus.com.
The Ritz-Carlton is also just a minute's walk to the Peachtree MARTA stop that will whisk you to many hot spots, including the Lenox Mall -- 250 stores on four levels -- in Buckhead. The sapphire-blue Atlanta street cars will take you to many Atlanta venues including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District. The Ritz-Carlton also offers complimentary car service that chauffeurs you within a 3 to 5 mile radious. Call the night before to reserve your ride. Car service can start as early as 6 a.m. and run as late as 11 p.m., depending on guests' requests.
For Mom and Dad
Without a doubt, sipping a signature cocktail in Lumens and listening to live music is a must.