Hotel Review – Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown

I recently completed a 3-night business related stay at the Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) Atlanta Downtown (HHonors Category 4).  The hotel is a new construction in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and convenient to several downtown attractions including CNN and is MARTA accessible.  I picked the hotel based on its proximity to my worksite in Atlanta and its participation in Hilton’s latest HHonors promotion which I’ve posted about.

Check Out

I was greeted warmly by the front desk attendant, and asked if I wanted to use the form of payment I’d provided when making my reservation.  I did, and within seconds I was on my way to my 9th floor room.  No muss, no fuss.

The Room

My 9th floor “Evolution Room” was perfect for a 3-day business trip.  The room included a King bed, a reasonably comfortable chair with footstool, large plasma TV, and well-lit desk.  The room provided a view of Atlanta’s Midtown area.  Complimentary internet access was available with either a wired or wireless connection.  It’s nice to have the wired option for those who work for the kind of employer that views wireless access as something akin to launching a space shuttle.  Fortunately, I am now able to use wireless with my work computer, and the connection reliability and speed were flawless.  The bath was large enough, with adequate lighting and a teriffic shower.

Hotel Facilities

The fitness center was well-equipped and I was the only user during my 5:30am visits.  There’s an outdoor pool as well as a video arcade co-located with the fitness center.  I saw a guest laundry on the same level.  I made use of the hotel’s valet laundry service during my stay.  They did a nice job on the clothes but I had to go down to the front desk to get them.  Unsure if they would have eventually been delivered to my room or not.

Dining Options

The hotel itself contains a great restaurant, Atlanta’s first Legal Sea Foods.  Legal operates a lobby oyster bar as well as full-service rooftop restaurant and bar with spectacular views of the city.  Prices are ok, but if you are a wine drinker, I recommend going for one of the half bottles on the list as they are usually a better deal than buying by the glass.

If something a little more land-based is your thing, I recommend Stats which is across the street from the hotel.  Stats offers good food, lots of cold beer, and more TV screens than you can count.  Another favorite of mine just down the street from Stats, is The Wine Loft.  The Wine Loft has a vibe I like along with food and wine I love.  Best of all, they participate in Rewards Network, so you’ll collect some extra miles while you drink and dine.

Check Out

Nothing unusual about checking out.  My bill was correct, and checking out via the in-room TV system went off without a hitch.

The Bottom Line

I’ll stay again.  This is a new hotel, and it shows.  No scratch marks on the furniture yet.  It’s convenient for my work downtown, close to MARTA, and has a handful of dining options nearby.  If traveling to Atlanta for business or pleasure, and you need to stay in the downtown area, the HGI Atlanta Downtown is worthy of your consideration.