Hotel Review: W Atlanta – Midtown (2011 Edition)

Check In

I arrived at the W Atlanta – Midtown on Monday at 8pm, a little later than usual.  The lobby was pretty quiet, and I was # 2 in line for the check-in desk.  Once at the desk, I was pleasantly assisted by Tyson (have no idea if that’s how she spells her name, but I think that’s how it’s pronounced).  My Starwood Platinum status was recognized and I was thanked for my loyalty.  Interestingly, Tyson even apologized that no suites were available for my stay.  (Note: as much as I love being upgraded to a suite, I’m very happy with my “Spectacular” room.  I’m in town to work, and regular rooms have a desk with plenty of light and power outlets.  The 2 suites I’ve been blessed to experience here had something like dining tables with chairs, and not a normal work desk.  I know….cry for me.)  One item of note: I was offered a card entitling me to one bottle of water from the mini-bar for each day of my stay.  This is new, and certainly valued by me.  According to the card, this benefit applies to all SPG Gold and Platinum members.

The Room

My “Spectacular” room, 2218, is a city view room with a King bed.  It’s plenty spacious for a business traveler, comfortable, and typical W “trendy.”  First thing I did when arriving at the room was turn on all the lights.  I found the desk lamp to be non-functional, but a quick call to the Whatever/Whenever desk addressed that.  Additionally, the laptop safe would not open.  Security came up to check it out as soon as I called.  There was some mechanical issue with the safe which could not be immediately resolved.  They offered a new room, but I declined.  I can lock my personal laptop away in my luggage.  If someone wants to take that…well….  bummer.

There is plenty of storage space, and the closet is ample for a 4-night business trip.  The bathroom is spacious, and the walk-in shower is very nice.  All in all, other than the weird safe issue, a good start to the stay.  I’ll update the post tomorrow as I continue my rolling review.  For now, off to the W Living Room for a night cap.  Here are a few more pictures for you.

Around the Hotel (Dining Out)

There are some really good restaurants very near the hotel, and Spice Market, located in the W is no slouch either.  I’ve posted before about my 2 nearby favorites, Shout and TAP Gastropub.  Shout is just around the corner from the W Midtown, and I’m a big fan.  In addition to the restaurant, there’s a large patio and bar upstairs that makes for a great evening out in warmer months.  Atlanta is experiencing some very nice weather this week, but traveling alone on business, I usually just belly up to the bar for dinner.  I travel here enough that the bartenders recognize me.  Not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.  🙂  Billy at Shout is a great bartender.  Shout’s menu is varied.  They have everything from Ribeye steaks (recommended) to sushi (also recommended). TAP Gastropub, on the other side of Peachtree, is a short walk from the W Midtown.  TAP has a small but interesting menu that is worth checking out.  I’ve never had a bad entree, but I think my favorite dish there are the fried chicken tacos.  Tasty!  By the way, TAP is a Rewards Network participant.  Never leave miles on the table!   There are so many restaurants in Midtown.  Next trip I’ll try to venture out a little farther from the hotel and blog about some other restaurants.  I’m really looking forward to trying the Oceanaire Seafood Room in Midtown!

If you’re working in downtown, you can’t go wrong with Dantanna’s at CNN Center.  Great food, reasonable prices.  I frequently lunch there, and if I’m hoteling nearby, usually do dinner there as well.  Never had a bad meal here.  And I have to admit, I’m an unapologetic fan of Ruth’s Chris, located in the Embassy Suites Centennial Park.

Random Observations

• No newspaper was delivered to my door on any day of my stay.  Newspapers were available in the lobby and in the elevator vestibule on my floor.  I only mention this because sometimes, the hotel delivers a paper each day, and sometimes they don’t.  Have no idea why this is inconsistent.
• Lobby bar service was good.
• Internet (comp for SPG Platinums, and in the Lobby Living Room) was stable and fast.  If you’re not SPG Platinum, the price is $14.95 for 24 hours for in-room internet.  The hotel offers free internet in your room if you can tolerate slow speeds.  I’ve tried that, and it’s fast enough for a quick google search or a look at your web based email.  But if you really need to work, don’t bother.
• At check-in I was given a card describing “Tipsy Tuesday.”  Basically, if you’re staying in the hotel, you’re invited to Tipsy Tuesday in the Spice Market bar for drinks and comp appetizers between 6pm and 7pm.  I didn’t make it back to the hotel in time unfortunately!

Wrap Up

All in all, an OK stay.  It’s no secret that this is my favorite Atlanta area property.  This was my 3rd stay since attaining Starwood Platinum status, so I’m 2 for 3 on suite upgrades.  I think that’s an OK record so far.  I like the great Midtown location, easy access to restaurants and nightlife, not to mention Atlanta’s MARTA rail (Arts Center station).  I highly recommend the W Atlanta Midtown for your Atlanta area lodging needs.