Check-in
There is no typical hotel counter setup at the W Atlanta Midtown. Cheerful representatives await your arrival positioned behind multiple podiums, each able to accommodate two hotel staff members. I was greeted by a personable lady, who immediately welcomed me to the hotel, and verbally recognized my Starwood elite status upon entering my name in the computer. After giving me the rundown on getting to my room (you have to use your room key in the elevator to access every floor) I was sent on my way within just a few minutes.
The Room
I was provided with a “Wonderful Room” on the 11th floor of the hotel. Not terribly far from the elevators, but far enough to not be bothered by them. The room was equipped with all of the amenities one might expect, including a large LCD TV, wireless and wired internet ($14.95 per night plus tax), and a liquor setup, complete with martini shaker that I didn’t make use of. The overall decor was trendy and functional, with a comfortable W Signature queen-sized bed. The bath was equipped with a spacious walk-in shower, complete with Bliss Spa amenities. There was a separate dressing area.
After-hours
The lobby bar, known as the “Living Room” was packed and lively each night. Drink prices were at the upper end of normal for a hotel of this caliber. One plus is that the lobby area offers free wi-fi, which I took advantage of each night. Service at the bar itself was fine, but I found it to take a little too long to get a drink if you were located elsewhere in the “Living Room.”
Spice Market offers inspired cuisine, while Randy Gerber’s Whiskey Park is on the second level of the hotel for those looking to take things up a notch. Sadly, I didn’t try Whiskey, but will plan on doing so next time.
Outside the hotel and just around the corner, I found Shout and TAP to be fantastic dinner options with good food, and good service at each…and good beer at TAP.
Getting Around
I purchased a Breeze Card from MARTA immediately upon landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. I used MARTA exclusively for my trips to the office and to/from the airport. The Arts Center station is less than a ten-minute walk from the W, and there’s a Starbucks on the way. Traffic in Atlanta is notoriously awful. Keep your sanity in check and take the train!
The Verdict
I am a Starwood Hotels fan, and this W Hotel did not disappoint. If you can tolerate the drink prices, and over-priced internet (make use of the free wi-fi in the lobby if you can), the W Atlanta Midtown a good option if you have business in downtown/midtown Atlanta.
[…] at the W Atlanta – Midtown. This was not my first stay at the hotel, and I have reviewed it previously. But given the time that’s passed since that review, I thought it would be nice to give you […]