I recently completed a 2-night stay at the Atlanta Marriott Downtown.  This was a routine business trip, and this neat little downtown Atlanta business hotel fit my needs perfectly.

Getting There

I am a prolific MARTA user when traveling to Atlanta, and this stay was no exception.  The Peachtree MARTA station is the closest rail station to the hotel, however, my work project location is near the Five Points station, and I just walked to and from the Marriott from the office.  Cabs average around $35 dollars from Hartsfield-Jackson, while MARTA is $2 dollars.

Checking In

I normally do not check into a hotel until well after the usual 3PM check in time, but on this visit, I had some after work activities planned.  I had no desire to drag my bag around all evening, so I walked it over to the hotel during lunch hour.  The very polite clerk, greeted me as soon as I walked in, and processed me into room 722.  She was very pleasant, addressed me by name during the entire conversation, and mentioned my Marriott Rewards membership with thanks for my loyalty.  With that, I was off to the room.

The Room

Room 722, was a standard King room at the very end of the hall, far from the elevator, the way I like it.  It was also close to the stairwell, which made access to the 8th floor concierge lounge very easy.  The room itself was comfortable, had a very nice and well-lit work area, large LCD television, wireless and wired internet, and comfortable Marriott bed.  The in room coffee was even pretty good.  🙂  Only noticeable issue (not one for me, but still worth mentioning) is that the bathroom was on the smallish side.  Not a big deal for a business person traveling alone, but something to keep in mind if you’re the type that carries a lot of grooming tools with you.

Here’s a short video tour of the room.

Around the Hotel

Downtown Atlanta isn’t home to a long list of restaurants and night life, but there are things to do and places to go.  Just up the street from the hotel is Ted’s Montana Grill, the restaurant that carries the name of CNN founder Ted Turner.  Ted’s is always a good bet, and hear you may even get lucky and see Ted himself in the restaurant from time to time.  Just across the Olympic Centennial Park, you’ll find one of my favorite restaurants, Peasant Bistro.  There’s also a Legal Seafoods, and Ruth’s Chris nearby.  Another favorite restaurant, Dantanna’s is located within the CNN Center.  All of these are good places to eat after a busy day at work.

The hotel itself is home to a restaurant, Aura.  Here’s a link to the hotel’s page on restaurants and lounges nearby, which include some of my choices, and others that I haven’t had the opportunity to check out yet.  I’d also be a little remiss if I didn’t mention the hotel’s concierge lounge.  Friendly staff, light snacks, and an honor bar.  It was a great little spot to grab a nightcap, and check emails via the hotel’s wireless internet.

The Bottom Line

The Atlanta Marriott Downtown was a good choice for me.  It’s a terrific alternative to the beautiful, but excessively busy Marriott Marquis Atlanta.  If you’re a Marriott loyalist, and looking for a convenient hotel in downtown Atlanta, give the Marriott Atlanta Downtown a try.  It’s a great little hotel, with friendly staff.