Yes, you read that headline correctly. I went to Atlanta and did not stay at one of their 3 terrific W Hotels! No, I’m not defecting. It’s just that the needs of my one-night business trip outweighed my W love this time. That said, I was quite pleased with my first experience at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and thought I would share a few details of my stay with you.

Getting There

The Marquis is located at the Peachtree MARTA stop and is connected to the station via covered walkway through the Peachtree Center “mall.” Atlanta’s MARTA rail charges a flat $2.50 per trip throughout the system, and is a very convenient way to get to downtown Atlanta from the airport. Taxis are a $34 dollar flat rate fare from the airport.

Checking In

Frankly, the lobby area of this 50-story hotel is massive and striking. It’s open to the very highest floors of the hotel and is very impressive. Approaching the front desk, I was immediately greeted by a very friendly representative who cheerfully checked me in. I was even thanked for my lowly Marriott Rewards Silver Elite status! Better yet, the hotel was offering a little promo deal. I was handed a scratch-off card that contained a prize. In my case, 1,000 bonus Marriott Rewards points. Sweet!! With that, I was off to my 35th floor room.

The Room

Room 3505 was nothing extra-special, a standard King guest room with everything a business traveler expects and needs for a short stay. A great desk with wonderful lighting and extra power outlets, nice LCD television, and a terrific bed. Wired and wireless internet were available for a fee, but I did not partake as I now carry a Verizon 4G Mi-fi device on all my travels…which I love, by the way. Here are a few shots of the room.

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I didn’t bother with a pic of the bathroom because it was too small to get a good shot. There was nothing wrong with it, per se, it was just smallish. Heck, how much room does one man need in a bath anyway?! đŸ™‚ All in all, I was very pleased with my room. Marriott is just so darn consistent.

Around the Hotel

I hate to admit this, but I never left the hotel. One night just wasn’t enough to explore, plus I was meeting with business associates in the evening. I did enjoy cocktails in the Pulse lobby lounge as well as dinner (a wedge salad with shrimp…yes, I’m feeling healthy) in the High Velocity Sports Bar. Service was very good in both locations.  The downtown Morton’s is an easy walk from the hotel and several other restaurants are a few more blocks away. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the fitness center, but did pass by and found it to be very well equipped.

The Bottom Line

I really liked the hotel. But be advised, it is HUGE, and frankly, busy. My room was standard Marriott, and not disappointing. Best thing about the hotel was the friendly staff, and easy access to MARTA. If business takes you to downtown Atlanta, don’t hesitate to stay at the Marriott Marquis.