The InterContinental Buckhead (3315 Peachtree Road NE, 404-946-9000) is the place I have stayed every year when I visit Atlanta in the summer. Why such loyalty to this hotel? Let’s start with the five-star service at three-star rates. The rooms are attractive and modern, especially the marble bathrooms with wonderful lotions and amenities. For recreation, the fitness center, equipped with new, state-of-the-art treadmills is open 24 hours for night birds like me. A spacious outdoor swimming pool for lap swimming as well as a Jacuzzi for relaxation are open til 10pm. Indulge and unwind at Spa InterContinental (404-946-9175) on the 2nd floor, which offers facials and body therapies in spacious, luxurious rooms.
There are many great dining choices in Atlanta beginning with the InterContinental’s brand new Southern Art restaurant, a partnership with Chef Art Smith, Oprah’s personal chef for 10 years. This is definitely not for vegans…it’s Southern comfort food heaven with highly creative takes on the classics including Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Cornmeal Dusted Catfish and the best Shrimp and Grits I have ever had. It’s visually dazzling with features like an artisan ham bar and a vintage pie table which will have you snapping photos of it. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
There is great shopping nearby with the Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers which you can walk to or have one of the hotel drivers take you to as a courtesy. Just 20 minutes by car to downtown, don’t forget to visit the state-of-the-art Georgia Aquarium, the world’s largest and likely the most gorgeous. Here you can see everything from penguins to whale sharks and they provide world class care for the aquatic life.
Right next door is the World of Coca Cola, which is a fascinating Museum-like display of Coca Cola bottles, machines, and story boards dating back since the origination of one of the world’s most popular soft drinks.
10 minutes away from downtown is Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves, who are in the thick of things once again in the National League East playoff race. This is a gorgeous stadium complete with a Braves Hall of Fame, several upscale dining clubs, and interactive activities such as batting cages for fans. Atlanta truly is the Peach of the South.
