The Georgian Terrace Hotel

First opened in 1911, the Georgian Terrace Hotel is an Atlanta landmark. The property is housed in a handsome Beaux-Arts building right across the street from the famous Fox Theatre, and it's had a long list of notable guests throughout the years, including President Coolidge, Walt Disney, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Interiors combine original architectural elements, such as elegant columns painted yellow and white, exposed brick walls, huge arched windows, and ceiling moldings, with contemporary touches like a striking metal-and-glass structure in the lobby that holds part of the skylight hovering about a dozen stories above the ground. The combination is eye-catching, modern, and rather upmarket. The furniture in common areas is up-to-date but a tad more generic, balancing out the more ornate details and creating appealing spaces.

Given its convenient Midtown location, range of amenities, and variety of room types, the hotel draws couples, business travelers, and families alike. The on-site restaurant is popular with locals, but it offers direct access to the street, which keeps crowds away from the hotel’s common spaces. Though the hotel looks grand due to its stately architecture, its rooms aren’t quite luxurious, and the property lacks upscale services such as a spa and 24-hour room service. Those wanting something more decadent may want to compare rates at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, which has both. In that same price range, the W Atlanta – Buckhead has a hipper, younger atmosphere and is located closer to great shopping. The Artmore Hotel is a solid alternative for travelers seeking something cheaper in Midtown. 

The hotel is located on Peachtree Street, a pleasant avenue lined with restaurants and cafes. Although it is situated about a 10-minute drive north of Downtown Atlanta, the Georgian Terrace offers easy access to several top attractions in Midtown, including the Fox Theatre, located right across the street from the hotel. Additionally, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta, and the Centennial Olympic Park can all be reached in about 20 minutes on foot (or 10 minutes by car). For sights farther out, the hotel is just two blocks from the North Avenue MARTA Station, which puts the CNN Center and the College Football Hall of Fame within 15 minutes. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, but it can also be reached by public transport in about 25 minutes. Valet parking is available at the hotel for a fee.

While a tad more generic than common spaces, rooms at the Georgian Terrace Hotel are contemporary and comfortable, with hardwood floors (and some carpeted areas), quality pillow-top mattresses, and a purple-and-gray color palette. Aside from 200-square-foot Standard units and 525-square-foot Luxury Rooms, the hotel offers several types of suites, ranging from One-Bedroom Suites with separate living areas, to Three-Bedroom units for up to six guests. All suites aside from the entry-level One-Bedrooms feature full kitchens with washer/dryers, making them suitable for extended stays. 

Standard amenities are sufficient, consisting of free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and safes, but rooms lack mini-fridges, which is rather surprising for a hotel in this price range. Marble bathrooms are swish, with walk-in showers, magnifying mirrors, and an array of eco-friendly toiletries. Kitchens in suites can be stocked ahead of the guests’ arrival on request, for a fee.

The hotel is known among locals for its popular dining venues. Livingston is the main restaurant, which offers direct street access and serves American cuisine made with local, seasonal products. It's open for all three main meals (breakfast is not included in the standard rate), as well as for brunch on weekends. The restaurant provides room service during business hours, but there is no in-room dining available overnight. Edgar’s Proof & Provision serves small plates along with a drink menu that includes wine, beer, and cocktails in a big space on the hotel's ground floor, while Buffalo Bayou Cafe is a casual spot offering coffee, sandwiches, snacks, and pastries. 

Though far from sleek or happening, the rooftop pool is a pleasant spot for a swim or some quiet time, and it has stunning panoramic city views. However, there are only a handful of loungers. The gym is spacious and light, and it's outfitted with a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines. The hotel also features extensive meeting space that can be rented for private and corporate events, including six meeting rooms and three versatile ballrooms. Event catering is available, as is a business center with computers and printers.