The Four Seasons effortlessly captures guests time and time again thanks to a winning formula of hospitality, quality, and localised charm. Home to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta, Georgia is a major hub to luxury travellers on business or tourism. It was my first time in the city, and though I was initially tempted to experiment with another five-star stay, I was glad I opted for the trusted Four Seasons. Here’s why.
Hotel
The hotel occupies the lower third of a 53-floor building, with 221 guest rooms and 23 suites. Towering over the historic and busy Midtown neighbourhood, it is situated among cultural gems, bustling businesses, and Piedmont Park and it’s only five minutes from Downtown and ten minutes from Buckhead.
Rooms
I checked into a contemporary residential style one-bedroom suite, which was bigger than my own apartment and, honestly, nicer too. I wanted to move in here.
The thing that separates this suite from regular hotel suites is that the living room is completely separate – you can close it off by the solid wooden door, meaning your companion can invite pals over for a nightcap or spent the night blasting out a movie and cause zero disturbance to you at the other end.
In addition, the living space is fully equipped, with a mini kitchen area and its own guest washroom. The mini kitchen has a rather snazzy futuristic microwave, tea and coffee facilities, mini bar and sink. A dining table makes in-room dining a more luxurious affair, romantically lit and adjacent to a Midtown skyline.
In the bedroom expect a king size bed and plenty of oversized pillows for an ultra soft sleep. I loved the bathroom, but then I am a sucker for a bathtub. This one was accompanied with Bulgari products to lather in, but there’s also a spa-style shower if you’re strapped for time.
Service is seamless as always, so if you forget anything, dental kit or eye mask, or simply need a bigger pair of slippers, just ring housekeeping and they’re up in minutes. It’s seriously hard to fault a Four Seasons suite, but let’s give it a try…perhaps this could do with being smaller, because then I’d be less sad about returning to such a small apartment.
Food
The brand never fails to pluck the best of food and drink in its city and I think that’s what really enhances the overall experience. Take Four Seasons One Dalton Street Boston with its beautifully designed Zuma, or Four Seasons Orlando’s Capa up on the 17th floor where guests are entertained by enchanting Disney World fireworks at night. In my experience they never miss the mark when it comes to food and drink – it’s always unforgettable.
At Four Seasons Atlanta I reserved a table at Bar Margot on a Thursday night. Bar Margot mixes a fine dining experience with funky community lounge – expect thoughtful food, small batch spirits and wine, and a vibrant late night.
To start I went for the chef Edgar Kano’s tasting board of cheese and charcuterie, which was very generously portioned, followed by Georgia coffee rubbed petite tournedos (with potatoes, kale and a tangy BBQ sauce) that paired perfectly with a full bodied Californian cabernet sauvignon.
I finished with pastry chef Erica Lee’s crème brulee that had fresh vanilla. Erica curates the hotel’s dessert program from Bar Margot to Park 75 and even the in-room dining. She’s a genius with sugar and I was lucky enough to get one of her gorgeous in-room welcome treats upon arrival (spoiler alert, it was milk and dark chocolate themed.)
Spa/Fitness
The fitness centre is spacious and complete, however since ‘working out from your room’ has become the norm in these times, the hotel has adapted seamlessly. Fit With Four Seasons allows you to stream workouts with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak. There are also complimentary fitness kits available in room, or for a fee a Peloton bike can be added. A personal highlight of mine was the stunning indoor saltwater pool, surrounded by neo classical décor and an outdoor terrace.
The spa has a range of treatments and it’s especially great to see shortened sessions catering to the busy business traveller. 25-minute travel facials and 25-minute de-stress procedures are the perfect way to recharge the body before heading back out again.
I tired the 80-minute Citrus Revival Massage. This two-part body treatment uses a renewing grapefruit and tangerine scrub with top to bottom exfoliation. It concludes with a moisture rich massage of locally sourced Mama grapefruit and tangerine oil, leaving skin with a refreshed glow. I felt so energised and new after it, it was a bit like waking up from a week long well-being retreat.
To do
Atlanta is one of the cities that North America’s fabulous CityPASS operates. The Atlanta CityPASS mobile tickets can be saved to your smart phone and used at top attractions such as the World of Coca-cola, CNN Studio Tours, Zoo Atlanta and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Not only is it super easy to use, but it carries massive savings per attraction and takes you out of long lines (and in Southern summer heat, that is a HUGE perk).
Factbox
Getting there: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a 20-minute cab ride away.
Address: 75 Fourteenth Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309 U.S.A.
Phone: +1 404 881 9898
Website: fourseasons.com/atlanta
Images courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
