The Cloister at Sea Island is a historic, five-star luxury resort built to evoke a cross between a Mediterranean estate and an English manor. It’s part of a large, grandiose property directly on the water’s edge consisting of three parts: a hotel centered around a network of golf courses, a central complex that houses a spa and gym, and a cluster of semi-private units that can take on various configurations. Frequented by politicians and celebrities, the hotel offers an all-encompassing experience in the Golden Isles, and it’s possible to not need to leave the complex during one’s stay.
The Cloister at Sea Island is a historic, five-star luxury resort built to evoke a cross between a Mediterranean estate and an English manor. It’s part of a large, grandiose property directly on the water’s edge consisting of three parts: a hotel centered around a network of golf courses, a central complex that houses a spa and gym, and a cluster of semi-private units that can take on various configurations. Frequented by politicians and celebrities, the hotel offers an all-encompassing experience in the Golden Isles, and it’s possible to not need to leave the complex during one’s stay.
The retro-style Thunderbird Inn is a fun, throwback idea that doesn't quite meet the standards of budget hotels in this day and age. Though the decor and free treats are appreciated, they can't make up for the small, outdated, noisy rooms that are greatly in need of an overhaul. The hotel location is within easy walking distance to Savannah's Historical District, but the area directly outside of the hotel grounds can be a bit dicey at night. Cheap parking and budget rates might draw the most frugal of travelers, but the lower costs probably aren't worth the sacrifices guests must make to stay there.
The retro-style Thunderbird Inn is a fun, throwback idea that doesn't quite meet the standards of budget hotels in this day and age. Though the decor and free treats are appreciated, they can't make up for the small, outdated, noisy rooms that are greatly in need of an overhaul. The hotel location is within easy walking distance to Savannah's Historical District, but the area directly outside of the hotel grounds can be a bit dicey at night. Cheap parking and budget rates might draw the most frugal of travelers, but the lower costs probably aren't worth the sacrifices guests must make to stay there.
The 441-room Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is one of the most luxurious hotel choices downtown, and offers big rooms with plenty of natural light, as well as modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The warm, Art-Deco-inspired room decor is luxurious, if lacking some wow factor, but bathrooms are on the smaller side and most have shower/tub combos (no separate tubs). The property does deliver the top-of-the-line service travelers expect from the Ritz brand, as well as impressive features -- a sleek lobby, a trendy bar, and a fine dining restaurant.
The 441-room Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is one of the most luxurious hotel choices downtown, and offers big rooms with plenty of natural light, as well as modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. The warm, Art-Deco-inspired room decor is luxurious, if lacking some wow factor, but bathrooms are on the smaller side and most have shower/tub combos (no separate tubs). The property does deliver the top-of-the-line service travelers expect from the Ritz brand, as well as impressive features -- a sleek lobby, a trendy bar, and a fine dining restaurant.
The Westin Buckhead is a fairly typical upper-level chain hotel suitable for business or pleasure travelers. The whole place is a bit dated, but appearances aside, it ticks all the boxes a large four-pearl hotel should -- with a few unexpected extras, including free car service within two miles. The heated indoor pool is lovely, though it is adjacent to a rather sad and empty sunbathing deck. The club lounge has a reputation for being one of the best in the chain, and it is spacious and more modern looking than the rest of the hotel. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious but bland. For the average guest, the Westin Buckhead is an adequate, not-so-extraordinary chain hotel.
The Westin Buckhead is a fairly typical upper-level chain hotel suitable for business or pleasure travelers. The whole place is a bit dated, but appearances aside, it ticks all the boxes a large four-pearl hotel should -- with a few unexpected extras, including free car service within two miles. The heated indoor pool is lovely, though it is adjacent to a rather sad and empty sunbathing deck. The club lounge has a reputation for being one of the best in the chain, and it is spacious and more modern looking than the rest of the hotel. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious but bland. For the average guest, the Westin Buckhead is an adequate, not-so-extraordinary chain hotel.
The family-owned Ocean Plaza Beach Resort is located across from a sandy beach on Tybee Island, about 30 minutes west of downtown Savannah. The crown jewel of the hotel is its Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar, featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are about what one would expect from a budget property on the beach, with dated tropical comforters and mini-fridges, but some have great ocean views. The 210-room property is similarly priced to other value hotels in the area.
The family-owned Ocean Plaza Beach Resort is located across from a sandy beach on Tybee Island, about 30 minutes west of downtown Savannah. The crown jewel of the hotel is its Dolphin Reef Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar, featuring panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are about what one would expect from a budget property on the beach, with dated tropical comforters and mini-fridges, but some have great ocean views. The 210-room property is similarly priced to other value hotels in the area.
The 86-room River Street Inn is a mid-range boutique packed with local charm and character. Rooms are classic and lovely, with four-poster beds, hardwood floors, period furniture, and big windows. Some have decorative fireplaces, small balconies, and exposed brick walls. With four solid restaurants on-site, guests don’t have to go far to sample some great Southern cuisine, although the hotel's location in the Historic District allows for easy walking distance to many more eateries, as well as to top attractions and shops. Rates aren’t low for a three-pearl property, but this boutique has some nice touches that add value, including free nightly wine and cheese hours, free Wi-Fi, loaner bikes, and a pleasant fitness center. The Planters Inn in the Historic District offers similar features at slightly lower prices.
The 86-room River Street Inn is a mid-range boutique packed with local charm and character. Rooms are classic and lovely, with four-poster beds, hardwood floors, period furniture, and big windows. Some have decorative fireplaces, small balconies, and exposed brick walls. With four solid restaurants on-site, guests don’t have to go far to sample some great Southern cuisine, although the hotel's location in the Historic District allows for easy walking distance to many more eateries, as well as to top attractions and shops. Rates aren’t low for a three-pearl property, but this boutique has some nice touches that add value, including free nightly wine and cheese hours, free Wi-Fi, loaner bikes, and a pleasant fitness center. The Planters Inn in the Historic District offers similar features at slightly lower prices.
This design-focused, chic hotel offers a younger, funkier alternative to upscale hotels in Atlanta. The contemporary style ranges from the antler-adorned chandeliers in the lobby to the uber-modern, minimalist decor in other common areas. The 291 comfortable rooms are whimsical in design with playful patterns and mismatched artwork. This hotel is fun and lively -- especially the rooftop whiskey bar -- but the small pool and open bathrooms might be problematic for some guests.
This design-focused, chic hotel offers a younger, funkier alternative to upscale hotels in Atlanta. The contemporary style ranges from the antler-adorned chandeliers in the lobby to the uber-modern, minimalist decor in other common areas. The 291 comfortable rooms are whimsical in design with playful patterns and mismatched artwork. This hotel is fun and lively -- especially the rooftop whiskey bar -- but the small pool and open bathrooms might be problematic for some guests.
The three-pearl Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Atlanta Northwest at Windy Hill Road offers an attractive and affordable alternative to staying downtown. With the new Atlanta Braves baseball stadium and the Cobb Galleria a short drive away, it’s particularly convenient for sports fans and shoppers. Its 158 guest rooms are spacious, if a bit sparse, and decor is bland, but they're well equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Perks include a free hot breakfast and weekday reception for guests, an indoor saltwater pool, guest laundry room, and a small fitness center. The hotel’s shuttle is free, but it doesn’t run to the baseball stadium on game days. Attractive rates make it a solid choice, but travelers seeking a similar stay downtown can consider Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown.
The three-pearl Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Atlanta Northwest at Windy Hill Road offers an attractive and affordable alternative to staying downtown. With the new Atlanta Braves baseball stadium and the Cobb Galleria a short drive away, it’s particularly convenient for sports fans and shoppers. Its 158 guest rooms are spacious, if a bit sparse, and decor is bland, but they're well equipped with microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Perks include a free hot breakfast and weekday reception for guests, an indoor saltwater pool, guest laundry room, and a small fitness center. The hotel’s shuttle is free, but it doesn’t run to the baseball stadium on game days. Attractive rates make it a solid choice, but travelers seeking a similar stay downtown can consider Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Ellis Hotel is housed in a stately building that dates to 1913, located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Today, it’s a modern boutique hotel with 127 comfortable guest rooms that are all equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, robes, and high-end Gilchrist & Soames bath products, but units lack safes and not all have mini-fridges. There's no free breakfast, but highlight features include a farm-to-table restaurant that serves Southern cuisine and a 24-hour fitness center, plus perks like free Wi-Fi and $1 nightly wine tastings add value. Travelers seeking a similar central location who want to spend less can check out Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Ellis Hotel is housed in a stately building that dates to 1913, located on Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. Today, it’s a modern boutique hotel with 127 comfortable guest rooms that are all equipped with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, robes, and high-end Gilchrist & Soames bath products, but units lack safes and not all have mini-fridges. There's no free breakfast, but highlight features include a farm-to-table restaurant that serves Southern cuisine and a 24-hour fitness center, plus perks like free Wi-Fi and $1 nightly wine tastings add value. Travelers seeking a similar central location who want to spend less can check out Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown.
The 414-room Loews Atlanta hotel brings style and luxury to Midtown. Rooms are bright with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bathrooms have soaking tubs and TVs. Upscale amenities include a modern spa and fitness center along with a swanky cocktail bar in the lobby. Convenient dining options range from an innovative restaurant to a gourmet snack bar, but many restaurants and bars are in walking distance as well. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and parking is pricey, although free transportation is on offer within a three-mile radius in a stylish Mercedes GL450.
The 414-room Loews Atlanta hotel brings style and luxury to Midtown. Rooms are bright with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious bathrooms have soaking tubs and TVs. Upscale amenities include a modern spa and fitness center along with a swanky cocktail bar in the lobby. Convenient dining options range from an innovative restaurant to a gourmet snack bar, but many restaurants and bars are in walking distance as well. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and parking is pricey, although free transportation is on offer within a three-mile radius in a stylish Mercedes GL450.