Highlights: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

•The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is in a convenient location in the heart of midtown Atlanta, near performing arts centers, museums, shopping, and other attractions

•Spacious, elegant guest rooms and suites featuring beautiful city views

•Mobil Four-Star-rated Park 75 restaurant has an unsurpassed reputation for taste, creativity, and service

•Child travelers pampered with numerous amenities, such as child-size robes, milk and cookie turndown, a kid's newsletter, and kid's menu in restaurant and for room service

•24-hour business center with secretarial services and multilingual concierge

•The Health and Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities with indoor lap pool, steam room, and sauna

Amenities: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

• 244 rooms, 19 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is a stately hotel located only a few minutes’ walk from the city’s main arts centers. Guests notice the hotel’s beauty and elegance as they approach the neo-classical tower of rose and marble granite on Fourteenth Street, overlooking midtown Atlanta. Both the Woodruff Center for Performing Arts and the High Museum of Art are just steps away, as are galleries, restaurants, and Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s version of Central Park. The hotel’s close proximity to Interstates 75 and 85 as well as Peachtree Street make it a perfect base from which to visit Atlanta’s major attractions, such as Centennial Park and the Georgia Aquarium, and shop in the Buckhead area.

Its reputation for service and elegance makes this hotel a favorite among celebrities and dignitaries visiting Atlanta. The lobby's polished marble floors, sweeping grand staircase, lush decor, and indoor palm trees make guests feel they are leaving the busy streets and entering an urban oasis. The elegance and comfort continues in the guest rooms, which are decorated in welcoming yellow and gold tones, have large soft armchairs and sofas, deep marble baths, and beautiful views of downtown or midtown Atlanta.

Family travelers, especially those with young children, will be pleased with how the Four Seasons pampers guests of all ages. Staff asks for children's names in advance so they can prepare welcome gifts, including child-size robes, toiletries, and a children's newsletter. Even milk and cookies or popcorn and soda are left at turndown service to make children feel right at home. Parents can request childproofing services before they arrive or for help with baby-sitting during their stay.

Couples hoping for a romantic escape or celebrating an anniversary will enjoy exquisite dining and luxurious in-room spa services. Business travelers can rely on help from the 24-hour business center, with its secretarial services and multilingual concierge. The spacious meeting rooms, with audiovisual staff support, makes this stately hotel an optimal spot for corporate meetings and conferences.

No matter if you’re traveling alone or with family, any guest will enjoy the contemporary dishes and cutting-edge desserts served in the hotel's Mobil Four-Star Park 75 restaurant. If you feel like an evening cocktail or laidback atmosphere, the Park 75 Lounge is the place, with its baby grand piano and jazz sessions from Wednesday to Saturday nights.

Those who need a few moments of rest and relaxation will find it at the on-site Health and Fitness Club. In addition to the lap pool and sauna, a state-of-the-art equipment includes individual television monitors for cardio machines. Afterward, guests can de-stress with various massages and treatments.

(+) Prime downtown location near major attractions, shopping, and the business district

Guest Services: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The Four Seasons is known for anticipating guests’ every need, and the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta does not disappoint. From the moment I arrived, I could sense that this would be a wonderful visit. I was greeted promptly by a uniformed staff member who was attentive and friendly, offering me cookies and tea. Check-in was swift, with the receptionist warmly greeting me and asking for the correct pronunciation of my name. The front desk was busy with other guests arriving, but I never felt rushed. Instead, the receptionist took the initiative to ask if she could make my dinner reservations for the evening. When I asked if the room would be large enough for me to work comfortably, she offered to move me into a suite.

The bellman did a great job pointing out the fitness center and restaurant as he accompanied me to my room. His professional, helpful manner continued as he showed me around my guest room, even pointing out that if shoes were left outside the door that they would be returned shined in the morning. I also discovered the concierge service was extremely knowledgeable about Atlanta in general, by suggesting several local options for restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Their research was so thorough that I didn't need to look up hours of operation, addresses, or directions. One of the concierges even escorted me to the door and pointed me in the right direction of the suggested lunch spot. The staff can also take care of small details. I’d forgotten my toothbrush and when I called for a replacement, it was delivered within five minutes in a white gift bag. The laundry service was impeccable. My clothes were laundered overnight and brought to me before noon with exquisite presentation. Nicely pressed and wrapped, it was tied with a Four Seasons ribbon.

While looking for the fitness center, a staff member in the hall interrupted her conversation with another staff member to see if I needed help finding my way. She personally escorted me to the center, where she introduced me to the receptionist. The personal attention I received at the center probably impressed me most. When I checked in, the receptionist called me by name and offered me a bottle of water. Midway through my workout, she offered to refresh it because I had placed mine on the floor. Then, when I checked out, there was a different staff member at the counter and she, too, called me by name and wished me a pleasant afternoon.

Although I didn't use all the services available, the staff makes a good effort to cater to all types of travelers. Romantic travelers can receive help from a concierge to plan every special detail, including full-body therapeutic massages in their rooms. Family travelers can call ahead to request a childproofed room and equipment such as cribs, rollaway beds, high chairs, strollers, and bottle warmers. Children are greeted by name and given small robes and a kid's newsletter explaining amenities available for their age group, such as an indoor pool and milk and cookies or soda and popcorn turndown service. And teens can find out about special local attractions and other amenities specifically for them, from a full-time teen concierge available during the summer and most school holidays.

(+) Polished, pleasant, and intuitive professional staff works hard to pamper guests

Guest Rooms: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta goes to great lengths to make sure guests feel comfortable in the hotel’s luxurious surroundings. Its 244 rooms, at 450 square feet, are elegantly decorated with large soft armchairs, large writing desks, full cotton bedding on king-size beds, and large, marble bathrooms with separate tub and glass-enclosed showers. All rooms feature a spectacular view of Downtown or Midtown Atlanta. Fifth floor rooms even have private terraces from which guests can enjoy the skyline.

The hotel’s 18 suites range from 950 to 1,450 square feet. Like a small apartment, the suites feature living rooms with dining for two to seven guests, wet bars, and a guest powder room off of the marble foyer. The Presidential Suite, ranging between 2,200 and 2,650 square feet, is an urban oasis unto itself. The living room includes armchairs, sofa, fireplace, surround sound DVD/CD system, and a 42-inch plasma television. A complete kitchen is attached to a dining room that seats up to 12 guests. The master bedroom has the comfortable, king-size bed and large walk-in closet as expected, but the marble writing desk adds a nice unexpected touch. The master bathroom's full-size jet tub and walk-in marble shower provides a private retreat while guests use the separate powder room off of the foyer.

My room was the picture of modern elegance. Decorated in gold and yellow tones, it was quiet and simple, but classic. The layout was spacious and allowed room for both a desk and an armchair so I could enjoy the room in comfort. From its deep marble bath and separate glass shower to the wonderful toiletries and plentiful towels, my bathroom alone was worth the stay. The room itself was very clean, but housekeeping missed a few details during turndown service. This wasn't a problem because they were very gracious when I spoke with them on the phone.

(+) Guest rooms are decorated for comfort and designed to make you feel at home
(-) Turndown service sometimes not as consistent as expected for a Five-Star property

Facilities & Activities: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta’s Health and Fitness Center is as luxurious as the rest of the hotel. Guests can receive a full-body workout on strength training machines, such as elliptical, treadmills, and exercise bikes, or the free weights and cardiovascular machines with individual television monitors. You can make up your own routine or receive help from personal trainers if you make an appointment. There’s also a sauna and steam room. Citrus water and herbal tea are set out in the immaculate locker room if you need to take a rest or quench your thirst.

When you're done working up a sweat, an indoor four-foot pool is located on the second floor lobby level for lap or leisurely swimming. An outdoor sundeck, filled with cushioned reclining chairs and tables, makes it a perfect place for adults and children to rest away the day.

The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is located a few blocks from the 180-acre Piedmont Park, which plays host to many outdoor festivals, concerts, and other activities. The Woodruff Center for Performing Arts, home to the Atlanta Symphony, is less than a block from the hotel, and the newly expanded High Museum of Art is also within walking distance. Countless dining and entertainment venues are just outside the door of this convenient midtown location. Prime golf options are within 30 minutes, including the Bobby Jones Golf Course and the Chateau Elan Golf Course. Guests should be aware that traffic in front of the hotel can become congested during daytime hours.

(+) Hotel offers state-of-the-art fitness center and indoor pool, and is conveniently located near attractions

Dining & Lounge: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Guests of the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta will find delightful contemporary dishes and sophisticated desserts in the hotel's Mobil Four-Star-rated restaurant, Park 75. Executive Chef Robert Gerstenecker describes the menu as New American cuisine accented by special flavors, and the menu changes seasonally. I was impressed with how the wait staff was very knowledgeable as to the different preparations and ingredients of certain dishes. The restaurant's perfect, intimate setting with its iron candelabras, custom light fixtures, and hardwood furniture is a sublime environment for savoring the foods and sampling from the mainly American wine list. A real indulgence is the chef’s table. Up to eight guests are seated in the heart of the kitchen to enjoy special offerings of food and wine.

The Park 75 Lounge is an optimal place to savor small food and dessert portions while listening to a musician play the grand baby piano. Locals and hotel guests flock to the long mahogany bar with large wall mirrors, and chairs and sofa areas strategically placed throughout to enjoy cocktails and light dinner tapas. Many call it Atlanta's hip "midtown living room," where quality jazz is played Wednesday through Saturday night.

When the weather is pleasant, guests can venture out into the Lounge's terrace area to sit at limestone tabletops on marble flooring. The terrace is one of the best spots to enjoy the view, located on the third level under the hotel's signature arch window. I chose to dine on the terrace for breakfast, and I must say an absolute must try is the honeycomb pancakes with vanilla whipped cream. An added little touch was that the hostess noticed I was wearing dark slacks and switched my white napkin for a black one, and also offered me a newspaper to read while I dined alone.

Those who prefer ultimate privacy can take advantage of the hotel's 24-hour in-room dining. Whatever you order from the menu will come from Park 75, even the selections on the children's menu, so you won't be disappointed.

(+) Creative, tasteful cuisine offered in an intimate restaurant setting or cozy lounge and terrace area with jazz in the background

Business Services: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

The business center at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is well equipped with both personal and Mac computers, color printers and copiers, and multiple workstations. The center also has cell phones and pagers available, and can provide secretarial and translation services. Conference services can be called for help with presentation supplies for your conference, including transparencies, discs, pens, and markers. The center has set hours, but its services are available 24 hours upon request.

Large rooms are available to accommodate corporate meetings, conferences, and retreats. The business center staff is responsible for helping with last-minute details, including translation services if needed.

When I visited the business center, it was obvious my service was going to be delayed because a business meeting was taking place. Despite the slight wait, I was impressed with the service and support I received-- I had a rather detailed request and it was delivered as promised in the specified time to my room in an envelope.

Wireless capabilities are available only in the hotel lobby, but every room has access to the Internet. When I experienced trouble connecting in my room to the Ethernet, I was phoned back by a representative from the service provider who walked me through the process.

(+) Well-equipped business center and staff ready to help individual business traveler and corporate meetings