Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

•The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is surrounded by Atlanta’s premier shopping, dining, and business district

•Warm, elegant, stately rooms with large bay window views of the Atlanta skyline or the wooded residential neighborhoods

•Bath Butlers, on-call seamstress, and other services provide the best of Southern hospitality

•Mobil Five-Star restaurant serving cuisine with French, Spanish, and Northern African influences

•On-site state-of-the-art business center and large conference rooms cater to individual business travelers and corporate meetings or retreats

•Indoor pool with adjacent sundeck and fitness center

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

• 553 rooms, 22 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Fitness room. Indoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is an exceptional and elegant hotel at the heart of Atlanta’s best shopping, entertainment, and dining options. This beautiful property is adjacent to financial centers and two of Atlanta’s most exclusive malls - Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. While the hotel's own Mobil Five-Star restaurant is world class, every other dining option imaginable is either a short walk or drive away. Such a prime location near attractions and the business district makes this an ideal place for get-away and business travelers.

As I drove up from Atlanta’s legendary Peachtree Street, I quickly realized this was not just any big city hotel. It’s impeccable landscaping and manicured grounds immediately impressed me and the gracious staff made the property stand out even more. I was even greeted upon arrival with cookies, cider, and a warm towel.

Even though the hustle and bustle of Buckhead was just outside the door, the hotel's atmosphere was relaxed, quiet, and refined. The layout looks so comfortable that guests feel invited to sit and converse in the various public sitting areas, as if this was an elegant home instead of a hotel. That at-home feeling continues in The Lobby Bar, with its large, soft chairs and marble fireplace. Guests and locals alike choose this as a popular spot either for a quiet afternoon tea or for evening cocktails while listening to jazz musicians.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead marries style and substance in a warm, comfortable decor that is obvious from its public areas to its guest rooms. My room, just like all others, was spacious and filled with inviting colors and fabrics. The large bay windows make it easy to enjoy the views of the Atlanta skyline or Buckhead's wooded residential neighborhoods. Of the 553 rooms available, guests can choose a standard 360-square-foot Deluxe room with a double or king-size bed or the ultimate 1,440-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite with a marble entry and living and dining rooms perfect for elegant entertaining.

In keeping with the service expected of a Ritz-Carlton, this hotel makes sure it is a perfect oasis for business travelers by offering everything needed for someone staying in town for business. A full-service business center, with secretarial services as well as multiligual staff for translation, are available. Several large conference rooms with scenic views and state-of-the-art technology and audiovisual support staff make this hotel ideal for corporate meetings and retreats.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is the preferred site for many bridal showers and weddings, and for both large parties and intimate gatherings. Its popularity comes from two ballrooms and a staff that tends to every party need, including an on-site florist to help with floral arrangements. Even those interested in celebrating an anniversary or sharing a romantic weekend will find massage packages, rose petal turndown service, and a concierge to help plan every special detail.

Family travelers with young children will be pleased to discover children's afternoon teas hosted in The Cafe, an indoor pool, and restaurant menus including kids' choices. When they want to venture away from the hotel, they will find attractions geared toward children, such as the Atlanta Zoo, the Georgia Aquarium, and Six Flags theme park, water park, and children's theme park.

(+) Great location, welcoming staff, and equipped to serve all types of travelers

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton has a well-earned reputation for friendliness and service and the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is no exception. I immediately felt welcome upon arrival. Staff greeted me with friendly smiles as well as a cookie, cider, and warm towel. Check-in was swift and the staff's gracious, personable attitude was consistent throughout my stay, from the doorman to the housekeepers. Even the houseman was very polite, asking if there was anything he could get for me.

I found the concierge to be very helpful and upbeat, both on the phone and in person. When I asked for help finding a local restaurant, they were very good with recommending a place, taking care to describe various options and food types. They also asked me the appropriate questions about my preferences, making me feel that they truly wanted to help, even though they looked busy. I was well-treated throughout my stay.

Although I didn't use the service, I could have called on a Bath Butler to help draw a bubble bath and set up candles around the large, marble bathtub. Or an on-site seamstress could have been called to help with any alterations or repairs if needed. Such attention to detail and above-the-top pampering make guests feel like they are staying with family instead of at a hotel. Housekeeping was available twice a day, but my only concern was that it was not as thorough or consistent as I had hoped when my room was straightened in the afternoon.

Upon checking out, I called down for help with my luggage and the bellman was intuitive enough to also ask for my valet number. The entire check-out process was quick and pleasant. That, coupled with the friendly attitudes and the doorman wishing me a safe trip, made me feel like I would like to visit again.

(+) Gracious and friendly service creates a pampered and welcoming atmosphere
(-) Housekeeping was not as consistent as expected of a Four-Star property

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

My Deluxe room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead was stately and quite welcoming. Well-lit and spacious, its warm, gold tones throughout made me feel at home. The large closets and drawers afforded ample space for my clothes, and my bed was plush and inviting with exceptionally comfortable linens and pillows. My television was placed in a manner that afforded easy watching from several angles. But nothing was as beautiful as my view of the Atlanta skyline, especially at night. I was disappointed that my bathroom was not as spacious as the main area of the guest room, though it was well stocked with imported bath toiletries, comfortable bathrobes, and a lighted makeup mirror.

Guests have a choice of 553 rooms, varying in size and amenities. The 730-square-foot Executive Suite features a separate bedroom and parlor, while the 1,095-square-foot Buckhead Suite includes a living room and dining room with a mahogany table and a special guest powder room. The most exclusive is the 1,440-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite with a dining room for eight and an additional separate dressing room and master bath.

Those guests who want to pay more for privacy and comfort can choose any of the 79 rooms on the Club Level, with its elevator-only access, exclusive lounge, and full-service concierge specifically on-call to fullfill requests of those staying on any of the three private floors. Its private Club Lounge offers a comfortable place to relax and enjoy your morning coffee or a cocktail before dinner.

(+) Elegant, inviting guest rooms feature scenic views
(-) Some bathrooms not as spacious when compared to the rest of the room

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The hotel's fitness center is as inclusive as many health clubs, so much so that it has members from the local community. I enjoyed a full workout on the new equipment, and appreciated the well-thought-out layout that separated the weight and cardio areas. When you’re ready to cool down, you can take a dip in its indoor pool or layout on the adjacent sundeck. The only drawback is that organized classes and personal trainers aren't an option.

Athletic-minded guests will find plenty of options nearby for exercise and relaxation. Some of Atlanta’s best public tennis courts are within a few minutes drive at either Chastain Park or Bitsy Grant Tennis Center on Northside Drive. Prime golf options include the Bobby Jones Golf Course or the Chateau Elan Golf Course.

Located in the heart of Buckhead’s shopping district, this Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is a prime location for anyone who wants to use it as a base of operation for a shopping expedition. Guests can walk to either the exclusive Phipps Plaza or eclectic Lenox Square malls. (Both are on corners opposite of the hotel). Or it’s an easy cab ride to countless unique Buckhead shops, such as the antiques and design centers in nearby Miami Circle.

The hotel also is central to some of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants, offering everything from steak and seafood to Nouveau Southern Cuisine. While the Buckhead clubs are world renown for their nightlife, you need look no further than the Lobby Bar for one of the most popular settings for cocktails and jazz.

(+) Well-equipped fitness center, indoor pool, and near many recreation opportunities

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

Guests will be pleased with the nice balance of dining and lounging options available at Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead.

The Dining Room, a Mobil Five-Star restaurant, features booths and tables surrounded by elegant wall lamps, oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, dark wood, and traditional table settings. The menu highlights cuisine with French, Spanish, and Northern African influences, and a la carte and tasting menu foods each night. The wine list has been expanded to include Italy, Spain, and France's northern Rhone Valley, and the wine cellar is well-stocked with 600 bottles to satisfy any request. I would recommend making dinner reservations well in advance because it's quite popular. The food and atmosphere are well worth planning ahead.

The Cafe features a bright elegant decor with its large windows and antique oil paintings adorning the walls. All day dining is available, with such dishes as Southern grits to soup and sandwiches to lobster or grilled veal lion. Its lunch and dinner selections, however, change seasonally. Piano playing throughout the afternoon helps set a relaxed atmosphere. During my stay, I was warmly greeted by the host when visiting for breakfast. While the menu offered a good variety, I discovered the presentation was rather basic and that the service could have been more attentive. Overall, however, it was a very enjoyable breakfast experience in a beautiful room.

The Lobby Lounge is a delightful hangout with its wooden bar, wall mirrors, and various sitting areas filled with comfy soft chairs and coffee tables. It’s a gracious setting for a daily afternoon tea or an evening cocktail while listening to a Jazz trio that entertains guests nightly.

When I preferred some privacy, I took advantage of the 24-hour room service. From ordering to delivery, the staff made me feel as if this would be a great meal, and I wasn't disappointed. I asked for something not on the menu and it was not a problem. The room service operator guided the entire conversation and was enjoyable to speak with. My food was delivered in less than 30 minutes and the server took care in setting my table. When calling to pick up my tray, they made sure I enjoyed my dinner and asked if there was anything else they could do for me.

(+) Nice balance of two elegant dining areas and a lounge with jazz music
(-) Breakfast food presentation and service not as polished as other meals

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

Individual business travelers or large groups of corporate professionals will find their every need at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. Each room is equipped with high-speed Internet access, a large desk and work area, and two-line phones with conference call capabilities. If you need help receiving a special fax or completing a project, you can receive secretarial assistance from the business center. The area is well-equipped with computers, photocopiers, and other amenities, and you can also find multilingual staff who can help with translation if necessary.

Two ballrooms and 10 meeting rooms with scenic views make this hotel a good location for corporate conferences or retreats. Those areas were recently updated with new fabrics, paint, and carpeting, including a gallery area with 20-foot-tall bay windows overlooking Buckhead shopping malls and wooded neighborhoods. If you’re hosting a large group, a conference concierge can help prepare printed materials and receive conference items. They will even help with last-minute details and requests made during the meeting. For conferences or retreats that require PowerPoint and other presentations, you can rely on renting in-house, state-of-the-art equipment and receiving technical support service from staff during the event.

Other services include making arrangements for group transportation to and from the hotel, and help with securing valuable equipment or corporate property.

(+) In-room amenities, well-staffed business center, and updated meeting rooms with specialty services