- Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: City View – King, 330sqft/30sqm
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, is located where no one hangs out.
Location: Situated in downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers excellent walking access to major attractions like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the World of Coca-Cola. However, the immediate surrounding area can feel somewhat isolated or “fortress-like,” lacking the vibrant street life found in other parts of the city. Be aware that, like many major urban centers, you may encounter homeless individuals and some aggressive panhandling in the vicinity, so exercising caution, especially when traveling alone, is advisable.
Pricing & Value: While offering a luxury experience, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta can be on the higher end regarding both cash rates and Marriott Bonvoy point redemptions. Given the diverse range of luxury and boutique options in Atlanta, it’s worth evaluating if the value aligns with your priorities, particularly if you are seeking a hotel with extensive outdoor spaces or balconies (which this property lacks).
Room Characteristics: Standard room sizes might feel compact, and there are no balconies. However, upgraded rooms can offer significantly more space and comfort. The mini-bar items are notably overpriced.
Internet Access: Be aware that while Wi-Fi is available in rooms and public areas, it often comes with a surcharge.
Exceptional, consistently friendly and attentive staff.
Luxurious and incredibly comfortable bedding, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Elegantly designed bathrooms with thoughtful amenities like heated mirrors and excellent water pressure.
Prime walkable access to Atlanta’s key downtown attractions.
A grand and welcoming lobby that sets a sophisticated tone upon arrival.
🕐 24-hour room service
🍸 Bar
🏋️ Gym
📋 Meeting rooms
🍽️ Restaurants
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 5/10
Vibe: 4/10
Romantic: 4/10
Air Conditioning: 7/10
Room: 8/10
Food: 7/10
Location: 3/10
Gym/Fitness: 9/10
Cleanliness: 9/10
Wow Factor: 3/10
Overall Experience: 5.9/10
Our First-Person Experience: A Deep Dive into The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
As a seasoned traveler who appreciates luxury accommodations, we spent some time in downtown Atlanta for some local shows. With us living in Atlanta and knowing all the rich and diverse hotel scene, including several luxury downtown hotels like the Four Seasons and W, we decided to skip our norm and experience at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta — AGAIN. So many years staying here, its been a while (ever since The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead closed down).
My initial impression after so many year was that, compared to other Ritz-Carlton properties I’ve visited recently, this one felt uniquely subdued as its always been. Located in a part of downtown that perhaps sees less foot traffic, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta nonetheless stands its ground. Despite internal renovations and elegant interiors, the exterior presents a more traditional, almost “fortress-like” appearance, with no balconies or outward-facing amenities to truly connect guests with the city outside. While the lobby undeniably exudes a sophisticated charm, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the hotel’s overall ambiance, and the relatively compact nature of its standard rooms and bathrooms, might lead some to seek a different kind of luxury stay in Atlanta, perhaps at properties like The Georgian Terrace for a more unique historical vibe. However, for those seeking the quintessential Ritz-Carlton experience for a potentially more accessible price point globally, this might indeed be it.
Location & Surroundings: Navigating Downtown Atlanta
Despite my initial reservations about its immediate surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton’s strategic downtown Atlanta location proved to be incredibly convenient for accessing the city’s main attractions. I found myself within acceptable walking distance to iconic landmarks like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and, most importantly for many visitors, the World of Coca-Cola. Enjoying a warm evening stroll to a nearby park was effortless, highlighting the hotel’s accessibility for leisure travel in Atlanta.
It’s important for prospective guests to note, however, that like in most major metropolitan areas, there were noticeable numbers of homeless individuals on the streets, and I did experience instances of aggressive panhandling. This is a common urban reality, and it’s always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and consider traveling with companions, especially in the evenings.
Arrival & Check-in: A Warm Welcome
Upon entering, I was greeted by a grand, spacious lobby, a signature element of Ritz-Carlton hotels. Check-in was remarkably swift, and I was immediately offered refreshing water and assistance with my luggage, a testament to the hotel’s commitment to impeccable service. The front desk agent, without prompting, acknowledged my Platinum Elite status and proactively sought an upgrade for my stay. While a full suite wasn’t available, I was delighted to receive an upgrade to a King bedroom with a city view, enhancing my Atlanta accommodations.
The Guest Room: Comfort and Thoughtful Touches
My upgraded room was surprisingly large and spacious, comfortably exceeding my initial concerns about room dimensions. A subtle accent light above the TV provided a soft, warm glow in the evenings, eliminating the need for brighter lamps. The TV stand offered ample storage and thoughtfully included an in-drawer safe and a mini-fridge.
Beyond the entertainment area, the room featured a practical desk with a single chair, a comfortable sofa spanning nearly the full width of the room, and a versatile table perfect for dining or working. Side tables with an alarm clock radio completed the functional setup.
The true highlight of the room, however, was the bed. It was exceptionally comfortable, and the large pillows struck a perfect balance—stiff enough for excellent support yet fluffy enough for ultimate relaxation. Marriott properties, including The Ritz-Carlton, consistently impress me with their bedding quality.
In stark contrast to the mini-bar’s pricing, the bathroom was a genuine delight. The combination of marble and tile created a truly elegant and inviting space. The heated mirror was a brilliant touch, preventing any steam from a hot shower, which, even on the 20th floor, boasted sublime water pressure and heated up instantly. The vanity was well-stocked with a generous array of complimentary items, including combs, toothbrushes, and even a shave kit—a thoughtful provision for any traveler. My only minor quibble was that while the shower items were in convenient pump bottles, they weren’t affixed to the wall, which can sometimes lead to awkward positioning.
Onsite Dining and Amenities at The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta offers several distinct dining experiences and a range of amenities to enhance your stay:
Restaurants & Bars:
AG, Modern Bar and Steakhouse: This elegant restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on elevated flavors and regional growers.
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Saturday – Sunday (Brunch/All-Day Dining): 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Dinner: Daily: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Lumen Lounge: A sleek and stylish lobby bar known for its vibrant ambiance, live jazz, Latin, and flamenco sets in the evenings, and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening drink.
Hours: Primarily operates in the evenings. Specific opening/closing times are not consistently published, but it’s typically open during common bar hours.
Jittery Joe’s Coffee Bar: Featuring micro-roasted coffees from Athens, Georgia, and seasonally inspired beverages, along with grab-and-go breakfast items.
Hours: Specific opening/closing times are not consistently published but generally operates during morning and early afternoon coffee shop hours.
24-Hour In-Room Dining: For the convenience of guests, 24-hour room service is available, offering a selection from the hotel’s culinary offerings directly to your room.
Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Again?
Reflecting on our numerous stays, would I choose The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta again? Probably not, and it’s largely due to my personal preference and the competitive landscape of Atlanta Marriott hotels and other luxury properties downtown. While the staff were genuinely fantastic, and my upgraded room was comfortable, I find there’s no compelling reason for to consistently choose such an upscale property in this particular downtown location when other hotels offer a more vibrant or unique experience better suited to my travel style. For instance, the downtown Atlanta hotels like The Georgian Terrace offer a distinct historical charm.
SKIP!
