Tag Archive for: atlanta staycation

REVERB HOTEL ATLANTA – YOUR CONCERT STAYCATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/26

Checking into the Reverb Hotel Atlanta will be your new downtown Atlanta concert ritual! Recently, John and I stayed at the Reverb Hotel Atlanta in Downtown Atlanta and think this music centric hotel is the perfect way to enjoy a concert downtown! It is only a short 8-minute walk to State Farm Arena where we go treated to see Florence & The Machine.

First, the hotel is throughly music-centric! The lobby screams music studio with a radio on air room and sound booths around the perimeter with guitars!! The lounging area next to the bar with the “on and on and on” circular sign, a nod to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ or whatever song you like with the phrase. They also have a Reverb button wall and the check-in is called Will Call.

Up in the rooms you are greeted by music playing in the room and it is dotted with music artwork and more! Plus, the rooms are comfy and modern with spacious bathroom, comfy king bed, perfect to lay your head after a concert experience.

They have your pre-concert pre-game right on site! Either pull up to Constant Grind the long bar in the lobby or take it upstairs to RT60 Rooftop to grab a cocktail and some serious bar bites while taking in the view before the concert.


Here are the food and drink items we had from both the RT60 Rooftop and Constant Grind. I started with the martini and hit all the right notes. Boozy floral gin, dry vermouth, and lemon for balance made this one a winner. They have a different menu than Constant Grind, but we got the lemon pepper wings on their menu. They were meaty, crunchy outside, and tender inside with the right amount of rub.

Down at Constant Grind in the lobby, I started with the Cucumber Basil Martini. It is super refreshing cucumber, earthy basil cocktail! The best bite is the chicken sandwich. It is crunchy fried chicken with a delicious spicy aioli and crunchy pickles. It comes with seasoned fries. John got the steak tips, and they are tender steak, flavorful rice and buttery broccolini.

Then, we took the quick walk to State Farm Arena to see Florence & the Machine! We tapped our tickets into the whimsigoth atmosphere of the show. They lit up the stage with a mesmerizing light show and performed hits like “Shake it Out,” and “Dog Days are Over.”

HOTEL CLERMONT: A BEACON OF EXCELLENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/11/26

The Hotel Clermont is a beacon of excellence in Atlanta! John and I recently stayed in this poncey-highlands hotel that has transformed over its 100 years into a chic, one-of-a-kind boutique destination! From humble 1924 apartments to a Michelin key hotel in 2025, this truly is one of the best hotels in Atlanta. And here is why we think this.

Outside the historic building screams history from the unique Marquis to motor hotel sign and iconic neon radio tower.

In the lobby, you’re greeted with art deco doors into a wall that has directional signs to all of the best places in hotel. It accentuates the hotel not only being a place to stay the night but a destination! The lobby itself to the left is a mix of eclectic artwork, radios, checkers, and tropical decor and vibes. If you go straight you walk into Bar Caravan, a newly renovated lobby bar with colorful decor, wallpaper, and lounging areas, as well as a long bar with retro lighting.

Bar Caravan has their own special menu with delicious bites like the hearty flaky redfish served skin on served with the best brown butter sauce, bacon, and a slew of vegetables. To drink we got a special custom cocktail with tangy strawberry rum, herbaceous dill vermouth and bright limoncello! As well as Bread n butter vanilla vodka cocktail that’s sweet and smooth with hints of banana, walnut, and topped with egg white. Don’t sleep on their fries either! They are crunchy and warm with earthy truffle and Parmesan cheese! Wednesday is good here with Wine down Wednesdays with half off bottles!

In the rooms, we walked up a brooding original marble hallway to a spacious king corner room on the 3rd floor. Down a short moody blue hallway to a large king bed with green velvet headboard and a pop of pop art above. The carpet is a funky asymmetrical floral pattern leading to the lounging chaise and desk. In the bathroom, marble floors stun and juxtapose the beautiful blue-green wallpaper filled with birds!

On the rooftop, they have really outdone themselves up there with the cites airstream kitchen, gorgeous lawn like atmosphere, patio seating, and of course stunning sunset views of the Atlanta skyline! The rooftop has its own cocktail menu with some serious sips like my favorite the boozy vodka cocktail, Glinstone key, with floral st Germain and tart bubbles! I also really enjoyed the tequila and spicy ginger Iron Fist cocktail! And now they have Korean BBQ ready to order out of their airstream! We got the sweet and saucy Korean BBQ short rib served with kimchi and my favorite bite the sweet a sassy beef bulgogi burrito with spicy kimchi and rice! Finally, every Friday they have Rooftop DJ from 8-11:45 to dance the night away. Or catch music bingo on Monday or Trivia on Tuesday!

Down the stairs from Bar Caravan, a neon Tiny Lou’s sign guides you into the basement for French cuisine. Pink, maroon, and yellow ambiance elevate the space and a precursor to the elevated French food that’s a slice of France! We enjoyed a weekend brunch and fell in love with the amazing, deviled eggs! They are creamy and dreamy eggs filled with earthy truffle and topped with salty caviar. Another favorite is the smoked salmon benedict. It is perfection. It is nicely spiced smoky salmon, rich hollandaise, savory runny eggs and the muffins are so soft, crispy, and buttery!

We also got Tiny Lou’s sweets from Chef Charmain! Warm zucchini bread is crunchy outside, fluffy inside, sweet, earthy. First time having their almond croissant and it melts in your mouth! A buttery croissant with a crunchy, sweet almond crust! And you can’t go to Tiny Lou’s without getting their viral crepe cake. This one was just as good as ever with lemon curd, thin layers of soft crepe, creamy graham cracker, and fluffy meringue.

We tried two different brunch cocktail and I couldn’t get over the Sword of Judgement. It is a pisco cocktail with delicious, earthy ube, boozy reposado, and creamy almond liquor. Also really enjoyed the Pastor of Vows that is an early gin cocktail. It is paired with bright limoncello, sweet honey and spiced ginger.

And we can’t forget, there is the infamous Clermont Lounge below. It’s the spot for celebrities, people watching and of course, strippers. We didn’t go but it is an option!


GRAND HYATT ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/23/25

You’ll find inner peace at this newly renovated Buckhead hotel, The Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead! Recently, John and I stayed the weekend at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and were stunned by its beautiful renovation! Everything about it was calming and opulent from the beautiful rooms to the sweeping bar, to the lush Zen Garden and pool.

The lobby greets you with a grand chandelier and posh art deco seating! The lobby has marble floors, flashes of colorful artwork, and artwork creating movement. Inside The Fabled bar in front of you, the bar soars to the ceiling and the marble top seems to go on forever. On the opposite side of the bar are storytelling artwork and columns reminiscent of Italy or Greece with seating that overlooks the Zen Garden and waterfall!

Speaking of the Zen Garden, take a stroll! Go up to floor three and out the double doors to take a walk through their Zen Garden. Lush plants, Japanese accents, sitting areas and it all overlooks a waterfall that you can see from the lobby and bar. The Zen Garden leads to the pool where you can relax by it and even order a bevy. To access the waterfall, head to down to the lower level during Cassis breakfast hours. You can even sit outside by it with your breakfast.

After that, retreat to your room. John and I got treated to a suite where you walk into a living room all dressed up with a cozy, comfy couch and chairs, and a small wet bar. Loved the art deco like 20s lighting, as well. In the bedroom, the large king comfy bed is accented by a gray scale garden and tree scene which was calming and a small siting area. The bathroom is a stunner with marble floor, vanity and shower! It was like a spa!

The Fabled Bar

John and I enjoyed a meal here while we visited! Here we found out more about myths (cocktails named after myths) on their amazing drink menu and epic journeys like their locally sourced scratch food. All enjoyed in the relaxed, beautiful ambiance of the bar.

To start we opted for the creamy, slightly smoky deviled eggs that also had a good tang and a pop of salty fish roe on top. To go with that came the Tuna Tataki. It is crunchy, sesame encrusted seared tuna with a bright seaweed salad and a delicious soy glaze! For dinner, I had to try the Zen Garden bowl because it sounded so good. I added well-seasoned and cooked salmon to the top of this favorite dish. The bowl is bright lemon vinaigrette, sweet potatoes, cool cauliflower rice, spicy arugula, and crunchy pepitas. To wash it all down, got the Oracle’s martini. This is a vodka martini with floral elderflower, sweet and tart pear, and bright lemon.

Told you! You can find inner peace here at every turn.

MOXY ATLANTA MIDTOWN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/20/24

Situated in the heart of Atlanta Midtown, Moxy Atlanta Midtown is daring to be different with welcome cocktails at check-in, boutique hotel vibes paired with a young and fun atmosphere, fresh, large, updated rooms, and High Note rooftop bar to accompany your swim. Sip on craft cocktails and enjoy delish shareable bites. John and I enjoyed a weekend staycation recently and enjoyed the proximity to bars, restaurants, clubs, and only minutes from beautiful Piedmont Park! Come see why Atlanta’s got Moxy. 
 
When you enter Moxy’s lobby, you’re greeted with a living room set-up where you check-in at the bar and receive a welcome cocktail (or wine)! They also have several lounging areas for gathering with family, friends or making new ones. A fireplace, a full bar and snack area, pool table and tabletop shuffleboard, as well as large murals and couch areas. It’s an amazing space. You can also stay late at night for a DJ and drinks in the lobby! Like their Tropic thunder old fashioned that is smoked, sweet, yet boozy. 
 
We went up to the 6th floor to our room. You walk into a beautiful bathroom with white subway tile with black grout shower and spacious vanity. Make sure to look down in the shower for the “Deep End” water grate. Then just down the short hall is the bedroom with comfy king bed, fun old school rotary phone, and desk work area. I really enjoyed the “I woke up this way” as well. ️They have varying sizes for any group.  
 
Get up to the rooftop to lounge at the large inviting pool. Then, pair the pool with craft cocktails and shareable bites at High Note Atlanta!  Like start out with a crisp, cool, floral hibiscus solitude cocktail and enjoy it with some lemony, crunchy, meaty lemon pepper wings. Or sip on a sweet, earthy, boozy banana old fashioned with juicy flavorful honey steak bites on a bead of earthy and sweet Brussels. Feeling hot, sweet crispy fried chicken? Go for their hot honey fried chicken sliders and some crispy seasoned fries. 
 

THE CANDLER HOTEL, ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/1/22

The opulent, white marble ascends into the Atlanta skyline and stands in juxtaposition from the beautiful blue of the daytime sky. There’s a quintessential permanent red carpet with the nicest doorman that opens the heavy, brass doors into the striking lobby. Straight ahead is a bank of brass, original elevators that have a sign above them that says, “next car.” You can lounge on the circular sofa and watch the people come and go from the elevators or stare in awe at the large, sweeping marble staircase where you’re greeted with a marble lion and paired with one of the most beautiful chandeliers in all of Atlanta. Welcome to the beautiful, Candler Hotel.

On the other hand, where you go to check in is modern and warm with blues, purples, and huge, round lights that protrude from the ceiling. It almost has an art deco feel to it. Then, nestled on the end of the lobby in the corner, is their amazing in-house restaurant by George. From the mind of Hugh Acheson, it’s a spot to relax for a drink at the large bar or to grab some dinner or brunch in the stunning dining room with juxtaposing wood, white, tables, and soft textured seating in green and a variety of colors that add warmth to the cool marble pillars.

Heading up the elevator, we stayed in a King room on the 14th floor. Upon entering the room, to the left was a posh seating area with a black leather chair and gorgeous green velvet couch. On the other side of the room a large window with floral curtains, let’s in light from the large, sweeping window with some stunning Atlanta Skyline views. And let’s not forget the lush, King bed that’s just as beautiful as it is comfortable and adorned with the Candler Hotel logo. Rounding the corner is a sprawling bathroom that’s almost all marble and right above the toilet is a picture of the Candler Hotel when it was the Coca-Cola building.

Beyond the beauty of the hotel is the history! It was built by Asa Griggs Candler in 1906 and became the Coca-Cola headquarters soon after. So, beginning as a historic building for one of the biggest brands in the world, for years it was offices for Coca-Cola and morphed into offices for many others. This is where my story comes in. I worked for an advertising company called Galaxy Advertising from 2000-2002. It was located in this very building, The Candler Building. For years, I rode up and down the elevators that look the exact same, and I love they left the old building registry. The company went out of business, so it isn’t on the current registry, but having so much history with the building, being there for 2 years and getting my feet wet in advertising makes this building extra special for me. Plus, to see it transformed it to such a beautiful hotel makes my heart happy.

Something that floored me about The Chandler Hotel was the impeccable service. If you want to be waited on hand and foot and treated like royalty, this is where you go. The doorman is always friendly and anticipate getting your car from the valet without even asking. The concierge is the nicest person, he gets you whatever you need to make your stay as wonderful as possible. The front desk crew are overly accommodating and helpful at every turn. We can’t say enough about the treatment at this amazing hotel.

Last but certainly not least, when you come to the Candler Hotel make sure to make a reservation for dinner at by George. As we mentioned, it is a beautiful restaurant, but what we’d like to rave about is the food! We got the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop and the Lamb Chops. First, the pork chop is thick cut, tender, and bone-in with a sweet peach barbecue glaze with a bed of bright and earthy Brussels sprouts. Then, they have a to-die-for lamb chop that’s fall off the bone tender, with a tangy and tempting horseradish infused mashed potatoes and tender asparagus. Either way, you’re in for a treat.

We also had bread service with some amazing, cheesy, grilled cornbread. The chef surprised us with a complimentary charcuterie board with meats and cheeses. To accompany the food we got a fantastic cocktail, the Inside Kick. It’s floral up front with a boozy, cardamom kick on the end. The cognac and cardamom are great compliments. They also have a great wine selection, and we tried the Pinot Grigio. To end the meal, we enjoyed a pair of cakes, chocolate and red velvet (off-menu)! Tasty red velvet with juxtaposing layers of cream cheese icing and chocolate cake. Then, chocolate cake with a chocolate glaze, creamy, cool ice cream and a lot of glorious ganache.

If you stay for brunch, by George also has some great options to get your day starting off right. They have staples like Chicken and Waffles that were savory and crispy diced chicken up front and sweet and buttery waffle on the end. A great flavor combo with the salt and savory of bacon, as well as the silky smooth maple syrup! Then some new favorites, like the Eggs in a Nest. It’s savory eggs your way with an earthy, crunchy, buttery vegetable hash and tasty vegan sausage. We got our eggs over medium! A good option for vegetarians/vegans.

Whether you are looking for a Staycation to explore your city within steps of popular attractions like The Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola (fitting right?), Centennial Olympic Park, and more. Or if you’re coming from out of town to explore Atlanta, this is the spot to stay. It’s perfect location to everything and even off property, you can find great food and drink options just down the street. Enjoy your stay.