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.”
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!
John and I spent the weekend recently at Hotel Granada in midtown, this gem is like stepping into Spain with stunning Spanish, Europe, Greek architecture that greets you when you pull up. The courtyard is grand, the Spanish tile inviting, the homey vibes permeate and perfect for a weekend getaway, staycation, and to explore the city. Check in to Spain without ever leaving Atlanta!
Before you even enter, this hotel feels like Europe, a mixture of old and new architecture, arches, and stucco. A spiral staircase and awning wind up to the landing where Spanish and European style tile spell out the word Granada. The centerpiece of the Hotel is the courtyard just through an archway! A centerpiece fountain is surrounded by groups of seats where it would be perfect to hang out in during spring with a cocktail from Pom Court.
Inside, the heart of the Hotel Granada is Pom Court. You follow the earthy orange and green Spanish tile to the large bar or seating areas of the restaurant to the coffee shop and front desk. The restaurant, Pom Court’s Spanish inspired southern food awaits from delightful brunch to Spanish southern dinner. We had a full dinner at Pom Court on our second night here is what we got.
I started out with the Alba martini, a floral gin and cool vodka martini with two vermouths’: one is bitter the other sweet, so it has a dynamic flavor! For starters, John and I shared the Deviled Eggs, a creamy and tangy set of eggs topped with crunchy chicken chicharrónes and tangy picked okra! We also got the Beef empanadas, rich and flavorful beef in a crunchy shell with a delish earthy aioli for dipping. For our main, we shared the short rib, which is a super tender and meaty beef on top of smoky corn, black beans, onion succotash and fried onion.
On the way to the room, I notice something special. It’s the custom Atlanta wallpaper with visuals of The Fox Theatre sign, the Olympic Torch, and even Vidalia Onions! Speaking of the rooms, they are spacious with retro design, custom carpet, and gorgeous 20s square tile. The furniture is vintage lounging couch, and teak inspired armoire and headboard on the large king comfy bed. And the bathroom is immaculate with 20s tile, marble, gold tailored accents and frosted custom designed windows.
Tucked in the basement, May Peel is a moody, chic bond-inspired speakeasy with blue velvet and drop 20s lighting. Behind the circular bar, Nico whips up sensational cocktails you can’t find anywhere else. We got a several cocktails at the bar from the Whisperer to Valencia, Eclipse de Sol, and a Manhattan. Of the group, I really enjoyed the Whisperer, a boozy rum and sweet clarified pineapple drink, earthy pandan, creamy coconut foam on top. It is their take on a pina colada. I also liked, Nico’s Eclipse de Sol, a smoky mezcal cocktail infused with spicy habanero vermouth, citrusy amaro, sweet house made chocolate mole bitters. The third cocktail I got is the Valencia is a saffron fat-washed earthy gin cocktail that is spiced just right!
The Intercontinental Buckhead is where I would recommend out of town guests stay in Buckhead! John and I had the most amazing couple’s staycation at the Intercontinental Buckhead recently and we know why it was awarded Atlanta’s top hotel according to Travel and Leisure readers. Needless to say, it is our love language with stunning lobby, white glove service, gorgeous rooms, and the amenities the day is long. From The Americano Atlanta Italian restaurant and bar, fitness center, pool, and world class spa with all the perfect touches await for you.
At the Intercontinental Buckhead, you’re greeted with a smile and white glove service the moment you step out into the valet and onto the front desk. Gorgeous marble floors sweep you into the cozy den-like area with fireplace and a metal dog. You can just sit and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace. Just beyond is the check-in, is the main lobby, a grandiose vaulted atrium with waterfall chandelier, hints of tropical and flowering plants, and one of the lushest murals spreading from the canvas into the floor below. It is stunning.
Up in the rooms, the floor is a stunning floral pattern with accents of black and gray, a long grew blue velvet sofa for cozy nights watching some TV and a plush king bed for relaxing. The moody bathroom calms with black and gold accents with a soaker tub and shower. Plus, our view of downtown from this 18th floor oasis was everything.
In the lobby, The Americano Atlanta is the gorgeous onsite Italian restaurant by Scott Conant! The bar is lavish like a movie set and serves classic cocktails like their olitini, beer, wine and more. The restaurant itself is a work of art from stunning artwork to beautiful lighting. We topped off our couples’ package evening with the best meal here. We got a bottle of champagne to share that was “Sabred” to take the top off! Then, indulged in a delight dinner filled with tangy, spicy pillowy gnocchi al pomodoro topped with creamy burrata, cool and tangy tuna crudo appetizer, a shareable tender and juicy imperico pork chop atop charred brussels and a fantastic balsamic reduction. Ended the dinner with the best apple crostata. Crunchy and sweet, savory and paired it with their boozy yet sweet Nero Manhattan!
The spa at the Intercontinental Buckhead is an oasis. We enjoyed an afternoon unwinding in the spa with a calming side-by-side couples 60-minute Swedish massage. They have a beautiful quiet room where you can sip on champagne or fruit filled water and enjoy some cookies before and after your appointment. This world class spa has impeccable service and unparalleled treatments. On top of the spa, they offer an outdoor pool, room service, stay and play packages, and large fitness room!
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.
It’s all about comfort at the Element by Westin new Cartersville, Ga location! John and I recently headed just 30 minutes north of Atlanta to check out the new Element hotel located in Emerson, Ga next to the Lake Point Sports Complex and only minutes from Downtown Cartersville.
When you walk into the bright lobby, you’re reminded of home, large plush couches and chairs with three distinct spaces to spread out. Think comfort from calming colors, warm and cozy fabrics to name a few. They also have a snack wall and provisions, some bikes if you would like to use them, an outdoor pool for the warm months, and a fitness room.
Upstairs, relax and unwind in a crisp and clean room. You’re greeted with a white, comfortable bathroom with glowing vanity and mirror, wood elements, and a nice large shower. In the main space, the large king bed is the focal point with wood accents, warm lights and a calling teal blue accent wall. You also have a small reading area and a wood paneled wardrobe and wet bar combo!
On the 5th floor is their restaurant and bar, Skyline bistro. They have a great view of the playing fields from their patio, and the sunset on sunny days. They have a full menu, but we were blown away by their cocktail presentation. Their spicy margarita is tangy and spicy with the rim flavor of your choice but smoked and presented in a dome! Then, couldn’t get over the Umpire smoked old fashioned served in a chest, opened to reveal smoke, and handed to you.
We just need a little “Changes in Attitudes” so we visited Camp Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. You can enjoy year-round accommodations like RV sites, glamping, and their beautiful cabins like the one, changed in attitudes, John and I stayed in when visiting Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for License to Chill Snow Island! It is just down the street from the decked out water park and dining so you can make a whole weekend or getaway out of it!
You enter the Camp and are greeted with the nicest staff that is very accommodating and wind your way around the RV and camping sites to the edge of the lake. That is where Changes in Attitudes, the cabin, sits overlooking Lake Lanier! Upon arrival you have your own parking pad and a large patio to hang out on.
Inside, this cute little one-bedroom cabin has it all! You have a spacious den and full kitchen area to relax and dine in. The ceilings are beautifully lined wood and makes it feel even bigger. Down the hall is a full bathroom and a set of bunkbeds! Climb up the ladder to the spacious loft, great for extra guests!! In the back is the bedroom with queen bed and closet space! One of the biggest perks about this little cutie, is the view of the lake! It is stunning at all hours, especially sunset which you can watch from the patio or from the beach below. We loved the beach area and especially the fire pits for some nighttime fun!
They have several other cabins and one of them is called Lost Shaker of Salt! We found our lost shaker of salt we lost in Jacksonville at Margaritaville Jax Beach!
Naturally, it’s Callaway! John and I recently went down to Callaway Gardens to enjoy their Pumpkins at Callaway and got treated to a weekend retreat in their “stay amidst the wonders of nature,” at the Lodge & Spa. It is a majestic mountain lodge with stunning waterfalls, carefully sculpted greenery, lake views, and walkable, relaxing grounds!
You walk up to the Lodge and are greeted with cozy mountain lodge vibes, soaring stone fireplace, and relaxing lounge. It all feels so natural, a rustic lodge, with modern touches! Up in the rooms, large, airy modern rooms open into spacious balconies to take in the beautiful grounds. When you walk in the bathroom is on the left with a walk-in shower, separate soaker tub make it an oasis. The comfy kind bed and seating area in the room is relaxing and you can open the drapes for views!
On the grounds, the Lodge at Callaway has two restaurants, Cason’s Taproom where we enjoyed their seared salmon and delicious cocktails, also the Piedmont Dining room for more formal affairs. They have a large pool and then trails down to Robin Lake Beach. It wasn’t the season to lounge at the beach or we would have!
Also, during our weekend stay at Callaway Resort & Gardens, we got to explore the gardens that come free with your stay! It is a whole world of butterflies to rustic chapels to breathtaking lake views to winding garden paths all in the Gardens at Callaway!
Butterfly Center & Memorial Chapel
Butterfly Center is my favorite spot in the gardens. A perfectly manicured grounds, soaring greenhouse filled with so many butterflies you’re surrounded by them! It’s like a tropical paradise inside. A must do there is to watch the butterflies hatching. My second favorite spot in the gardens is the Memoria Chapel. It is the place to reflect. Stone structure outside leads into a rustic soaring wood ceiling inside then surrounded and encompassed by detailed and beautiful stained glass. The entire building is surrounded by streams and a lake with beautiful yellow lily pads!
Discovery Center & Azalea Bowl
Discovery Center is for those that love learning! They have crawling bugs in one room, history of birds of prey, birding and plant education and more. But the grounds are just stunning, in the center it is all wood surrounded by their twinkling lights and lake views. Plus, they have multiple bridges and wooden walkways to explore the lake. When you get hungry, they have a cafe on site to enjoy a snack. I heard their French fries were really good! If you are looking for a scenic walk, go to the Azalea bowl! Unfortunately, there were no azaleas in bloom, I’d recommend going in Spring! But the walk through the wood was beautiful and they have a waterfall and lots of lake views!
Pioneer Cabin & More
The Pioneer Cabin is a fun quick stop to explore pioneer days. It is on the way to the Butterfly center, check this out! A rustic old cabin with pioneer history, clothing, living and sleeping area all set up like it would have been then! It was very cool to read about how they dropped the loom from the ceiling to sow! We’d recommend reading all of the information about the cabin to get the best experience. There is also the Overlook Azalea Garden we didn’t get to, and the property also has golf, Robin Lake near the Lodge for swimming in season, and Cason’s Garden (which was taken over for pumpkins at Callaway).
Pumpkins at Callaway
Life is gourd at Pumpkins at Callaway! The main reason John and I recently went to Callaway Resort & Gardens is their annual Pumpkins at Callaway. This is one of fall’s can’t miss events, so mark your calendars for next year mid-September through first week of November.
Save this agenda for your Pumpkins at Callaway trip: Gardens by day: 🌲 Start at the Pumpkin tree for a photo op when the Robin Lake Beach opens for the day! 🛍️ Head into the large, big top for a little shopping, entertainment, and photo ops. 🌌 Take the trolley to Carson’s Garden to see the NEW Harvest Sky art instillation. 🌻 Take a trip through the sunflower field. It is gorgeous and I spent a lot of time watching the bees pollinate. 🎃 Enjoy the Garden of Giants (pumpkin). They are huge!! 🍺 Grab some refreshments from Carson’s Beer & Wine Garden! They have a great Sunflower cocktail and tasty bratwurst and peppers combo meal! 🌽 If you want to do Carsons’s Corn Maze, we recommend doing it at night instead! Now if you have kids, do it now. There are two, one is easier than the other and they have a map. Take a picture of the map! Go back to Robin Lake Beach as the sunsets for Glow by night: 👻 Watch the Pumpkin tree sing Monster mash, Ghostbusters, and tell jokes! A must do! 🎃 Go through the mesmerizing Foggy Hollow! Hanging lights, carved pumpkins, glow in the dark animals, foggy creeks, and even smoke bubbles! The best experience they have! ⛳️ Enjoy mini golf? Do a round of unFOREgettable glow in the dark course! 🌽 Get back in the trolley to do Carson’s Corn Maze at night. They have pop music and fun lights!
Next up is their amazing Fantasy in Lights. We went last year and loved it!
Barnsley Resort, where John and I can Escape Together! ️ Just a little over an hour North of our Atlanta home, John and I spent Valentine’s weekend enjoying Barnsley Resort and each other. You feel so far away here from the city but are so close! Everything from the stunning Manor House Ruins and garden, tree-covered walkways, cute and cozy cottages, immersive historical tours, lovely dining options, golf, activities, and so much more, Barnsley Resort has something for everyone.
Driving in, you’re greeted with a smile by the security guard at the gate! One-part welcome party, he sends you to the Inn at Barnsley to check in. The Inn has become the heart of the property since being completed in 2018. With gathering areas, warm wood, and beautiful English architecture, the Inn boasts 55 rooms. Downstairs in the lobby, join in on the 5pm whiskey tradition, or hang out near the fire pits. Also, don’t miss lounging in the lobby seating area by the fire or the fun key wall behind check-in.
Our Room, Cottage
On our weekend, we got to stay in one of the many cottages that dot the landscape around the town square. Walking through them is straight out of a Hallmark movie! Inside, you’re welcomed with a large living space, wood burning fireplace, and sweeping hardwood floors. The bedroom is tucked away behind a pair of French doors with a large comfy king bed, large oval window, and entrance to your own private porch. Then, attached to the bedroom is the luxurious bathroom with pedestal sink, ornate claw foot tub, standing shower and overlooking the tub is a large oval window. We stayed in a smaller cottage, but they have them in all sizes for any family large or small.
Experiences and the property
The first thing we did after we got settled in our room was the Wine, Cheese, and Love Stories historical tour where we explored the Barnsley Resort property. Here we literally learn everything there is to know about the property, all while enjoying Barnsley’s very own Santa Clara Valley Estate wine paired with a local farm’s cheeses!
We started back at the Inn at Barnsley Resort with Pimento Cheese and Santa Clara Valley Cab. We had a meet and greet with our tour guides and learned about the history of Barnsley, the new Inn building, and more. We find out that Prince Fugger bought the property in 1988 after many years of disrepair and turned it into what it is today, a resort destination, in the Southeast!
Our second stop is at the Rice House, which was moved from Savannah and brought to the property in 3 pieces. There we saw our guide Sabre off the top of Barnsley’s grand Cuvée Brut sparkling wine and got paired with a warm brie fondue and dark chocolate fondue. This is the best pairing!
Our third stop was the breathtaking Manor House Ruins! It is a must-see garden and ruins right in the middle of the property! Godfrey Barnsley brought his wife and children to the property in 1840s and started work on their lavish mansion. Julia, his wife, passed before it was completed. Work stopped. But he had a dream of her in the garden telling him to finish it for her. So, he did, it is his love letter to her. Then, in 1906 a tornado took off the roof and back wall and the family moved into the kitchen house, and it was never repaired. There we sampled the Monterey Chardonnay and had Tomme cheese, nuts, and fruit.
Our final spot was in the kitchen house where we saw the Barnsley decedents washer, wood stove, and where we heard the tale of Preston Saylor (KO Dugan), a prize fighter who later shot his brother and killed him. They have memorialized and enclosed the spot where the blood stain is to this day. There we enjoyed the Santa Clara Valley Meritage merlot and hard cheese spread with fruit!
Other places you can explore and enjoy activities are the central beer garden where the staff says “the eternal flame” of the property is, the firepit! They are looking to expand and renovate it in the coming years. Attached to the Rice house is a wedding, concert, and large venue for any occassion. If you’re a golfer, they have a large 18 round golf course with a lake! Like out of the box adventures? They have everything from archery to horseback riding to skeet shooting. There is really something fun to do around every corner.
Dining Experiences at Barnsley Resort
We attended the Rice House’s incredible 5-course Valentine’s meal Friday evening paired with either carefully curated wine or crafted cocktails! We cannot say enough good things about how wonderful the food and drinks turned out and the impeccable staff! They really made you feel special. Here’s the full food review from our experience.
We started with the delicious Amuse Bouche with Nicolas Feuillate Champagne, France. This is a meaty and divine meat pate that comes off smoky and creamy to the palate. This is paired with a tangy sauerkraut and a honey drizzle for a hint of sweet. The amuse bouche is served with bread. The perfect flavors of the light creamy meat with the bubbly champagne.
Our first course started with the Truffle & Foie Gras Stuffed Quail with North Star Merlot, Washington. The Quail is savory, salty, rich, crunchy, earthy truffle, meaty foie gras stuffed and paired with a tangy dried fruit vinaigrette and creamy polenta. Divine! This was served with a light red wine to go with the earthy truffle and hearty meat. The other first course item we got was the Seasonal Beet Tart paired with the Attems Pinot Grigio from Italy. This dish is a crunchy, flaky, buttery tart filled with creamy and earthy beet and goat cheese then adorned with popping passion fruit pearls for a sweet, fruity burst, plus a bright salad on the side.
You can’t go wrong with the second course, the homemade Mushroom Truffle Tagliatelle with Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon. This might just be the best pasta dish ever starting with the herbaceous and earthy, rich marinated locally foraged mushroom. Tender pasta stuffed with a delectable creamy, herbaceous sauce and topped with shaved truffle. Just wow! The light bodied Pinot Noir really brings out the rich flavors of the pasta.
Of the entrees, John got the Seared Wagyu Tenderloin with Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, California. This amazing steak is perfectly cooked and flavorful with a rich and deep demi glaze served with a creamy dreamy potato cake. This went so well with the Cabernet Sauvignon’s deep flavor paired with the meat and demi glaze. I opted for the Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Scattered Peaks Fume Blanc California. This super light and buttery fish is crisped on the outside for a crunchy bite. The balance between the melt-in-your mouth fish and the champagne cream gives it a nice creaminess that’s bright yet light. The light bodied white pairs with the cream so well, and the lightness of the fish.
As for the dessert, they brought out the Chocolate Espresso Mousse with the Decadent Cocktail. This rich chocolate mousse is super rich and decadent in an arrangement of different flavors from creamy to bold. The Decadent cocktail is their take on an espresso martini, and they were able to make this one decaf for me! Creamy, bold, rich, and literally melts into the flavors of the chocolaty mousse. Yum.
Whiskey Tradition in the lobby 5pm daily
When we arrived, the front desk invited us to a special tasting, Whiskey Tradition. It is a tradition that is open to all guests at 5pm each day to try their smoked pecan infused Woodford Reserve whiskey! They take the Woodford and infuse it through smoked pecans right there in the lobby! The smoked pecans are smoked on property and when they change them out, the pecans go on their desserts!
Woodlands Grill
If you’re looking for something casual, we’d recommend the Woodlands Grill! A beautiful homey building right on the golf course with sweeping golf course and lake views! The morning we went, we enjoyed an intimate brunch featuring a sensational eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. These were paired with potatoes. John got the regular breakfast with eggs, bacon, and more. They also serve lunch, dinner, and drinks in Dugan’s bar.
Glenn Hotel Atlanta, where there is a lion in every southern heart. This stunning, ornate boutique hotel began as a 1920s landmark that is “guarded” by 39 lions atop the building. To pay homage, lion artwork is prevalent throughout the entire space from the lobby, in the elevator, and even in the rooms! Warm, inviting, casual yet charming, opulent, manicured while lavish, The Glenn Hotel is an oasis in the heart of downtown and where everyone is welcome. It’s the perfect place for a vacation, staycation, or even a weekender! As the elevator says when you get to the 10th floor, “wow!”
Lobby Area
You’re greeted in the lobby with Glenn art deco tilework on the ground and follow it to the left to the large, sweeping bar filled with touches of metal, green velvet, and opulent marble. There is a lounge area around it filled with velvet chairs, booths and a large couch. If you come in from the valet area, you’ll immediately see a beautiful bookcase filled with books, “there is a lion in every southern heart” sign to the right, and to the left the check-in. The check-in just as beautiful with hints of marble, lion artwork, and modern metal. It all ties together into a medley of modern and sleek without overpowering the character and charm of the traditional elements of the building. Did you know that the Glenn Hotel Atlanta was built as an office in 1923 and was named for a former Atlanta Mayor?
The Room
THE PENTHOUSE! Not only is it extravagant, but it’s also functional and calming. Inside you’re greeted with a desk and a powder room, yes, a second bathroom! Beyond that you walk into the living space with a large blue velvet couch and round dining table, functional and stylish! In the bedroom suite, the bathroom and bedroom meld into one breathtaking room. Dual vanities, sauna and spa like shower, while the restroom has its own “room” with fun animal print wallpaper. Standing out is the soaker tub positioned in the middle of the room only separated from the bed with a glass wall. On the other side of the glass wall, the large, king bed is gorgeously flanked by two glowing pendant lights and right in the middle of a green accent wall adorned with a gold and black lion mirror. WOW! Plus, throw open all the drapes, because you can’t skip the view! Being on the corner you have the same view as the Skylounge the floor above you, with 180 views or more from Mercedes Benz stadium all the way over to the Westin.
Glenn’s Kitchen, onsite dining room
Located in the lobby of the Glenn Hotel Atlanta, it’s a downtown Atlanta destination for sensational dishes like this char-grilled salmon! Light and slightly charred salmon cooked perfectly atop a bright, lemon, creamy risotto that brings out the savory salmon flavor wonderfully! Then, they amped up the flavor with tangy pickled onions to mix in. We paired it with the bright, herbaceous Garden in the sky cocktail filled with cool cucumber and tangy mint.
Some of our other favorite dishes start with the starters like the Deviled Eggs and Jalapeno Hushpuppies. The Deviled eggs are sharp and tangy, a tasty spicy, sweet savory bacon jam on top. Yum! Speaking of spicy, the Jalapeño hushpuppies start out sweet with corn and honey, then the spicy jalapeño kicks in for a balanced bite! The spicy dipping sauce is icing into her cake. We paired this with Glenn’s Old fashioned a traditional cocktail yet that is boozy and a slight sweetness for balance.
We also tried one of their salads, the Ahi Tuna Salad, and a handheld, the Short Rib sandwich. The Short rib sandwich is meaty and tender short rib paired with a spicy and creamy horseradish aioli, finished off with slaw on a crunchy ciabatta roll. And the Ahi Tuna Salad is savory and seasoned ahi tuna with a bright spring salad, tangy dressing, and creamy avocado.
SkyLounge Atlanta: Rooftop Bar at the Glenn Hotel
Take the special elevator up to the rooftop where you’ll find SkyLounge Atlanta! It is a rooftop oasis with some of the best views of downtown Atlanta. Plus, they have light bites like hummus and fun cocktails, like the Centennial, to celebrate the Glenn building’s 100-year anniversary! The view is a must see!
