Due to the economy the development has slow considerably and the building which houses the W and it’s residencies nearly went into foreclosure and almost auctioned off. The area has a way to go before becoming a truly seamless walking/urban neighborhood.
RANKINGS
Exterior Common Areas [4]
Driving up to the hotel you drive into the Wheels motor court, indicated by the trademark “W” most properties have outside. Due to Atlanta’s traffic, it’s pure hell getting in and out.
Interior Common Areas [5]
Check-in/Check-out [0 out of 5]
I was “greeted” if you can call it that, by one of the nastiest check-in agents I’ve even encountered. She was dismissive and super condescending. She appeared unhelpful, unmoved and as though she didn’t want her job. As a HUGE W Fan, this individual is not what I've come to expect when checking in. I was given a small room that was not clean. Went downstairs and was handled by someone else and given a much better room. I have to wonder why wasn’t I given this room to begin with? I don’t throw “I’m a Platinum member” or the “do you know who I am” BS lines about, but in this instance, I felt like the agent could have placed me in a better room. I’m sure this room is not apart of the upgrade pool, but at least the agent could have tried to place me in a better room than the tiny and more importantly, dirty room I was initially assigned.
I noticed the elevator at this property didn’t have the whimsy of some of the older properties, it was really bland.
Guest Rooms [3]
I wish I could rate this room higher but despite the size and view, there nothing spectacular about the room.
Parlor [2]
Your enter an “L” shaped parlor that overlooks the connector and gives you full views of midtown.
- Overall First Impression: Great - this is what I what I’m accustomed to in regards to size.
- Furniture & Decor: I think it’s hideous. It’s like Barney and Grimace collaborated on the design scheme. Not to my taste. My friend Richard would love it though :o)
- TV: 40” HD TV with good channel coverage. However, the TV is not adjustable so you can only see it from one side of the room.
- Lighting: Lighting over the dining table and two table lamps. During the day it’s not needed but at night, its a challenge to balance the lighting.
- Workspace: There is no designated or functional work space in the parlor. If needed one could work at the dining table.
- View: View north of midtown
Bedroom [4]
- Overall First Impression: Nice and spacious. City views continue around the corner.
- Bed: Inviting, very firm & nice linens. If you’re a person who chooses to work in bed, you’ll need to unplug several devices so that you can get to an outlet
- Furniture & Decor: same as the parlor, but I do like the feature wall behind the bed.
- Closet Space: One small closet that houses the safe and iron/ironing board.
- TV: Identical to the parlor
- Lighting: Lots of lighting on either side of the bed.
- Workspace: Desk is opposite bed and faces building across the street. Good lighting and electrical sockets near the desk.
- View: The bed and desk face the apartment building and the view is of that buildings recreation deck.
Guest Room Bathroom [4]
- Sink: Residential feel with good counter space. Enough working space for multiple people to prepare without causing any issues.
- Shower: Nice sized shower with rain shower head. Good pressure and water temperature.
- Tub: No tub
- Toiletries: Typical bliss toiletries and lots of towels
Housekeeping [0]
I only spent one night in the hotel but there are some major issues from housekeeping. My room was so dusty my asthma flared up and I’ve never seen so many dust bunnies. There was dust all over the desk and the W snack tray, night stands and lamps. How can one room have so much dust? In addition, the mirrored top of the coffee table was not secure and as I brushed up against the table to reach for a book, it nearly fell off.
Club Level/Lounge [N/A]
W Hotels don't have a club lounge or Club level
Fitness Center [5]
Pool [3]
Infinity pool and deck but super tiny. If you’re looking for tranquility, you wont find it here. Pool provides views of downtown. Personally I think they should have planned better for a pool in a downtown property in a warm climate city. Seems like they could have taken space away from the Wet Bar area and made the layout of the pool better.
Business Center [N/A]
There is one on site, but I did not use.
Concierge [N/A]
There is one on site, but I did not use.
High Speed Wired/Wireless Internet Access [4]
There is free wireless in the living room. There is a $14 fee in rooms. Rooms are also wired. The signal was very strong and quite fast & I was never dropped.
Parking/Valet [5]
Very fast. I called for the car prior to going out and it was there before I got downstairs. This was approximately 5-7 minutes.
Dining [N/A]
BLT Restaurant on site but didn’t dine there
Miscellaneous
Hotel offers Acura service to surrounding area. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
FINAL IMPRESSION
Overall hotel cleanliness
Doesn’t appear housekeeping department is on staff nor accountable.
Staff attitude, conduct & support
The initial room assignment was inexcusable. Agents at a top notch property should know the loyalty program benefits, so top level elite members don't have to, “work” for published benefits. The other employees were nice, especially the Valet staff.
Location
Good location if you need to be downtown or southern midtown. Easy access to downtown and midtown restaurants, venues and highway access. The major problem is getting in and out of the property.
Would I return?
Maybe. The property doesn't seem clean and check in staff needs to be more receptive to loyal members and break from the “I can only do so much” script. Based on my experiences at other W hotels and comparing this property to the other W hotels in Atlanta, this experience was bad. I like the physical plant more than the W Atlanta - Buckhead, but the service at that Buckhead property is fantastic with good restaurants and shopping closeby. Comparing to the W Atlanta - Midtown, the Midtown property has a better location, nearby restaurants, nicer decor, more suites and the staff is super accommodating and well versed in the SPG program
Would I recommend this as family friendly?
No. W hotels are not family hotels
Good for business travelers?
Yes. Property is located in the CBD
Good for a romantic get away?
No.
Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?
Yes. As it’s in the heart of the city and Atlanta is a city where one needs to drive to get anywhere.
Would I recommend restaurant?
NA
Value for price paid?
Good
Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 5
W Atlanta - Downtown
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: (404) 582-5800
Web: www.watlantadowntown.com
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