Bill and Cindy may only live half an hour’s drive away from the Ritz-Carlton, but the draw of the club lounge comforts are tempting enough even for them to be regulars for night or two a month.
Not surprising when you consider you could practically park yourself there throughout your stay, such are the delights on offer. Breakfast, snacks and after 5pm a seemingly bottomless pit of hot and cold hors d’ oeuvres accompanied by a free bar, concierge service, deeply comfy armchairs and sofas and a bird’s eye view of the Atlanta skyline.
The Ritz-Carlton is an Atlanta institution within the confines of Buckhead’s well to do society, being directly sandwiched between the neighbourhood’s two stunning Simon-owned shopping malls, Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Literally within walking distance are 375 stores of designer heaven where you can wander Jimmy Choo, Versace, Bulgari on one hand and Macy’s, Saks and Bloomingdales on the other, safely cocooned in retail therapy to your heart’s content. If shopping is really your bag you can also try the North Georgia Premium Outlets just a 45 minutes drive north to the clean Appalachian air of Dawson County for some designer bargains at up to 65% off.
In a world where luxury stars are banded about like confetti, the Ritz-Carlton brand stands impervious; a timeless classic of sophisticated hospitality and attention to detail from beginning to end. The 444 guestrooms are impeccable spaces; marble floors and baths, crisp Italian Frette linens, goose-down pillows and Asprey toiletries are the support cast within spacious living quarters tailor made for luxury and relaxation. Yes, I feel very much at home in here.
I try out the spa facilities and find myself alone in a huge heated pool with just the cushioned recliners and hot tub for company, the four guys sweating it out in the gym next door looking at me through the window with envy (or is it a losers pity) as I glide around with a few token laps just for the hell of it.
Down in the lobby with Christmas approaching, there’s a stylish festive spirit in the air; plenty of holiday tippling going on in Lumen, the lobby bar (also replete with more than few comfy armchairs) whilst the revolving entrance door is a doing plenty of business with bag laden shoppers.
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta more than justifies its place within Buckhead’s well to do, a perfect example of how to capture the essence of luxury southern hospitality and perfectly positioned to attack the shopping malls on both fronts.
For me, the club lounge beckons once more with the promise of a smile from the Concierge and Bill and Cindy’s entertaining company.
Ritz-Carlton Legendary Shopping Package
Valid through December, 2014
Starting at $259 per night
- Overnight Deluxe accommodations
- American breakfast for two in The Café
- $25 gift voucher for Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza
- Overnight valet parking
- Suite accommodations available starting at $369 USD per night.
Getting to Atlanta:
America As You Like It offer a 5 night Atlanta shopping package from £918 per person including return international flights from London Heathrow on British Airways, 3 nights at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta, car hire and 2 nights a the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Price based on 2 people sharing on a room only basis. For more information contact 020 8742 8299, sales@americaasyoulikeit.com or visit www.americaasyoulikeit.com
