Giorgia the Peach State, where southern charm meets modern vibrancy in a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Georgia State, located in the southeastern United States, is a land of contrasts, where historic antebellum homes coexist with bustling metropolises, and serene coastal landscapes merge with the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. Whether you’re drawn to the lively streets of Atlanta, the historic sites of Savannah, the pristine shores of the Golden Isles, or the scenic wonders of the North Georgia mountains, Georgia offers a remarkable tapestry of experiences for every visitor and here are our favourite luxury hotels to stay at during your time here.
Atlanta
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
The art deco-style Four Seasons stands out on the horizon at 186-meters in height – even among a sea of skyscrapers – with its notably pyramid-shaped cap. It also stands out as the only five-star hotel in Midtown, a prize it’s held since the early 1990s. 53 stories house 244 guest rooms, the second-floor Park 75 restaurant, a fifth-floor terrace restaurant with a private garden, Bar Margot (with an enviable collection of vinyl), a heated indoor saltwater pool beside an outdoor sun terrace, a boutique spa, a fitness suite with a Peloton bike and a carefully curated art collection.
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Designed by Robert AM Stern, this landmark building in a fancy neighbourhood has 127 guest rooms, a sprinkling of which have balconies. Of its 42 storeys, two are occupied by the spa, which includes an indoor pool, an outdoor terrace and a relaxation zone with some separate areas for men and women. There are traditional English elements at the Waldorf, such as the formal afternoon tea and inner sanctum garden area, which wouldn’t seem out of place in the Home Counties. The upmarket cuisine in the cafe and bar takes on a French feel, however. Children are made most welcome and get to choose an item from the toy wagon on arrival.
Ritz Carlton Atlanta
The recently rebranded Ritz Carlton Atlanta celebrates Southern culture in its food, decor and events. Take part in a bourbon tasting, peruse the range of vintage photography adorning the walls, listen to live music at the Lumen Bar and tuck into some fine, aged steak at AG. You can also grab breakfast and a micro-roasted coffee at Jittery Joe’s and upgrade to Club Level for superior lounge access. The venue has 444 rooms, all of which have been newly renovated to include feather beds with Italian Frette® linens, terry or lightweight robes, technology butler services, an honour minibar and a 55-inch flat-panel HDTV.
The Whitley A Luxury Collection Atlanta
This Marriott hotel is in Buckhead, a graceful, yet cosmopolitan property on Peachtree Road. Public areas feature oil paintings and oversized lit fireplaces, with the Trade Root Restaurant and Lounge, a glittering ballroom, the Founders Room a boardroom and a tranquil award-winning spa being among the spaces available for use. 507 guest rooms are designed to create a sense of haven, with calming, timeless furnishings, high ceilings and featherbeds made up with 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Book The Whitley Suite to also have a dining room with a butler’s pantry, a grand piano and a billiards table.
W Atlanta Downtown
If you’re looking for the trendiest, most remarkable spot in town, check into the W. Highlights here include an urban-style spa located on the 16th floor, the signature restaurant Local Motives, an underlit 22-ft rooftop pool with a bar and views of the cityscape (dreamy for swimming by day and magical for partying by night), as well as dramatic art installations throughout the property. Atlanta itself has been the inspiration for the bedroom interiors, incorporating Makassar wood, glossy acrylics and hues of mulberry, indigo and teal. The WOW suites offer an extra level of sass, but all rooms come with the brand’s own W Beds, plush pillows and ultra-luxe duvets.
The St Regis Atlanta
A city centre resort, this is both five-star and AAA Five Diamond certified. The 40,000 square foot Pool Piazza (incorporating a cafe, bar and a fireplace for winter months) stands at the centre, with an LA meets French Riviera vibe. St Regis has two further bars, including The Garden Room restaurant and a spa. Guests staying here receive the hallmark St. Regis Butler Service, where every need is anticipated for an elevated experience around the clock. And its 182 guest rooms provide the luxury home-from-home feel, with marble bathrooms and iPad controls.
Savanna
Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah
Forming a single hotel from two buildings across the road from one another, Perry Lane is named after its address. It began life in 2018, as part of the Marriott group, but projects a distinct personality that, like its frontage, is well in keeping with Savannah style. The lifts are decked out in tropical wallpaper, there’s a large art collection, Turkish rugs and a library with comfy leather chairs and plantation shutters. Up on the rooftop you’ll find a pool area with a bar and a midcentury vibe and an astroturfed space for games; while a different kind of game (retro video) can be played in The Wayward bar and eatery.
The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, Autograph Collection
Just steps away from the lights of River Street, this boutique hotel offers great views of the waterway and a vintage maritime feel inside. Guests can enjoy a curated programme of live music from local artists, including Southern blues and jazz. Watch the boats pass by from the outdoor terrace of Rocks on the Roof with some tapas and a handcrafted cocktail; or dine at the indoor section of the restaurant, savouring the all-American flavours. Other highlights of The Bohemian Hotel include a glass of champagne on arrival, Matelassé bed linens, in-room Starbucks coffee and oyster shell chandeliers.
Thompson Savannah
Found where the Historic District meets Eastern Wharf, Thompson Savannah’s interior has been inspired by southern living. Dallas-based Studio 11 Design were responsible for the decor including 193 guestrooms and suites, all accommodated in a specially commissioned tower by Smallwood architects, providing east-facing views of the river, the coastal islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Its public area includes the Fleeting restaurant serving dishes crafted from seasonal produce; the rooftop Bar Julian; a second-floor pool (accessed via the lobby) and a poolside lounge, the Sunroom.