The Best Luxury Experiences in Atlanta

Atlanta has plenty to offer if you enjoy luxury travel, high-end hotels, fine dining, and premium shopping. You can spend the afternoon browsing designer boutiques, finish the day with dinner at one of the city's best restaurants, and end the evening with cocktails overlooking the skyline. However, as with everything, a little planning before you travel makes it much easier to fit those experiences into your itinerary. Here’s how to have a great, slow, luxury-filled vacation in Atlanta:

Travel around the city in comfort

If you plan to visit several parts of Atlanta during your stay, booking a rental car from the airport is a very good idea. It will give you much more flexibility than relying on taxis, rideshares, or public transport. What’s more, you can splash out on a luxury rental and travel the city in the style you deserve! Many rental companies have executive saloons, luxury SUVs, prestige sports cars, and even beautifully restored classic vehicles in their fleets. However, do remember to reserve your preferred model before traveling because premium vehicles are usually available in smaller numbers than standard cars.

Stay in one of Atlanta's luxury hotels

Atlanta has a lot of gorgeous luxury hotels - many of them located in Buckhead. For example, the St. Regis Atlanta is known for traditional interiors, attentive service, and a large outdoor pool. The Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta combines spacious rooms with a well-regarded spa and indoor swimming pool. If contemporary design suits your taste, W Atlanta Midtown has a very different style while keeping the same focus on premium accommodation. Choosing one of these hotels will also put high-end restaurants, shopping, and nightlife within easy reach (although, if you want to head out in real style, there are also professional limo services nearby!)

Book a memorable dinner

Atlanta has a lot of high-end restaurants for those who love luxury dining. For example, Atlas combines seasonal cooking with an impressive collection of artwork, while Bacchanalia has built a long-standing reputation for tasting menus prepared with carefully sourced ingredients.

If steak is your first choice, Kevin Rathbun Steak has become one of the city's best-known dining rooms. If seafood is more your style, The Optimist specializes in oysters, fish, and shellfish served in a relaxed setting.

Always try to reserve a table before traveling if there is a particular restaurant you want to visit. Popular evening services can fill several weeks in advance - especially in the more luxurious restaurants.

Spend time in Buckhead

As we’ve mentioned above, Buckhead is a byword for luxury in Atlanta. Phipps Plaza and Buckhead Village bring together many international fashion houses, jewelry brands, and designer boutiques within a relatively small area. Even if shopping is not your main priority, the cafés, restaurants, and public spaces make the district worth exploring for a few hours.

Add art or live performance to your itinerary

Luxury travel is not limited to hotels and restaurants (or, at least, it shouldn’t be!) Build some culture into your itinerary with museums and live performances. The High Museum of Art has an extensive collection covering both historic and contemporary works or if live music or theatre are more your speed, look at the programs for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Fox Theatre before booking your trip. Matching your travel dates to a concert or performance can add something different to your visit.

Finish the evening with a view

Several rooftop bars give you the chance to end the day above the city streets. For example, SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel combines skyline views with an extensive cocktail menu. If you prefer a livelier atmosphere later in the evening, Havana Club remains one of Atlanta's best-known late-night venues.

Plan ahead for the best experience

Luxury travel usually rewards early planning. Reserve hotels, restaurants and premium vehicle hire before you travel, particularly if your visit coincides with major sporting events or conventions. Booking ahead gives you a wider choice and reduces the risk of missing the experiences that prompted the trip in the first place.