The Whitley, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Atlanta’s bigger than you think; there’s the old downtown city center, and then there’s Buckhead, which is basically North Atlanta, a sort of Southern version of Beverly Hills, complete with its own business and retail districts, upscale residential neighborhoods, and of course a wealth of high-end luxury hotels, including this one, the Whitley, A Luxury Collection Hotel.

Like the best grand hotels this one effortlessly appears to be about two hundred years older than it is; in terms of style, though, it’s more old Europe than Gone With the Wind, its public spaces adorned with mahogany woodwork and 18th- and 19th-century antique-style furnishings.

Rooms, thankfully, are a bit more contemporary — that rich historical style adds romance and grandeur to the public spaces, but would look a bit odd on the upper floors, with views of the Atlanta city center in the distance. Up in the bedrooms it’s pure luxury, less about eye candy than creature comforts, and all serviced by an expertly trained staff. The afternoon tea in the lobby lounge is not to be missed, especially after a long day’s shopping — some of the best retail in the South is just outside the doors.