If you are heading to Atlanta with the family, we recommend staying in the beautiful Buckhead area, north of downtown. We recently stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead and it was the perfect location for relaxation, shopping, site-seeing and more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead Lobby
We had the opportunity to visit Atlanta for a few days this summer as a family and really fell in love with the charm, the sites, but most of all, the hospitality. There is really so much to do in the great city to make every age happy. Little ones will love underwater tunnels at the Georgia Aquarium and the dancing water fountains at the Olympic Centennial Park. Teens will have fun finding their favorite team stats at the College Football Hall of Fame and tasting various Coke products from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola. And if you are into history, you must spend time at the Center for Civil & Human Rights. Have I convinced you to head to Atlanta yet?
One of the reasons we felt the welcome and love from the city of Atlanta had to do with our stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. Located in Atlanta’s most prestigious neighborhood, The Ritz-Carlton was the perfect location for our 3 day visit. Beyond being a gorgeous hotel in the right spot, everyone we encountered during our stay went out of their way to make us feel at home. Let me tell you more……
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: Why Stay in Buckhead?
Buckhead is a gorgeous neighborhood. Filled with cool restaurants, prime shopping, and some amazing museums, there is so much to do in this area. We really felt it was more convenient to stay outside of Downtown Atlanta, and in a more residential area, and of course The Ritz-Carlton was a wonderful choice.
Right across the street from the hotel is Phipps Plaza which has the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, perfect for my boys. And a few blocks away is the American Girl Doll Store.
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: Hospitality
We had never stayed at a Ritz-Carlton before so I was a bit on guard heading into our stay with my 2 boys. I always felt that a 5-star hotel would frown upon active & rambunctious children like mine. So after a long talk about “best behavior”, we headed into the lobby.
Ritz Kids Check In Desk at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
Right next to the check-in desk was a big wagon filled with toys, a short desk with coloring sheets and a bowl of lollipops. Not at all what we expected. We were greeted with big hellos and my boys were invited to check out all the Kid’s activities that The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead had planned for the week (more on that below).
Feeling a bit of relief, we checked in and headed to our room on the Club Level. As we walked by the Club Lounge, we were greeted with a big welcome. Walter introduced himself and asked us if we were hungry. Truth be told, we were starving as it was 2pm and we had only had breakfast that day.
Even though all the food in the Club Lounge was put away at the time, Walter pulled together a wonderful plate of grilled chicken sandwiches, cheese, fruit and chips. Honestly, it was above & beyond what you would expect and we were so appreciative.
A welcome treat for Kids at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
Immediately, I realized how welcome families were to The Ritz-Carlton and knew what a terrific stay it was going to be.
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: A Room Tour
We stayed in a Deluxe Room on the Club Level during our stay, which consisted of 2 of the softest full-sized beds I have ever slept on. Each had 6 feather pillows and a big, fluffy down comforter with 400-thread count sheets. No matter how many times I try to recreate a bed like this at home, it’s just never the same. We cranked the air down each night and drifted off to lala land in luxury.
Deluxe Room at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead offers several room types to choose from to accommodate any sized family. They also have a large indoor pool and workout facility as well as a luxurious Spa. On site, there are 2 restaurants – the Cafe and the Lobby Lounge, serving weekend brunch, hosting tea time and seasonal specials.
Bathroom Amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: Club Level
We have stayed on concierge levels of hotels a few times, but our experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead was quite different. The Club Level amenities include breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and sweets. Complimentary wine & champagne is offered in the afternoon and evenings. And the espresso machine made the most delightful cappuccinos and hot chocolates for my boys.
The Club Lounge was beautiful with groupings of couches and tables and a panoramic view out the windows. It was very tasteful and looked fancy (remember my earlier concerns?) but everyone was so very welcoming of my boys that never once did I not feel that we didn’t belong.
The difference was the hospitality that I mentioned previously. Each one of the staff took the time to ask our names, learn more about us and offer us daily suggestions on what we should do.
The Candy Bar on the Club Level at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
And my boys’ (ok, mine too) favorite amenity of the Club Level? This candy bar – open 24/7. We may have enjoyed it a little too much.
The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead: Very Important Kid Program
I was so happy to see that The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead welcomes families with open arms. From the children’s desk in the lobby to the family activities they offer, their Very Important Kids Program (VIK) is so fun. Children are invited to take part in the self-guided scavenger hunts around the hotel and they have complimentary rice krispie treats in the Cafe and The Lobby Lounge. Dive in movies & popcorn are offered in the indoor pool each Friday & Saturday night. And when we were there this summer, they hosted “cotton candy happy hours” and treasure hunts in the pool. I love it when a hotel goes above & beyond to welcome families like this!
Dive in Movies on Friday & Saturday nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead
What We Liked About The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead:
- The rooms were large and spacious
- Extremely comfortable beds
- Coffee maker & refrigerator in each room
- Free WiFi on the Club Level
- Indoor Pool & Fitness Center
- Right Across the Street from LEGOLAND Discover Center
- Club Level food & service
What You Need to Know About The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead:
- Valet parking is available. It is $38 per night. There is a parking lot next door to the hotel that is a nominal fee per day.
- WiFi is not free throughout the hotel.
- The Downtown Attractions (Georgia Aquarium, Olympic Centennial Park, World of Coca-Cola) are about 20 minutes away.
We really enjoyed our stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead in Atlanta and fully recommend it as an ideal location to stay with family. I like the fact that was elegant & beautiful, yet didn’t ever feel stuffy. Unlike other 5-star hotels we have stayed out, the staff was all very welcoming, making it the place we want to stay the next time we are in Atlanta.
Other Articles You May Enjoy About Atlanta:
3 Days in Atlanta with Kids
6 Fun Things to Do in Atlanta
Disclosure: My family & I were invited to stay at the The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead as their guest. All opinions are my own.
