Atlanta Skyline

Quick, quick! Atlanta, Georgia’s beautiful JW Marriott in Buckhead has tossed out a truly too-good-to-ignore deal: an Advance Purchase Rate on rooms for $109 plus tax! You have to stay on either August 21, 22, 28 or 29. You have to reserve your room at least one full day ahead of time, and once you reserve, you have to fork over all of your money right there, and there are NO refunds. But, come on, would you really cancel?
Rooms here normally start at around $200/night. You’ll enjoy large, comfy rooms (LOVE the sheets at Marriott hotels), a nice exercise rooms, a big indoor pool, a number of bars and the yummy Lenox Grille. You’ll be close to Lenox Square Mall, too (the hotel is actually connected to the mall!), where you can shop till you drop (just don’t drop dead of a heart attack when you see the prices at the stores.)

I like the bathrooms at this hotel – check them out and you’ll see why. Marble counter tops, separate showers and baths, fuzzy bath robes. I often judge a hotel room by the quality of the bathroom, because that element plays a big part in how much I feel at home.

Just put down the “ADP” promotion code when promoted in the box. Then you’re off to enjoy a really nice hotel at a very small price.

Photo Credit: Coka Koehler

champagne glasses

New Year’s Eve is fast approaching! If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, or are planning to be in Atlanta for New Year’s Eve, it’s not too late to book a hotel room at one of the city’s many great hotels. You’ll probably want a hotel that’s either in Midtown or in downtown Atlanta (or, alternatively, in Buckhead) so that you’ll be close to all the great parties and so that you won’t have to worry about dealing with the horrible traffic. Here’s a short list of hotels to consider when welcoming in 2009 this year!

Westin Peachtree Plaza

The Westin Peachtree Plaza

As of Sunday, December 14, there are still rooms available at this Atlanta landmark (it’s one of the very tall buildings you can’t miss on the skyline). Take the famous glass elevator up all 73 floors to enjoy champagne, dinner and a truly spectacular view from the Sun Dial Restaurant on the very tip floor. And when the party is over, slide under the covers in the Westin Heavenly Bed – trust me, these beds will put even an insomniac to sleep. Rates start at $250 for New Year’s Eve, so book soon to get the room you want!

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo

I can’t believe rooms are still available here! You’ll pay between $200 and $300 for a New Year’s Eve stay, depending on whether or not you want to add one of the packages. Hotel Indigo is smack in the middle of fun Midtown, very close to the Fox Theater, and there are tons of great restaurants and bars around. There’s a small bar in the lobby area, too.

Four Seasons

If 2008 was particularly good for your money-wise, you might enjoy welcoming in the New Year at the Four Seasons Atlanta hotel in Midtown. Rates start at around $400 for December 31st, and there are great spa and bed and breakfast packages available for $500-$600. Dress your best – this is a very sophisticated and classy hotel. Indulge in the beautiful health club before heading out for a night on the town.

Twelve Hotels and Residences

There are two locations, but only the one in Centennial Park has availability for New Year’s Eve when I last checked. All the rooms are suites, ranging from 600-1200 square feet, and – get this – for $319 per night, including the room cost, you can rent one of the hotel’s BMW’s for your entire stay. Nice! (I’m not sure what the rates for this would be for New Year’s Eve, however.) It appears as though the rates at the Centennial Park location downtown are $229 per night, which is a fantastic value for New Year’s Eve.

JW Marriot Hotel Buckhead

The JW Marriot is another great choice for New Year’s Even in Atlanta! Rates are $300-$350 for the night of December 31st, and you’ll be close to Buckhead’s fantastic shopping (the hotel is connected to famous Lenox Square Mall and is close to Phipps Plaza), restaurants and hopping nightlife options.

Have a wonderful New Year’s and remember, be safe! These hotels are the perfect place to party and celebrate with friends without having to worry about driving.

JW Marriot Buckhead Atlanta

Photo credits: Westin Peachtree Plaza website, Hotel Indigo website, JW Marriot Buckhead website