REVIEWS ATLANTA AND HONG KONG CHECKING OUT ...Long Haul Hotels, Flights, Trains and Cruise ships HOTEL ATLANTA MARRIOTT BUCKHEAD – GEORGIA, USA
BY STEVE HARTRIDGE THE BACKGROUND: An ex-Sheraton property, everything at this ‘new’ Marriott in Atlanta’s trendy and upmarket Buckhead district has been completely remodelled. New features include the high-ceiling lively lobby bar with a trendy-chic atmosphere and an ultra-modern gym. But don’t get confused: another Marriott hotel, the JW Marriott, is just across the street.
THE LOCATION: Seventeen miles north of Hartsfield International Airport, the hotel does not provide a shuttle service. Taxis cost about $35. Alternatively, take the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) subway to Lenox Square (Gold Line), for $2 one way. Opposite is Lenox Square Mall, one of Atlanta’s premium shopping centres – including a Macy’s. Restaurants and Phipps Plaza Mall are also within easy walking distance.
THE ROOM: The hotel has 349 deluxe guest rooms and suites. I stayed in a bright and
spacious King guest room, with a work desk, HD TV, coffee machine, cordless phone and large marble-floored bathroom. There was no WiFi (unless I paid for it), but this was free in the lobby. The hotel has installed PURE technology in several guest rooms that claims to keep the rooms 99.9% allergen free.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: Shula’s 347 and Lobby Bar is a steakhouse that serves premium black Angus beef, fish and oversized salads. Granite-topped tables and dark leather booths create a casual atmosphere. The adjoining al fresco sports bar, The Patio at Shula’s 347, is the place to sip a Blue Moon beer while watching a ‘ball game’. The bar hosts live music on a Friday. The Lenox Dining room serves up hearty breakfasts – try cheesy grits, a Southern staple.
KEY FACILITIES: There’s a fitness centre with state-of-the-art gym equipment, whirlpool, sauna and a heated pool.
The Verdict
Within easy reach of many Atlanta attractions – big malls, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola – this is a great suggestion for leisure travellers. The hotel feels modern, ultra-comfortable, clean and has both a lively vibe and courteous staff – the perfect welcome to Georgia!
RATES: King rooms start at around $110 a night for a weekend stay in June 2012 ($220 for a midweek stay). Check special deals listed on the hotel’s website.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
CONTACT: Atlanta Marriott Buckhead, 3405 Lenox Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30326 USA; T: +1 404 261 9250; W:
www.marriott.com
HOTEL HOTEL GRAND HYATT – HONG KONG
BY ALAN ORBELL BACKGROUND: One of Hong Kong’s ‘Grande Dames’ and Hyatt’s flagship property was first opened in 1989 but has been frequently upgraded and modernised since to offer a superb five-star product overlooking Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.
THE LOCATION: The hotel’s 549 rooms and suites across 21 categories are located in Wan Chai, next to the convention centre and Hong Kong’s iconic Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Sui on Kowloon. A new metro station is under construction by the hotel, which will make access even easier.
THE ROOM: A Grand Harbour View corner room with plate-glass windows giving fantastic views over the harbour, Kowloon Island beyond and the Wan Chai and Central (where a huge new waterfront shopping/eating/parkland complex is being created) coastlines. The welcoming room has a soft green carpet and offers a very
comfortable king-size bed, recliner and occasional table, work desk with reading light, internet access, a three-pin socket (no adaptors required) and side desk on which daily newspapers are stored. Other amenities include a wide-screen swivel TV, mini-bar, hot water dispenser for tea/coffee, complimentary water, bowl of fruit (topped up daily), safe, iron/board, dressing gown and several appealing black and white wall pictures. The black and white marble bathroom boasts a full wall mirror, large corner shower, bath and basin and amenities are from June Jacobs.
KEY FACILITIES: Dining options include a steakhouse, Chinese, Italian and Japanese cuisine, while the Plateau Residential Spa is open for 17 hours a day with 13 treatment rooms, 10 overnight rooms and includes Hong Kong’s largest swimming pool (50 metres and heated). There is also a 24-hour gym, sauna, two tennis courts, golf driving range and jogging track.
www.sellinglonghaul.com • May 2012 61 The Verdict
One of Hong Kong’s iconic hotels enjoys a great central location that's ideal for getting around Hong Kong Island and across to Kowloon. It has an air of classic permanence and 60% of rooms offer harbour views.
RATES: Nightly rates start from HKD 3,900 (approx. £317) +10% per night for a Grand Harbour View Room. Grand Club rooms give access to a private split-level lounge on the 30th and 31st floors.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
CONTACT: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong. T: +852 2588 1234 or (UK 0845 888 1234); W:
www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
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