I just completed a 4-night stay at the W Atlanta – Midtown. Of my many trips to Atlanta, I’d venture a guess that the W in Midtown is where I’ve spent the most nights. Still, it’s been a bit since I’ve stayed there so it was interesting to return after completing a couple of very nice stays at the W location up in the Buckhead neighborhood. Suffice it to say that although I’ve become a big fan of the Buckhead neighborhood in general, and the W Atlanta – Buckhead in particular, my stay in Midtown did not disappoint. I highly recommend the W Atlanta – Midtown to anyone looking for a decent stay in the Midtown neighborhood, and it’s relatively short distance from downtown, makes the hotel a logical choice for downtown destined business travelers that are looking to put just a tiny bit of distance between themselves and their downtown worksites (that would include me).
Getting There
I utilize Atlanta’s rail system MARTA very heavily when I’m in Atlanta. The hotel is just a few blocks from the Arts Center MARTA rail, so don’t accidentally exit the train at Midtown MARTA. That’s doable, but definitely a hike. Arts Center MARTA will suit your needs just fine. The fare is $2 dollars one-way and is a flat rate across the system. However, after a solid 10 hour ordeal of getting to Atlanta and losing an entire half-day in the office, I was in no mood to take the train once touching down at Hartsfield-Jackson. I headed straight for the cab line, and immediately departed for the hotel. Traffic wasn’t horrible considering it was rush hour, and I was at the hotel in about 20 minutes. The cab fare is a flat rate from the airport plus a fuel surcharge and airport surcharge. The total came up to $37.50 or so plus a little tip so plan on $40 dollars if you take a cab. I will explore shared ride options for a future visit, but in that case, I’d probably be just as well of taking MARTA rail from a timeliness perspective.
Checking In
The lobby was relatively calm by W standards, but it was only 6pm or so on a Monday evening. I walked right up and was immediately assisted with check in. The desk rep (what do you call a front desk clerk nowadays anyway?) was very polite, thanked me for my Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum loyalty and processed my check in. Usually, I get the standard apology that no suites are available but none of that was mentioned this time. I’d already checked on my acommodations via SPG’s great iPhone app and learned that my booked “Wonderful” room was upgraded to a “Spectacular” room. Frankly, my company rate in Atlanta isn’t exactly top dollar, so I’m just happy when a hotel like this makes it available. That said, I’ve had a couple of really “sweet” suites at this hotel, so it never hurts to hope. 
Within a minute or 2, I was on my way to my 22nd floor room.
The Room
I was assigned room 2219, a W Spectacular room. The room description described it as a “city view” room, and I suppose if you think of the north end of Midtown and Buckhead in the distance as the city, that’s what it was. When I see “city view” I think downtown, but other than that, the room description was right on. Frankly, the room, like just about everyone I’ve ever had at any W hotel was great. I appreciate those uber-gynormous suites when I get them, but does a guy on a 4-night business trip really need all that? No! Basically, I want a comfortable bed, a television, high-speed internet, and a shower. The W offers that and a helluva lot more with a style that I like.
The work area was large and adequately lit, with both wireless and wired internet. The hotel offers “slow” internet in the room for free, while 24 hours of regular internet access is $14.95 (complimentary for SPG Platinums). There’s also 1 hour of free internet access available in the lobby “Living Room.” The desk chair is comfortable and there’s also a chaise lounge for …well…lounging I suppose. Windows are floor to ceiling and offer plenty of light.
The bathroom was spacious enough, and the design is one that I can only call “trendy.” If you’ve ever stayed at a W, you know what I mean. There’s a closet just outside the bath as well as a dressing area with its own lighting. Not something I used, but I can see where 2 people traveling together would find it helpful in the morning. As usual, I snapped a few photos of the room for your review.
- From the Entryway
- Chaise Lounge
- W King Bed
- Work Area
- Sitting Area Outside Bath
- Bath Vanity
- Shower
Around the Hotel
There’s plenty within a short walk of the hotel. All of Midtown, Piedmont Park, and the streets and sidewalks are fine for jogging too. My favorite haunts are merely steps from the hotel, including Shout and TAP Gastropub. Shout has a varied menu of typical American fare, and believe it or not, some really great sushi. TAP is a typical Gastropub, with a shorter menu, but really great food, beer, and wine. Shout has a great rooftop bar in addition to the regular restaurant. TAP is probably my all around favorite, and for the mileage junkies among us, you should know that TAP participates in the Rewards Network program. You won’t lack for things to do right in the hotel. As far as restaurants go, Spice Market has always been phenomenal. I didn’t make it there this visit, but I usually do. And for entertainment, there’s Whiskey Park, and the Living Room, which is great indoors or out on the patio.
The hotel gym, Sweat, is larger than than the one up in Buckhead, but I’ve never waited to use equipment in either gym. I did not visit the pool during this stay, so I have no pictures to share, but I’m sure its up to W standards…afterall, it has a name like Wet. The W Atlanta – Midtown is home to a Bliss Spa as well, so you can book an appointment if you have a stressful day!
Nits and Noids
Nothing troubling. On night one, I turned the TV on to find that the volume was intermittent. A call to Whatever-Whenever had that fixed in about 10 minutes. And way down the list of minor annoyances, the hook…or pull…or whatever you call the thing that you use to pull out the drawers from the desk was missing on one of the drawers. Minor enough that I just remembered it, and forgot to mention it to the hotel. Guess they’ll know now.
The Bottom Line
Another great stay at the W Atlanta – Midtown. This hotel has been my go-to favorite since I started routinely traveling to Atlanta a few years ago, and will continue to be at the top of my list. That said, the Buckhead neighborhood has grown on me and so has the W Atlanta – Buckhead. My next trip to Atlanta is already booked in 3 weeks, and I’ll likely be staying in Buckhead. But make no mistake, if you’re looking for a great Atlanta hotel, and the Midtown district is where you need to be, look no further than the W Atlanta – Midtown. It’s a great scene, a great time, and a great hotel.
