Georgia’s fair city of Atlanta packs a lot of fun accommodations and good eating into a Southern vacation destination.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center
100 CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
404/659-0000
This hotel is in the heart of Atlanta next to the CNN Studios. It boasts over 1,000 rooms, a spa, fitness center, pool and tanning deck, and offers fabulous service. Child-friendly amenities include backpacks filled with games and books, a goodie bag given during check-in, and kids menus. Parents are also provided a list of top family attractions, available local babysitters (through the concierge), useful local phone numbers, and a safety/first aid kit that includes a night light. The Omni has an upscale ambiance without too high a price – no complaints here!
The Glenn Hotel
110 Marietta Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404/521-2250
Within walking distance to CNN Center, Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the new World of Coke and Georgia Aquarium, the Glenn Hotel provides its guests with a convenient location in addition to a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers 93 rooms and 16 suites to accomodate traveling groups of all sizes. Enjoy southern comfort food in the hotel’s Glenn Restaurant or sip cocktails at The SkyLounge, the seasonal rooftop bar.
Super 8 Motel
210 Sullivan Road
College Park, GA 30337
770/991-8985
An even better bargain may be the renovated, 58-room motel in College Park near the airport. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, WiFi and a fitness center. Although it’s nothing fancy, it is close to downtown Atlanta and staying here doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Wingate Inn Atlanta at Six Flags
65 South Service Road
Austell, GA, 30168
770/948-7877
This newly built hotel located near Six Flags will delight both children and parents. With complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, swimming pool and 24-hour business lounge, this hotel offers a handful of services that make any vacation easy and enjoyable.
InterContinental Buckhead
3315 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
404/946-9000
Nearby many Atlanta attractions such as the CNN Studio and the Georgia Aquarium, this hotel boasts convenience and luxury. Spend Happy Hour sipping classic southern cocktails at the Bourbon Bar and fill your stomach with fresh ingredients and fine food at the hotel’s restaurant, Southern Art. The hotel also offers a business center, fitness center, spa and outdoor pool.
Embassy Suites Hotel Atlanta — Buckhead
3285 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
404/261-7733
This all-suite hotel has bedrooms with king beds and a living room with a pullout queen-size sleeper sofa. It’s in the heart of Buckhead, just two blocks from Lenox Square and near the Georgia Dome. Cooked-to-order breakfasts, high-speed Internet and transportation are also offered.
Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
181 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
404/659-0400
If a gracious guestroom with a bay window view of the city’s downtown skyline is what you crave, then the Ritz-Carlton is for you and your family. The hotel is in close proximity to public transportation, has a fitness center and two dining options: The Lobby Longue and the Atlanta Grill. The hotel often offers deals and packages such as The Family Bed and Breakfast Package, and the Georgia Aquarium Family Package which includes four VIP tickets to the Georgia Aquarium and breakfast for four at the Atlanta Grill.
Favorite Eating Spots
The Varsity
61 North Avenue
Atlanta, GA, 30308
404/881-1706
The Varsity is a long-time favorite and the world’s largest drive-in diner. You’ll get all the grease you ever need here, but lots of people love it for the food, ambiance and nostalgia. It’s a restaurant that brings in people from all generations. Grab yourself a famous chili cheese dog, hamburger or slice of fried pie.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Ponce de Leone Ave
Atlanta, GA 30308
404/876-1800
This Atlanta tradition is where you can show kids the flavor of the Old South, with favorites such as macaroni ‘n’ cheese and sweet tea (which is extremely sweet.) To give you an idea of this place, the actress Jessica Tandy of the film “Driving Miss Daisy” dined here regularly, not only because of the food, but to soak up the atmosphere.
Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA, 30306
Anyone on a budget will be happy with the Urban Green Market at Piedmont Park, which offers a variety of regional tastes and ingredients on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The market features Georgia-grown produce, baked goods, food specialty items, fresh flowers and herbs, as well as chef demonstrations from some of the city’s top culinary talent. There’s also entertainment ranging from artwork to gospel music.
Atlanta has a huge variety of upscale restaurants that some parents might hesitate to take the chicken-finger-loving kids to, but there are some exceptions. Park 75 at the Four Seasons Hotel offers a three-course prix fixe dinner, if you are willing to try out the youngsters on gourmet fare.
For more information, contact the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (800/ATLANTA; 404/521-6600).
Piedmont Park photo courtesy of Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
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