Have you ever had an experience that keeps you smiling for hours....no, days on end? Well, I’m here to tell you that my “Staycation” this past weekend is sure to bring a smile to my face for many years to come. Yes, I said years!!!! I’ve had a smile on my face that practically makes my face hurt ever since I stepped on the property of the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead (Atanta), Georgia.
About a month ago I decided that I wanted to have a staycation. I wanted some me time away from the norm that I call life. A time to unplug, enjoy and indulge. After spending a great deal of time doing research and reading reviews on websites like Travel Advisor.com I decided on the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. I was able to secure an extremely reasonable rate on a deluxe room, a special that absolutely could not be beat. At this hotel smack dab in the middle of Buckhead I had access to all the restaurants, shopping and fun that the area has to offer. But once I entered the hotel, I knew I’d be spending my staycation completely on property. Why did I stay? Well.......
I honestly do not know where to begin. This hotel is a triple A five diamond property. Everything about this place is top notch. I’ve passed the hotel on numerous occasions but honestly never paid much attention during my travels around town. As I drove up yesterday I was immediately struck by the beauty of the entry and I hadn’t even stepped foot into the hotel.
I decided to self-parking and took the elevator to the lobby;I was immediately blown away.
About a month ago I decided that I wanted to have a staycation. I wanted some me time away from the norm that I call life. A time to unplug, enjoy and indulge. After spending a great deal of time doing research and reading reviews on websites like Travel Advisor.com I decided on the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead. I was able to secure an extremely reasonable rate on a deluxe room, a special that absolutely could not be beat. At this hotel smack dab in the middle of Buckhead I had access to all the restaurants, shopping and fun that the area has to offer. But once I entered the hotel, I knew I’d be spending my staycation completely on property. Why did I stay? Well.......
I honestly do not know where to begin. This hotel is a triple A five diamond property. Everything about this place is top notch. I’ve passed the hotel on numerous occasions but honestly never paid much attention during my travels around town. As I drove up yesterday I was immediately struck by the beauty of the entry and I hadn’t even stepped foot into the hotel.
I decided to self-parking and took the elevator to the lobby;I was immediately blown away.
I stepped into a vaulted ceiling common area that overlooked the gardens, absolutely beautiful.
At check-in I was greeted kindly and all of the perks of my stay were explained. On this staycation, I was upgraded to a King Executive Suite with access to the Club level. Can you say - Big Baller, Shot Caller????? Seriously, this took my entire experience up a notch!
As I walked the hallway to my suite in the 15th floor, I held my breath because it seemed as if I was headed in the direction of a corner suite and when I saw my door, I knew instantly - a corner! I walked in and gorgeous hardwood floors awaited me. I walked to my right and entered a full living room, complete with 47 inch flatscreen television and floor to ceiling panoramic views of Atlanta - I could see downtown from one window and the buildings on Peachtree and Buckhead from the other.
As I walked the hallway to my suite in the 15th floor, I held my breath because it seemed as if I was headed in the direction of a corner suite and when I saw my door, I knew instantly - a corner! I walked in and gorgeous hardwood floors awaited me. I walked to my right and entered a full living room, complete with 47 inch flatscreen television and floor to ceiling panoramic views of Atlanta - I could see downtown from one window and the buildings on Peachtree and Buckhead from the other.
Next stop my bathroom, replete with a deep soaking tub, a bamboo plant to increase the serenity and a bathrobe and slippers designated “for my pleasure.”
The bathroom connected to the bedroom with a king sized bed covered in one of the most opulent bedding I have ever seen. Wonderful views of Buckhead and a 47 inch television.
Next I visited the club level which required key card entry on the very top floor of the hotel. Again, spectacular views awaited, a very spacious seating area, complimentary DVDs, and tables to enjoy the five meal services and beverages offered throughout the day.
I made a trip to the pool on the second floor and relaxed poolside with a cocktail. Next I visited the whirlpool where several other hotel guests were enjoying the warmth and great conversation.
I briefly toured the fitness room which of course was fantastic but on this staycation I got my exercise in early in the day before I arrived!
After my trip to the fitness center, I changed clothes and enjoyed dinner and drinks in the club.The final Eastern conference final was beginning when dessert was served; I caught a few minutes in the club and decided to return to my room.
After my trip to the fitness center, I changed clothes and enjoyed dinner and drinks in the club.The final Eastern conference final was beginning when dessert was served; I caught a few minutes in the club and decided to return to my room.
The view at night was absolutely incredible and I spent the rest of the night enjoying my view, the game and of course took time to soak in the tub surrounded by candles that I’d brought from home. I retired fairly early in a bed that was so comfortable I did not move an inch. With no worries about an alarm ringing or my child calling, I slept in and went up for breakfast at the club close to 10 AM. After eating I decided to enjoy my last few hours in my room.
And I continue to smile as I reminisce about my staycation. Everything was top notch, from the service, to the food and amenities. Did I mention the complimentary fruit and chocolates for my evening?
I had the best slice of pecan pie and anxiously await the recipe to arrive by email. Honestly, I don’t generally like pecan pie but this one made a convert of me!
Overall, if you are looking for a getaway that is still in the city, I highly, HIGHLY recommend the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. If you are not in the Atlanta area, please, please check to see if there is an InterContinental in your city (if you are visiting from out of town, you must stay here!) And book your “staycation” trust me, you will thank me!
Disclosure: I received an upgrade for the Executive King Suite and Club level for the purposes of my review and I am telling you, I WAS BLOWN AWAY. All of the opinions are my own!