This hotel would be the leader in most cities, but in trendy Buckhead it ranks second behind its stylish sibling Ritz-Carlton. Still, it faces stiff competition from the swanky Grand Hyatt and new InterContinental farther down the road. The gracious staff and relatively peaceful air of this operation propel it ahead of the marks, other good hotels in the area, making it the dependable choice for a comfortable stay.
The gleaming green granite and mirrored-glass 24-story hotel is a striking presence on the local skyline. Geared to upper-echelon executives, this was one of the first JWs from Marriott, and it has seasoned nicely since. Conscientious maintenance and thoughtful upgrades over the years have kept it competitive with the big boys downtown.
Public rooms are decorated
in soothing shades and graced with residential appointments, coffered ceilings, chandeliers, paneled walls and inlaid marble floors. The clubby reception area is handsomely appointed in green and cranberry, with a beautiful silver-leaf ceiling glimmering overhead. Valets get backed up during checkout hour. A pianist mutes the din of the crowds in the lobby lounge (with a smoke-free section), and jazz adds an upbeat note to a second lounge, this one with an equestrian theme. The somewhat pretentious atmosphere and decor are balanced with swift employees who display southern charm and warmth.
The lobby's coffee bar serves gourmet coffees all day and into the evenings. The delightful restaurant on the second floor, Lennox Grill, has a classic look with its cranberry tones, soft accents, Chippendale armchairs and flattering illumination at all meals. Its reputation may lag behind its sib's, but it 
gets good reviews nonetheless. Breakfast is buffet-style, and lunch and dinner revolve around a grill menu.
The health club has workout stations, a lap pool delineated by Doric columns, a whirlpool, locker rooms, saunas and steam room. The business center complements meeting space for 1,000. Parking is pricey.
The posh accommodations feature fresh soft goods in rich jewel tones, dark woods, handsome wall coverings with matching borders, and wingback chairs with ottomans. The subdued traditional look is not overbearing. Guests can expect to find desks, fine mirrors, 25-inch TVs, three phones, high-speed Internet access for a fee, minibars, coffeemakers, louvered closets with robes, irons and ironing boards, and double or king two-poster beds with pillow-top mattresses under thick 
duvets and feather pillows. New flat-screen TVs will be added. The large marble-trimmed baths supply phones, scales and hair dryers. Premium, smoking and handicapped-accessible rooms are available. A concierge lounge serves breakfast and evening snacks to premium-room floors, and all units and public areas are now smoke-free. Room service is on call 24 hours a day. Pets are not allowed. A covered walkway places guests directly inside Lenox Square mall, the only hotel in Buckhead with this feature.
The trump card at this Marriott is consistent quality in a fashionable area. For many, this hotel offers the best of all worlds: style, service and shopping. This property is a glitzier, more overtly commercial version of the Ritz-Carlton, but rates are more reasonable.
