The Highland Inn

Staying at the Highland Inn can be a one-of-a-kind experience. Built in the late 1920s, it has a quirky appeal, but the vibe might be a tad too funky for some. The lobby, with a small wooden table and upholstered chairs nestled next to a small fireplace with a carved wooden mantel, resembles what would be found in a bed-and-breakfast. Small mirrors and framed vintage movie and art posters line the walls, and there's a rack filled with tourist brochures and an ATM, which breaks the homey ambience. Cafe-style metal tables in the narrow breakfast room are close enough to trigger conversations among guests, and in the warmer weather, a courtyard offers another spot for guests to linger. The Ballroom Lounge in the basement has an intimate, vintage bar that oozes character and hosts various events, including literary performances and comedy acts, which are open to the public.

The Highland Inn is located in Poncey-Highland, between Virginia-Highland and Little Five Points neighborhoods, about two miles northeast of downtown. A safe and vibrant residential neighborhood, it has many independently owned shops, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. The Carter Center is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and it's possible to drive to downtown without getting on the interstate. There's a bus stop within a one- to two-minute walk of the hotel, and the trip to downtown takes 30 to 35 minutes. Several major attractions are within a 12- to 15-minute drive, including Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca Cola, the CNN Center, AmericasMart, Georgia Dome, and Georgia Aquarium. Georgia Tech is a 10-minute drive (25 minutes by bus), and Emory University is eight to 10 minutes away by car. Turner Field and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens are a 10- to 15-minute drive. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is about a half-hour drive, or a 50-minute trip on public transportation.

The 80 guest rooms at the Highland Inn include Singles and Doubles. Rooms are clean and beds are comfortable, but rooms can vary significantly in size -- high ceilings, some of which show exposed pipes, can make them seem larger. Decor is strictly no-frills -- expect to find white or light earth-tone walls, dark carpeting, and solid-color drapes, and vintage art and movie posters along the walls. King Rooms have upholstered armchairs and sofas, and wooden headboards and side tables, some of which shows wear. Beds typically have floral-patterned comforters with solid-color skirts. All rooms include free Wi-Fi, window-unit air-conditioners, irons, hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges; most have microwaves, and they can always be requested; some rooms include full stoves and sinks. Bathrooms, with pedestal sinks, shower/tub combos, and powder-blue walls, are small, and guests have complained about worn caulking and water-stained fixtures in some. Be aware that this is an old building, and noise travels between rooms and from the outside. Guests have also complained about noisy air-conditioning units.

The Highland Inn offers a few additional perks for its guests, some free of charge. Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the hotel, but it's first-come, first-served. A free continental breakfast is served daily in a small indoor room, or in the outdoor courtyard in the warmer months. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there's a coin-operated laundry on-site. The 3,700-square-foot Ballroom Lounge in the basement, with vintage bar, hosts evening events, such as literary readings or improv comedy performances, which are open to the public.