Wingate by Wyndham Atlanta/Buckhead

While the exterior of the building is standard-issue chain hotel, the lobby is slightly more upscale and interesting, with a marble-inlay floor, high ceilings, LED ceiling lighting, and an espresso maker. Colorful artwork throughout the hotel was created by the owner's daughter, a Chicago-based artist, and there are free cookies at the reception desk during the day and night. The lobby bar is small, with gray carpeting and red chairs, and somewhat jarring neon lights behind the bar. The breakfast area, too, is mostly gray with touches of red, and the trendy sheer curtains and playfully patterned couches look somewhat out of place. Business travelers and families alike favor this hotel; it's also a destination for those attending concerts at the Chastain Park Amphitheater two miles from the property. 

The Buckhead section of Atlanta, where the Wingate is situated, sits about 15 to 20 minutes north of downtown Atlanta by car, and 40 minutes via public transportation. The hotel is within walking distance of a number of restaurants, and about two long blocks from a bus station managed by MARTA, Atlanta’s public transport. Buckhead is known for its shopping -- Phipps Plaza, with designer boutiques, is about a five-minute drive away, while the larger Lenox Square Mall is just over five minutes away by car. Parking at the hotel is free, though the lot is small. 

There is a homeyness to these rooms and suites resulting from the laminate wood floors, faux persian rugs, and warm colors painted on the walls. Rooms are generally clean, and all have a mini-fridge, safe, microwave, writing desk, and small flat-screen TV. Bathrooms include plastic shower/tub combos and fairly humdrum tile. Single sinks are standard. Suites have a large sink area, a separate walk-in shower with massage showerhead, and a spa tub -- some have whirlpools. Cleanliness isn't an issue, but past guests have occasionally complained about exterior and interior noises. 

A modest outdoor swimming pool and hot tub surrounded by lounge chairs, is adjacent to the parking lot. The hotel runs a stretch limo shuttle service until the late evening that will take guests anywhere within a three-mile radius of the property. There are a small fitness center with a handful of exercise machines, some free weights, and weight machines. The business center has two computers, a printer, and a copier/fax machine; several meeting rooms, a ballroom, and a boardroom are also available. Free breakfast includes hot and cold items, like waffles and an omelette station, though there isn't a full restaurant at the hotel. The lobby holds a small, but fully stocked, bar with counter seating and one table. An on-site shop sells snacks and beverages. Wi-Fi is free.