A couple of years ago I downsized my second home from a big house in Southern California to a sweet little condo in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia. I had visited over the years and worked on several film and TV productions as many studios have cropped up here. From Tyler Perry to Marvel, this Southeast movie making mecca has given Hollywood a run for their money. Looking to invest in real estate and work as a “local hire” in the ATL entertainment industry, the last time I came to work, I simply stayed. So far so good. Pre WGA-SAG/AFTRA strike I wrapped filming a 5-episode arc on the Atlanta based series Odd Man Out and am discovering the thriving art, theatre, fashion, and food scene. To my delight, several of my west coast friends and colleagues have transplanted here including Kyra Oliver who I met at a luxury wellness resort in San Diego and is now Director of Marketing at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. Seeing as I was now in the neighborhood, Kyra invited me to explore their newly renovated hotel and spa.
Voted a Top Hotel in The South by Condé Nast Traveler readers, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is beacon of luxe sophistication. The well renowned hotel offers a unique blend of Southern charm, modern elegance, and world-class amenities. When you choose InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, you will have an unforgettable luxury experience with a stylish room, a gorgeous entrance lobby, and views for days from the 21st floor Club InterContinental. Plus, you will dine in style at the Italian American culinary hotspot The Americano and be spoiled at the Spa InterContinental. Kyra graciously showed me around the 5-Star property including an ongoing grand scale floral-femme art installation by Atlanta mixed media artist Niki Zarrabi.
From the moment I stepped into the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead, I was greeted by an atmosphere of refined opulence. My elegantly appointed suite was designed for calm comfort and stylish relaxation. I loved the stunning view of the downtown Atlanta skyline and the lush greenery of Buckhead below. Though being on luxury stay-cation seemed a world away, I didn’t miss a beat of my daily routine with their high-speed internet and premium TV channels.
Of course, I didn’t come to work, I came to spa. InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has partnered with Biologique Recherche to offer guests an elevated wellness experience. After having recently traveled to Atlanta from Los Angeles, I thoroughly enjoyed an energizing yet soothing deep tissue massage with custom blended aromatherapy. The treatment brought me back to my Buckhead best.
Next to the spa is a full-fledged fitness center and heated saltwater outdoor pool. The modern facilities allow you to work up a sweat while enjoying your favorite HDTV channels before a dip in pool or a relaxing spa experience. On a beautiful day in Buckhead, I opted to skip the machines and enjoy the serene outdoors.
Helmed by celebrity chef Scott Conant, The Americano, offers a modern menu of steaks, seafood, house made pastas, organic salads and over 200 wines. Gather your friends in the bar for Social Hour to enjoy artisan crafted cocktails (with fun non-alcoholic choices like the fairy dust infused “Pretty in Pink”) and sommelier curated wines alongside Italian inspired small bites. They also offer seasonal specialty nights like Prosecco & Pasta on the Patio. Or plan to linger longer for a truly exceptional culinary experience in the dramatic dining room.
During my stay, I invited my realtor/friend Emily Boehmig, who found my condo in Buckhead Village, to join me for dinner. The dazzling designed restaurant lived up to the hype. Resident mixologist EJ concocted drinks and suggested sharing plates. The salt & pepper fritto misto was exceptional and the truffle-honey enhanced meat and cheese board was a knock-out not-so-small plate. We moved on to sample Scott Conant’s famed spaghetti al pomodoro and my go-to favorite dinner order: a filet and Brussels. It was the best steak I’ve had in Atlanta so far.
Be sure to ask about VIP Access to InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta’s Club InterContinental, a wonderful retreat on the 21st floor. A decadent breakfast buffet is available everyday 7am-11am and hors d’oeuvres and drinks are served in the evening. The club is open all day for a quiet place to work or relax. There are surprising little private nooks, like the “phone booth”, with prettily arranged books and art.
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta brings a new level of luxury lifestyle to the bustling neighborhood. Beyond the hotel’s offerings, Buckhead itself has boundless attractions and activities. From high-end designer shopping at Phipps Plaza and Buckhead Village, to The Swan House and Atlanta History Center there’s something for everyone minutes from the hotel. In and around Buckhead, you will also find lush parks, golf courses, art galleries, theatres, and concert venues to name a few. Just like Atlanta production is rivaling Hollywood, lifestyle and shopping in Buckhead is on par with Beverly Hills.
I love Atlanta, in particular my chosen neighborhood of Buckhead. I am grateful to have a home here and always enjoy my time working and playing in this growing southeast haven. My InterContinental staycation reminded me of one reason I downsized to a high-rise condominium instead of a more spacious house: I believe that visiting friends and family are better off staying at a fine hotel, that I can see from my place, rather than in my personal space. So, the next time anyone is traveling to see me in my new city, or entertainment collogues are working in the area, I will surely recommend InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. Plus, if I crave a luxury escape from the everyday, or The Americano’s amazing steak, I know exactly where to go.
To book your seasonal getaway, stay-cation, date night, or to otherwise Live the InterContinental Life visit: InterContinentalAtlanta.com.
Follow InterContinental Buckhead & The Americano Atlanta on Instagram.
And see more from my stay @kirareedlorsch.