Intercontinental Buckhead - Atlanta, USA 

We have stayed at this big time, big city hotel each of the past 3 July 4th holidays. In 2006 we watched our son do his 10th Peachtree 10K Road Race. In 2007 we did the race as well. This year our 10 year old grandson joined the 3 of us. This hotel is very near to the start line for the race, about a block from the Buckhead MARTA station and 3 blocks from the Lennox Mall. It is also where the race organizers hold their running convention including the sale of running gear and as well as information about the race etc. People who reserve rooms through the race organizers (The Atlanta Track Club) and their travel agent, get a special rate for the days that they stay for the race and all the celebrations that go on with it including activities at the great Lennox Mall, just next door. That 4th of July celebration includes a type of street fair, complete with a great fire works display. The hotel is beautiful, exciting, and very well run. Rooms are well designed and appointed. The prices, even with the race discount, are about $150 per night. There is a beautiful restaurant and a complete big time bar (both have exclusive outdoor seating as well). There is a wonderful fitness room, pool, and hot whirlpool. On weekends there is a bar poolside and in the afternoons they prepare sandwhichs etc. poolside as well. Security is topnotch and parking (with a big city charge of $17 for self park) is underground. There is also valet parking. The hotel has all big hotel services and there are special floors for a price with additional services. The food, service and chef are 5 star. Pricey as you would imagine but worth every cent. There are plenty of other more moderately priced eating places within easy walking distance including those places at Lennox and Phipps Malls. Many of the employees are specially assigned from other international locations where the chain has operations. All employees are very helpful from the concegiere to the maids, doormen, parking attendents, bellmen and even the musicians who perform in the bar area on weekends and holidays. By the way, catch some of the hotels free, special fruit laced, fresh lemonade near the check in area. The only drawback to the hotel is the arrangement of the elevators from the parking area to the rooms. The bank of elevators from parking only run up to the ground floor of the hotel. You must walk around the hall way from the meeting room area to reach the elevators to the sleeping rooms. This is a security arrangement but is a little tiresome when the place is sold out. This is the place to stay in Buckhead.

First time trying a Priceline hotel and it FAR exceeded expectations... so much so that it prompted me to actually join this site (I've lurked for months!) and give it my first review. This is a first class hotel smack in the center of trendy Buckhead. Awesome sushi bar adjacent to a unique restaurant called au Pied de Cochon. Not cheap, but definitely a destination restaurant all on its own. Can also dine outside. Room was turned down, with ice already in the bucket, chocolates and flower bud on the bed. Nice essentials, including in-room coffee and FREE WI FI. Short walk to Ruth's Chris or to more reasonably priced fare, including Maggiano's Little Italy | Italian-American Dining serving family-style meals. Absolutely would recommend this outstanding hotel.