The Hilton Atlanta: Atlanta's Third Largest Convention Hotel

The Hilton Atlanta is located in downtown Atlanta in the heart of the hotel and convention district. It is immediately accessible from the Interstate 75/85 Downtown Connector. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and only blocks from most of downtown Atlanta's attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Dome and Philips Arena. MARTA, Atlanta's public transit system, has a train station three blocks away that is connected to the hotel by a covered walkway.

The Hilton Atlanta, with 1,242 rooms and suites, is one of the largest convention hotels in the city. All rooms have been recently renovated to include contemporary colors and style and modern amenities like high-speed wireless Internet access, 32-inch flat-panel televisions, Hilton's trademark Serenity bed and ergonomic workspaces. In addition, suites feature evening snacks and drinks in the Executive Lounge, a private concierge, a kitchenette and additional data connections. An onsite FedEx Office center is available with full business services 24 hours a day. The Hilton Atlanta has a large fitness center that offers free weights and machines; cardiovascular machines; an outdoor jogging track, pool, basketball court and tennis courts; and amenities and an attendant in the locker room.

The hotel provides six options for food and drink, two of which are legendary in Atlanta. The MarketPlace is a cafy that serves quick, casual fare and wine and beer. Southern Elements is a casual sit-down restaurant with contemporary Southern food. The Lobby Lounge offers cocktails in a sports-bar setting, while the Point of View lounge on the 28th floor has elegant cocktails and a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline. For a fun, campy, but delicious dining experience, the Hilton offers Trader Vic's, home of the Mai-Tai and numerous other tropical cocktails. James Teitelbaum, author of Tiki Road Trip, says that the Atlanta Trader Vic's is one of the earliest still around and "exemplifies what the Tiki vibe is all about.'' The other Atlanta legend in the Hilton is Nikolai's Roof, the winner of many Mobil Four-Star awards over the years on the 30th floor that serves French- and Russian-inspired classics, including caviar and piroshkis, as well as pan-seared foie gras and roasted pheasant. The food critic for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted recently that she "was still licking [her] lips as the elevator dropped to the lobby.''

As one of the premier convention hotels in the city, the Hilton Atlanta offers 115,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space. Two large ballrooms of over 16,000 and over 18,000 square feet are large enough for receptions of up to 1,900 and 2,200 people, respectively. The 41,000-square-foot exhibit hall holds up to 216 8' x 10' booths. A total of 48 meeting rooms in a wide range of sizes are available, all with wireless Internet and complete audio/visual equipment.

Reviews of the Hilton since its renovation in early 2009 have been mixed. Many people are pleased with the hotel, finding its location and services very convenient. One visitor had "a great experience,'' while another said "the hotel was nothing but awesome.'' Others have been more negative, saying that "rooms left a lot to be desired,'' and "the staff apparently has had little or no Hilton training.'' One guest said, "Despite the upgrades, this hotel simply isn't ready for prime time.''