AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza — Hotel in Atlanta

I came to atlanta in between work to enjoy a few days off. I wanted to stay at a Marriott property. I looked up some hotels and found that AC was available in Atlanta. I was so excited because I always wanted to stay at an AC hotel but never had the chance. Finally I said! I called reservations and booked this travel with a voucher and travel rewards points. I didn't realize I had a complimentary stay at a AC hotel voucher until I called in to make a reservation. They let me know as a credit card holder I receive one once a year. I had no clue and I wish I had known that. The representative informed me that since I didn't know she could do a courtesy to upgrade my room complimentary to a suite because of my status. She checked the availability and they had it. I also asked about a hot tub seeing as I was in a auto accident and when Im traveling, its therapeutic to me. It helps tremendously. She stated that the hotel had a hot tub. I jumped for joy and booked the AC in Phipps. When I officially made it to the hotel to check in, I looked for valet and they were no where to be found. I waited there for about 6 mins and got impatient so I found self parking. I am a flight attendant so I carry multiples pieces of my belongings with me that would have made it easier to valet opposed to self parking. Self parking wad complicated and confusing but I finally figured it out and parked. The front desk receptionist did not greet me when I walked in. I got to the desk and he said hello. I told him my name and showed him my ID. He was not very friendly. He checked me into a double bed room. I informed him of the upgrade and he said he had no availability. That made me a little frustrating. So I took the keys, I asked him about the amenities as he failed to inform me of them as a typical thing that they are supposed to do. He didn't thank me for being a gold member and I didn't get a check in gift that typically most Marriott's do. So my experience was getting worse and worse. He informed me that they don't do check in gifts. I asked about the hot tub, he informed me of where it was. I asked for wine and he showed me the market store but they didn't have the wine I wanted. The manager came out and said he would look for it. It wad Cabernet that I was seeking. While he looked for it, I went and looked at the hot tub and this was surely not a hot tub. It was a pool and the water was freezing. I went back up to the front desk...

This hotel is unique. There are a lot of nice "pros." The design of the rooms and common spaces is fantastic. It's got a definite European feel. Not only do I think that - I also heard other guests saying the same thing. The location is also really nice. It's in a swanky, upscale commercial neighborhood close to a massive shopping center with a lot of great food options. It's not close to downtown, so it makes the most sense to go here if you have business in the area. Also, some of the hotel meals are good. I had a "small bite" in the afternoon yesterday and it was tasty, filling, and reasonably priced.

There are a few "cons," though. The other reviewers are totally correct about the overwhelming cologne smell in the lobby. I'm sure it has caused many headaches. I'm not sure why the hotel continues to use it. Has nobody mentioned it to them and do they not read the Yelp reviews?

I had a few problems with the room. The bathroom is behind opaque glass with random strips of transparent glass. That's right -- if you're in the room with your S.O., family member, or acquaintance, you have to be comfortable with them having an approximate visual of you on the toilet. It's absurd and completely unworkable for anyone who wants to maintain privacy. I am alone in a business trip, so it happens to be fine. But in all other cases, it wouldn't.

While we are talking about the bathrooms, I'd also like to say how much I dislike not having control over the lighting. Bathroom lights are entirely motion-based and thus they turn on when you go in and decide to turn off a few minutes after you're out. This, combined with the clear walls, could lead to the light staying on long after you've gotten up in the middle of the night and gone back to bed.

The $15 breakfast is almost comically bad. The food just isn't good and the only worthwhile things are maybe the toast or cereal - hardly worth $15. The service was strange too. The waitress offered the people in front of me drinks but didn't offer me anything until I stood up and flagged her down.

Another snag is that Ubers/Lyfts tend to automatically go to the entrance downstairs. This is likely a car service problem and not a Marriott problem but the front desk staff didn't seem aware of it when I asked them to confirm, so that caused a small delay for me.

Overall, I'm not mad at this place....

I absolutely loved staying at the AC Hotel Buckhead! The contemporary modern decor of the guest rooms and bathroom was very refreshing! I also loved the hardwood floors; it made me feel like the hotel room was more “clean” (carpets are kind of nasty if you think about it). I didn’t feel like I had to tip toe around the room and wasn’t scared to actually use some of the amenities. Anyway, I really enjoyed my room and the setup. It had everything I needed and nothing I didn’t (hence the minimalist style of the AC hotels). The fridge was nice and clean (I liked the modern design). And although there wasn’t a microwave in my room there was a communal one on my floor. I didn’t have a problem with that. I’m usually super picky about the hotels I stay in and this one is definitely at the top of my list. The only reason why I gave it 4 stars (instead of 5) is b/c of the lack of food options. I’m not talking about room service or the breakfast buffet. I’m referring to the actual food items that were for sale in the “pantry”. There were several candies and nuts made by AC hotel but there were no “regular” options (ie: Kit Kat; Reese’s; Sneakers; Lays, etc). I know you guys wang to portray as stylish luxury but I’m sure even the Queen enjoys a Snickers every now and then.

As a side note, one of my pet peeves are ppl who complain about things that if they took the time to do their research they would’ve known ahead of time. Most of the negative reviews about this hotel is about the decor and guest room setup. I don’t understand though, do ppl not look at hotel pictures anymore or research about the specific hotel that they plan on staying in? Because if they did they would’ve discovered the philosophy of the AC Hotel and not be so surprised about the decor of the guest rooms. Also, the AC Hotel is mostly catered to business professionals or “millennials”. I bet most of the ppl who are complaining are probably 40 year old (and up) and are used to free breakfast buffets, room service, and carpeted hotel rooms. If that’s so, then an AC Hotel is not the right choice for you. Next time, pick a Courtyard or Residence Inn. Each hotel chain has different brands that cater to different individuals. My advice to any traveler is to take advantage of that b/c not all hotels are cookie-cutter images of each other, nor...