Kimpton Sylvan Atlanta - Buckhead — Hotel in Atlanta

My husband and I recently held our wedding reception at the Kimpton Sylvan. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. This review will cover the hotel's accommodations, staff/service, ambience, food/drink, parking, location, and wedding reception execution.

Accommodations:

The Sylvan is a luxury hotel. Check-in and check-out were easy processes, and our stay was fantastic. The air conditioning was strong, beds were comfy, and the bathroom was clean. There were even refreshments awaiting us in our room when we arrived, which was a thoughtful touch. We are also very glad that we rented the Magnolia room, which served as a hospitality suite during our wedding weekend.

Hotel Staff/Service:

Rhonda Ramos was our primary point of contact as we planned our wedding, and she was wonderful. She ensured that the venue was flexible and accommodating, and she even facilitated the creation of an entirely vegetarian menu for our reception. She was highly responsive to our communications and a pleasure to work with. We had very positive interactions with all of the staff, ranging from other hotel managers to valet parkers to front desk staff. (Hyacinth, Smiley, Z, and Taylor were all exceptionally helpful and friendly!)

Ambience:

The hotel has a great mix of “vibes” for guests to enjoy during their stay. It boasts three bars with very different aesthetics, ranging from a popular club-vibe at St. Julep to mid-century modern at The Betty. The décor is lovely and unique.

Food/Drink:

The food at The Betty is top notch, as was the case for our wedding catering from there. Chef Brandon Chavannes did an extraordinary job creating delicious and creative menu items for our wedding (e.g., a beet and goat cheese salad, lasagna rotolo, risotto and root vegetables). We had an all-vegetarian wedding and were delighted by the inventive menu. Drinks were also top notch; in-house sommelier Joe Billesbach is formerly of Brennan’s, and prepared a bourbon milk punch (of New Orleans fame) as the signature cocktail for our wedding.

Parking:

Onsite parking is limited to valet for day and overnight parking, but the staff were courteous and efficient. There is also garage parking within walking distance if need be.

Location:

It’s a great location, close to the hearts of Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Midtown. There’s a great view of Buckhead’s mini skyline from the hotel rooftop.

Wedding Reception Management:

5 stars on this. Hotel management and staff of all levels did an excellent job hosting a medium-sized wedding (~65 people). Front desk staff and mid-level managers went out of their way to check in on our guests and ensure that they were well taken care of for their stay. This is all overseen by Rhonda Ramos, who does an excellent job steering that ship.

I would highly recommend the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel for a special occasion like a wedding and for everyday stays. They care about making your event special. We look forward to staying there again...

I don’t often write long reviews, but this one is from the heart. My recent stay at the Kimpton was far more than just a hotel visit — it was an experience rooted in genuine care, exceptional service, and people who actually give a damn. And no one exemplifies that more than one incredible woman:

⸻

🌟💖 MISS RACHEL – THE HEART OF IT ALL 💖🌟

Let me start by giving the BIGGEST, most well-deserved shoutout to Miss Rachel.

From day one, Miss Rachel made sure I felt safe, supported, and seen. Her presence was warm and protective, like the comforting feeling of knowing someone truly has your back. She didn’t just check in — she checked on me. She listened. She responded. She followed through.

Whether it was a quiet word of encouragement, a quick solution to a concern, or simply making sure I felt heard when it mattered — Miss Rachel was there. That level of care can’t be taught — it comes from the heart, and she’s got one of the biggest.

Miss Rachel, thank you for being exactly who you are. You are a rare gem, a true leader, and someone who makes every guest feel like family. You made this experience personal, and I will never forget the way you made me feel.

⸻

Fanu – Efficient, respectful, and so easy to work with. Always ready, always solid.

Malcom – A whole vibe! Cute, chill, and still getting the job done. You brought energy and ease to the team.

Ms. Ash – Pregnant and powerful! Your dedication is unmatched, and your grace inspires.

Mr. Danon – Working hard, always professional, always pushing forward. Respect.

Sam – You were OUT THERE hustling hard! Always moving, always showing up. Mad respect.

Demetrius – Smooth, stylish, and serious about service. You’re fine and focused — a double win.

Mr. Rod – Quiet but strong. The work you put in behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed.

Jayla – A queen with a strong work ethic! You made parking look effortless. Keep rising.

Marquaun – Calm, courteous, and always in control. You’re a big part of what made this experience smooth.

Lu – Reliable, attentive, and always on point. Thanks for making the logistics feel easy.

⸻

Mr. Rob (Night Auditor) – Knowledgeable, kind, and always composed. Thank you for your attention and patience in the quiet hours.

Christian Kenna (Security) – Your presence brought peace of mind. Always respectful, always professional. Thank you for watching over everyone with care.

⸻

💫 Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a hotel stay — it was a reminder that there are still places where service comes from the heart. Where people take pride in how they treat others. Where guests aren’t just names on a list — they’re part of the experience.

To the entire Kimpton team, thank you. You brought warmth, structure, safety, and joy to my stay.

And to Miss Rachel — thank you for making sure I was seen, safe, and heard. I’ll never forget that.

⸻ With deep gratitude, Chandis Stokes...

Wow. Do not stay here. We stayed here last Sunday with several family members in various rooms on various floors. Upon arrival the lobby was FILLLLLLED to the brim with a private group waiting to be allowed into the flgarden bar. The lobby was so lobby and obnoxiously full. And guess what, there was no one at the front desk for 15 minutes. No one. I asked the valet guys to help find someone to check us in, I asked a maintenance person, and then... I waited. Finally got checked in (somewhat painful process even though I did online checkin).

Got to our room. It was nice, clean, acceptable. Beds sleep extremely hot.

Went to check on other members of our party. One party requested handicap accessible room. Handicap room is the farthest room from the elevator. It is not possible to book a room with a greater distance from the elevator than the handicap room.

While I was downstairs looking for the bar and the complimentary cocktails, the rest of my family was in the room listening to maintenance plunge and then snake our toilet.

the next morning we learned that the handicap room does not have wide enough pathways for a walker, and that their toilet simply did not work and so the hotel unlocked the adjacent room and gave them a key to use the adjacent rooms bathroom. Seriously? 2 different rooms on opposite ends of the hotel have a non working toilet?

Let's discuss the bar situation... Food was fine. Drinks were fine. Floor was slippery and a little gross. Staff were accommodating bit the entire restaurant bar had TWO people serving in the evening. And the other downstairs bar is hosting a private event.

Breakfast the next day... Well they were incredibly short staffed in front and back of house. We had to be somewhere in an hour so we asked our waiter let us know what to order that would arrive quickly. He was so nice, helpful and gracious, and advised to get a pastry because that was really the only thing that might come out quickly. Family ordered pastries which took some time.

Oh, did I mention that this hotel is about 8 stories and lots of rooms and only 1 elevator was working? Guests and staff had to take turns using the only working elevator.

This place is seriously undermanned and in need of maintenance. They should close 3 or 4 floors until they have the staff to support their full offerings. Hard pass, will never stay there again and will seriously debate on staying at any...