Buckhead Bliss: Hotel Colee's Unforgettable Atlanta Escape
Buckhead Bliss: Hotel Colee Review - My Atlanta Escape (and a Few Hiccups)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Hotel Colee in Buckhead, and lemme tell you, it was an experience. This ain't your grandma's Holiday Inn, people. This is supposed to be a hip, happening Atlanta escape. And, well, it mostly is. But, like any good adventure, it had its ups, downs, and moments where I just wanted to scream into a pillow.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good & the "Almost Good")
Right off the bat: Accessibility. They try. The website boasts about facilities for disabled guests. And, bless their hearts, there is an elevator. The front desk is staffed around the clock (thank god!). But honestly, the ramp situation? Kinda sketchy. I noticed a few tight corners and some doors that seemed a little heavy for someone with mobility issues. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely something to be aware of. Plus, while they say they have wheelchair access, I didn't exactly see any detailed layout maps showing how easy it is to get around (a massive oversight in a city like Atlanta!).
The Rooms (The Beautiful & the "Where's the Plug?")
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. Stunning. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. Think sleek modern design, blackout curtains (a LIFESAVER!), and air conditioning that actually works (unlike that other hotel I stayed at last week… ugh). I had a room on a high floor, which gave me amazing views. The bed was pure, glorious bliss (seriously, I practically melted into it). And the slippers? Don't judge me, but I lived in those things. They even had a bathtub (cue angelic choir) AND a separate shower. Luxury, baby!
But here's the messy part: the placement of the sockets was… off. Like, seriously off. I had to practically contort myself to charge my phone. And the desk? Tiny. Not ideal if you're planning on working from your room. Which, let's be honest, I always do. And yes, there's free Wi-Fi, but I'm one of those dinosaurs who still needs the Internet access – LAN (apparently, that's a thing). They had it, but it wasn't exactly seamless.
Oh! And here's a little secret: take advantage of the complimentary tea and coffee maker. It's a small thing, but it made my mornings.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Feast or Famine?)
Okay, this is where things get… layered. Hotel Colee boasts a few options. Restaurants? Yes. A bar? Also yes. Room service [24-hour]? Praise the heavens.
The Breakfast Buffet (The Early Bird Gets Diarrhea): I'm not gonna lie, the breakfast buffett was… okay. Buffet in restaurant? Check. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly exploding with flavor. And the coffee… oh dear god, the coffee. I swear I saw a tumbleweed roll through that coffee pot. I'd recommend grabbing the breakfast takeaway service and just running away.
The Restaurant (Pretentious But Pretty Good): The restaurant itself was pretty posh, and the international cuisine had some moments. The salad in restaurant was actually pretty good. But the portions are a little bit… dainty.
The Poolside Bar (The Holy Grail of Happiness): Listen, I might have spent a significant amount of time at the poolside bar. This is where the magic happens. Picture this: pool with view, sunshine, a frosty beverage, and the sweet, sweet taste of freedom. Pure. Utter. Bliss. I think I may have even ordered a bottle of water at 10$ there, which, in retrospect, was a little insane.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Day Dreams… and Realities)
Okay, Hotel Colee goes all out on the relaxation front. There's a fitness center (which I, um, avoided), a spa (yes!), and a swimming pool [outdoor] (see above – I spent a lot of time there).
- The Spa Experience (A Little Slice of Heaven): Now, about that spa… worth it. I booked a massage, and it was one of the best I've ever had. The therapist was amazing, the ambiance was serene, and I emerged feeling like a new human being. They also have a sauna and steamroom – which I didn't try, because, let's be honest, I was busy poolside.
Cleanliness & Safety (Feeling Safe, But Maybe Over-Cautious?)
Okay. This is important, because, you know, the world. They're serious about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. I mean, it felt incredibly safe. The staff all wore masks, even inside. And, let's be real, in the current climate, that's a huge plus. However, the physical distancing of at least 1 meter made navigating the smaller common areas a little bit of a dance.
Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Bad & the "Wait, What?")
Hotel Colee offers everything you'd expect. Daily housekeeping (thank goodness), a concierge (helpful!), laundry service (important to keep looking fly).
- The Gift Shop (AKA The Tourist Trap of Lost Luggage): Okay, be warned. The gift/souvenir shop is tiny and over-priced. Avoid if possible.
- The Elevator (The Great Escape From the Walking Stairs): This is a great addition, and the building is new, but there are a few small spots where it could use some improvement.
For the Kids (Not My Expertise, But They Try)
I don't travel with kids, so this isn't my forte. But Hotel Colee offers babysitting service and they are family/child friendly, which seemed like a plus
Getting Around (The Atlanta Traffic Tango)
Okay, here's the lowdown on getting around. They have airport transfer, which is convenient. Car park [on-site] is available, but at a price. Valet parking is available. Taxi service and car power charging station (for all you electric vehicle folks!) are also available.
The Verdict & My Personal Recommendation (Buckhead Bliss, But With a Few Asterisks)
Hotel Colee is a beautiful hotel with an amazing atmosphere. If you're looking for a stylish, luxurious escape in Buckhead, this place is definitely worth considering. It's not perfect, it has its quirks, and the accessibility could be better. But the stunning rooms, the amazing spa, and the poolside bar? They're worth a lot.
But Seriously, Book It If:
- You need a relaxing Atlanta getaway.
- You love Instagram-worthy decor.
- You appreciate a killer massage.
- You like to sip cocktails by a pool.
- You don't mind a little bit of a splurge.
Hotel Colee, Buckhead - My Unforgettable Atlanta Escape!
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Okay, here’s my slightly-less-sanitized pitch for Hotel Colee, aimed at YOUR needs:
Escape the Ordinary: Your Unforgettable Buckhead Bliss Awaits at Hotel Colee!
Tired of the same old grind? Craving a getaway that’s both stylish and relaxing? Then, darling, look no further than Hotel Colee in Buckhead, Atlanta.
Forget those cookie-cutter hotels! We're talking sleek design, breathtaking views, and an atmosphere that screams, "Treat yourself!"
Here's why Hotel Colee is your escape:
- Glamorous Rooms You'll Never Want to Leave: Picture this: plush beds, mood lighting, and bathrooms so luxurious, they practically whisper your name. Need more space? Try our interconnecting room(s) available.
- Spa Days That'll Melt Your Stresses Away: Unwind with a massage that'll untangle every knot, take a dip in the pool, or sweat it out in the sauna. You deserve it!
- Sip & Savor: From delicious meals to poolside cocktails, we have options to satisfy every craving. Don't forget about room service[24-hour].
- Safety First, Fun Always: Our commitment to cleanliness means you can relax and enjoy your stay with complete peace of mind.
Why you should book NOW:
- Limited-Time Offer:
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Hotel Colee, Atlanta Buckhead, Autograph Collection, adventure, and honey, it's gonna be a ride. Prepare for some real-life chaos, heartfelt gushing, and maybe a tear or two (mostly from laughing at my own questionable life choices).
Hotel Colee - Atlanta Buckhead: The "Pretend I Have My Life Together" Edition
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Buckhead Buffoonery
1:00 PM: Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Okay, so, I intended to book a car service, you know, "sophisticated traveler" vibes. But then my internal bargain-hunter screamed, and I ended up on MARTA. Fine. My first impression of Atlanta? HOT. Like, you could fry an egg on my forehead. And the train? Filled with a delightfully diverse mix of humanity, which, honestly, is way more interesting than a stuffy limousine.
2:00 PM: Check-in at Hotel Colee: Ugh, the lobby is stunning. Like, magazine-cover stunning. And the staff? Impeccably dressed and ridiculously charming. Okay, I can almost pretend I belong here. My room? Gorgeous. And the view? Oh, sweet Jesus, the view! I'm instantly regretting not bringing my yoga mat because, you know, zen.
3:00 PM: "Explore Buckhead," they said. Right. That translates to "walk around looking lost and feeling slightly intimidated by the wealth." I wandered past the boutiques, wondering if my rent check could even cover a scarf. I spotted a dog wearing a diamond collar. My cat at home is currently surviving on dry kibble. Life is unfair. (And I desperately needed a cocktail.)
4:00 PM: The Bar at Hotel Colee. Finally, some liquid courage. The bartender, a handsome fella with a killer smile, made me a "Colee Cosmo." Best. Cosmo. Ever. Seriously. I think I might have fallen in love. Or maybe it was the gin talking. Either way, I sat there, nursing my drink, eavesdropping on conversations, pretending I understood the world of business and philanthropy being discussed all around me. In reality I was trying to look as un-homeless as possible.
6:00 PM: Dinner at Le Colonial: I’d heard whispers of this place, Vietnamese-French fusion? Intriguing. The food was… okay. The atmosphere, however, was electric! Chic folks, lively chatter, the clink of glasses. I felt like I was in a movie. I ordered the shrimp banh mi and it was perfection. Just… gorgeous. I felt like I was supposed to know everyone there but I didn't.
8:00 PM: Evening stroll. Okay, the "stroll" turned into me wandering aimlessly in the dark. Luckily, Buckhead is safe, or so I’m told. I got lost, nearly tripped over a ridiculously expensive handbag lying on the sidewalk (seriously, who leaves a thousand-dollar bag just lying around?!), and ended up back at the hotel, slightly disoriented but with a newfound appreciation for having a comfortable bed.
Day 2: Art, Soul Food, and a Whole Lot of Shopping Guilt
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet was tempting but I'm on a budget, so I got a coffee, a croissant, and pretended the lack of anything more substantial was a lifestyle choice, not because I am a cheapskate. The coffee here is actually pretty fantastic.
10:00 AM: The High Museum of Art: Wow. Just… wow. This place is a masterpiece in itself!. The art? Breathtaking, thought-provoking, and occasionally, completely bewildering. I spent an hour in the modern art section staring at a blank canvas, trying to decide if I "got it" or if I was just being a philistine. Then I saw a Jackson Pollock and felt both confused and incredibly moved. Art is weird.
12:00 PM: Lunch at Paschal's. THIS… is why I came to Atlanta. Paschal's! This restaurant is an institution. The fried chicken? Heaven on a plate. The collard greens? Perfectly seasoned. The service? Southern hospitality at its finest. They were so lovely, so kind. I nearly cried from happiness. This is the kind of food that heals the soul. This is the real Atlanta. THIS is life. Seriously, if you don’t go, you're missing out.
2:00 PM: Shopping at Lenox Square/Phipps Plaza: Yeah. I’m a glutton for punishment. I knew I shouldn't go, given my financial situation, but the shops… the window displays… the allure of retail therapy… Let's just say I left with a pair of discounted socks and a serious case of buyer's remorse. I still loved it.
5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. Downtime! I relaxed and watched a bit of Netflix.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I found a little dive bar and grill with amazing tacos and a local band. They were loud, raucous, and gloriously unpretentious. I met a guy who insisted on telling me his entire life story. It was perfect. That's what a vacation should be all about.
Day 3: Farewell, Atlanta (and My Sanity)
9:00 AM: Breakfast - more coffee! Maybe some fruit. Okay, definitely some pastries. Gotta soak up the last of the luxury.
10:00 AM: Check-out. Saying goodbye to the Hotel Colee feels like leaving a fancy, glamorous bubble. Back to reality!
11:00 AM: Pre-flight MARTA ride & musings: I’m back on the train, jostling with my fellow Atlanta travelers. It’s no longer intimidating–it's real. I'm also thinking about having to go back to work.
1:00 PM: Departure from ATL: As my airplane leaves the runway I wave goodbye to the ATL. I will miss this trip – the good, the bad, and the downright weird. I will miss the people, the food, and the culture. I feel exhausted–but in a good way. I feel renewed, revitalized, and ready to go back home (and count pennies) with a head full of glorious memories – and a serious craving for fried chicken.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, chaotic, and at times, I felt completely out of my depth. But that's what makes life interesting, right? The imperfections. The unexpected moments. The chance encounters. Hotel Colee was a stunning base, but it was Atlanta that truly stole my heart. I'll be back. And next time? I'm buying the damn diamond collar for my cat. (Just kidding… maybe.)
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