"Why did this hotel catch your attention? In this city of modern glass skyscrapers, an ornate 1906 Beaux Arts building listed on the National Register of Historic Places is not a common sight. But the property that houses the Candler was actually downtown Atlanta’s first skyscraper, a 17-story steel beauty recently remade as the city’s only Hilton Curio. Entering the lobby, the sweeping marble staircase with original reliefs immediately catches my eye (you just don’t see architectural details like that anymore), followed by the colorful Tiffany windows. The massive pink-marble reception desk nods to the marble of the same color found in the basement during renovations. This is a place where the treasures of the old have been painstakingly preserved, even as the new has been ushered in. What's the backstory? When Coca-Cola founder and former Atlanta Mayor Asa Griggs Candler built this property in the early twentieth century, it was the city’s tallest building. (The bank vault in the basement is rumored to be where he hid the Coca-Cola formula.) Before opening as a hotel in 2019, the property served as office space, and turning it into lodging—all while preserving the original floor plan and thus its National Register designation—took nearly four years. Tell us all about the accommodations. Thanks to the building’s high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms are light and airy. Curtains have magnolia motifs, a nod to the famed Southern flower, and the caned headboards are outfitted with electric charging ports—very convenient for those of us who like to scroll ’til we fall asleep. In the bathroom, pink-marble vanities are inspired by the pink marble found in the hotel’s basement during renovations, and Balmain bath amenities add to the luxurious feel. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Headed by Georgia’s beloved celebrity chef Hugh Acheson (of Top Chef and Iron Chef Canada fame), By George is a sleek little restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine with French flair. It’s housed in the building’s former bank, and its name pays homage to the building’s original architects, George E. Murphy and George Stewart. Acheson tapped two of the most talented staff members from his popular Midtown restaurant, Empire State South, for the project: sommelier Steven Grubbs and mixologist Kelli Thorn. By George also offers wine tastings and afternoon tea. What type of travelers will you find here? This being a downtown hotel, there are plenty of business travelers—in the evenings, the lounge fills with office types relaxing over cocktails after a long day. When the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts a game, fans in team colors take over the scene. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Located on Atlanta’s famed Peachtree Street, the hotel borders Woodruff Park—a pretty place for an outdoor lunch if the weather’s nice. It’s also an easy stroll to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Phipps Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Since you’re staying at Asa Candler’s old property, you’ll also want to walk to the World of Coca-Cola and sample his original formula. Any other hotel features worth noting? Be sure to check out the 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes. Bottom line: Why are we choosing the Candler? Easily the city’s most historic stay, this meticulously renovated property lets you sleep in a key location from Atlanta’s story." - Allison Weiss Entrekin
