"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? It might be situated in the heart of preppy Buckhead, but the Burgess Hotel knows nothing of ginghams or plaids. Instead, it oozes international flare, as evidenced by the large dragon sculpture in the open lobby and the Asian prints on the walls. Abstract line art by Jessica Jokhi—daughter of the hotel’s Hong Kong–born owners, Freny and Burges Jokhi, can be found throughout the property, lending a bold, modern feel. What's the backstory? Believe it or not, the Burgess is Buckhead’s first independent boutique hotel. Formerly a successful Wingate by Wyndham property, its owners, Freny and Burges Jokhi, completely transformed all 102 rooms to fit their worldly aesthetic. They say it was their lifelong dream to offer a hotel that reflects their travels and tastes; this property is a realization of that vision. Tell us all about the accommodations. Rooms are clean and modern, with a minimalist design punctuated by bold pops of color (a blue velvet chair next to an all-white bed, a green sconce in a neutral-colored bathroom). The Frette sheets and towels are extra soft, and the Shanghai Tang bath amenities smell heavenly. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? High-speed Wi-Fi is reliable and complimentary. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? For a restaurant to survive in highly competitive Buckhead—especially a hotel restaurant—it needs a chef with a strong local following. And the Burgess’s signature restaurant, Fia, has one. Daniel Porubiansky began his career apprenticing under celebrated chef Günter Seeger at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, then spent six years as executive chef of Bacchanalia—one of Atlanta’s most awarded restaurants. At Fia, he creates wood-fired western Mediterranean fare such as grilled whole branzino served with fennel-citrus salad. At Mr. B, the hotel’s intimate library lounge, he oversees a craft cocktail list that includes a coconut-pecan old fashioned and snacks such as wood-fired hummus. (The name Mr. B pays homage to owner Freny Johki’s late father, Keki Bunshah, who organized the first Indian expedition to Mount Everest. Photographs from his climbs hang on the lounge’s walls.) What type of travelers will you find here? Expect to see families in town visiting their Buckhead relatives, as well as leisure travelers who drove in from places like Charlotte and Clemson to shop the neighborhood’s famed boutiques. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? Situated near Buckhead’s PATH400 trail and some of the neighborhood’s toniest homes, the hotel is a great starting point for a picturesque jog or a walk. It’s also an easy stroll from the property to Hal’s the Steakhouse, an Atlanta institution. If you’d like to check out some of the area’s best shopping at places such as Phipps Plaza and the Shops Buckhead Atlanta, you’ll want to utilize the hotel’s complimentary two-mile transportation service. Any other hotel features worth noting? The hotel’s pool, situated in a lush courtyard with an outdoor bar, is a perfect little oasis. (On chilly nights, staff members offer warm blankets in which to wrap up.) And the state-of-the-art fitness center is more than an afterthought, thanks to its Peloton bike, Lateral X Elliptical, and treadmill with video-based cardio workouts. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? If you want to stay in Buckhead but prefer to skip the monotony of a chain hotel, this isn’t just a good option—it’s the only option." - Allison Weiss Entrekin
