Susan K.
Yelp
ORIGIN:
Following the revitalization of Hotel Clermont in 2018, the restoration, expansion, and renaming of the formerly condemned Ponce de Leon Hotel marks early efforts to invigorate hotels positioned along one of Atlanta's primary thoroughfares. Now known as the Wylie Hotel, the revived and reimagined role of the hotel on number 551 was largely funded by the Atlanta-based Kim King Associates real estate investment group. The Wylie Hotel opened for guests in 2021, with refreshed design that gives a nod to the location's past. Soon it will become part of the Hilton collection, which feels counter to the hotel's origin.
CONCEPT:
The majority of the 111 hotel rooms are relatively small and adorned with trinkets (e.g. original brass room keys) and references from the hotel's past (e.g. the hotel restaurant's name, Mrs. P's, was a gathering spot that had welcomed LGBTQ visitors at the previous hotel in the second half of the 20th century). The lobby, restaurant, and front patio are small as well, inviting easy interaction with guests, visitors, and hotel staff. The Wylie Hotel appears to be designed to foster convivial connections, and is the direct opposite of the grand, largely empty spaces typically found in national hotel chains.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
This was my first visit to Atlanta and I had booked five nights nearly one year in advance. I was glad to find an alternative to the sterile, 80s style downtown hotels that had been recommended, and upon arrival found unforeseen features -- both negative and positive -- about my choice.
Negative Features:
The hotel website depicts sun-filled rooms with treetop views. That was likely the original case, but since I booked the deluxe king room the neighboring undeveloped lot is now the construction site of a multi-story condominium. Despite being on the eastern-facing fourth floor, little sunlight was able to stream in, much less any semblance of a view. I anticipate this to be an even greater issue once the condominiums are inhabited as the large windows of both buildings, as well as balconies, will likely preclude open window shades.
Another surprise, which I at first thought was unique to my room, was the absence of a closet and conventional-sized collection of drawers. The side tables and the bed frame cleverly have open shelves upon which clothing and luggage may be stored, but publicly displaying personal items seems to me to be counter to the otherwise sophisticated design of the interior. There are two short drawers in the beautiful cabinet below the television, but the one drawer is used to supply snacks for sale and both are shallow. I was told, only after inquiring, that there is a "closet solution" available upon request. It seems the solution is additional brass hangers to hook onto the two knobs near the door. With five days of business dresses prepared, this condition presented an obstacle to fully living in the room for five days, rather than out of a suitcase.
There is no quick access to public transportation from the hotel location.
There is only a short, narrow shelf from which to work or eat in the room. (This room's shelf appears to be smaller than some others.) A wooden stool and small, firmly upholstered bench are uncomfortable seating options. (I used the stool as a makeshift table.)
When pressed, no buttons on the room phone successfully connected to front desk.
I was never introduced to the hotel features (e.g second floor lounge) upon check in.
Positive Features:
I had hoped for this, but it is great to have a quality hotel restaurant that is capable of serving all courses. (More on my experiences at Mrs. P's in a separate review.)
Ponce City Market is just around the corner. (More on my experiences there in a separate review.) So too is Whole Foods. This makes it easy to pick up and enjoy inexpensive, quality, creative meals. There are so many places to explore there, and a multi-day pilgrimage allows easy uncovering of many culinary treasures. Downtown Atlanta is surprisingly populated by chain restaurants, such as Waffle House, Margaritaville, and Chic-Fil-A, and staying in the Fourth Ward offered far more interesting options.
Didn't use them, but specialty bar glasses, ice bucket, and bottles of quality spirits (e.g Tito's vodka) are displayed on the large marble-topped cabinet, while chilled cocktails, sodas, and wine are displayed in a glass front mini refrigerator.
Unusual for hotel room, large vertical windows can be opened. I enjoyed fresh air, sound of spring rain drops and chirping birds each morning.
Although the hotel room is small, Mrs. P's can be used to work. There are many private nooks from which to do so.
All hotel staff I encountered were helpful, available, and friendly.
Thoughtful additions include water kettles and ceramic cups for pour over tea or coffee, numerous television viewing options, including a channel for relaxing sounds and sights, as well as cotton bathrobes.
