Hotel Palomar - Atlanta

Name: The Hotel Palomar - Atlanta Midtown
Business Type: Hotel
Address: 866 West Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (678) 412-2400
Website: www.hotelpalomar-atlantamidtown.com
Current Nightly Rates: $195 King Deluxe, Double Double Deluxe, Cityview King, or Cityview Double Double. $245 Exec. King, Exec. Double Double, Exec. Cityview King or Exec. Cityview Double Double.  $445 Grand Luxury Suite.
The Details: The moment you pass the doorman and enter the lavishly designed lobby, you’ll recognize that the Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown isn't your average hotel. The Kimpton chain doesn't yet have the brand-name recognition of big-name hotel chains, but the service and amenities go far beyond what you’ll usually find elsewhere.

The Palomar offers plenty that smaller boutique hotels simply can’t, such as the amazing Pacci Ristorante, a terrace level, and vast ballrooms, as well as morning coffee and tea service and an evening wine reception. Don’t assume that such opulent surroundings lack the charm and personal level of service you might expect from smaller hotels, though. For example, if you need deep relaxation, the Palomar will send an on-staff masseuse right to your room.

As I approached the front desk, I noticed that the decor and staff were equally polished and posh. The package deal I'd booked came with more than just a room key. Because I’m a Kimpton In Touch member, the desk clerk handed me a card for two free items from the mini bar, up to $10 in value. Unfortunately, the hotel neglected to credit my account for this perk, and I had to call back a few days later to complain that I’d been charged.

To maintain security, I needed a room key to access the elevator. My standard king room was 325 square feet, but the Palomar offers a wide variety of rooms, including a 1,200-square-foot Presidential Suite you must see to believe. The interior design was full of geometric patterns with an animal print theme, but the stark white down comforters helped to create an oasis of calm.

Even in the lap of luxury, nothing is perfect. The bathrooms had regular showerheads with poor water pressure and no fans, and half the bathrooms had only a narrow tub. Other minor annoyances during my stay included a flickering lamp, a scratchy extra top sheet, and an iHome alarm clock that was bewildering to use.

Nonetheless, the Kimpton's Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown is stellar, and definitely worth spending a few extra bucks. If you're seeking a peaceful, sophisticated atmosphere that caters to your wishes and blows big-name hotel chains out of the water, check into the Hotel Palomar. The staff will ensure a memorable stay by lavishing you with all the hospitality that Kimpton will soon be known for.

Pacci Ristorante

Name: Pacci Ristorante
Business Type: Restaurant - Attached to Hotel Palomar
Address: 866 West Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (678) 412-2402
Website: www.pacciatlanta.com
Hours: Breakfast - Mon-Fri 7am-10am, Lunch - Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Dinner - Daily 5pm-11pm, Brunch - Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
The Details: Pacci is the posh hotel restaurant that dreams are made of. Its glamorous, relaxed, European living-room style cradles diners and business meetings alike in its plush burgundy sofas and hardwood accents, while Europop and jazz fusion softly plays. The eloquent, knowledgeable wait staff will ease you through the potential intimidation of such a high-caliber restaurant without a single nuance of haughty aristocracy. Chef Keira Moritz uses fresh local ingredients to create an amazing combination of textures, flavors, and aromas.

With entrees that range in price from $8 to $40, you can justify pampering yourself with incredible cuisine at any budget. Pacci sells wine by the half glass, glass, carafe, or bottle; don’t hesitate to heed the waiter's suggestions about what will best compliment your meal. When you’re presented with a menu, you may be surprised that it's only a piece of paper attached to a pliant sheet of uncured leather. Don’t be alarmed—the contents make up for any of its physical shortcomings.

If an appetizer like duck confit with Gorgonzola polenta and blackberry marmalade isn't enough to send your heart (and taste buds) aflutter, try the Warm Apple Pie, a nonalcoholic "winter warmer" specialty drink that's a glorious liquid rendition of its namesake. My dining companion and I would gladly have consumed a pitcher of this wonderful nectar, though be warned that the sediment at the bottom of the glass could ruin the last sip.

Even the coffee—a rich, full-bodied, earthy blend with a hint of hazelnut—proves that Pacci doesn't overlook a single detail. This extends to the dessert menu, which includes an option for your pet pooch at home. I opted for the Tiramisu Trio, a triple-take on the classic, complete with not just the original version, but lemon and banana-cream versions as well. The latter caused me to temporarily overcome my aversion to bananas to adore this.

Whether you spend a couple hours at Pacci unwinding at the end of a hectic day or sneak away for a brief lunch interlude, you won't regret dropping by. Even bringing a good book in lieu of a companion can make this an elegant oasis full of as many polite, helpful employees as terrific food options. Do not be intimidated by this exquisite restaurant. The food is worth it!

The Hotel Indigo

Name: Hotel Indigo - Atlanta Midtown
Business Type: Hotel - Boutique
Address: 683 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 874-9200
Website: www.hotelindigo.com
Current Nightly Base Rates: $99 Queen or Standard, $109 King, $119 Two Doubles, $259 Petite Suite w/ Queen Bed
The Details: The Hotel Indigo's guest rooms are reminiscent of a seaside beach house in a Pottery Barn catalog. With every room’s weathered furniture, blue-themed linens and walls, lime accents, hardwood floors, and full-wall print, it's more like a quirky bedroom than a hotel room. Though each of the hotel's standard queen rooms is a comfortable 300 square feet, however, the bathroom is the size of a Cheez-It. Fortunately, the bathrooms redeem themselves with Aveda Rosemary Mint bath products, upgraded showerheads, chrome fixtures, and a porcelain bowl sink. All four sides of the hotel face other buildings, though, so don't expect a fantastic room view.

Amenities include a 24-hour fitness studio, a 24-hour front desk, a pet-friendly third floor with no size or type restrictions and no extra charge, and complimentary wired and wireless Internet (though I'd hardly call it high-speed). Each room has an HDTV, hair dryer, coffee maker, and alarm clock. Mini fridges are available on request. Standard personal care items—toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, razors, and combs—are available for free if you happen to forget them. Hotel parking is not free, but if $18 seems steep, consider how much you could spend leaving nearby lots to run errands or grab a meal.

The lobby continues the "beach chic" theme with its tall, curtained archways, oversized plush beach chairs, and myriad nooks and crannies for reading. I discovered that the hotel’s cafe, the Golden Bean, is not open for lunch. (Hours are Monday-Friday 6:30am-9:30am and 6pm-10pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-11am and 6pm-10pm.) Drinks are available at the bar until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The next time you'd like to impress your boss, you can book meeting accommodations in the hotel for up to a dozen people.

The Hotel Indigo is transverse to the Fox Theatre and has lots of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options within walking distance. If you forgot to pack something the hotel can’t provide, a CVS that’s open until midnight is conveniently located three or four blocks north. Within ten blocks you’ll find a variety of dining options, including Baraonda, the Melting Pot, Eno by Zaza, Mu Lan, EVOS, Silk, and the Hudson Grille. If you need a bite after hours, try the Midtown Diner—it's open 24 hours. If you don't want to leave your cozy room, Jimmy Johns and Fresh2Order offer non-pizza delivery options, though Fresh2Go delivers only from 5pm to 9pm most days. If you'd like a snack, reasonably priced vending machines are on the 6th floor.

Considering that the building was erected in 1923, the Hotel Indigo has made the best of its space without changing the antique charm of the building itself. Between the prompt service, friendly employees, convenient location, pet-friendly policies, and personal style, Intercontinental's first boutique hotel chain is a hit, providing the best of what a boutique hotel can offer.

The Atlanta Cupcake Factory

Name: The Atlanta Cupcake Factory
Business Type: Restaurant - Bakery
Address: 624 North Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (678) 358-9195
Email: info@theatlantacupcakefactory.com
Website: www.theatlantacupcakefactory.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-8:30pm, Sun 12-5pm (Or until they sell out)
Current Specials: Weekly Flavors for Feb 2-7th: Chocolate/Chocolate, Chocolate/Vanilla, Chocolate/Grasshopper, Chocolate/El Diablo, Chocolate/Peanut Butter, Sugar Cookie/Chocolate, Sugar Cookie/Vanilla, Sugar Cookie/Salted Caramel, Red Velvet/Almond, Lemon/Lemon, Coconut/Almond and Carmel Apple.
The Details: Tucked on the end of a little strip in North Highland, not too far from Little Five Points is a delicious little place with a name good enough to make you drool. Skip the limited front parking and go around to the back, because otherwise you'll have a difficult time leaving. When I originally heard "Factory" in the name, I expected something a little less personal, and a good bit bigger. I was surprised to see a tiny little shop with handmade morsels in flavor combinations that made me both curious and hungry. My favorite of the unusual flavors on my trip there was definitely "Sugar Cookie/brown butter rosemary", and my partner's favorite was "Caramel Apple". Whether you're craving a classic cupcake or one with a bit of individual flare, The Atlanta Cupcake Factory has something to tempt just about everyone, and is even offering Valentine's Day 6 Packs, complete with ribbon & cute old fashioned hang tags to write a note for your sweetie. At $2.50 per cupcake, it's hard to order just one. Call in advance for special orders, like their $35 dozens or $17.50 dozen minis.