Weekend Getaway at the Glenn Hotel

Not every “staycation” has to involve making a tent out of bedsheets in your family room, eating frozen pizza and pretending that everyone is having fun when you’d rather just lie on the couch, drink wine and watch the latest episode of “Desperate Housewives.” We had our own version of a sophisticated staycation a few weeks ago, and may make it a regular event for us. I’ve spent several lovely evenings at 11 Stories, the small, charming rooftop terrace of the Glenn Hotel with the best outdoor view of Atlanta I’ve ever seen. But I’d never stayed in this boutique hotel until a few weekends ago when we had a grown-up staycation here.

After driving the few short miles from our house, we checked in and were offered a welcome drink of strawberry sake. I’m not sure if it’s a trend or not to offer an amenity at check-in, but it’s one I heartily encourage and goes a long way towards a wonderful first impression of a hotel.

After being shown to our room, we discovered our fridge didn’t work. In less time than you could say “cold beverage,” a very nice young man showed up at our door, offered to replace the fridge and had done so in a matter of minutes. My philosophy is that any hotel, no matter how fancy pants they are, can mess up sometimes. I only judge them by their response to it and in this case, the response was quick and satisfactory.

Our room was sophisticated, plush and luxurious  with views towards Midtown. This 110-room

boutique hotel is right in downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of Phillips Arena, the World Congress Center, the World of Coke, The Georgia Aquarium, and many other attractions.

Shortly after checking in, we took a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park, where hundreds of people were enjoying the warm spring evening.

There are dozens of restaurants within walking distance, and we finally settled on Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria where we enjoyed a nice dinner and a leisurely walk back home. Another excellent option is to eat at 30 Tables, an elegant and delicious restaurant right in the hotel.