I recently stayed in this hotel while attending the January Gift Show, and the location is perfect (as another reviewer has noted), and while I was impressed to some degree, I would only stay here again if work is footing the bill. What really impressed me the most was the staff. You could tell the Ritz employees knew their brand depended on their hospitality, but it felt genuinely sincere! From the valet attendents to the front desk to the shop employee, they all truly seemed like it was a pleasure to assist you! In fact, on our last day we got in the elevator with our luggage to leave, and an employee on the elevator offered to go ahead and radio to get our car so as soon as we left the hotel it was already there waiting! And the live orchids in the room, toiletries (even complimentary slippers), etc. were all a very nice touch including complimentary bottled water in the room and even at the valet station. And the music and turn down service, etc. were a nice touch too. The hotel itself is nice enough, but at the end of the day, it is just a bed in a room (and I wasn't overly impressed with the decor) so that is why I would not pay $400 rack rates just to stay at the "Ritz", but if you are getting a deal, then yes, I would recommend this property.

Very uneven experience here. Was always greeted by name. Overall, friendly staff.....but so many glitches..

Burnt out bulbs at desk lamp, burnt out bulbs in steam room(which by the way is oneof the hotel's great amenities).Room still not cleaned by 4:30 the next day. Fire alarm going off at 6:00am(explained as some kind of test),surly maitre de at The Grill.

Nevertheless still a cut above so many hotels. Perhaps it is just that one expects more from a Ritz ...and this particular one needs better overall management.

My new absolute favorite hotel in downtown Atlanta is the Ritz-Carlton. I go to the Gift Show every January at the AmericasMart downtown and have stayed in a variety of downtown hotels. For the few dollars more per night than the other places I've stayed Downtown it is totally worth it (keeping in mind I get a show-rate -- while it's not cheap, it is better than the ridiculous prices they usually get ).

The proximity to the Mart is enough to make it worth it - the only thing closer is the Westin that is actually connected by an indoor bridge to the Mart and the Westin is across the street from the Ritz. You only have to be outside in the January cold less than 3 minutes if the light to cross is against you - less than 1 minute if not!

Check-in was smooth - my room was even ready (had never happened in any other hotel in all the years I've been going to Atlanta) and I was offered a beverage while checking in.

The room was very nice, but I wouldn't say there was much that set it apart from any of the nicer hotels I've stayed, room-wise (besides a live orchid in the bathroom and a couple things I'll mention below). What really set the hotel apart (for me) is the top-notch, courteous service - everyone from the maids to the desk to any employee you crossed paths with greeted you with a smile and asked how your day was going and wished you a good day. Not an askance service attitude anywhere - not even once.

The coolest thing (this is silly, but it was cool to me) was when I got back to my room after dinner the first night, turn-down service had been there, the lighting in the room was subdued, the TV was on a relaxing music channel and chocolates on the pillow - but here's the cool part - I called down to leave my wake-up call time and also asked where the ice on my floor was located. I hung up, picked up the ice bucket and found that there was already ice in it!

There were also little bottles of complimentary water all over the room as well as a reasonable, well-stocked mini-bar and a tea and coffee caddy full of a variety of teas and coffee choices with a one-cup water heater. I had read the room amenities online before I'd left home and saw that there was a CD player in the room, so I brought a classical CD with me and enjoyed very much having that playing when I returned to the room at night and while I dressed in the morning. Very relaxing. If I hadn't brought a CD with me, I could have listened to the "romantic piano" CD that was provided. I didn't use it, but there was a Hi-speed access connection at the desk in the room and a cordless phone.

I ordered room service breakfast and coffee the night prior and it was delivered exactly on time and my wake-up calls were right on time each morning as well. I dined at the Atlanta Grille with friends - the restaurant in the Ritz - and found the service and food to be perfect. The lobby and lobby bar were lovely and the elevators are key-access only. When I saw that the fitness center was located across the hall from my room (409), I was concerned with early morning noise, but it was no bother at all (it looks like any other room door and is also key-access; I meant to have a look, but never did).

There were only a couple minor problems - the light on the magnifying make-up mirror blew out the first morning and I called to the desk for it to be replaced and it wasn't. And the air conditioner in the room had an occasional funny whirring noise like a loud CD spinning up in a player. I was either too tired to notice it at night or it only did it in the early hours of the morning. If I'd been staying there longer, I would have tried harder to fix that or something.

The Gift Show is a grueling experience and a little pampering at the end of the day is very welcome. I will certainly plan to stay there again and hope my next experience is just as nice.

I stayed at the Ritz in downtown Atlanta for a business trip, and this hotel is top notch. The customer service is excellent, and all of the little things that the hotel does makes a great choice for a business traveler. The fitness room is superb with clean and up to date workout equipment. Room service was fantastic and the food was wonderful. I truly enjoyed my stay at the Ritz!