The unDaily Travel: Loews Atlanta

Last week I had my final work trip of the year, to Atlanta. Unlike most business trips (which are 4 nights), this was just a one-nighter. My company has favorable room rates at a couple of hotels in Midtown (near out office), most notably the Four Season, which I've stayed at several times now. While I'm usually very much against staying at non-loyalty-points-accumulating hotels, I generally make an exception when going to Atlanta to treat myself to the luxury that is Four Seasons. In addition, my preferred hotel brands (near work) are all more expensive than the Four Seasons preferred rate; so I can't justify the change unless I lodge further away. So I make the exception in Atlanta.

I have grown tired of the Four Seasons and was curious if another option was more enjoyable, the Loews Atlanta Hotel. I'm not familiar with Loews at all, but noticed a rate slightly lower than the Four Seasons and decided that this was a good time to take the Loews for a test run. The stay was for only one night (so not many points were going to be had if I chose one of my preferred branded hotel), the rate was slightly lower than the Four Seasons, and I was curious. So I booked.

Loews does have a loyalty program, which they call YouFirst. As you can see from the benefits page, it is not a points accumulating program. It is only for Elite Status to enjoy extra benefits. What I don't like about it is that status is "stay" based only. I tend to acquire Elite Status at hotels based on "Nights". From my research on Loews, the brand does appear to treat their Elites very well. I did join the program for the outside chance that I end up at their hotels during my travel(s). Just given their number of hotels they have, a stay at a Loews will probably not be frequent.

Now on to the hotel itself. Right of the bat, I can say, I thoroughly ENJOYED this hotel. I found it to be very Hyatt-esque. The hotel was modern and the service was exceptional. The check-in was easy and I was asked if I preferred a high or low floor. I asked for highest possible and was given a room on the 25th of 26 floors. Good start.

I only take pictures of the room (for the most part) since that is where I spend the bulk of my time when on business. This room was wonderful (for a regular king room). The bed was comfortable, the bathroom spacious (with TV), I loved the floor to ceiling windows, there was adequate desk space (where you can pick which side to work on so you are not forced to look at a wall), I loved the built in-wall safe, and there were nice robes. Even if I had stayed there my regular 4 nights, I would have been comfortable. Bravo Loews!

I found the valet parking and bell desk personnel very friendly and accommodating; even at one point ready to assist in me in backing up when the driveway was crowded (I declined since I was still waiting on a co-worker to arrive).

All in all, the Loews Atlanta Hotel is VERY NICE. I could see myself staying there more often when in the area (it is only a block from my local office). But will I? I noticed that a Hyatt was in the works in Midtown. Not only is Hyatt one of my preferred loyalty brands, it is NEXT DOOR to my office. So providing the new Hyatt is competitive in terms of price, I will be staying there. If they aren't competitive, I will probably stay at one of my other brands a little further away. Loews will be the option if it is the best rate only (my company does force us to stay at best rates). I would stay at the Loews over the Four Season in Atlanta's Midtown (rates being equal). I just prefer more modern hotels (but I did miss the overnight shoe polishing the Four Seasons has).