The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead

We usually don't review hotels if we don't have anything nice to say, but we do have something nice to say (the hotel has pros)...My wife and I are very well traveled, and we choose 5 star hotels when staying for at least a week. Therefore, we want to feel as comfortable as possible since we are away from home. Well, this is the worst 5 star hotel I have ever stayed in. While I don't think you should completely write it off, consider these things, which indicate this is more of a 3 star standard (if not lower): PROS: * Nice and approachable staff. They all had patience, even with the shortcomings we observed. * Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts perks were applied properly * Clean lobby * Decent food * Close to any kind of shopping and interests CONS: * Housekeeping is only done upon request between 8AM-5PM. When it's done, just know you will only get your bed made and your trash emptied. No toiletries will be replaced, no sweeping, dusting, or mopping is done. Towels and washcloths are replaced upon request as well. * Failure to thoroughly read in-room dining orders and the QR code isn't reliable * Failure to notify customers of short staffing in advance. This will help a customer decide if they want to relocate to a more equipped hotel, especially when being away from home during the holidays. * Failure to execute valet process properly (no matter the day and time). When calling in advance for your car, you still wait because the valet team asks to see your ticket AGAIN and then they initiate retrieving the car. This defeats the purpose of calling in advance to help the flow of loading/unloading hotel traffic. * Coffee is only available in a central lobby location, not in rooms. I think you can request a coffee maker, but if you can request one, then it may be more effective to ask guests if they would like one upon check-in. * Room service wait is 1 hour after placing your order, which is the slowest I've seen. However, the food is decent. * No turn-down service * Ice buckets are in rooms for guests to get their own ice, which isn't a problem unless the hotel is considered a 5 star * Window dressings in the rooms are not well maintained. They do not glide with ease, so maybe updating those would be 5 star standard * The HVAC made load noises all day like a jet was taking off * The lock chain on the door wasn't properly secured to the wall All in all, we had an acceptable stay, but this isn't in the Fine Hotels and Resorts standard we've witnessed in the past. We would stay here again since we know how to manage our expectations. However, I wouldn't recommend it to someone who prefers 5 star hotel quality.

While it has not been a ritz for 6 years it still has the feel and service of a Ritz. Beautiful rooms, fantastic service and a great spa.

The Whitley is in despite need of some TLC. Originally flagged as the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, this property use to be the it place to stay in Atlanta, think celebrity gossip and Rolls Royce’s everywhere. In the early 2000’s the St. Regis was opened nearby and over time took many of the Ritz’s clients and guests. Since the rebrand, the hotel hasn’t gained back many of its higher-end customers. The nightly rates are one of the lowest of the entire Luxury Collection portfolio. In my personal opinion I think Marriott is struggling to find a future with this property. Anyways, onto the review. The rooms appear to be very tired: scratched, stained, and outdated furniture, still having shower curtains instead of glass doors, the duvet insert was a polyester blanket instead of a comforter, and the sheets having rips and tears. What’s more concerning is the window in my room appeared to be separating from the frame, and If you gently pushed on the glass the window would give way and you could stick your hand out the bottom of the window. When you check in they give you a poorly printed flyer with the amenities, restaurant menu & hours, the hotel policies, and additional charges or fees you could incur (which are a lot). It felt that they are assuming you don’t understand the basics of hotel etiquette and general policy. Because the hotels rates are much lower than regular Luxury Collection properties, it could be an attempt to adapt to a lower price point. While I am aware this is a very nit picky review, this hotel starts at around $180 a night, which isn’t cheap. On the upside the housekeeping team was super nice and friendly, and kept the room as clean as possible. If you want to splurge a little more the St. Regis and Four Seasons are great, multiple highly rated restaurants, better location, and overall amenities.

From valet to departure, every encounter we had was perfect. Had a beautiful king room on the 12th floor. Room was clean and bed very comfortable. Food in the bar was good as well as breakfast the next day. Hotel feels serene and there’s an overall feeling of calmness you get from being there. Can’t beat the Buckhead area- definitely a plus over Downtown Atlanta.

A huge disappointment! Stayed here when it was a Ritz Carlton about 20 years ago and had a lovely stay. Since then, Marriott de-contented it in their “Luxury Collection” calling it the Whitley. Still well located in lovely Buckhead neighborhood. But… Has not been well maintained and staff was indifferent to guests’ needs. Quite noisy on Saturday at 7-9am because of a raucous wedding celebration that woke us. Hotel did nothing to try to fix how this ruined our weekend stay. Housekeeping was abysmal. At this price point, this was a rip off. Sad to see such lack of integrity and lack of concern for customers’ satisfaction. Avoid this property.