Hi! We are visiting Atlanta to attend a party at the end of April. With the exception of one night we have nothing planned and we will be there 6 days/5 nights.

1. Our wedding anniversary is May 1st so I am looking for so tips on romantic places to eat.

2. Our two year old will be with us so we need a nice family friendly hotel. We are thinking either the Ritz in Buckhead, Four Seasons or the new Intercontinental. I have read the reviews on tripadvisor and Fodor's, but still can't decide. Wondering if anyone out there has personal views on any of the hotels mentioned.

3. Do we need a car? We were hoping to use public transport, but will rent a car if really needed.

4. I read somewhere that the Aquarium of the Future was being developed. Has this opened yet?

Thanks so much for any help you can give.

Atlanta is not a pedestrian friendly town. Rent a car especially if you are staying in Buckhead.

Even though I haven't stayed there, I would go with the Four Seasons. I don't think the RC Buckhead is that big a deal.

Someone help me with the spelling but Baccnalia is one of the best places I've ever eaten.

You must have one meal at The Varsity. It is an institution.

For freaky weird fondu fun, eat at Dante's Down Under. Sort of like a mean Disney ride on acid.

Shop at Lenox and Phipps Plaza.

GoTravel, do you prefer one area over another in Atlanta?

There are parts of Buckhead, parts of Virginia Highlands and parts of Midtown I really like but on the whole I prefer Buckhead.

Seegers is one of the best restaurants in the country as is Bacchanalia as GT said. I never stayed in a hotel , because I used to live there, but the Ritz always impressed me with Dining Room and the bar. Yes, I think you need a car too. The ZOO is wonderful...one of my faves. It would be perfect for a 2 year old IMO.

I'm an Atlantan. First, let me say you must have a car, and you will need to rent a carseat from the car rental agency for the child if you don't bring your own.

As for lodging, the Ritz in Buckhead is very nice, and I highly recommend a meal in it Dining Room. The concierge can arrange childcare, and you can have a great meal while you litle one is just upstairs. Bacchanalia and Seeger's are other good choices, but are not child friendly.

I haven't seen a room in the Intercontinental so I can't provide much advice except it has an equally good Buckhead location to the Ritz. The Four Seasons is centrally located in midtown. However, with the current exchagne rate, I would stay in Buckhead across from Lenox and Phipps malls if I were you. Also, your child can walk freely around the mall if you need to get out of the hotel room. Because of the traffic in midtown and particularly on 14th Street where the 4 Seasons is, I wouldn't take a 2 year old for a stroll there.

There is a children's museum downtown next to Centennial Park, which is perfect for a 2 year old. By the end of April, the water fountains may be on at Cen. Park, and that would be entertaining for your child. Kids love to play in the fountains.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden in midtown has a fun children's garden. The zoo is also worth a trip, especially if you're 2.

The Aquarium is not completed.

Callaway Gardens just south of Atlanta might be worth a day trip since you have a car. You can rent bikes with a child seat and spend the day. There is a lake with a sandy beach, LOADS of azaleas and is generally a pretty place to spend a spring day.

Any of you do the Club Levels at any of the hotels I am thinking of going with?

TTT

I recommend getting a rental car with GPS as there are 100 streets with the word "Peachtree" in them.

Hi,
I live in Atlanta so have never had a need to stay in a hotel but
my friend's brother and his family stayed at the Buckhead Ritz on the club level just last week and as far as I could tell, they were happy with everything. I met them up at the club level lounge and it was busy the night I was there. They had a reasonably nice happy hour--cheeses, fruits and probably some other stuff. (I didn't eat.)

I did notice that the downstairs main bar area was really smokey. Is it now a cigar bar??

The Four Seasons is a wonderful hotel but I like the location of the Ritz and Intercontinental better.

As you've been told, Seegar's, Bacchanalia and the Ritz' Dining Room are considered the best restaurants in the city. All have very adult atmospheres and are popular w/foodies.

Listen to everyone's advice and rent a car.

Have fun!

Last Time - TTT