Cocktail party in Atlanta for 150
 

Ok now I need some good suggestions! Every year at our US trade fair, I organize a cocktail party for our customers. My company has built quite a reputation for hosting the best event. The key to our success has been that we do not discuss business the whole evening, instead we concentrate on "getting to know each other better" and having fun!

In the past we have held our party in the Hard Rock Cafe, Baltimore, Margaritaville, New Orleans, Howl at the Moon, Baltimore, Mick's Underground, Atlanta, The Clipper City, Tall ship, Baltimore, a few private bars, and once in a Hilton Presidential Suite, but we can't do that again - it was just too noisy still at 4 am and the hotel wasn't happy with us.

This year we are back to Atlanta and I really need some suggestions. A small "local" place that would rent the whole place out for the night seems to work well, but I consider anything! Please Fodorites, rack your brains for me!

Thanks.

LilyLace, off the top of my head, I can think of three venues.

The first one would by the rotating lounge/restaurant at the top of the Hyatt downtown. It rotates so your attendees would have a 360 view of Atlanta. You can almost see to Stone Mountain I think.

Second would be the bar/restaurant at the top of the Westin downtown. Doesn't rotate but gorgeous.

Thirdly is the Natural Museum. Went to a cocktail party there and it was impressive.

Oh, I have a fourth. Most major sports venues have sky box/corporate/party rooms with views. Most definitely call Turner Field and wherever the Atlanta Falcons play.

I've been to a ton of these things in Atlanta and as soon as I can think of others I'll post.

Have you considered contacting the local CVB? I'm sure they will have a list of appropos places.

I have always found sincere grounded direction on food / restaurant questions at www.egullet.com - go to the US Forum and then click on : southeast

A friend of mine has a property that is a converted warehouse. It is called Wigwam and her web site is JCKnightProperties.com. For some reason, I'm being denied access but if you can get to the site you can check it out. It has very interesting modern kitschy interior and a really cool large outdoor garden area that it opens up to. it may be a little too artsy but check it out.

You might investigate the Atlanta History Center or the High or the Fernbank museums (the "Natural Museum"). Great locations, style, cachet.
The restaurant and bar at the top (73 stories) of the Westin Peachtree Plaza do rotate, even for teetotalers. Great view and less.
The Falcons play at the Georgia Dome.

Depending on time of year you need an outdoor patio. Mitra, a restaurant downtown would be great. You rent the entire downstairs. The Fox Theatre is the grandest locale or the Georgian Hotel ballroom (original one only). The Biltmore Hotel is also nice. Westin, Hyatt, Ritz are dull. The Margaret Mitchell is rentalbe I think but may have catering restrictions.

We went to a fab cocktail party at Ali- Oli in Buckhead. Delicious food and plenty of mingling space.

Then there's Capital Grille with a great view, Anthony's for a classy Southern style event, or Park Tavern at Piedmont Park.

You might also try the Michael C. Carlos museum at Emory or, depending on your budget, Fernbank Museum or the Botanical Gardens, tho everything there is separate.

Fernbank! That's it! Went to a wonderful cocktail party there.

Thank you to all who answered my post. I am checking all the leads and will post later to let you know what I decide.
Cheers,
Lily