I will be visiting Atlanta for the 1st time, and I would like advice on hotels. Right now I have a reservation at the Hyatt Regency and the Ritz Carlton Atlanta - both in the Downtown area. Does anyone have any comments on these two hotels?
Also, is it better to stay in Buckhead od the Downtown area.
And, do I need a car or the public transportation system and taxi service okay?
Many thanks!!

I like Buckhead, but I prefer the downtown area. The Ritz-Carlton edges out the Hyatt and both are in great locations (go to Dailey's around the corner for great martinis). You do not need a car in Atlanta as you are very close to a Marta station.

The downtown hotels are all very business oriented. They're not vacation/resort type hotels. And downtown at night is not the place to be unless you're there on business.

Buckhead has the city's best hotels (except the Four Seasons, which is in midtown), and the best clustering of restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

The Hyatt and the Ritz Carlton are very nice, if you don't think the RC is resort oriented, then you have not stayed there. Sure there are business people there, but aren't there everywhere? Downtown at night has some great eateries, and the views are incredible, do Dailey's for Martinis and then hit Ruth's Chris Steak house on the Park!

I'd choose Buckhead. There is also a Ritz in Buckhead that is close to shopping and dining. The Swiss hotel is also nice (though the Ritz is a bit nicer).

The Ritz edges out the Hyatt by a LONG SHOT! No comparison. I have stayed at both Ritz Carltons there. They each have their own special thing. True, the downtown isn't safe at night,but the hotel is smaller..more intimate. The Buckhead hotel has a cooler Cafe to sit in and have drinks, but it is larger..but then again it is RIGHT in the middle of PRIMO shoppping!! It just depends on the reason you are going. We love them both. For going out to hip restaurants and going back for drinks in a great atmosphere, we stay in Buckhead. After a Braves game or if we just want to hole up in our room, we stay at downtown (Club level..it is really nice and intimate up there).

I love The W Hotel in Perimeter Center.
Great rooms, pool, lobby/lounge and restaurant! I am going back in September.

Lots of good advice here. If shopping or "night life" is your thing Buckhead is the area. If it's on a weekend, downtown can be a bit dead, but it does have some pluses. The Hyatt is not really all that great. The other choices listed above would all be better.