The Candler Hotel Site Inspection

The Candler crest is prominently featured throughout the hotel from the Staff pins, to pillows. The immaculately restored craftsmanship is only complimented by the developers design choices, creating a continuity through the hotel that makes you forget what time or place you are currently in. The Candler doesn’t just offer a modernized old world aesthetic, but it also delivers on the old world commitment to excellent service. The staff is attentive, on point, and focused on making guests feel like they have arrived at secret refugee in a busy world. Every were you look your eyes are seized by another breathtaking column or marble accent. Despite its short years, as soon as you walk in you feel like you are staying in a regal and established hotel.

FUN FACT: The developer kept many reminders of the buildings rich history up for guests to enjoy such as the “Office Directory” which reveals that Johnny Cochran’s office used to be in the Candler. Every part of this hotel has an incredible history, the restaurant used to be a bank and in the basement you can enjoy private dining in the vault room which used to house COCA-COLA’s famed SECRET RECIPE!

Location: Near Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Americas Mart, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia State Capitol, Tabernacle, Underground Atlanta. Short uber to midtown, piedmont park, Zoo Atlanta, Colony Square, Edgewood District, Krog Street, Ponce City Market. Easy access to i-78, i-85, i-20, memorial drive and Freedom Parkway. 

Rooms:

• 265 Rooms

• 34 Suites (1 bedrooms)

• 50 Doubles  (non- ADA)

• 181 Combination of Doubles + Kings (ADA accessible)

Rates:

$269-$850

 Flex Space:

• 7000 sq ft (Various meeting rooms, could be used for small weddings as well or private dinners)

• Ballroom max capacity for event approx. 100 (Ada Accessible)

Common Spaces: 

Library 

Food & Beverage:

On site restaurant with Full Bar - By George – named in honor of the two architects both named George who helped to design the building. Open for Breakfast (7-11), Lunch (11:30-2), Dinner (5:30+). The space is bright and airy, featuring the large columns, and a peek-a-boo square of original mosaic flooring just as you enter. They have on area for semi private dining that an seat 15-20 comfortably. By George occasionally does bourbon tastings or special even menus. 

The true gem of By George is the request only, Vault dining experience. In the basement of the hotel lies Asa Candlers vault. It used to house the secret recipe for Coca-Cola. It is pretty small, and can only seat about 6, but for the history buffs or foodies this would be worth wild experience. 

Room Service is a different menu from the restaurant and is offered during the same hours. 

Experience: The crowd is more business during the week and pleasure on the weekend. It is obvious when you walk in the door that they make sure to protect the peace of the guests by keeping any non guests at bay. They have even gone so far as to charge $1500 for people to take pictures in their common spaces, the lobby is so beautiful that folks were holding full-day unsanctioned photoshoots in their stairwell!  The Candler offers the elegance, class and pedigree of a Waldorf Astoria, in a historic building that is centrally located for a reasonable price. 

Best time of year to visit: 

All year round. Atlanta has something to offer all year round from top music acts like Taylor Swift & Beyonce. It has NFL, NBA, MLS, MLB teams. Breweries, Cideries, Museums, Festivals and so much more. There is never a bad time to visit Atlanta. 

Pros: Close to everything, boutique feel, attentive staff, unique touches throughout the property that stand out.

Cons: In an area of downtown similar to the NYC's financial district. At night there is not much foot traffic in the immediate area surrounding the hotel.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Atlanta. In need of further inspiration? Check out Caitlyn Johnston’s guide, A Local's Guide to Eat and Drink Your Way Through Atlanta, GA.