Hilton’s newest Canopy by Hilton property delivers a distinctly Atlanta vibe
STORY: Giannina Smith Bedford
Photos: David Kosmos Smith
Only the fifth Canopy by Hilton to open in the U.S., Midtown’s newest hotel is doing a lot of things right. Following its parent company’s vision for each Canopy to showcase its hometown, the Canopy by Hilton Atlanta Midtown feels much more like a small ATL styled boutique hotel than a property owned by a big-name brand.
Pull into the tucked-away parking garage on West Peachtree Street and step into a contemporary lobby where a colorful 3D mural by local artist Ryan Coleman greets guests at check-in. After being handed their room keys, visitors also receive a welcome gift of honey or marmalade from local jam company Emily G’s (perfect to pair with breakfast croissants the next morning).
Around the corner from the hotel entry, the lounge area features more art installations—an illuminated wall next to a collage of individual wood cutouts with portraits of area artists, musicians and restaurateurs. The local homage continues in upstairs guestrooms adorned in Warhol-like Coca-Cola art, movie set-inspired floor lamps and ceiling-height headboards featuring the Margaret Mitchell quote “After all, tomorrow is another day.”
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer enticing views of the Midtown skyline, and a window-side chaise lounge with a laptop table creates the ideal place to park it, even if you have work to catch up on. Done in grays, whites and wood touches, the rooms evoke an urban vibe fitting of the city-center address. Rather than full closets or dressers, open wardrobes provide hanging room for a few pieces of clothing. The rooms are definitely cozy, especially for more than one person, but the white lacquered barn doors separating the bedroom and bathroom provide just enough privacy. There are no bathtubs, but that’s made up for by large showers outfitted with handheld shower heads and multisetting overhead fixtures that provide a water flow to fit your preference.
Canopy offers your typical hotel amenities, but with a twist. For example, instead of plastic water bottles available for purchase or provided at turndown, glass pitchers in each room can be filled at “hydration stations” available on each floor. Brown “breakfast bags” hang from room doorknobs so guests can select items for a free light breakfast to be delivered to their rooms in the morning if they can’t make it downstairs for the more substantial (and also complimentary) breakfast buffet offerings, which include everything from quiches and cured meats to granola and pastries.
The restaurant, Xhibit Studio, also serves up lunch and dinner, but drinks and happy hour seem to be its most active time of day. After spending an afternoon at the High Museum of Art or before heading to a concert at Center Stage, guests and nonguests mix and mingle over local beers on tap, creative cocktails and a variety of small plates and appetizers, from a charcuterie platter and local cheese selection to wood-fired flatbreads. The menu also includes more substantial entrées, including shrimp and grits and the Canopy Tavern Burger. If heading off property for food or fun, a lobby “transit board” displays travel times to destinations such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium and wait times at nearby restaurants.
Grounded with the knowledge of an experienced hotel company and infused with a hip, locally inspired edge, Canopy by Hilton Atlanta Midtown is a well-thought-out addition to the city’s hotel landscape. It may not go over the top in luxury or amenities (i.e. there is no pool or spa), but its creative touches provide just enough pizazz for a unique stay, or staycation, in the heart of the ATL.
CANOPY BY HILTON ATLANTA MIDTOWN
1414 West Peachtree St. N.W.
Atlanta 30309
404.685.1677
canopy3.hilton.com
