Grand Hyatt debuts new attractions for a weekend away!
When it opened back in 1990, the 25-story Hotel Nikko was Buckhead’s chicest new spot for society events, fundraisers and private parties. It created a buzz with its sushi bar and lush Japanese garden complete with a waterfall, a reflection of the owners’ nationalities.
In 1997, the Nikko morphed into the Grand Hyatt Atlanta. The area’s hotel scene has since shifted dramatically, with increasing competition as well as changing customer demands. In response, the company recently completed a massive renovation— the first since 2010—that touched every sector of the 439-room property to bring it up to contemporary standards while leaving some historic favorites in place.
A recent weekend getaway to the refurbished hotel provided a chance to compare the new look with my memories of the first incarnation. I was pleased to see the two-story Japanese gardens are intact, complete with shaded seating areas providing restful respites in the shadow of mid-rise buildings on almost every side. The adjacent outdoor pool is a cooling-off spot as well as a social area anchored by a bar and firepits.
The most immediate differences hit me at the front door, where the lobby has been reworked with marble floors and colorful artworks. The reception area has been shifted to one side to create a dramatic arrival area with five soaring pillars and floor-to ceiling windows around a semi-circular bar and views of the three-story waterfall beyond. Now renamed the Fabled Lounge, this main gathering spot also has tables and nooks where visitors can sip on cocktails with fairy-tale inspired titles: The Alchemist’s elixir blends tequila and ginger liquor; The Fabled Rising mixes mezcal and blood orange ginger. It’s also the spot for lunch and small plates later in the day.
Anticipating dinner in the hotel’s Cassis restaurant, I opted to grab a quick bite and beverage from the new 24-hour market off the lobby. The compact space is well stocked with artisanal sandwiches, coffees, sweets and treats. The heated soft pretzel was just enough to hold me over while unwinding in a posh suite, complete with glam bath, comfy living area around a giant flat screen and a well-stocked minibar and coffee bar. From the 23rd floor, the view went beyond the nearby buildings and as far as Stone Mountain. It’s good to know that some rooms are equipped with humidifiers, hypoallergenic linens and scentless amenities.
The most notable change, and a highlight of my stay, was dinner at Cassis. Each morning, it’s home to a lavish breakfast buffet, but on weekend evenings, it converts into an interactive, French-themed eatery with a twist: Each table is the backdrop for a projected film that tells a visual story about the ingredients in each dish through the antics of the cartoon character, Le Petit Chef. Part dinner theater, part sumptuous dining, the show is hosted by a French-accented maître d’ who presents an introduction to each of the pre-selected five courses.
Checking out the Grand Hyatt’s latest revival, coupled with the unusual dinner experience, certainly made for a welcome respite from a hectic work week. And being centrally located in the heart of Buckhead makes it close enough to visit again and again, if just for the dinner and an electronic show, if nothing else.
GRAND HYATT ATLANTA
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