Business Travel Guide: Atlanta, Georgia
Founded on transportation, financial and service industries from its earliest days, rather than manufacturing, Atlanta as of 2009 had a population within its limits of 540,000 people. But the metropolitan area, the ninth largest in the United States, has a population 10 times that number. To give you a sense of the state's growth over the past 50 years, Georgia's entire population in 1960 was about 4 million people. Between 2000 and 2008 alone, the city added 1.1 million residents. Forecasts predict it will zoom to sixth place by 2020, with a total projected population of more than 7 million.
Why such growth? Sunbelt aside, Atlanta is a major business city and a transportation hub between the Southeast and Europe and between the Southeast and Africa. It's not uncommon when flying back to Atlanta from either continent to be seated next to someone doing business somewhere in Georgia, and usually that somewhere is Atlanta. Today, the metropolitan area hosts the headquarters for myriad corporations, among them CNN, Coca-Cola, Lockheed Martin UPS, Delta Air Lines, Turner Broadcasting, and Home Depot. The country's fourth largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and three-quarters of the Fortune 1000 firms have operations in the metropolitan Atlanta area.
As a result of this spread, business visitors may find themselves heading to one of Atlanta's ten core counties depending on their operations, or may find themselves as far afield as any of the 28 counties that constitute the metropolitan area. Software, for example, is concentrated in south Gwinnett County, while financial services and advertising are centered in Buckhead, the city's most upscale zone. Business travelers will find no shortage of well-appointed hotels, good dining options and leisure pastimes to relieve boardroom stress.
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Facts
to Know Before You Go — Atlanta Business Travel
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Transportation:
Rental Cars:
At Atlanta's
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you'll find all the major national automobile rental companies. But look off-site for some of the less expensive ones that do business off-airport,
as many arrange to pick up customers at the airport. Atlanta's interstates
and secondary roads jam at busy times, but they're
still the most efficient way to access far-flung
destinations. In addition,
Zipcar has locations around the metro Atlanta area inside I-285 (the Perimeter), chiefly in Midtown and Decatur.
Public Transportation:
MARTA (Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority) operates buses and trains throughout Fulton and DeKalb Counties. MARTA trains go directly to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. On Sundays and holidays train frequency is reduced, requiring additional time to reach the airport. You must have exact change for the $2 fare to board a MARTA bus, or a free transfer from a MARTA train station. To board a train, you must acquire a BREEZE card, either a temporary one for your trip, costing an additional $.50, or a permanent one that you can reload, costing $1. You may buy a BREEZE card at the airport or from the machines located in the front of each station that dispenses the cards through a self-guided system, and you may charge fares to a credit card, obtaining any needed transfers at the same time. Riders may elect to use the BREEZE card on buses or pay in cash. On buses, transfers are automatically loaded onto the BREEZE card. The machine will print out a receipt for your purchase. Have your BREEZE card available when you enter the train area and obtain access by tapping on the round disk at each gate with the back of your card. Tap again with the back of the card in the same spot to exit. If you’re a frequent rider, keep your BREEZE card in your wallet in a pocket covered by a transparent plastic shield, then just tap the open wallet to add value, and to enter and exit the system. For more information on MARTA, visit www.itsmarta.com. Effective March 31, 2010, all C-Tran bus and paratransit service was eliminated, and Clayton County now is served by QuickTransit, designed for local service and operating between the College Park MARTA Station and the airport at this time. Fare is $3.50 one way. Gwinnett County Transit, Cobb Community Transit, and GRTA (Georgia Regional Transportation Authority) also use the BREEZE card. On Gwinnett’s service, the transfer option (free) is good for 90 minutes from the time you begin your trip.
Running Mon.-Sat., Cobb and Gwinnett bus systems tie into MARTA at specific points. Cobb Community Transit operates between Cobb County and MARTA's Arts Center Station. The fare is $1.50 each way, paid in cash (exact change only) or by BREEZE card. Transfers to MARTA bus service are free, and are good for three hours. If transferring to rail, a rail transfer must be specified. A bus transfer will not admit you to the rail station; however, once on board the train at the Arts Center Station, you may go directly to the airport. GCT (Gwinnett County Transit) operates two levels of service: local and express buses (express not on Sat.). Express service on GCT costs $3 one way, while local service costs $2 one way. For all Atlanta area transit services, special fares are available for seniors, students and persons with disabilities. Operating Mon.-Fri., the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) is a partnership with thirteen regional counties as well as state and federal governments. Its Xpress buses, which also tie in to selected MARTA stations, may also be useful for the business traveler, and cost $3-4 one way, depending on zone destination. BREEZE cards may be used on GRTA for both GRTA fares and MARTA fares, but transfers from GRTA to MARTA are no longer free. System passes may be purchased on line or at the Five Points MARTA station. Xpress runs during commuter hours Mon.-Fri., holidays excepted. Cherokee County's CATS (Cherokee Area Transportation System) ties into the MARTA Civic Center station; Cherokee is one of the twelve metro counties served by Xpress.
In addition, a free bus service, "The Buc," runs every eight to twenty minutes on weekdays from the Buckhead malls and the Lenox and Buckhead MARTA station s to to various points in Buckhead, and on Sat. every 30 minutes. The more frequent circulation schedule is the norm during rush hours. The "Buc" has four lines, labeled green, blue, red and purple. All run during lunch except the purple line, typically from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. approximately.
Taxis and Shuttles:
The flat taxi rate for one person from the airport to Downtown is $30 and to Buckhead $40, although not all parts of Buckhead lie in the flat-rate zone. In addition, numerous shuttle companies serve Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. While shuttle transportation may be arranged upon arrival, other companies can arrange transportation from the airport by prior reservation. Fees vary but shuttle services typically cost $16 to Downtown, $18.50 to Midtown, and $ 20.50 to Buckhead per person. In addition, many hotels provide complimentary shuttle service for their guests, so inquire of your hotel if it has such a service. Hotel shuttle service is found on the Purple Isle outside in the Ground Transportation Center on the west end of the terminal building between North and South terminals. Limousine services also are available at higher prices. |
Information:
The city's chief daily newspaper, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, covers business news, while the weekly The Atlanta Business Chronicle goes into depth in business matters. Monthly Georgia Trend covers the state in business news, but is focused on the state's capital. Atlanta magazine, a monthly glossy, delves into local topics. For after-business information, pick up a copy of Creative Loafing, a free publication available in kiosks at restaurants and entertainment venues. It also publishes articles on matters of local political and economic interest. Free Museums & Galleries and Midtown Magazine cover respectively the arts scene around town and the vital Midtown area's performance, shopping and dining features. Atlanta Intown Newspaper is a free community monthly publication covering business as well as local subjects, culture and people. The Sunday Paper specializes in serious alternative news with a local beat while Southern Voice is Atlanta's long-standing publication covering issues important to the gay and lesbian community. In addition, there are several foreign language newspapers, including long-published Mundo Hispánico.
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Where
to Stay — Atlanta Business Hotels
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A historic property built within the shell of the former Winecoff Hotel, which burned tragically in 1946, The Ellis Hotel provides moderately priced but luxuriously styled accommodation immediately adjacent to a MARTA subway stop (the Ellis Street exit, Peachtree Center Station). The tenth floor is reserved for female guests, who will find upgraded amenities and enhanced entrance security. The hotel is well attuned to the business traveler and provides a business center and workstations in each room. The restaurant and bar are comfortable and intimate places for after-work relaxation. Upstairs on the terrace, complimentary wine tastings are offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. In the morning, complimentary coffee is offered from 6:30-11 a.m. in the lobby.
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Atlanta's Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown is as popular with the business set as it is with celebrities. Sweeping vistas and well-worked marble and stone surfaces shape its grand entrance, whose massive grand staircase leads to Park 75 (the hotel's fine dining room), a terrace and bar, perfect for post-business gatherings. Suites feature fax machines, and there's a 24-hour business center. After-hours, enjoy the chlorine-free sea-salt pool. Near the fitness center, the pool terrace has its own sun deck. Trainers are available, and should you forget your gear, the hotel offers disposable swimsuits and stocks workout attire. A spa offers massage and other treatments. Complimentary health-focused refreshments are offered in the fitness club and in the spa. The full-menu room service is available 24 hours. Leisure services include a complimentary town car (drop-off only within six miles of the hotel). Nearby Atlantic Station, replete with numerous retail outlets, restaurants and movie theaters, is a popular draw. The Four Seasons is walking distance from the Woodruff Arts Center (with performances on most nights), the 14th Street Playhouse, and a host of popular restaurants.
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The Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center offers a multiplex of 252 rooms, meeting spaces, a 7,260-square-foot ballroom, and state-of-the-art technology for its Technology Square property. Located in Midtown, Atlanta's arts district, the hotel is conveniently close to restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. A 24-hour business center, wireless and hard-wired Internet capabilities and superb audio-visual gear make this hotel a standout for business purposes. A cardio fitness center and swimming pool helps de-stress after hours.
Located only a short walk from the Midtown MARTA Station, this hotel is reasonably priced, well-maintained, and independently owned. It's popular with the business set on a budget, and it's convenient to good restaurants, Piedmont Park (for jogging) and several classic Atlanta sites to visit. In-room amenities are geared to the business traveler, including high-speed Internet, ergonomic chairs at the desks in the suites, and multiple telephones.
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Business and celebrity travelers to Atlanta make this luxury hotel their home away from home. The wood-paneled, art-filled public and private spaces are refined and elegant, yet, thanks to warm but correct service, never seem stiff or formal. Small, informal business gatherings around glasses of wine or tea in the afternoon are commonplace in the hotel's lobby bar. The Café, located on the same level as the lobby bar, is the hotel's all-service restaurant. The staff represents 72 nationalities, providing translation talent, secretarial services, international currency exchange, courier services, and a seamstress on duty, all of which appeal to the business traveler, as does the 24-hour Technology Butler for guests who forgot to bring their adapters, batteries or cell phones. For relaxation, the hotel offers a fitness center, indoor pool, steam room and whirlpool. Nearby shopping at three malls is accessible on foot.
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Floors seven to sixteen of this magnificent modern hotel house 102 one- and two-bedroom suites, many with dramatic views of the city's skyline. All suites come with complete kitchens equipped with full-sized appliances. The business traveler also has an in-room computer and work surface, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary Wi-Fi in addition to a business center. Luxury finishes, a steak-focused restaurant (ROOM) and a small, competently run bar de-stress the business traveler. The restaurant also has two private spaces for small business dinner meetings, as well as well-equipped meeting rooms. |
Where
to Dine — Atlanta Business Restaurants
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Bacchanalia
1198 Howell Mill Rd., NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-365-0410
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Contemporary
17/20
$$$$$ |
James Beard award-winning chefs Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison continue at the helm, keeping Bacchanalia at the top of Atlanta's fine dining scene. From the foie gras to the Valrhona chocolate cake, dishes are the zenith of luxury. While the dining room itself can become fairly high energy, a small private dining space makes private parties for a dozen or so guests much more intimate. For larger affairs, the 75-seat Quinones Room at Bacchanalia specializes in multi-course, fixed-price dining. The extensive, adventurous wine list offers many choices by the glass and the half bottle.
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Miso Izakaya
619 Edgewood Ave. SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
678-701-0128
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Japanese/Small Plates/Sushi
15/20
$$$$$ |
Hong Kong-born Chef/Owner Guy Wong grew up in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, and studied cooking in Japan. His attention to detail, his playful gifts at creating inventive dishes, and his extraordinary drinks list, with premium sakes and other fine libations, and the relaxing atmosphere of his hip establishment make this a good choice for a getaway-from-it-all lunch via a short taxi ride or an after-work decompression session.
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La Pietra Cucina
One Peachtree Pointe
1545 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-888-8709
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Italian/Contemporary
15/20
$$$$$ |
Atlanta-born chef Bruce Logue has cooked in Italy and here in the U.S. with Mario Batali at Babbo. He is totally devoted to Italian culinary sensibilities, but with a contemporary twist that’s thoroughly rooted in authenticity. Any of a number of main dishes at La Pietra Cucina (Italian for 'The Stone Kitchen') would please, but pay close attention to the specials, which might include veal tongue, lamb sirloin (served over barley and topped with grilled white asparagus) or porchetta. If appetite allows, get the chocolate dessert of the day. The wine list is focused on well-priced Italian selections, with good choices by the glass and a bottle presentation at the table for those that are so ordered. Business diners will appreciate the private dining room, which can seat 36 people and has a full bar with additional seating.
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Restaurant Eugene
Aramore Condominium
2277 Peachtree Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-355-0321
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Contemporary/Southern
16/20
$$$$$ |
Linton Hopkins, a native Atlantan, has crafted one of the most soothing dining environments in the city, and the food he serves in it, along with his wine list, makes for an all-around perfect dining experience, especially for business purposes. Gather clients and make this one a must-stop to enjoy his re-workings of Southern classics such as perfect fried chicken, and international dishes, such as sweetbreads with wild mushrooms or white gazpacho with olive oil ice cream and microgreens. On Sunday evenings, his Sunday Supper menu reprises the local classics in a three-course fixed-price menu. Lauded for the kitchen's attention to detail, Restaurant Eugene (Hopkins' grandfather) makes the bread, the maraschino cherries and the bitters for the drinks. The wine list is smart and well-chosen. Celebrate the deal or clinch it in this refined atmosphere with some of the most professional service in town.
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Off
the Clock — Atlanta Business Entertainment
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Eddie's Attic
515-B N. McDonough St.
Decatur, GA 30030
404-377-4976
www.eddiesattic.com
Grab MARTA east to the Decatur station and walk a few blocks to one of the metro area's most worthwhile music venues, founded in a former department store. The place has nurtured many a rising star, among them Decatur's own Indigo Girls. The 21-and-over club showcases a wide variety of contemporary music. Food service offers some tasty morsels, sandwiches and salads.
The Punchline
280 Hilderbrande Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-252-LAFF (5233)
www.punchline.com
Although at some distance from the city, requiring a taxi, the Punchline is Atlanta's longest-running comedy club, and well worth the ride. Headliners have included major national acts, and there is a light menu of burger and sandwich type fare. But you don't come for the food.
Tabernacle
152 Luckie St NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-659-9022
tabernacleatl.com
Formerly a church, Tabernacle was built in 1910 and lay vacant from the mid-1980s until 1996, when the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta saw it brought back to life as a performance venue known as the House of Blues Club. Today, music fills its rafters once more, and the place is popular as a corporate event site. The entire club is non-smoking.
Virginia Highland Shopping Area
Corner of Virginia and N. Highland Avenues
Atlanta, GA 30306
www.virginiahighland.com
This intersection is the heart of a vibrant neighborhood whose early 20th-century residential architecture has been upgraded and updated by waves of in-town pioneers. Visitors will find numerous good restaurants and interesting shopping, making a day spent in the area a worthwhile adventure. In addition to art galleries and antique shops, a vintage-style hardware store is a prime address for woodworking devotees. Having a rental car notwithstanding, it's advisable to take a taxi to the district and back to your hotel as parking is very difficult.
Whole World Improv Theatre
1216 Spring St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-817-PLAY (7529)
www.wholeworldtheatre.com
Improvisational theater is the main stage focus. Another smaller stage, called "The Third Space," features scripted plays throughout the year, some of them original material. Whole World Theatre also hosts visiting and small local companies in performance. The normal schedule is Thurs.-Sat., with start times on Thurs. at 8 p.m., Fri. at 9 p.m. (as of March 6, 2009), and 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Sat. Ticket prices are substantially less expensive if you order on line or over the phone. (Author: Jane Garvey)  |
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SAVE MONEY ON ATTRACTIONS!
Save time and money on your next vacation with the CityPass booklet. It contains admission tickets to the city's top attractions at a substantially reduced price. |
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(Updated: 01/05/12 CT) |
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