Hotel Check: Marriott Perimeter Center

WHERE IS IT? Close to Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, which is in north Atlanta, this hotel is a business traveler hub. Traditionally, the hotel draws road warriors visiting nearby office towers and shoppers looking for a good deal. This summer, it is seeing strong interest in road trips and family staycations, which demonstrates the ways in which many business hotels can adapt quickly with creative promotions.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? This high-rise offers great views of the area and shows off Marriott’s new interior design. Individual pod check-in and modern conversation seating areas throughout the lobby are a nice touch. There are sofas, booth seating and plenty of workstations where guests can gather to work together or alone and recharge from nearby power outlets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel is implementing social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures to assure guest and staff safety. This includes plastic barriers at reception, onsite mask requirements, and the closure of its restaurant and M Club during the time I was there. Still, there were plenty of families and guests taking advantage of the great location while following the required measures.

ROOM FACILITIES Guest rooms are bright with full-length mirrors, wide work desks with plenty of power outlets, and flat-screen TVs that guests can sync up with their own devices. Bedside power and USB outlets are a nice touch, and my room on the top floor had a cathedral ceiling that made it seem twice as big. I really liked the views of the neighborhood and how the MARTA train ran like clockwork every few minutes down below. It gave the entire area a buzzing energy that was just what I was looking for after being stuck at home for so long. I was able to work remotely from the cozy sitting area while enjoying coffee from the single-serve coffeemaker and watch the action. The bathroom was spacious with a glass shower stall and This Works toiletries. The eucalyptus shower gel was a great aromatherapy burst in the morning. Normally, guests with Marriott’s top elite status levels have access to the M Club, which is on the lobby level and offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening snacks and cocktails. People can also reserve premium-category rooms to enjoy access, but while I was there it remained shuttered.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The main restaurant and lobby lounge serve three meals a day as well as clever craft cocktails from its long bar. Unfortunately, these were closed during my visit, but the atmosphere looked very inviting. I can see how this is a huge benefit for groups to gather after a meeting or social function. There were so many options for takeout and socially distanced dining in the neighborhood as well as ample delivery options.

LEISURE FACILITIES The hotel’s indoor-outdoor swimming pool is open, and guests must make a reservation. There’s also a modern fitness center, but the streets around the mall are great for jogging thanks to wide sidewalks. What’s really drawing interest from guests, especially regional road trippers and staycations, are two room packages that bundle together the room rate with area activities.

The Atlanta Zoo package includes Deluxe room accommodations, free parking and a gift card good for tickets to the nearby zoo. It’s a fun way to entertain kids this summer outdoors. There’s also a Weekender Brunch Package that comes with Deluxe room accommodations on Friday and Saturday nights, coupons for house wine, $50 Perimeter Mall gift certificate, and a $75 certificate for Sunday brunch for two at a nearby restaurant. Both of these can be reserved online via the hotel’s website or by calling the hotel directly.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES A business center with printer is available for guests to use, and wireless Internet is free throughout the hotel for Marriott Bonvoy members. With 15,000 square feet of meeting space, this is the kind of property that appeals to group functions because it is set up with high-tech amenities as well as offers area entertainment within close proximity. The nearby MARTA station (an easy and cheap link to the airport) is icing on the cake.

VERDICT While summer vacation plans may be modified, there are some creative packages that make vacationing nearby especially popular.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 344 rooms and suites

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Just a short distance to Perimeter Mall, this hotel has great dining and shopping within its vicinity making it ideal for business travelers and meeting groups. Its family-friendly travel packages are giving it a boost this summer, too.

PRICE Internet room-only rates for a traditional room start at $76 plus tax.

CONTACT 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30346, Phone 770-394-6500, atlantamarriottperimeter.com