Contrary to popular beliefs, a vacation does not always equate to jetsetting across the globe or traveling across state lines. Sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible, but that does not mean you can’t still enjoy a getaway right in your own city. Take it from me, a person that LOVES a good staycation, sometimes a good change of scenery is all you need for a little rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

After returning home from living abroad for two years, getting readjusted, starting my life from, essentially, scratch it was all a bit overwhelming. So, I decided to take a break from it all and have a staycation at the Loews Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Let me just tell you, best decision ever!

Upon arrival, I was pleasantly greeted by valet, and although I only had a small overnight bag, the awaiting bellman was still gracious enough to deliver it to my room. At the counter, check-in was a breeze. There was no line and no wait. The attendant was pleasant and advised me that I would be staying on the 24th floor, which was a private floor. Yep, I totally felt like VIP, wouldn’t you?

The Room

Entering the room, I thought I was going to have just a regular shmegular type room, but to my surprise I’d been upgraded to the Grand King Suite. Not only that, I was left a welcome gift by the staff. This staycation was getting better and better by the minute. The room was incredibly spacious, with a separate area for the living room and bedroom. However, my favorite thing had to be the floor to ceiling windows. With the most melodramatic flourish, I slung back the drapes and shears and took in the incredible views of Atlanta.I felt like a pretty princess perched atop her royal palace admiring all the lands below again, melodramatic much? But, I can have my moment, right? Right.

I may or may not have thrown myself onto the bed and let my body melt into all of its comfy and cushiony greatness. I took a moment to just breathe, and let myself relax and take it all in. After a moment or two, I decided to explore the rest of the room. I checked out the fully stocked mini bar, tested out the comfortability of the two sofas, and was slightly envious after checking out the walk-in closet and realizing it was bigger than any closet I’ve had in the last two years living abroad.

However, another one of my favorite things about this room was the bathroom. Equipped with his and her sinks, a standing shower, and separate bath, it was almost everything a girl could want. If I’d had time, I would have drawn myself a nice, hot, bubble bath and really got my relaxation on, but dinner reservations were awaiting. Oh, and did I mention the built in television in the bathroom? A-MAZING!

 

 

Eats & Drinks

Since I’d already had previous dinner arrangements, and I was only staying at the Loews for one night, I didn’t get a chance to check out Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, a small-plate style restaurant, during my stay. However,  I did go back to visit last weekend, mostly for the drinks, but I was able to try out one of their signature cured meats and cheese platters. Delish! It reminded me so much of my time in Spain.

Speaking of drinks, if the lobby of the Loews isn’t on your list of hangout and grab a cocktail or two, spots in Atlanta then it should be. It’s swanky, has a great vibe, and you will likely be amongst a some lively wedding party where you’ll dance the night away with a random bridesmaid. In a nutshell, it’s a good time, and the drinks are amazing as well. Even if you just want to sit and enjoy a game on the huge flats screens, that’s fine as well, there’s plenty of seating; however, after around 9 p.m. the place really starts to get packed, especially on the weekends.

Also, what’s a staycation without room service?! The following morning of my stay I enjoyed some deliciously fluffy Belgian waffles, topped with strawberries, and a side of bacon.

Exhale

The thing I was looking forward to the most during this staycation was exhaling – I mean that both literally and figuratively. The Exhale Spa was just what the doctor ordered, and after a fabulous sleep in my big comfy king bed, I couldn’t wait to get down to my morning appointment for a little pampering.

I opted for the 60-minute Fusion Massage. Upon my arrival, I was given a tour and was told to change and the massage therapist would be with me shortly. I was able to choose which aromatherapy oil I wanted, and for ultimate relaxation I went with the lavender oil. My massage was 60 minutes of pure, undulated, bliss. A time or two I even caught myself dozing off and breathing a little heavier than normal some people call it snoring, but I don’t snore so there’s that. I’m telling you, get the massage. You won’t regret it!

After my massage I decided to check out the saunas. I’m not a fan of wet saunas (the ones you typically find in a gym), so instead I opted for the dry sauna, aka hammam. With it’s heated floors and heated slabs of rock, it was the perfect place to lie back, relax, and exhale. I highly recommend you checking this place out. Start by placing one of the rolled towels provided under your neck. If you’re into yoga, lie down in Shavasana, or the Corpse Pose, and focus on nothing but your breath. Deep inhales, deep exhales.

Try inhaling and exhaling with an intent. For example, I would inhale positivity, exhale negativity. Inhale all the greatness to come, exhale all things standing in my path. Inhale love and light, exhale fear and darkness. Whatever works for you.

I left the spa feeling rejuvenated mind, body, and spirit.

Exhale Spa also offers a hoard of services and fitness classes, so if you want to extend your pamper sesh, or get your workout on, they’ve got you covered.

What Else I Loved

The Location

Right smack dab in the middle of Midtown Atlanta, this hotel’s location couldn’t be any more perfect{er}. Yes, perfecter, because it’s just that great. A 10-minute walk and you’re at Piedmont Park, a 5-minute walk you’ll find yourself at the High Museum of Art, and right outside the doorstep you’ll find eateries and cafes galore. One of my faves is Cafe Intermezzo, right next door to the Loews, with it’s cozy and intimate atmosphere. If you’re looking for some Atlanta nightlife, the next street over you’ll find Crescent Ave with a string of bars and lounges, all within walking distance.

What else is around?

– MARTA Rail Station (4-minute walk)
– Atlanta Botanical Garden (4-minute drive)
– Georgia Aquarium (10-minute drive)
– World of Coca-Cola (10-minute drive)
– Center of Civil & Human Rights (10-minute drive)
– Centennial Olympic Park (9-minute drive)

 

All in all, this staycation at the Loews in Midtown was everything I needed and wanted it to be. I have to make it my business to have one at least every month or every other month, and you should too! Treat yourself!

 

Info

Website: https://www.loewshotels.com/
Address: 1065 Peachtree Street NE Atlanta, Georgia, 30309 
Phone: 1 404-745-5000
Email: ssccustomerservice@loewshotels.com 
Classification: 4 Stars
Check In: 4:00 p.m.
Check Out: Noon
Check Rates for your dates here.

 

Special thanks to the Loews Midtown Atlanta for providing me with a complimentary stay and spa services. As always, all opinions are my own. Also, there are some affiliate links in this post, which is just a fine way of directing you straight to the source without a bunch of searching on your part.