The Connally Hotel Downtown Atlanta, Ascend Hotel Collection

For those searching for "Hotels Near Me" in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, The Connally Hotel Downtown Atlanta, Ascend Hotel Collection, offers a unique and boutique experience. Located at 54 Peachtree St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA, this hotel is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels, known for its distinctive and locally inspired properties. It aims to provide guests with a memorable stay, blending historical architecture with modern comforts and exceptional service, all within steps of downtown Atlanta's most iconic landmarks.

The Connally Hotel is housed in a historic building, giving it a unique character that stands apart from more conventional chain hotels. Its architecture likely reflects a classic downtown aesthetic, possibly Art Deco, as implied by some descriptions. The hotel features 156 guestrooms spread across 16 levels, accessible by elevator. The interior design aims for a blend of Southern charm and modern sophistication, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests.

The hotel's prime location on Peachtree Street SW places it directly in the bustling urban core of Atlanta. It is literally right outside the Five Points MARTA train station, offering unparalleled access to public transportation throughout the city. This proximity is a significant advantage for guests looking to explore Atlanta's attractions without a car. While being in the heart of downtown means a lively urban environment, some reviews acknowledge a large homeless population in the immediate vicinity. However, the hotel addresses this with visible security guards outside and locked doors at night, requiring a key for entry, aiming to ensure guest safety and peace of mind.

Despite some historical elements, guest rooms are described as "clean & spacious" and "in great shape" by satisfied customers. The property is a smoke-free establishment, providing a healthier environment for all guests. The lobby and common areas are designed to be welcoming, with spaces such as a shared lounge/TV area, and a 24-hour front desk to assist guests at any time.

The Connally Hotel prides itself on a range of services and amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. A significant highlight is the complimentary buffet breakfast served daily. Guests consistently praise the breakfast for being "awesome" and well-prepared by sweet and welcoming staff. This can be a substantial cost-saving for travelers, especially those on a short stay. Breakfast is typically available from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM on weekends.

Connectivity is seamless with free Wi-Fi available in all guest rooms and public areas. Each room is air-conditioned and well-appointed with a flat-screen TV offering cable channels, including premium options. For convenience, all rooms come with a kitchenette area, which includes a mini-refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker. This feature, while not a full kitchen, allows guests to store snacks, beverages, and prepare simple meals, adding flexibility to their stay. Rooms also feature premium bedding, pillow-top beds, a desk with an ergonomic chair, blackout drapes/curtains, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Hypo-allergenic bedding and a pillow menu are available upon request.

For guests prioritizing health and wellness, the hotel offers a fitness center equipped for workouts. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center, which provides copy, fax, printing, and internet services. Meeting and banquet facilities are also available for those hosting events, supported by experienced event staff. Laundry facilities (dry cleaning/laundry services) are on-site, providing convenience for longer stays or for refreshing clothes. Valet parking is available for a surcharge (typically around $55 per night with in/out privileges), offering a secure parking solution in the downtown area. While the hotel does not allow pets generally, service animals are permitted.

The 24-hour front desk ensures that guests can check in or receive assistance at any time. Check-in is from 4:00 PM (with late check-in subject to availability), and check-out is by 11:00 AM, with express and contactless check-out options available. The minimum age for check-in is 21 years old. The hotel also has an ATM on-site and provides luggage storage.

The most compelling feature of The Connally Hotel is its strategic downtown location. Being "right outside of the Five points train station" makes it an exceptionally convenient base for exploring Atlanta. Guests can easily walk to major attractions such as Underground Atlanta (0.1 miles), Georgia State University (0.3 miles), CNN Center (0.7 miles), Centennial Olympic Park (0.8 miles), State Farm Arena (0.8 miles), World of Coca-Cola (0.8 miles), and the Georgia Aquarium (0.9 miles). Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also within a short distance (1.2 miles). This walkability significantly enhances the visitor experience, reducing reliance on taxis or personal vehicles.

Another highlight is the consistently praised staff. Reviews frequently commend employees for being "super nice," "friendly," "helpful," "full of recommendations," and "full of energy." This level of customer service, from the front desk (with specific mentions of individuals like Quintin) to the breakfast crew and valet staff (like Steven), contributes significantly to a pleasant stay. The hotel's commitment to security, with on-premise security guards and restricted night access, also provides peace of mind for guests in an urban setting.

The boutique nature of the hotel, as part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, means it often offers unique local flair and a less generic experience than larger chain hotels. The presence of kitchenettes in rooms, combined with the complimentary breakfast, allows guests some flexibility in managing their dining, whether for a short visit or a slightly longer stay.

As an Ascend Hotel Collection property and part of Choice Hotels International, The Connally Hotel participates in the Choice Privileges Rewards program. This allows guests to earn points for free nights, gift cards, and more, adding value for loyal customers. The hotel may also offer specific promotions, such as welcome discounts (e.g., 20% off for new guests), which are often advertised on the Choice Hotels website or through other booking platforms. Special rates for groups or corporate stays may also be available upon inquiry.

Guest experiences at The Connally Hotel Downtown Atlanta are generally positive, with a strong emphasis on the excellent location and the high quality of staff interaction. Many guests, initially skeptical due to previous online reviews, found their actual stay to be "great." The cleanliness and spaciousness of the rooms, reliable hot water, and well-functioning amenities like TV and A/C are frequently highlighted. The convenience to public transit and major attractions is a consistent positive, making it "perfect for walking anywhere downtown."

While the presence of a homeless population in the vicinity is mentioned, guests often appreciate the hotel's security measures. The only potential downsides noted by some guests relate to the cost of valet parking and, occasionally, minor maintenance issues like one working elevator or inconsistent hot water, though these seem to be less frequent or resolved quickly by the attentive staff. Overall, The Connally Hotel Downtown Atlanta, Ascend Hotel Collection, is recommended for those seeking a pleasant, well-located, and service-oriented hotel experience in the heart of downtown Atlanta, especially for short stays or those looking to explore the city's main attractions on foot or via public transport.