Watch out W Midtown and Buckhead, the Hotel at Avalon just might be the most fabulous hotel in metro Atlanta!

Wow...Never thought I would actually say that.

For starters, I absolutely love the W Hotel. I've stayed in several W's around the world - I even spent my 10 year wedding anniversary at the W in Barcelona. However, although the W in Barcelona is super chic and sexy, that hotel didn't even come close to the fabulousness that is Hotel at Avalon.

My husband and I stayed at the 5-star, resort hotel during our most recent Date Weekend; yes, "Date Weekend", because a "date night" just doesn't do it for us anymore. We chose the Hotel at Avalon because we attended a Kentucky Derby event at Avalon in Alpharetta last summer, saw how stunning the hotel grounds were, and made a mental note to return at a later date. That later date came during Valentine's weekend and I couldn't think of any place better to enjoy quality time with my hard-working hubby.





Now, I know what you're thinking. You're probably saying to yourself, "Well, Quan, get to the juicy part. What makes the Hotel at Avalon so fabulous?" I got you, girl...

Let me start at the fact that the hotel is brand spanking new. Less than four months old to be exact. Construction started on this $112-million, 330-room hotel back in June of 2016 and they had a fabulous grand opening back in January of 2018. The entire facility is fresh and clean, the beds are barely slept in, the hardwood floors are flawless, and the carpets and area rugs are plush and soft - not hard and stiff like at some of those older hotels. A new hotel in Atlanta is like gold when you find it. For that reason alone, I'll be spending plenty of date weekends at Hotel at Avalon.



Another one of my favorite things about Hotel at Avalon is the marvelous interior design, fabulous furnishings, and brilliantly selected paintings and accents. Everywhere you turn, there's some design element that's inspiring and elegant. Honestly, it makes you want to hold your head a little higher and walk with your back straight. It just makes you feel like you're a star, or a supermodel, and the hotel is your own personal runway. It feels absolutely fabulous inside the corridors and lounges at the Hotel at Avalon.





I love luxury hotels that are rich in design and flair; however, most hotels that cater to luxury travelers miss the mark when it comes to engaging financially successful millennials who do not come from wealthy families. Another one of the things about the Hotel at Avalon that I LIVE for is the fact that there's a nice group of mature, 20 and 30-somethings with "new money" swirling around. It was great to come in contact with so many young and accomplished professionals who were also fly, fun, and fabulous at the same damn time.

One thing every Atlantan knows about the social scene in Alpharetta is that it has a reputation for being filled with old, closed-minded, wealthy snobs. However, the Hotel at Avalon has done a brilliant job at creating an environment where young , newly-successful guests can socialize at the bar with their older counterparts without feeling out of place or unwelcomed. From the young to the old, everyone my husband and I came into contact with was happy, open, and willing to converse about literally everything from stocks and bonds to Jay Z and Beyonce.

Oh! And before I forget, the food at the Hotel at Avalon's restaurant, South City Kitchen, was delicious! I had this steak (pictured below) and it was one of the most juiciest and well-seasoned steaks I've ever tasted! #GottaGetYouSome

Also, get into some more pics from around the Hotel at Avalon. Can't you see yourself feeling and looking FABULOUS here?!

Hey, Fabs!

Prior to planning my trip to northern India, I was unaware of the fabulousness of ITC's luxury collection of hotels. I had no clue they even existed! When I informed the travel company I hired to help plan my trip to India that I required luxury accommodations in all cities I visited, they immediately suggested ITC hotels in Agra and Jaipur. The ITC hotel in Agra was great but paled in comparison to the ITC Rajputana in Jaipur.

When my driver pulled up to the front entrance of the hotel, I was immediately greeted with a warm  "Namaste" from a bellman. I was then escorted through a golden revolving door where I was promptly welcomed by a beautiful young lady with a perfectly done-up face wearing traditional Indian attire. She smiled at me politely and proceeded to welcome me by gently placing a ceremonial Indian dot on my forehead. It was such a fabulous way to be welcomed to the Pink City of Jaipur.



Immediately after checking in, I was given a tour of the hotel by the fabulous and graceful Ms. Piya Patiyar. She explained to me the history of ITC Rajputana and pointed out the hotels most fabulous amenities. The bar opens at 11 a.m. by the way. That was particularly important for me to know because I like to indulge in early-morning cocktails sometimes when I'm traveling.



ITC Rajputanta has a total of five restaurants, bars, and lounges. I didn't have time to luxuriate in each one; however, after one long day of sightseeing, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a dance and musical performance at the property's poolside bar and pavilion. Additionally, the next morning, I ate breakfast in Jal Mahal, their fabulous multi-cuisine, buffet-style restaurant which serves traditional Indian as well as popular western foods.



Perhaps, however, what was most fabulous about this hotel was the Kaya Kalp spa which offers complimentary steam room and sauna sessions to guests. As with every other area of this hotel, the spa's interior design is classy and elegant. The spa's vibe gave me feminine, rich, and modern. I particularly liked that because, as with other luxury spas I've visited, most places that cater to luxury travelers have a tendency to feel old and stale. But this place made me feel young and vibrant.






Lastly, the royal treatment I received from staff at this hotel was divine. Everyone from the bellman to the receptionists to the chefs to the maids were completely courteous and helpful. Best part is, they didn't linger around wanting a tip for their services. They genuinely served me and treated me like a queen because it was in their nature - not because they knew they'd get a tip from me if they provided topnotch service.

Staying at ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, India was a fabulous treat. I feel so enriched and elevated as a result of my stay there. Now, if only I can find this type of fabulous and luxurious hotel in America. I'm open to suggestions, Fabs. Leave me a comment to let me know your favorite luxury hotel in the U.S.A.

With love,

Quan Lanae Green