hospitalitystyle.com

(September 2010) posted on Thu Sep 23, 2010 EDT

Hotel’s Atrium lobby and tower guest rooms being renovated

The Hyatt Regency Atlanta has started a $60 million update to its Atrium lobby and Atrium Tower guest rooms. Designed by architect John Portman, the Peachtree locale opened as the world's first atrium-style hotel in 1967.

“Hyatt Regency Atlanta has played an integral role in Atlanta for more than 40 years, serving as a central gathering place for local Atlantans and a meeting venue for travelers across the globe,” said general manager Joe Hindsley. “This major transformation speaks to our commitment to ensure the hotel continues to be an innovative destination for years to come.”

The first phase of the work involves giving the lobby area “a clean and stylish feel,” the hotel management says. As part of that process, 576,000 pieces of fan-shaped tile covering 36,000 square feet, as well as a 13.5-ton Parasol metal sculpture over the escalators, have been removed.

Plans for the front desk area include the installation of black walnut wooden pod-style desks crafted from rescued trees, allowing for a more personalized check-in experience. The hotel also plans to add new full-service restaurant, lobby bar and a “grab-and-go market” for guests looking for an alternative to sit-down dining or room service. The hotel's main entrance off Peachtree Street will also be refreshed, with the addition of marble columns, and expanded front drive and a new, larger revolving front door.

The Atrium Tower guest rooms will be also redesigned, a process that will involve giving each room “a more contemporary style complete with relaxing and inspiring colors, wall coverings, drapes and artwork,” the project's backers say. Upgrades to guest bathrooms will include new tile flooring, granite vanities and updated lighting.

This latest upgrade at the 1,260-key locale follows on the heels of full renovations of guest room in its Radius and International towers.