Luxury holidays in Atlanta

Atlanta has a few claims to fame: its contributions to the modern society span Coke, Gone with the Wind and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite its rapid expansion over the last 20 years, it’s a pretty city covered in greenery within the Perimeter, the circular freeway enclosing it. The population grows and the city spreads, but the new builds sit comfortably alongside the elegant old homes of 19th century. Cars are pretty much obligatory for hopping around the varied and vibrant neighbourhoods. For Martin Luther memory-hunting, hit Sweet Auburn; for boutique browsing and café lingering, Virginia Highland’s series of villages will do the trick; luxury awaits in Buckhead, and Downtown is a hub of commercial activity by day, if a little shadier by night. Atlanta's lively gay scene centres on the picnickers' paradise of Piedmont Park in Midtown. Oh, and there are probably more streets named after the peach tree than anywhere else in the world – which doesn't help navigation.
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When to go

Atlanta is a southern city and has the climate to match. Summers (May to September) are air-con-demandingly hot and humid; the rest of the year is mild, though it does get nippy in December, January and February. March is when it’s most likely to rain.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport receives flights from most major US hubs, courtesy of Delta (www.delta.com), including New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC, as well as international flights, such as British Airways’ service from London Gatwick (www.ba.com).

  • Trains

    The city’s small overground rail system, Marta (www.itsmarta.com) criss-crosses the city and links to the bus network. The Amtrak (www.amtrak.com) station is on the Northeast Expressway, with trains coming in and out of other US cities, including New York and Washington DC.

  • Automobiles

    Apart from some of the smaller neighbourhoods, such as Virginia Highland, you’ll need a car to get around. Avis (www.avis.com) has outlets at the airport (+1 (404) 530 2700) and across the city.

  • Taxis

    Taxis aren’t easily flagged and pre-booked cabs have a reputation for showing up late. Try your luck with Atlanta Checker Cab (+1 404 351 1111).