Business Travel Guide for Atlanta

Tucked discreetly away on Piedmont, (and a stones throw from Piedmont Park) Stonehurst Place is the one you take home to meet momma. This historic bed-and-breakfast boasts upscale charm with mid-century modern furniture and original Warhols adorning the walls. If you're in charge of putting up the newly hired executive or visiting corporate boss, consider this your lodging secret weapon.

Standing for the highest of quality and customer service, The Four Seasons Atlanta is the perfect place to stay while celebrating that important deal going through or the big merger being finalized. (Or, a place to drown your sorrows if neither works out.) Having Italian show-stopper Veni Vidi Vici and the High Museum within walking distance fits the luxury bill perfectly.

Buckhead's Mansion Hotel is ideal for the person who appreciates timeless elegance. Arguably, it's pound for pound (or chandelier for chandelier), the nicest hotel in Atlanta. A stones throw from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, each room comes with excellent housekeeping, gifts and a butler. Did we mention there's a James Beard Award winning restaurant (Craft) within the hotel?

Located in the heart of Downtown, the historic Glenn is the best hotel in the "thick of things." CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke are all within walking distance from this renovated boutique beauty. Prices are reasonable and the breathtaking view from their rooftop bar is a great way to remedy a tough day of travel and work.

Located with in an ear shot of Midtown's bustling intersection of Peachtree and 14th, the W Midtown has the three essential components for perfect business traveling: Outstanding service, a renowned spa and multiple bars (yes, multiple). The slick, modern design and proximity to great restaurants around Colony Square doesn't hurt either.

One of the culinary jewels of Midtown West, JCT Kitchen combines a modern Southern menu with an atmosphere that's dressy but not stuffy. For those looking for cocktails and small bites, the upstairs bar features one of Atlanta's most inventive mixologist (Laura Creasy) and a pimento cheese double cheeseburger that's one of the best in Atlanta.

Because plenty of business happens over breakfast, the Original Pancake House is our call for a.m. dining. Pancakes are inventive and fluffy-good, bacon is thick-cut and always crispy (this is important) and orange juice gets the hand squeezed treatment. The prices are reasonable and the scene is low key. Just don't get confused and go to IHOP.

Sometimes big steak dinners or scotch-heavy cocktail hours simply get old. Inviting the boss to grab a dog `n? rings for lunch at the Varsity may be the coolest thing you could do while in the city. An Atlanta landmark, they have carhop service, throw-back fast food and their own ordering language. You won't be the only one decked in business attire, we promise.

While trendy restaurants come and go, Bone's will always be Buckhead's spot for power dining. In what should be the blueprint for a classic, masculine restaurant, it's a jacket-and-tie, steak-and-scotch type of place. So wear your Sunday best, bring the company credit card and hope that deal works out.

Located in the W Downtown, this prohibition-style bar impressively goes old-school in all categories. There are ?rules of the bar,? the drink list doesn't include any flavored vodkas or soda guns, and all ice is hand carved by a bartender who is probably dressed more dapperly than you are.

Located in an old warehouse in Inman Park, Rathbun's is a bold American restaurant with a swooping, hip space and a menu that will impress out-of-towners. The flagship of Kevin Rathbun's three restaurants (Rathbun Steak, Krog Bar), it's a fine dining destination that isn't afraid to have a little fun. Share a basket of the eggplant fries to get things started on the right note.

For the business traveler that wants to find some trouble, we suggest Fontaine's. Located in the always-packed-with-good-looking-people, Virginia Highland neighborhood, this local watering hole is right in the middle of the action. And if Fontaine's isn't hopping, there are two dozen restaurants and bars within that district.