Woodbine Legacy Investments completed the $20 million renovation of W Atlanta-Buckhead, a 12-story, 291-room hotel in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood. The renovation was started in May 2018.
Woodbine hired C+TC Studio of Atlanta as the architect and interior designer for guestrooms and the hotel’s rooftop bar, Whiskey Blue; Studio 11 of Dallas as the interior designer for the lobby, public areas and meeting space; and Genoa Construction as the general contractor for the project.
Taking cues from the city’s bent toward fashion, design and art, the renovation included the infusion of splashy artwork and murals throughout the hotel and at the rooftop bar, Whiskey Blue. Woodbine worked with its partners to source local talent both to enliven the guest experience and strengthen the connection to the community, specifically the Buckhead neighborhood and the city of Atlanta.
The property now has guestroom art from Lela Brunet. Brunet is known for her compositions that contrast soft female figures with energetic patterns and collisions of color and texture. There is a pool deck mural by Greg Mike, celebrated for his surrealist, pop-art-inspired work that focuses on the playful world of cartoons. There are also murals by Chris Veal in the living room and in the Whiskey Blue.
Guest accommodations—286 guestrooms, four Wow Suites and one E-Wow Suite—were enhanced with new headboards, armoires, damask wallcoverings and carpeting, 55-inch televisions, in-room Nespresso machines and beverage bar, and new artwork throughout. All guestrooms showcase splashes of color, and graphic and sophisticated elements. The renovation also removed air-conditioning window units from all guestrooms, decreasing system-related sounds, while also making room for a window portal and new work/lounge area with a chaise, a table and a cocktail cubby. Guest bath updates included new wallcoverings and sliding glass doors for privacy. Guestroom corridors also have new wallcoverings, carpeting and lighting throughout.
The W Atlanta-Buckhead’s top-to-bottom revamp also included the addition of a dedicated welcome area for the concierge team, new furnishings and a café-style seating arrangement. The new, flexible layout flows from day to night. In the lobby/living room, the custom installation/mural by Veal is the backdrop for the W photo booth. Images taken in front of the mural will be looped to the hotel’s Instagram account and displayed on an adjacent Polaroid-style screen.
The hotel’s 11,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function space received new furnishings, paint, carpeting, lighting and artwork, along with enhanced spaces for breakout sessions and pre- and post-function events and activities. Internet throughout the meeting space and entire hotel was also upgraded.
The fitness center received a new look with refreshed surfaces and updated artwork, while maintaining views of the city.
Rooftop bar Whiskey Blue’s refresh included new furnishings, flooring, wallcoverings, lighting, artwork, terrace furnishings and landscaping, as well as changes to the entrance elevator and surrounding rooftop, including Veal’s 66-foot walkway mural.
A second phase of renovation is planned for later in 2019. It will focus on the hotel’s restaurant, Cook Hall.
Robert Woolridge is W Atlanta-Buckhead’s GM.
Photo credit: Marriott International