Ask a concierge: Atlanta

Tips for business travel to the capital of the South.

At the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, concierge Claire Combs guides visitors on what to see, do and eat in the Southern metropolis. Here she offers advice for business travelers.

What’s the most important thing for business travelers to pack?

If you’ll be driving in the city, make sure Waze or your favorite traffic-dodging app is downloaded on your phone. You’ll save yourself a lot of time on the road. If you’ll be here from April to October, pack a bottle of sunscreen. It’s called Hotlanta for a reason!

What are your top recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?

Atlanta is filled with great restaurants, and there’s a local favorite in every neighborhood. So, try something that’s near your meetings. A few unique spots are Hattie B’s Hot Chicken near downtown, Tuk Tuk in Midtown, St. Cecilia in Buckhead and Alon’s Bakery & Market for a casual but delicious lunch or dinner at the Perimeter near our hotel.

What’s something that surprises visitors about your hotel?

The hidden gem of our hotel is our very green Backyard at Parkwoods beer garden. Our guests are thrilled when they venture outside and discover how relaxing it is to sip a craft beer and have a meal among the trees. It’s peaceful, even though the bustle of metro Atlanta isn’t far away.

What’s the best option for outdoor exercise?

Make it a sightseeing adventure, too, and go for a bike ride on the Beltline. You’ll get some of the best views of the city and take in some of Atlanta’s hottest spots. Check out Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Stop at Ponce City Market’s food hall for a bite and to play some games at the rooftop arcade.​

Concierge Claire Combs’ top tips for getting business right in Atlanta:

  1. Expect people you don’t know to smile and greet you when they’re passing by. It’s Southern hospitality.
  2. Business casual is appropriate in most offices, but some of the Fortune 500 companies and large law firms still wear suits every day. Ask about attire ahead of time.
  3. Traffic is an all-day problem, so allow plenty of time to get where you’re going.

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