With my unscheduled late night flight out of DFW, I needed a room in Atlanta for the night. I literally waited until the last second to book this room, until I was sure the flight would take off. Fortunately, I managed to find a room eligible for an unused Amex Bonvoy 35k certificate set to expire in a few months. So as I sat in the terminal, I booked a room at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. I’ve generally found Renaissance hotels underwhelming, but it did the job for a one-night stay.
This post is a part of my trip report series covering my trip to Scotland in February, 2023. Click here for the trip report index and introductory post.
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel
- Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/atlsa-renaissance-concourse-atlanta-airport-hotel/overview/
- Address: One Hartsfield Center Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30354
- Features: free airport shuttle, fitness center, business center, on-site restaurant, laundry, room service, meeting rooms, paid parking
Location
On the north side of the Hartsfield airfield, across from the Delta World HQ and Flight Museum. If driving, the hotel is easily accessible from I-85. Heading southbound, take the exit for Loop Road/International Terminal (Exit 74). At the end of the ramp, continue straight. Hotel is on the right. Northbound, take the exit for Camp Creek Boulevard/Air Cargo (Exit 72). Follow the signs for Loop Road, then take the ramp for Loop Road/International Terminal. Continue to Woolman Place and turn right. Hotel is on the right.
If arriving off a flight, the hotel provides a free shuttle every 30 minutes. It seems to run 24 hours a day; it was still running at 2:30 am the day I stayed.
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel – Review
Check-In and Common Areas
After finally making it from the E Gates to baggage claim, I called the hotel to check on the shuttle. Much to my relief, the clerk confirmed it was running. However, it took close to half an hour to show up. Not ideal at 2 am, but I get there’s not much demand at that hour.
Anyway, upon arrival, the clerk on duty quickly checked me in and handed me my keys. The next morning, I had a look around the lobby, which technically spreads across the second floor. Overall, I found the lobby decor – fine. It appears recently updated at least, with a variety of seating options. I also found the lobby (and hotel in general) very quiet, though granted, early February isn’t exactly high season.
There is some cool aviation-themed artwork on the floor above. I noticed a few large Delta photos upstairs, for example.
One section offers a nice view of the meeting space down below, along with the atrium elevators.
Speaking of the atrium, the hotel is designed around the cavernous central atrium, with the elevators in the middle. I remember this design coming en vogue back in the 80s/early 90s. While I personally think the high ceilings make hotels feel more spacious, it does feel a bit past its prime.
Near the elevator bank, there is a departure board, though it was out of service during my stay.
Finally, while I had no time to check out any hotel amenities on this short stay, I did peek inside the business center. It includes a few workstations, and a couple of printers.
Guest Rooms
With my free night certificate, I booked a standard 2 queen guestroom. While not palatial by any means, it does provide adequate space for one or two guests. In particular, there is a decent amount of extra space by the window.
Most importantly, what I really wanted was to crash, and the beds delivered in that regard. I found them comfortable, and slept quite well until a little after 9.
Meanwhile, the TV sits right in the middle of the room, affording easy viewing from either bed.
In the corner by the window is a small table and chair, with a complimentary bottle of water.
Next to the TV is a small working desk, with two more complimentary water bottles and a coffee maker. The desk has a major design flaw, however – there are no plugs in the vicinity.
There are sufficient plugs elsewhere, however, On the nightstand between the beds, the clock includes two USB ports.
Then next to that is a power strip with one 110v port.
Finally, there are two additional 110v outlets between the beds.
I didn’t book a runway view room, but found myself pleasantly surprised when I looked outside in the morning. My view overlooked the Delta World HQ and the Delta Flight Museum.
You can even see the retired Delta 747 parked at the Flight Museum. (As an aside, I really need to make time to visit the museum next time I go through ATL.)
And even though this isn’t an official “runway view” room, this room did still afford a partial view. I believe that’s the threshold of 26R on the right-hand side. You can also see the cargo facility behind the Delta HQ parking lot.
The “real” runway rooms offer some pretty darn nice views of the ATL airfield.
Heading back to the other end of the room, the closet is decent-sized, and can easily store a couple of full-sized suitcases.
The bathroom is fairly small, and has a standard shower/tub combo. There is also a rather cheesy fake bookcase next to the toilet.
Bathroom amenities are a mishmash of “Aveda” bath products, and Gilchrist & Soames shaving and vanity kits. I found the bath products satisfactory, and the bulk dispensers were filled and worked properly. Aveda products are pretty pricey, and the brand advertises itself as all-natural and that they don’t utilize animal testing.
As I got in after 2:30 am, and left by 10 am the next day, I didn’t utilize any of the hotel’s amenities. I did take the shuttle back to the airport, which leaves every 30 minutes during business hours. This time, there was no wait, and the ride only took a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Renaissance has always confused me as a brand. I guess that’s because I still remember its start as an upscale Ramada Inn. And, well, that just isn’t very high end, though the chain tried to market itself as high-end after its spinoff in the early 90s. I think that confused identity still carries over at this hotel. It feels like a run-of-the-mill Marriott these days – not the high-end brand it tries to imitate, though not terrible by any means.
Anyway, I found this hotel perfectly fine for a one-night airport stay. It’s nice that it’s bookable with an Amex 35k certificate, the staff are friendly, and the rooms comfortable. And there’s some quality avgeekery to be had. That’s really what’s important with an airport hotel.