Southern Chic @ The Best Luxury Hotels in Athens GA

Photo courtesy Athens Graduate

Travel writer and luxury lifestyles expert Kim Kerr frequently visits the Southern States and shares this list of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA

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Along with its many superlative food and drink experiences, its lively arts scene, and its rich history, the university city of Athens also boasts a wide array of world-class accommodations.

Whether you’re here on business, are visiting the University of Georgia (UGA), or plan on exploring the city’s attractions, Athens has everything from luxury hotels to chic boutique-style B&Bs to cater to your needs.

To help you choose the perfect accommodations for your stay, be sure to read through our list of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA for ideas and inspiration.   

 

The Best Luxury Hotels in Athens GA

 

Graduate Athens
athens-hoyt-bedroom-Graduate Athens one of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA
The Graduate offers a great selection of unique and luxurious accommodations (Graduate Athens

 

Stylish and unique best describe the excellent 4-star Graduate Athens. Deservedly topping our list of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA, this classy 4-star hotel is a tribute to the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene.

Located near the UGA campus and just a short walk from the historic downtown area, The Graduate offers 122 eclectic guest rooms and suites, each adorned with locally inspired décor, vintage furnishings, and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges.

On-site amenities you’ll want to make use of include a 24-hour fitness center, a heated outdoor swimming pool, plus on-site dining at The Foundry, a live music venue and restaurant. Be sure check into the all-inclusive meal packages, too.

Want to get to know Athens? The Graduate also offers complimentary bikes so you can get out and explore the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Graduate Athens

 

The James Madison Inn
The James Madison Inn luxurious bedroom
 The James Madison Inn makes for a superb luxury base to explore Athens Georgia (Photo courtesy The James Madison Inn)

 

Just a 35-miute drive south of Athens, The James Madison Inn makes for an excellent choice of base to explore this beautiful part of Georgia. Located in the heart of historic downtown Madison, this plush 4-star hotel is the perfect luxurious retreat for those seeking a charming, small-town setting.

Featuring just 19 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, these boutique-style accommodations are each individually decorated with antique furnishings, plush linens, and high-end amenities.

Along with a complimentary gourmet breakfast your stay will also include afternoon refreshments in the hotel’s parlor.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit The James Madison Inn

 

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort
Chateau Elan Winery & Resort chic bedroom at one of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA
Chateau Elan is an excellent destination for a luxury getaway near Athens (Photo Courtesy Chateau Elan Winery & Resort)

 

Roughly mid-way between Athens and the city of Atlanta, Chateau Elan is a stunning, sprawling estate nestled in the picturesque North Georgia foothills that’s well worth the drive. This luxurious 4-star retreat seamlessly blends Southern hospitality with the charm of a French country chateau and features a 275-room inn, 63-holes of championship golf, a full-service spa, and an award-winning winery.

Each of the elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, featuring plush bedding, high-end amenities, and picturesque views. The resort offers multiple dining options, including the fine-dining Marc Restaurant. Prefer something a little more casual? Check out Paddy’s Irish Pub.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

 

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee cottage living room copy
The luxurious cottages at Ritz Carlton Reynolds are exquisitely decorated (Photo courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee)

 

Although nestled along the shores of beautiful Lake Oconee some 40-miles south of downtown Athens, we felt we simply had to include the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Reynolds on our list of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA. Set amidst 30 acres of some of Georgia’s most picturesque scenery, this luxurious escape features 251 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, as well as a collection of cottages and lakefront residences for those seeking a more secluded stay.

As a guest here you can indulge in a variety of on-site activities including golf on the resort’s five championship courses, pampering at the full-service spa, or dining at one of the six on-site restaurants. The property also boasts a beautiful lakeside pool, a fitness center, and an array of outdoor recreational options, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

So if it’s high-end luxury you’re after and don’t mind the rive into Athens, The Ritz Carlton Reynolds is well worth a stay.

 Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

 

Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown – Univ Area
hotel-indigo-athens bedroom with tree view at one of the best luxury hotels in Athens GA
 Modern accommodations with quality furniture are the norm at Hotel Indigo  (Photo courtesy Hotel Indigo Athens)

 

Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown – Univ Area certainly bats above its 3-star rating. The hotel’s modest luxury embodies the city’s unique spirit, with its affiliation with the IHG Hotel brand cementing its reputation for quality accommodations.  

The hotel features 130 guest rooms and suite, each boasting hardwood floors, modern furnishings, and locally inspired artwork. They also come with amenities such as flat-screen TVs and plush bedding as standard.

Be sure to check out the on-site dining at the Madison Bar & Bistro, which serves up tasty Southern-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Other notable amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, an outdoor courtyard, and a rotating art gallery that showcases local artists.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations at one of our favorite luxury hotels in Athens GA, visit Hotel Indigo Athens Downtown – Univ Area

 

Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown
Hyatt-Place-Athens-Downtown-King-Room 2ith desk and couch
Hyatt Place  is a great choice of luxury hotel in Athens when additional space is needed (Photo courtesy Hyatt Place Athens Downtown)

 

Conveniently located in the heart of Athens, the Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown offers a comfortable and stylish stay within walking distance of the UGA campus and the city’s best attractions. This 3-star big brand hotel features 190 spacious guest rooms with separate living and sleeping areas, as well as handy in-room amenities such as 42-inch HDTVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Time to dine? In addition your complimentary hot breakfast each morning, there’s on-site dining at The Placery. You can then work off the calories at the 24-hour fitness center or take a plunge in the outdoor pool. A variety of flexible meeting and event space is also available.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hyatt Place Athens / Downtown

 

University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel
University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel room with chairs and bathroom
UGA offers a truly unique accommodation experience on campus (Photo courtesy University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel)

 

The University of Georgia’s presence is felt everywhere in Athens. Which is why you can’t go wrong with a stay at the unique accommodation experiences on offer at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel.

Situated on the UGA campus, these 3-star equivalent accommodations offer convenient stays if you’re attending conferences, events, or plan to explore the sprawling campus. The hotel features 200 guest rooms, each equipped with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, complimentary Wi-Fi, along with comfortable beds and plush bedding.

On-site amenities include the Savannah Room which serves up delicious Southern-inspired cuisine. Other notable amenities include meeting and event spaces. The property also offers easy access to the UGA Golf Course, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel

 

Georgia Gameday Center
Georgia Gameday Center lobby with huge tv screen at one of the best luxury hotels in Athens
The Gameday Center offers a unique hotel experience for sports fans (Photo courtesy Georgia Gameday Center)

 

Ok, this one’s for you sports fans. The Georgia Gameday Center is a lovely condo-style hotel located just steps away from the UGA campus and Sanford Stadium.

This all-suite property offers fully furnished, spacious accommodations that feel more like a home than a hotel room. Your suite features a full kitchen, spacious living area, and even a private balcony, together providing ample space for relaxation or entertaining.

The property also boasts a fitness center, clubhouse, and free on-site parking, making it a convenient and comfortable option for those attending UGA events or exploring the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Georgia Gameday Center

 

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens West
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens West presidential suite kitchen and table.jpg
The Presidential Suite is the #1 choice at Springhill Suites (Photo courtesy SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens West)

 

Located just a short drive from downtown Athens, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens West offers a comfortable and spacious stay for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel’s 99 suites feature separate living and sleeping areas, as well as useful amenities such as flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves.

You’ll also enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, as well as access to the hotel’s fitness center, outdoor pool, and barbecue area. The property also offers a 24-hour market for snacks and essentials, as well as flexible meeting and event space.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit SpringHill Suites by Marriott Athens West

 

Colonels B&B
Colonels B&B four poster bed
Colonels B&B offers an authentic stay in Georgia (Photo courtesy Colonels B&B)

 

One of our favorite B&Bs in Georgia, Colonels B&B is a charming bed and breakfast located in the heart of historic downtown Athens. This plush property offers a unique lodging experience in a beautifully restored 19th-century home, with each of its five individually decorated guest rooms exuding elegance and comfort with antique furnishings and luxurious linens.

You’ll start your day with a gourmet breakfast served in the elegant dining room, and wind down in the evening with a glass of wine on the veranda. The inn’s prime location provides easy access to Athens’ best attractions and is a great base from which to explore the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Colonels B&B

 

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Kim Kerr is a Contributor to RileyMag.com and its subsidiary luxury lifestyle websites, including LuxuryGeorgia.

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