What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
In my business in the hotel world there are only a few questions that we cannot answer. The first is NEVER say NO to a guest’s request. The second part is unless it is unethical or illegal. Anything else we are willing to do for them to make their conferences and time with us comfortable, enjoyable, and entertaining.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Crescent Street is known for its great clubs and bars. Here you can find dance spots like Opera, or bars like Tin Lizzies. Then of course though if you want to go and explore the city you can do Industry Night at Halo on Monday’s. You can catch a drag performance at Blake’s almost every night of the week. But if you want to go to a very different bar there is Probation. This is a great “speak easy” type bar where you have to know the secret phone number to even get into the door.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Atlanta is a great place to take a walk and clear your thoughts. Of course taking a walk in Piedmont Park is nice, where you can stroll past the Botanical Gardens and smell the flowers. Then there is walking throughout the Virginia Highlands where you can stop in and sample great foods and drinks at local restaurants.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Atlanta is filled with “quirky”, unique, and wonderful places. If you are coming in with your family I love to send guests to the Center for Puppetry Arts. Recently LegoLand has just opened in Phipps Plaza. If you are up for an adventure then you could go and visit the Clermont Lounge (“Blondie” is a legend here in Atlanta where you can watch her crush beer cans using her breasts). If you want to do a great food place, I love Sublime Doughnuts; they even have a Girl Scout Thin Mint Doughnut when it is in season. You should also go to Sister Luisa at Church for a “spiritual sangria” before you head to the ping pong table.
What is an unusual request from a group you’ve had?
Most groups usually ask the same thing, when is check out, how do I get to the airport, where is there to eat. The request that I had that was the most different was when I had a meeting planner who wanted me to assist her in doing a scavenger hunt of Atlanta. I was able to create an ‘Amazing Race’ type game that included the attractions, restaurants, etc…
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
Most restaurants in Atlanta try and do their best in accommodating a party of that size at last minute. The truth is though it also depends on the day and time that they need it for. My only recommendation is that you may try a bigger restaurant that holds more people than trying to do a smaller local restaurant. But always give them a try first because you never know if you will get lucky.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
Every event in the hotel is different in its own way. Every other Thursday though we do ‘Live From Loews.’ This is a great event where you can actually see a live performance from top names in the jazz, Broadway, Rock, County, and other styles of music world. The event brings out guests and locals throughout the Atlanta area, where you can meet your neighbors and make new friends. “Live From Loews” just recently won the Atlanta Hospitality Award.
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