W Buckhead in Atlanta, GA: What Happened and Where to Stay Now
If you’re searching for “W Buckhead Atlanta GA”, you’re most likely looking for:
- Information about the former W Atlanta – Buckhead hotel
- Whether the W hotel is still open in Buckhead
- What’s in that spot now and where to stay in the Buckhead area instead
Here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to help you understand what’s going on with the W in Buckhead and how to navigate your stay or visit.
Is There Still a W Hotel in Buckhead, Atlanta?
The short answer: No — there is currently no W-branded hotel operating in Buckhead.
There used to be a property known as W Atlanta – Buckhead, located on Peachtree Road NE, right in the heart of Buckhead’s shopping and nightlife district. Over time, that property rebranded and changed flags, so travelers who stayed there years ago may remember it as a W, but it is no longer marketed or operated under the W name.
If you’re seeing older references online to “W Buckhead Atlanta GA”, those are likely:
- Archived travel blogs
- Outdated hotel reviews
- Old booking listings that haven’t been fully updated
For an up-to-date stay, you’ll want to look at current Buckhead hotels rather than searching for the W name specifically.
Understanding Buckhead’s Hotel Scene Today
Buckhead remains one of Atlanta’s most hotel-dense neighborhoods, especially for:
- Business travelers
- Shoppers visiting Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Visitors who want nightlife, dining, and upscale amenities without staying Downtown
Instead of the former W, you’ll now find a cluster of modern, mid-range to luxury hotels along Peachtree Road NE and near Lenox Road NE.
Key Areas in Buckhead for Hotels
1. Peachtree Road NE (Core Buckhead Village Area)
This stretch is walkable and close to:
- Buckhead Village District (shopping + dining)
- Popular restaurants and rooftop bars
- Office towers and residential high-rises
2. Lenox/Peachtree Intersection (Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza Area)
This area is especially convenient if you:
- Want quick access to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Need to be near the Lenox or Buckhead MARTA stations
- Prefer high-rise hotels with easy access to GA-400 and I-85
W Buckhead vs. Other Atlanta W Hotels
Even though there’s no longer a W Buckhead, Atlanta still has W-branded hotels in other parts of the city. This is where the confusion often comes in.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you sort it out:
| W Hotel Name | Neighborhood | Vibe & Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| W Atlanta – Downtown | Downtown | Close to major attractions and sports venues |
| W Atlanta – Midtown | Midtown | Near Piedmont Park, nightlife, and arts venues |
| (Former) W Buckhead | Buckhead | No longer a W; property rebranded |
If you specifically liked the W brand style (modern, social, design-focused), your closest alternatives within the city are likely:
- W Atlanta – Midtown if you like nightlife and a walkable neighborhood with bars and restaurants
- W Atlanta – Downtown if you want to be close to Downtown attractions like State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, or the aquarium
Just remember: neither of these is in Buckhead, so factor in driving or MARTA time if Buckhead is still a core part of your plans.
If You Wanted the “W Buckhead Experience,” What Should You Look For Now?
When people search for “W Buckhead Atlanta GA”, they’re often looking for:
- A trendy, stylish hotel in Buckhead
- A rooftop or lively bar scene
- Easy access to high-end shopping and dining
Buckhead still has hotels that offer elements of this experience, even if they don’t carry the W name.
Features to Look For in a Buckhead Hotel
When you browse Buckhead options, focus on hotels that offer:
- Rooftop or terrace bars with city or neighborhood views
- On-site lounges or lobby bars with later hours
- Short walking distance to Buckhead Village District, Lenox Square, or Phipps Plaza
- Easy MARTA access (Lenox or Buckhead station) if you don’t want to drive everywhere
Most major chains in Buckhead list their amenities clearly, so you can filter by:
- Bar/lounge
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness center
- On-site restaurant
Getting Around Buckhead Without the W Hotel
Not having a W in Buckhead doesn’t change the fact that Buckhead is still one of Atlanta’s main activity hubs. How you move around will depend on where you’re staying and what you’re planning to do.
MARTA Access
Two MARTA rail stations serve Buckhead’s hotel and shopping core:
- Lenox Station (Gold Line) – close to Lenox Square
- Buckhead Station (Red Line) – close to much of the Peachtree Road hotel strip
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can usually:
- Take MARTA’s Red or Gold line north from the airport
- Transfer if needed at Lindbergh Center to reach your chosen Buckhead station
If you’re booking a hotel, check whether it’s walkable from one of these stations or if it offers a shuttle.
Driving and Rideshare
Buckhead is car-friendly but can be traffic heavy during:
- Morning and evening rush hours
- Weekends and holidays around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
If you’re coming by car:
- Major routes are GA-400, I-85, and Peachtree Road NE
- Most Buckhead hotels offer paid self-parking or valet
Rideshare services frequently serve Buckhead, especially around:
- Buckhead Village District
- Lenox Square
- Major hotel rows on Peachtree Road NE
What’s Near the Former W Buckhead Area?
Even though the W brand is gone from Buckhead, the location is still prime. The immediate area remains one of the busiest and most walkable parts of the neighborhood.
Expect to find nearby:
- Buckhead Village District – a mix of upscale and casual restaurants, boutiques, and patios
- Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza – large shopping malls with dining options
- A range of restaurants, wine bars, rooftop spots, and lounges within a short rideshare or even walking distance, depending on your hotel
If you previously stayed at W Buckhead and want a similar “park once and walk” feel, filter for hotels along:
- Peachtree Road NE near Buckhead Village, or
- The streets immediately surrounding Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
Tips for Choosing a Buckhead Hotel Today
To replace what you might have expected from W Buckhead Atlanta GA, focus less on the brand name and more on the experience and location you want:
1. Define your priorities
- Want nightlife and rooftop vibes? ➜ Look for rooftop bars or lounges in the description.
- Want shopping convenience? ➜ Choose hotels closest to Lenox Square or Buckhead Village District.
- Need transit access? ➜ Prioritize walking distance to Lenox or Buckhead MARTA stations.
2. Check recent photos and reviews
Since the former W is now under a different flag, recent photos and reviews will show:
- Updated room decor
- Current lobby/bar atmosphere
- Whether the vibe is quiet, business-focused, or more social
3. Consider Midtown or Downtown if the “W” brand is non‑negotiable
If you’re set on staying at a W-branded hotel:
- Look toward Midtown or Downtown Atlanta
- Plan for a 10–25 minute drive (longer in heavy traffic) to get from those areas up to Buckhead for shopping or dining
How Locals Think About Buckhead vs. Midtown vs. Downtown
If you’re trying to decide where to stay:
- Buckhead – Great for shopping, upscale dining, and a more residential/urban feel. Less convenient for walking to major tourist attractions, but very popular for weekend stays and business trips.
- Midtown – Good if you want culture and green space (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, Museum of Design Atlanta, etc.), with plenty of restaurants and nightlife.
- Downtown – Closest to major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
If your original plan was “stay at W Buckhead, then explore the city”, your updated approach might be:
- Stay in Buckhead for shopping and dining convenience, or
- Stay at W Midtown or W Downtown and treat Buckhead as a short trip by MARTA or rideshare for a shopping/dining day.
Practical Next Steps If You Searched “W Buckhead Atlanta GA”
To turn your search into action:
Decide whether Buckhead is still your top area
- If yes, search for current Buckhead hotels near Peachtree Road NE, Lenox Square, or Buckhead Village District.
- Filter for amenities like bar/lounge, rooftop, pool, and walkable dining.
If you want a W-branded stay
- Look instead for W Atlanta – Midtown or W Atlanta – Downtown.
- Plan rideshare or MARTA trips to Buckhead if you still want to visit that neighborhood.
Plan your Buckhead time
- Shopping: Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza
- Dining and going out: Buckhead Village District and nearby streets off Peachtree Road NE
Even though W Buckhead is no longer operating under that name, you can still have the kind of stylish, convenient Buckhead stay people used to associate with it by focusing on location, atmosphere, and access rather than the old brand.