5‑Star & Luxury Hotels in Atlanta’s Buckhead: Where to Stay for a High‑End Experience

Buckhead is often called Atlanta’s “Beverly Hills”—and for good reason. This neighborhood is packed with luxury shopping, upscale dining, and some of the most refined 5‑star and 5‑star‑level hotels in the city.

If you’re planning a special weekend, visiting on business, or just want a staycation that feels like a real escape, Buckhead is where many Atlantans look first.

Below is a clear guide to 5‑star and top‑tier luxury hotels in Buckhead, what makes each stand out, and how to choose the right one for your trip.

Why Buckhead Is Atlanta’s Luxury Hotel Hub

Buckhead sits in north Atlanta, roughly along Peachtree Road between Midtown and Sandy Springs. People choose Buckhead for luxury stays because:

  • It’s close to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square (designer shopping, fine dining).
  • It offers easy access to GA‑400 and I‑85, useful if you’re coming from the airport or suburbs.
  • The neighborhood is walkable in pockets, especially around Peachtree Road, Lenox Road, and Wieuca Road.
  • Many hotels here emphasize personalized service, high-end amenities, and quiet, residential surroundings compared with more nightlife-heavy parts of Atlanta.

If your priority is 5‑star comfort, polished service, and easy access to Buckhead’s restaurants and shops, this is the right area to focus on.

Snapshot: Top Luxury & 5‑Star‑Level Hotels in Buckhead

The exact “star” rating can vary by source, but the properties below are widely recognized in Atlanta as top‑tier luxury and are often treated as 5‑star or close to it in quality and service.

Hotel (Buckhead)General Vibe / Best ForApprox. Location Landmark
The St. Regis AtlantaClassic ultra‑luxury, formal, resort‑style poolWest Paces Ferry & Peachtree
InterContinental Buckhead AtlantaRefined, business‑friendly, walkable to PeachtreePeachtree Rd near Lenox Square
The Whitley, a Luxury CollectionBuckhead classic, shopping‑focused, polished but relaxedAdjacent to Phipps Plaza
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta BuckheadBoutique‑style luxury, spa‑centered, quiet elegancePeachtree Rd near Lenox & MARTA
JW Marriott Atlanta BuckheadLuxury with direct mall access, very convenientAttached to Lenox Square

All of these sit in or around central Buckhead and are within a short drive of each other.

The St. Regis Atlanta

Address: 88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
General area: Buckhead Village, near West Paces Ferry and Peachtree

The St. Regis Atlanta is often seen as one of the flagship luxury hotels in Buckhead, especially for people who want a resort‑like feel in the city.

What stands out

  • Grand public spaces: A dramatic lobby, upscale bars, and a polished, traditional décor.
  • Pool & “urban resort” feel: A large outdoor pool with cabanas that feels more like a resort than an in‑town hotel.
  • Butler‑style service elements: The property focuses heavily on personalized, high‑touch service, especially in higher room categories.
  • Buckhead Village location: You can walk to Buckhead Village District (boutiques, restaurants, galleries) and short drive to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square.

Best for

  • Special occasions: anniversaries, milestone birthdays, proposals.
  • Out‑of‑town guests who want one of Atlanta’s most luxe options.
  • Locals planning a staycation centered around spa, pool, and fine dining.

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

Address: 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
General area: Peachtree Road corridor, near Lenox Square

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has a reputation for high‑level comfort and reliable, professional service, making it equally popular with business travelers and leisure guests.

What stands out

  • Central Buckhead location: Right on Peachtree Road NE, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations (depending on your walking comfort).
  • Club‑level experience: Many guests focus on club floors and upgraded rooms for extra perks and a quieter environment.
  • Event & meeting space: Frequently used for corporate events, galas, and weddings, so the hotel is set up for both leisure and business‑class stays.
  • Balanced style: Elegant but not overly formal—comfortable for a variety of travelers.

Best for

  • Business trips where you still want a 5‑star‑style environment.
  • Travelers who want to walk to Peachtree Road dining and shopping.
  • Weddings and events where guests will appreciate a higher‑end stay.

The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead

Address: 3434 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
General area: Next to Phipps Plaza and close to Lenox Square

Formerly known under a different name, The Whitley is part of a luxury collection brand and is considered one of Buckhead’s core upscale properties, especially for shopping‑focused trips.

What stands out

  • Direct access to Buckhead’s high‑end retail: Walkable to Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square, which house many designer boutiques and restaurants.
  • Upscale, modern rooms: The hotel leans into a polished, urban luxury look.
  • Spa and indoor pool: Good if you want a relaxing weekend indoors without leaving the hotel much.
  • Quiet, yet central: Even though it’s close to Peachtree, the immediate area can feel a bit more tucked away compared to the main road.

Best for

  • Shoppers planning a luxury retail weekend in Buckhead.
  • Guests who want a 5‑star‑style stay with easy mall and restaurant access.
  • Locals looking for a convenient staycation near dining and shopping.

Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

Address: 3376 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
General area: Peachtree Road NE, near Lenox Road and Buckhead MARTA

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead is known for being more intimate and residential in feel compared to some of the larger properties nearby.

What stands out

  • Boutique‑style luxury: Smaller scale, with a focus on quiet elegance and a residential atmosphere.
  • Spa and wellness focus: The spa is often highlighted by guests for its tranquil environment and range of treatments.
  • Garden and terrace spaces: Some outdoor spaces and a more serene ambience than you might expect on Peachtree.
  • Proximity to MARTA: Close to the Buckhead MARTA station, which can be helpful if you prefer not to drive everywhere.

Best for

  • Travelers who prefer a calm, spa‑centered stay.
  • Couples looking for a romantic, low‑key luxury break in the city.
  • Business or leisure guests who appreciate discreet, personalized service over large‑hotel bustle.

JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

Address: 3300 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
General area: Directly connected to Lenox Square

The JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead sits at the intersection of luxury and convenience, especially if you want to avoid driving once you arrive.

What stands out

  • Attached to Lenox Square: Direct mall access makes it especially convenient in rainy or hot weather, or if you don’t want to deal with parking at multiple locations.
  • Polished, business‑friendly feel: Combines upscale comfort with a layout and amenities that work well for meetings and conferences.
  • Transit access: Close to Lenox MARTA station, giving you a car‑optional way to move between Buckhead and Midtown/Downtown.
  • Indoor pool & fitness: Good for families or business travelers who want to keep a routine indoors.

Best for

  • Visitors who prioritize convenience and indoor access to shopping and dining.
  • Business travelers attending meetings in Buckhead or nearby offices.
  • Families wanting luxury amenities but easy access to mall dining and entertainment.

How to Choose the Right 5‑Star Hotel in Buckhead

When you’re deciding between Buckhead’s luxury hotels, consider:

1. Location within Buckhead

  • Near Buckhead Village & West Paces Ferry:
    Better if you want a charming, walkable, urban‑village feel and access to galleries, smaller boutiques, and upscale dining.

    • Example fit: The St. Regis Atlanta
  • Peachtree / Lenox / Phipps corridor:
    Best if you want major malls, easy MARTA access, and direct access to GA‑400 and I‑85.

    • Example fits: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, The Whitley, Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

2. Type of Luxury Experience

Ask what kind of 5‑star stay you want:

  • Resort‑like and grand: St. Regis
  • Executive/business‑oriented but very upscale: InterContinental, JW Marriott
  • Shopping‑driven and modern: The Whitley, JW Marriott
  • Serene, spa‑centered boutique feel: Waldorf Astoria

3. Transportation & Parking

Buckhead traffic can be busy, especially around Peachtree, Lenox, and GA‑400. Consider:

  • Whether you’ll rely on MARTA (Lenox or Buckhead stations serve the area).
  • The cost of valet or self‑parking, which can be higher at 5‑star properties.
  • If ride‑share drop‑off and pick‑up are easy at your chosen hotel (most Buckhead luxury hotels have dedicated driveways and porte‑cochères).

4. Purpose of Your Trip

  • Romantic or special occasion:
    Look for spa access, fine dining, and privacy—St. Regis or Waldorf Astoria are common picks.
  • Shopping weekend:
    Choose a hotel with direct or easy access to Phipps Plaza / Lenox Square—The Whitley or JW Marriott.
  • Work trip or conference:
    InterContinental or JW Marriott may fit best due to meeting spaces and business‑friendly layouts.
  • Staycation:
    Any of these can work; many locals choose based on pool, spa, and proximity to favorite restaurants.

Practical Tips for Booking Luxury Hotels in Buckhead

A few Atlanta‑specific pointers can help you get the most out of a 5‑star stay:

Be mindful of major events

Atlanta hosts large conferences, sporting events, concerts, and festivals that can affect Buckhead hotel pricing and availability. Dates tied to:

  • Big events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
  • Major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
  • Peak shopping seasons around Thanksgiving and December holidays

…can all push up rates in Buckhead, even though the events are not in the immediate neighborhood.

Consider MARTA access if you plan to explore

If you want to visit Midtown, Downtown, or the airport (ATL) without driving:

  • Look at properties near Lenox or Buckhead MARTA stations (InterContinental, Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott are in that general orbit).
  • From Buckhead, the Gold Line connects directly to the airport and other city centers.

Ask about fees and inclusions

At luxury hotels, always confirm:

  • Parking costs (valet vs. self‑parking).
  • Whether there are any destination or facility fees.
  • What’s included in club‑level or suite bookings (e.g., breakfast, evening snacks, or credits).

These details can significantly affect the total cost of a 5‑star stay in Buckhead, especially for multiple nights.

Getting Oriented in Buckhead

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta, a simple way to think about Buckhead:

  • Peachtree Road NE: The main north‑south spine; many top hotels line this corridor.
  • Lenox Road & Wieuca Road: Lead you toward Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
  • West Paces Ferry Road: More residential and historic, home to The St. Regis and several of Buckhead’s upscale homes and cultural sites.

Most 5‑star and luxury‑level hotels are within a 10–15 minute drive of each other, depending on traffic. Ride‑shares, taxis, and hotel car services (where available) are commonly used, especially in the evenings.

By focusing on what kind of luxury experience you want—resort‑style, spa‑centered, shopping‑driven, or business‑friendly—you can quickly narrow down the 5‑star and top‑tier hotels in Buckhead that fit your needs. All of the properties above give you easy access to the best of Buckhead and wider Atlanta, while prioritizing comfort, service, and a polished environment.