Atlanta’s Iconic Hotel With a Rotating Restaurant: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for an Atlanta hotel with a rotating restaurant, you’re almost certainly thinking of the city’s most recognizable skyline landmark: the Westin Peachtree Plaza and its famous revolving restaurant, historically known as The Sun Dial.

Because this building has gone through periodic changes over time (including renovations and operational pauses), it helps to understand a few key details: how the rotating restaurant works, what you can expect today, and what alternatives are available if the rotation or dining area is not operating during your visit.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza: Atlanta’s Rotating Restaurant Hotel

The Westin Peachtree Plaza is the only major Atlanta hotel historically associated with a rotating restaurant at the top of the building.

• Hotel name: The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
• Address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta, a short walk from Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and State Farm Arena

The hotel is a cylindrical skyscraper that dominates the downtown skyline. At the top, there has traditionally been:

• A revolving dining area (historically The Sun Dial Restaurant)
• An observation-level experience with panoramic views of the city

If you grew up in Atlanta or visited on a class trip, this is probably the place you remember spinning slowly while you ate, with a view of Stone Mountain on a clear day.

Is the Rotating Restaurant Still Operating?

Operations at the top of the Westin can change over time. There have been periods when:

• The revolving feature has been paused or adjusted
• The dining service has shifted from full-service restaurant to more limited offerings, private events, or observation use
• Access rules (such as reservations, dress code, or hotel-guest-only access) have changed

Because of this, the best way to get accurate, up-to-date information is to contact the hotel directly:

• Main phone: (404) 659-1400
• Ask specifically about:
  • Current status of the rotating restaurant or revolving level
  • Whether public dining, bar service, or observation access is available
  • Any age restrictions, dress code, or reservation requirements

If you are planning a special night out—such as a proposal, birthday, or anniversary—calling ahead is especially important so you know exactly what services are available during your date and time.

What the Rotating Restaurant Experience Is (And Was) Like

When fully operating in its classic form, the rotating restaurant at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza offered:

• 360-degree views of Atlanta as the dining floor slowly revolved
• A full meal experience—often positioned as upscale or special-occasion dining
• Sunset and nighttime city lights views that many locals remember as a go-to “wow” experience

The rotation is very slow—many people barely feel it moving—so guests typically experience:

• A full rotation over the course of a meal
• Constantly shifting views of Midtown, Buckhead, Stone Mountain, and the Downtown core
• Plenty of photo opportunities, especially at dusk and night

Today, depending on current hotel policies, you may find:

• A restaurant, lounge, observation level, or event space at the top
• Limited or no full-service rotating dining, even if the space itself still turns
• Priority access for hotel guests or reserved events

Because these details can change, always confirm current offerings before you go.

How to Plan a Visit to Atlanta’s Rotating Restaurant Hotel

If your main goal is to experience the rotating view, you have two main options:

1. Book a Room at the Westin Peachtree Plaza

Staying at the hotel can make it easier to:

• Access any guest-priority amenities at the top
• Schedule a meal, drink, or visit at off-peak times
• Enjoy sky-high views from your room in addition to the top-level area

When reserving:

• Ask if there are high-floor rooms with city views
• Confirm whether top-level access is included or requires additional arrangements
• If you’re celebrating a special occasion, mention it when booking—staff may guide you to the best timing or setup to enjoy the views

2. Visit Just for the View or Dining

You do not need to be a hotel guest to inquire about:

• Restaurant or bar reservations at the top (if available)
• Observation or view-only visits, where permitted

Before heading downtown, call the hotel and ask:

• “Is the rotating restaurant or top-floor dining area currently open to the public?”
• “Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?”
• “Is there a separate fee or minimum spend for access?”
• “What is the parking situation for non-hotel guests?”

This can save you time and make sure you aren’t surprised by access rules once you arrive.

Quick Comparison: Rotating Restaurant vs. Other Atlanta View Experiences

Even if the rotation or full dining service is limited during your visit, Atlanta has several high-view experiences that locals and visitors use as alternatives or add-ons.

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide what fits your plans:

For a true rotating restaurant, the Westin Peachtree Plaza remains the central, historic option in Atlanta.

Tips for Locals Planning a “Staycation” at the Rotating Restaurant Hotel

If you live in the metro Atlanta area and want a staycation with a skyline experience, using the Westin as your base can be a good way to enjoy downtown from a new angle.

Consider:

• Timing your stay

  • Weeknights can be quieter than weekends.
  • Sunsets often give the most dramatic views if the top-level space is operating.

• Pairing your visit with nearby attractions
  From the hotel, you can walk or take a short ride to:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium (event-dependent)

• Transportation and parking

  • Downtown hotel parking can be expensive; compare valet, self-park garages, and rideshare.
  • If you prefer MARTA, the Peachtree Center station is a short walk from the hotel.

This combination—hotel stay, rotating-view experience if available, and a few nearby attractions—often works well for birthdays, anniversaries, or an in-town getaway.

What to Ask When You Call or Book

Because the status of the rotating restaurant in Atlanta can change, here’s a quick checklist of questions to ask the Westin Peachtree Plaza (or any reservations desk associated with the top-floor space):

1. Is the rotating restaurant or revolving level currently operating?
2. Is it open for regular dining, drinks only, private events, or observation only?
3. What are the current hours and days of operation?
4. Is there a dress code or age requirement?
5. Do I need a reservation, and how far in advance should I book?
6. Are there any special menus or minimum-spend requirements for window seating or prime times (like sunset)?
7. Is the rotation itself active, or is the floor currently stationary?

Having these answers ahead of time helps you avoid confusion and plan the kind of experience you want—whether that’s a full dinner, a quick drink with a view, or just a chance to see the city from above.

If the Rotating Restaurant Isn’t Available During Your Visit

If you contact the Westin and find that:

• The rotating feature is paused
• The restaurant is closed to the public
• The space is only being used for private events

You still have solid Atlanta-specific options for skyline views and special occasions:

• Book a room on a high floor at the Westin anyway for floor-to-ceiling window views.
• Combine that with:
  • A rooftop restaurant or bar in Midtown, Buckhead, or Old Fourth Ward for open-air skyline views.
  • A ride on SkyView Atlanta, the Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park, for a short but memorable city overlook.
  • A day trip to Stone Mountain for hiking or skyride views of the city from a distance.

You won’t get the exact rotating restaurant experience, but you can still build a trip that showcases Atlanta’s skyline and city lights in a memorable way.

In Atlanta, when people talk about a hotel with a rotating restaurant, they are referring to the Westin Peachtree Plaza and its historic top-floor revolving restaurant space. Because offerings at the top of the tower can change, it’s important to call ahead, confirm what’s available, and plan your visit around the current setup so you can make the most of your time—and your view—over the city.