Hotel With Rotating Restaurant in Atlanta: What Still Exists and What to Know
If you search for a hotel with a rotating restaurant in Atlanta, you’re almost certainly thinking about the famous Sun Dial Restaurant on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza downtown. For years, this was Atlanta’s signature revolving restaurant experience, offering 360° views of the skyline.
However, the situation has changed, and it’s important to know what’s available now, what has changed, and what your options are today if you want that same “dinner with a view” feeling in Atlanta.
Does Atlanta Currently Have a Hotel With a Rotating Restaurant?
No – as of recent years, Atlanta does not have an actively rotating restaurant in a hotel.
Historically, the Westin Peachtree Plaza at:
- 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
featured the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View, a well-known revolving restaurant and observation deck. The dining level used to rotate, giving guests a full panoramic view of Atlanta while they ate.
Because of safety updates, operational changes, and later the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and renovations, the rotating function and operations of the restaurant have changed. At various times:
- The restaurant stopped rotating.
- There were changes to access for the observation level.
- Service formats and hours shifted.
If you are specifically looking for a currently operating, fully rotating restaurant in Atlanta, you will not find one in regular operation at this time.
That said, the Westin Peachtree Plaza is still a landmark hotel with elevated views of downtown, and it is often the first place locals and visitors call when they want something similar to a rotating restaurant experience.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza & Sun Dial: What to Expect Now
If you searched “hotel with rotating restaurant Atlanta,” you should know:
1. The Hotel
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
- Address: 210 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Area: Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
This hotel is known for:
- Its cylindrical glass tower dominating the skyline.
- Being a central downtown location for conventions, sports events, and sightseeing.
- Offering high-floor rooms with expansive city views.
2. The Restaurant & View
The historic Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View occupied the top floors and was famous for:
- A rotating floor that completed a full revolution roughly every 30 minutes to an hour.
- Fine dining with a dressier atmosphere.
- A separate observation level where guests could look out over the city.
Today, the key points a consumer in Atlanta should know:
- Rotation: The dining area does not function as a rotating restaurant in the way it once did.
- Operations: Hours, format (full-service dining vs. bar vs. view-only access), and guest policies have changed over time.
- Reservations and access: What is open to the public and at what times can vary based on staffing, renovations, and hotel policy.
👉 Practical tip:
If you want to know exactly what’s open at the top of the Westin right now (restaurant, bar, observation area, or events space), call the hotel directly at their main phone number listed on the Westin Peachtree Plaza’s official information channels and ask:
- “Is the Sun Dial or top-floor restaurant currently open?”
- “Do you offer dining or bar service with skyline views?”
- “Is the observation level open to non-hotel guests?”
- “Is the restaurant or bar operating in a rotating format or stationary?”
Because policies can change, you should not rely on old word-of-mouth or outdated online descriptions.
If You Want the Feel of a Rotating Restaurant in Atlanta
Even though Atlanta doesn’t currently operate a true rotating restaurant, you can still get that “dine with a view” experience. Here’s how people living in or visiting Atlanta usually recreate it.
1. Stay at a High-Rise Hotel With a Skyline View
Several hotels in Downtown and Midtown offer:
- Rooftop bars or lounges
- High-floor restaurants
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in guest rooms
While these spots do not rotate, they can give you:
- A similar panoramic feel, especially at sunset or after dark.
- A chance to see landmarks like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Midtown’s towers, and the downtown skyline.
When you search or call, ask specifically for:
- “Rooms with city view” or “corner rooms”
- “Do you have a rooftop bar or restaurant for guests?”
- “Which floors offer your highest guest rooms?”
2. Visit Rooftop Restaurants and Bars
Many Atlantans who miss the rotating restaurant experience now turn to rooftop dining instead. Across neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead, you’ll find:
- Rooftop patios with skyline views
- Lounges with glass walls overlooking the city
- Spaces that feel special for anniversaries, date nights, or out-of-town guests
Common things to consider:
- Dress codes: Some rooftop spots lean upscale or “smart casual.”
- Reservations: Popular weekend times often book up; calling ahead is wise.
- Weather: Rooftops can be weather-dependent; some have covered or indoor-outdoor spaces.
Even if they don’t rotate, many Atlantans feel these venues offer a more modern, flexible alternative to the old revolving restaurant model.
3. Combine a High-View Meal With an Observation Experience
If you want the “see the whole city” aspect that a revolving restaurant used to offer, you can pair:
- A meal or drink at a high-rise hotel or rooftop, with
- A visit to a view-focused attraction, such as observation decks or high points within the city.
This way, you still get:
- A memorable dining experience, and
- Time to enjoy panoramic views, even if it’s not from a rotating floor.
Key Things to Know Before You Book
When planning anything similar to a “hotel with rotating restaurant” in Atlanta, keep these points in mind:
Ask the Right Questions
Before you book a room or make dinner plans, call the hotel or restaurant and ask:
- “Do you currently have a restaurant or bar with skyline views?”
- “Is it open to non-guests, or only hotel guests?”
- “Is the space fully indoors, partially outdoors, or open-air?”
- “Is there a dress code?”
- “Do I need reservations, or do you accept walk-ins?”
This helps avoid surprises, especially if you are planning a special occasion.
Parking and Transportation in Atlanta
Most high-rise hotels and view restaurants in the city are in dense areas like Downtown and Midtown, where:
- Valet parking is common but can be expensive.
- Self-parking garages are often nearby but may require a short walk.
- MARTA rail has convenient stops close to many major hotels (such as Peachtree Center Station in Downtown).
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, let them know that ride-share services and MARTA are often easier than driving and parking, especially on event nights.
Quick Reference: “Rotating Restaurant” vs. “View Restaurant” in Atlanta
| Feature | Historically at Sun Dial (Westin Peachtree Plaza) | What You’ll Find in Atlanta Now |
|---|---|---|
| Rotating floor while dining | Yes, in the past | Generally no – true rotation not in active use |
| High-altitude city views | Yes | Yes, at select rooftops and high-rise restaurants |
| Hotel-based dining with views | Yes | Yes, at several Downtown/Midtown hotels |
| Stationary rooftop patios | Not the main feature | Common, often with open-air seating |
| Formal “view + dinner” combo | Signature experience | Achieved via rooftops + observation experiences |
How to Plan a Special Night in Atlanta Without a Rotating Restaurant
If you were hoping for that classic revolving restaurant experience, you can still create something just as memorable in Atlanta by planning around views, location, and timing.
Here’s a simple strategy:
Choose your view-focused spot
- Look for a high-rise hotel restaurant or rooftop bar in Downtown or Midtown.
- Reserve around sunset for dramatic lighting and nighttime skyline views.
Decide on transportation
- If you’re staying at a hotel, see if the view restaurant is on-site or within walking distance.
- If you’re local, consider MARTA or ride-share to avoid parking hassles.
Confirm details before you go
- Call the property to confirm hours, dress code, and reservation status.
- Ask if any area of the restaurant or bar is particularly known for the best view and request seating there if possible.
Add a small extra touch
- For special occasions, some guests ask if the hotel can note an anniversary or birthday on the reservation.
- You can also plan a short city walk before or after dinner through areas like Centennial Olympic Park or along Peachtree Street to round out the night.
Bottom Line for “Hotel With Rotating Restaurant Atlanta”
- Atlanta does not currently operate a classic, fully rotating hotel restaurant like it once did with the Sun Dial at the Westin Peachtree Plaza.
- The Westin Peachtree Plaza remains a defining feature of the Atlanta skyline, but its former rotating restaurant now operates differently, and rotation is not something you should expect.
- If you want a similar experience, focus on:
- High-rise hotels with view-focused dining,
- Rooftop bars and restaurants around Downtown and Midtown, and
- Pairing your outing with other scenic spots in the city.
For the most accurate, up-to-date details, your best next step is to call any specific Atlanta hotel or restaurant directly and ask about their current view, dining, and access options.