Hyatt Polaris Atlanta: What to Know About the Iconic Revolving Restaurant in the Sky
If you’re searching for “Hyatt Polaris Atlanta”, you’re almost certainly looking for information about Polaris, the famous blue-domed, revolving restaurant and lounge that once sat at the top of the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Atlanta.
For many Atlanta residents and visitors, “Polaris at the Hyatt” was a bucket-list spot: a retro-futuristic lounge hovering above Peachtree Street with 360-degree skyline views. But the story today is more complicated—and it helps to understand both the history and the current status if you’re planning a trip or trying to make reservations.
This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia, and what locals and visitors realistically need to know about Hyatt Regency Atlanta and its one-time landmark, Polaris.
Where Is “Hyatt Polaris” in Atlanta?
Hyatt Polaris refers to the Polaris restaurant and lounge at:
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main hotel phone (front desk/general info): (404) 577-1234
The Hyatt Regency Atlanta is in Downtown Atlanta, along the Peachtree Street corridor, close to:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Georgia State University
- Peachtree Center MARTA Station
If you’ve seen photos of a blue, spaceship-like dome on top of a high-rise in Downtown Atlanta, that’s the Polaris structure on top of the Hyatt Regency.
Is Polaris at the Hyatt in Atlanta Open?
This is the single most important question people have when they search “Hyatt Polaris Atlanta.”
- Polaris has historically operated as a revolving restaurant and cocktail lounge at the top of Hyatt Regency Atlanta.
- Over the years, it has gone through periods of closure and reopening for renovations, concept updates, and, more recently, broader operational changes.
Because the status of venues like Polaris can change based on renovations, staffing, events, or hotel strategy, it’s not safe to assume it is open on any given date.
How to check the current status
To avoid showing up to a closed venue, the most reliable steps are:
Call Hyatt Regency Atlanta directly
- Main line: (404) 577-1234
- Ask specifically:
- “Is Polaris currently open to the public?”
- “What are the current hours for Polaris?”
- “Do you require reservations or is there walk-in seating?”
Ask about access rules
Even when open, some hotel venues may:- Prioritize or limit access to hotel guests
- Be closed on certain days of the week
- Be reserved for private events on specific dates
Confirm dress code and age restrictions
Polaris has historically been more of an upscale cocktail and dining spot. When you call, it’s useful to ask:- Expected dress (casual, business casual, etc.)
- Whether there are age limits for evening hours (for example, 21+ after a certain time)
Because this information changes, calling the hotel is the best “real-time” guide for Atlantans and visitors.
What Polaris at the Hyatt Was Known For in Atlanta
If you grew up in metro Atlanta or have lived here a while, Polaris probably rings a bell. Whether or not it’s currently operating on your travel dates, it helps to know why it’s so often searched.
1. The revolving restaurant experience
Polaris was designed as a slowly revolving restaurant and lounge, giving guests:
- 360-degree views of Downtown Atlanta and the surrounding skyline
- A sense of movement without feeling like you’re on a ride
- A full rotation that typically took around an hour (varied over the years)
For many Atlantans, this was a special-occasion spot: birthdays, anniversaries, prom dinners, graduation celebrations, and out-of-town guests.
2. The blue dome landmark
The blue, domed structure is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable silhouettes. Even people who have never been inside often use it as an orientation point when looking at the skyline from:
- Midtown (around the Fox Theatre or North Avenue)
- Old Fourth Ward (near the Jackson Street Bridge)
- Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park
When people say “the restaurant in the blue dome at the Hyatt,” they’re talking about Polaris.
3. A mid-century modern time capsule
Polaris originally opened in the 1960s, and much of its appeal was tied to that era’s “space age” styling:
- Mid-century furniture and lighting
- Panoramic windows
- A “futuristic lounge” feel overlooking Atlanta
For locals, it’s part of the city’s architectural and hospitality history, similar in nostalgia value to older downtown theaters or stadiums.
Getting to Hyatt Regency Atlanta (for Polaris or Otherwise)
Even if you’re just planning to check whether Polaris is open, you’ll need to navigate Downtown Atlanta, which can be confusing during events and rush hour.
By MARTA
Using MARTA is often the simplest way to reach Hyatt Regency Atlanta:
- Take North-South (Red/Gold) line to Peachtree Center Station
- Follow signs for Peachtree Street exit
- The Hyatt Regency Atlanta is a short walk (a few blocks) from the station along Peachtree St NE
This is especially useful if:
- You’re staying in Buckhead or Midtown and want to avoid parking
- You’re coming from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (direct MARTA ride downtown)
By car
If you drive:
- The hotel is at 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Expect heavy traffic around:
- Weekday rush hours
- Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center
Parking options typically include:
- Hotel valet or self-parking (check costs when you call the hotel)
- Nearby paid decks and garages along Peachtree, Courtland, and surrounding streets
When planning an evening at Polaris (if open), it’s wise to:
- Add extra travel time for traffic and parking
- Consider ride-share or MARTA if you want to avoid driving in downtown congestion
What to Expect If Polaris Is Open
If Polaris is operating during your visit and you’re able to get a reservation or walk-in spot, here’s what Atlantans and visitors usually care about.
Atmosphere
Polaris has historically offered:
- An upscale, lounge-style setting
- Dimmer lighting ideal for evening city views
- A mix of table seating and bar/lounge areas
Many guests go as much for the experience and view as for the food or drink.
Views
From the Polaris dome, typical sights include:
- The Downtown Atlanta skyline up close
- Glimpses of Midtown towers to the north
- City lights, highway patterns, and neighborhood clusters spreading outward
If your goal is nighttime skyline photography, check with the staff about camera policies when you arrive, and be considerate of other guests.
Dining and drinks
The specific menu can change over time based on the Hyatt’s current concept. Common patterns for venues like Polaris include:
- Small plates or shareable items
- Classic and signature cocktails
- A selection of wine and beer
- Limited but curated entrée options, depending on the period
When you call ahead, you can ask:
- “Do you currently offer a full dinner menu, or mainly drinks and light bites?”
- “Do you have vegetarian or gluten-conscious options?”
- “Is there a bar area for walk-ins?”
If Polaris Is Closed: Alternatives With Views in Atlanta
If you learn that Polaris is not currently open, you still have options for skyline views and elevated experiences in Atlanta. While these are not “Hyatt Polaris,” they can give you a similar “see the city from above” feel.
Here’s a simple comparison-style overview of common alternatives:
| Experience Type | Area of Town | What It Offers (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel rooftop bars | Midtown / Buckhead / Downtown | City views, drinks, sometimes small plates |
| Skyline-friendly restaurants | Midtown / Old Fourth Ward | Elevated dining with partial skyline views |
| Public skyline spots | Downtown / Old Fourth Ward | Views from parks, bridges, and attractions |
When choosing an alternative, consider:
- Whether you want a true rooftop or just high-floor windows
- Your transportation comfort (MARTA, rideshare, or driving)
- Whether you prefer a casual or more formal environment
If you specifically love the idea of Polaris—historic architecture plus a dramatic view—then pairing a visit to Downtown Atlanta with a trip up to a modern rooftop in Midtown often gives a good balance of old and new Atlanta.
Tips for Atlantans Bringing Guests to “Hyatt Polaris”
If you live in or around Atlanta and want to show off the city using the Hyatt/Polaris setting, here’s how to plan smartly:
Verify before you promise
Don’t build a whole evening around Polaris without confirming whether it’s open and available on your date.Use Hyatt Regency as a base
Even if Polaris is closed, Hyatt Regency Atlanta is:- Central to Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium
- Walkable to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Pair the visit with nearby attractions
Before or after your Hyatt visit, you could:- Walk to Centennial Olympic Park
- Explore Broad Street for casual dining
- Visit nearby attractions like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Be ready with a backup plan
If Polaris is closed or full:- Shift to another nearby high-floor lounge or restaurant
- Focus on street-level dining downtown, and save the skyline views for another night
How to Contact Hyatt Regency Atlanta About Polaris
If you want the most accurate, up-to-date information about Hyatt Polaris in Atlanta, go straight to the source.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main hotel phone: (404) 577-1234
When you call, you can say something like:
- “I’m planning a visit and wanted to ask if Polaris is currently open.”
- “If so, what are the hours, and do you require reservations?”
- “Are there any special guidelines I should know before visiting (dress code, age limits, etc.)?”
This quick call will tell you more than any outdated listing or old review and will help you plan a realistic, enjoyable Atlanta experience—whether that includes Polaris atop the Hyatt or another spot with a view of the city.