Element by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead

Brittany at the front desk made arrival easy and made us feel valued right away. Later, Danny at the bar brought the same warmth and professionalism, and his easygoing manner made the evening especially nice. We had a great stay at Element Atlanta Buckhead. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and throughout the visit we were treated in a friendly, genuine way. It felt comfortable and unpretentious while still being polished, so it was easy to settle in. The hospitality, especially from Brittany and Danny, makes this a hotel we’d happily return to and recommend.

The pool was a comfortable temperature, which matters to me since some hotels advertise a heated pool and then don’t deliver. This one was nice. Our room was clean, and the sofa bed gave the kids room to spread out. Parking validation was easy, too. We stayed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Breakfast was limited, and the restaurant and bar were closed on New Year’s Day, but they explained that clearly at check-in. We’d stay again if we pass through town.

I’m a Bonvoy member and usually value these hotels, but this stay fell short. The room looked nice, but it wasn’t maintained, and I’ve stayed at Elements before without an experience this bad. The pool area photo was misleading, and paint residue got on my feet and hands. Breakfast was awful, with powdered eggs. There was no ice in the room; when I asked for some, I was handed a cup.

Once we got past the unpleasant arrival, the rooms were clean and comfortable. But the hotel smelled of the kitchen, and breakfast was very, very bad. There was old dried milk stuck in chunks on the milk jugs, the food selection was poor, and the hot food being made by a woman behind glass had a strong, unpleasant smell. I wouldn’t stay here again. A few days before traveling, I’d called to confirm we’d have adjoining rooms and was told we could check in early at 9 AM for free. After landing at Atlanta Airport, we drove straight to the hotel, only to be met by a very rude woman who said adjoining rooms weren’t a thing and early check-in cost extra. When I asked for a manager, she said they weren’t available and she couldn’t call them. She wouldn’t smile or look us in the eye and came across as angry. That was how our Christmas vacation began.