You’re driving down East Paces Ferry Road, past the glitz of Lenox Square and the towering glass of Buckhead’s "Beverly Hills of the South" skyline, when you see it. It’s not a skyscraper. It’s a low-slung, white-brick structure that looks like it belongs in a 1950s architectural digest. This is the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta, and honestly, it’s one of the best examples of adaptive reuse in the city.
Most people don't realize this used to be a 1950s apartment building called Paces Ferry Tower. Back then, it was actually the tallest thing in the neighborhood. Now, it’s a boutique sanctuary that feels less like a corporate Marriott and more like your incredibly wealthy, design-obsessed friend's private estate.
The Design: It’s Not Just "Vintage"
Mid-century modern is a buzzword people throw around way too much. But at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta, they actually mean it. This isn't kitschy "Mad Men" cosplay. The designers leaned into the building's International Style roots—think clean lines, massive windows, and a lot of steel.
The name "Sylvan" comes from the Latin word silva, which means forest. Atlanta is famous for its tree canopy, and the hotel brings that inside. You’ll see deep greens, warm woods, and actual foliage everywhere. The lobby, which they call "The Living Room," has this massive marble fireplace that feels like the ultimate spot to hide away on a rainy Georgia afternoon.
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Everything here is tactile. You’ve got Frette Italian linens on the beds. You’ve got remote-controlled sheers—because who wants to actually stand up to close the curtains? The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious for a building from 1951, though some travelers have noted that the "original" feel means you might occasionally spot a minor cosmetic scratch on a counter. It’s character.
The Dining Trifecta: The Betty, Willow, and St. Julep
Let’s talk about the food, because the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta is basically a dining destination that happens to have beds.
- The Betty: This is the flagship. It’s a continental supper club that feels like it should require a secret password. The lighting is low, the banquettes are blue velvet, and the vibe is pure 1960s glamour. You can get a beef cheek stroganoff that will change your life, or salt-baked fish if you’re trying to be "healthy."
- Willow Bar: Tucked into the 5,000 square feet of gardens, Willow is a backyard party you didn’t have to plan. It’s heavy on the greenery and serves veggie-forward snacks and lighter wines. It’s the kind of place where the building feels like it’s being reclaimed by nature in the coolest way possible.
- St. Julep: Located on the ninth floor, this rooftop bar was voted one of Esquire’s Best Bars in America. The views of the Buckhead skyline are ridiculous. On weekends, there’s usually a DJ, and the crowd is a mix of locals and guests. It gets loud. It gets busy. It’s the place to be if you want to see the "social" side of Atlanta.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People hear "Buckhead" and they think they’re stuck in a shopping mall. Not here. The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta is in a quieter pocket of the district. You can actually walk to the Atlanta History Center in about 15 minutes.
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You’re also within a few blocks of the Buckhead Theatre and some of the best art galleries in the city. If you want to go further, the hotel gives you complimentary bikes. It’s a great way to explore the residential streets of Buckhead, which are filled with massive oaks and historic estates that look like movie sets.
The Famous Kimpton Pet Policy
If you have a pet, you probably already know about Kimpton. But it’s worth repeating: they don't care how big your dog is. They don't care if it's a cat. They don't charge a deposit. At the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta, your Great Dane is just as welcome as a teacup poodle.
You’ll see a "parade of dogs" in the lobby during the evening wine social. It’s chaos, but it’s the best kind of chaos. They provide beds, bowls, and even waste bags. There’s a pet relief area nearby, so you don’t have to go on a trek at 2:00 a.m.
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The "Not-So-Perfect" Realities
Look, no hotel is perfect. While most people love the mid-mod vibe, the rooms aren't massive. Remember, this was an apartment building in the 50s. If you’re traveling with a huge family and three suitcases each, it might feel a little snug.
Also, valet parking. It’s expensive—around $55 a night as of early 2026. That’s just Atlanta for you. Some guests have also mentioned that since the rooms are being "refreshed" in 2026, you might run into the occasional deactivated key card or a broken sheer curtain. It happens.
Is It Worth the Stay?
Honestly, yeah. Especially if you’re tired of the "cookie-cutter" luxury hotels that all look the same from London to Los Angeles. The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Atlanta has a specific soul. It feels like Atlanta’s past and its future collided in a garden.
The nightly wine hour (it’s free, by the way) is a great way to start your evening before heading up to St. Julep. If you're looking for a "workcation," the WiFi is solid, and there are 4,200 square feet of meeting space if you actually need to be productive.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book the Garden View: The city views are cool, but the garden view is what makes this hotel unique. It’s quieter and feels more like the "oasis" they promise.
- Skip the $30 Breakfast: Unless you have it included in your rate, go for a walk. There are incredible coffee shops and bakeries within a 5-minute radius where you’ll spend half that.
- Join IHG One Rewards: You get better rates and sometimes little perks like late checkout, which is huge if you stayed too late at St. Julep the night before.
- Visit the Swan House: It’s right at the Atlanta History Center. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, you’ll recognize it immediately.
Pack a swimsuit for the pool, bring your dog, and maybe don't forget your best mid-century inspired outfit for dinner at The Betty. You'll fit right in.