See-through fireplaces. Bathtubs deep enough to snorkel in. So much Egyptian cotton in the sheets that you can almost see the Nile.
What better day than this -- Presidents Day -- to glimpse the splendor of the presidential suite? The premier lodging space in Atlanta's premier hotels is typically about six times the size of standard room. They're also the priciest hotel rooms in Atlanta, costing as much as $5,000 a night. But because of the economy you can get them for much less -- sometimes as much as half off -- hoteliers and industry leaders say.
While the average hotel room is 350 square feet, presidential suites are space-generous, offering 2,000 square feet and up. This isn't a large hotel room. It's a small house.
They are rented by movie stars (Katherine Heigl stayed at the Rosewood for two months), visiting business executives and organizations that want to wow associates. They are distinguished by features such as bathroom fixtures made in the shape of swans, dining room tables that seat 12 and spiral staircases that lead to second levels and many other amenities.
Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research, said presidential suites are as much promotion as they are revenue generator. To snag a convention or an actor searching for rooms for him and his large entourage, the presidential suite can be the deciding factor.
"The primary factor of the room is used as a carrot to attract groups and conferences to the hotel," he said. "It's often complimentary."
So what do you get?
Marriott Marquis
Size: 1,659 square feet
Cost: $1,500
Special touches: grand piano, built-in library, formal dining room for eight, reception space for 60, view of Atlanta from the 46th floor
Ritz-Carlton Buckhead
Size: 990 square feet
Cost: $3,500
Special touches: French doors lead to executive study, shower with rain shower head, hardwood floors
Four Seasons
Size: 2,200 square feet
Cost: $4,000
Special touches: Empire-style furnishings, rose petals added to baths, full kitchen, large marble bathroom that includes a bidet
Rosewood Hotel at the Mansion on Peachtree
Size: 2,340 square feet
Cost: $5,000
Special touches: fireplace, 11-foot ceilings, double balconies, LCD TV hidden behind artwork
Palomar
Size: 1,349 square feet
Cost: $1,185
Special touches: jacuzzi tub, flat screen TV that swivels between dining room and living room, wet bar, textured bedroom wall
W Midtown:
Size: 1,600 square feet
Cost: $5,000
Special touches: bathtub for two, see-through fireplace, oval "Hammock" chair that swings from the ceiling like a porch swing, cocktail table separates into individual pedestals
St. Regis
Size: 2,800 square feet
Cost: $6,000
Special touches: private exercise room, 2.5 baths, grand piano, bathroom mirror featuring 17-inch integrated TV
Georgian Terrace
Size: up to 2,500
Cost: up to $2,400
Special touches: two floors, clawfoot tub, full kitchen with granite countertops
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