Are you an aviation nerd like we are?  If so, you simply have to stay at this runway-based hotel in Atlanta, GA.  In fact, as I type this I’m sitting on my 11th floor balcony watching & listening to planes simultaneously take-off & land.  It’s won.der.ful.

The Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel sits, literally, adjacent to the busy runways at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.  Don’t worry – it’s not noisy at night.  And, the hotel is very easy to reach from the airport.  Just go to Ground Transportation, exit and head toward the purple area (the signs are purple).  Complimentary shuttles operate on a 20-minute schedule (transportation does not have to be scheduled). Hazel was our favorite driver- what a hostess!

View from our room's balcony. Room #1114. Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel.

The staff here is wonderful.  There was some confusion with our reservation at check-in.  The staff, whom I expected to be difficult to work with (just because that’s how these things go), were extremely accommodating and willing to do whatever it took to get things settled – I was both surprised AND impressed.  By the time I left the front desk, we were all laughing.

Another example of the great staff – late check-out.  We needed a bit of extra time and they adapted to our request easily.

Bedding in our room (two queen beds) was comfortable.  The bathroom, featuring Aveda toiletries, had decent water pressure and a scale (who uses a scale?!? Oh. that’s right – The Sky Steward does).  The bathroom lighting was weak, but that was easily rectified by moving the magnified mirror to the desk by the balcony.

The balcony – sure, it was just a basic balcony with two chairs and a table. What makes it one of the best balconies I’ve ever enjoyed is the fact that it overlooked the runways.  In fact, if the planes were any closer, they’d have been in our room. By the way, this hotel sits where the original 1961 Atlanta Airport Terminal once stood. If you listen closely, you can hear the engine whine of an Eastern 727-100 from years past taxiing toward the runway.

1961 ATL terminal where Renaissance now stands.

Tips

Get a room on the 11th floor. This is the concierge level and the highest floor in the hotel. As such, it offers the best view. The concierge lounge is open in the evenings and offers a great spread of appetizers.  Though both warm & cold appetizers were complimentary (and good enough for a meal), there is a fee charged for cocktails, wine and other adult beverages.

Don’t miss relaxing with a cocktail at the Concorde Bar & Grill.  Choose one of the choice tables that overlooks the runways.  A huge wall of floor-to-ceiling windows makes the view perfect for plane lovers of all ages.

Consider splitting room service breakfast.  The portions are HUGE.  I swear there were 6 scrambled eggs on my plate.  And, speaking of food at the Renaissance – it’s very good.  My picky palette was quite satisfied.

If you like seafood, try the sea bass.  Up in the concierge lounge, the mini beef wellingtons.

There is no mini-bar in your room.  Consider taking matters in your own hands by providing your own.  It’s so lovely to sip champagne on the balcony while watching and listening to the planes.  Some people love balconies that overlook beaches with the beauty of waves rolling in;  we love balconies that overlook airport runways with simultaneous take-offs and landings.

Ahhhh. Sunset. Planes. Champagne. DREAMY!

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