A Thompson hotel is opening in the heart of Buckhead
It's the latest addition to a neighborhood going through a renaissance with hip new hotels, wine bars and a dazzling all-day cafe.
Opening next week, the Thompson Buckhead feels as if it’s bringing something new/cool/different to the Buckhead area. 10 stories high, designed by Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio archichitects, built under general contractors Brasfield and Gorrie, and brought to life by Studio 11 Design, this hotel is a little bit Southern and a lot midcentury, too. I was able to tour the property in October and while it wasn’t yet completed — they were waiting for furniture and finishing up some other final touches — I’m excited to visit again when it’s up and running for the full drinks/dinner/staycation experience.
Read on for a little sneak peek and to learn more about what makes this property so special.
Let’s talk about the restaurant
It’s on the lobby level and it’s called Dirty Rascal. The restaurant by James Beard Foundation semifinalist chef Todd Ginsberg and the Rye Restaurants team will be helmed by executive chef and Atlanta native Joshua Hopkins. The menu will include extruded pasta dishes, steak Florentine, daily crudos, meatballs (obvi) and more. Thandi Walton, formerly of Bar Margot at the Four Seasons, is Head of Beverage for Dirty Rascal as well as the bar upstairs.
There’s also a great ballroom
There’s a huge meeting and events space here. At 4,187 square feet, it’s also on the lobby level and will hold 250 people seated or 300 total for other events. What’s unique and beautiful about this ballroom is that it’s got floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to an outdoor space with a wood-burning fireplace.
The rooms
There are 201 guest rooms here, all designed by Studio 11. The Thompson brand has a residential feel, which I love, and this particular property gives a abstract-meets-modern-meets-classic vibe in dark green/cold/cream with jewel tone accents, chevron-patterned wood floors and more — not to mention there will be D.S. & Durga bath products (chic), a locally-curated mini bar and oversize branded robes in every room. Looking to splurge? Book the Thompson Suite, the hotel’s 1,048-square-foot room with a full wet bar, glass-enclosed dining room and a master bathroom featuring a spa-inspired bathroom with steam shower and soaking tub.
The rooftop
Are you from another city and missing the Soho Houses of the world? No, one isn’t opening in Atlanta (yet), but the Thompson will have its own members-only rooftop club on the 10th floor. Tessarae opens in early 2022 and will be invite-only (hotel guests in suites and in ninth floor rooms will also be invited to experience it). It will feature curated events and unique programming, and is meant to highlight the diversity of Atlanta while creating a space for the city’s greatest thought leaders and creators to network and hang.
There’s also a pool up here with private cabanas and skyline views; it’ll be open to all hotel guests.
New spots to check out in the area
Le Bon Nosh for pastries and coffee. Lucian Books & Wine is cute for a date night or catchup with a girlfriend (reservations recommended). The new Epicurian Atlanta which is a food-focused hotel. The Kimpton Sylvan has a swanky lobby restaurant (The Betty) and a rooftop bar.
An added bonus - the Atlanta Christmas Market has moved from downtown to Buckhead this year and is ongoing through January so if you’re craving a mulled wine, stop here.
Also also — rumor has it a Nobu Hotel will open at Phipps Plaza in 2022. I can’t wait.