Atlanta's BEST Kept Secret: Duluth's Luxury Hotel Near I-85!

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Atlanta's BEST Kept Secret: Duluth's Luxury Hotel Near I-85!

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the supposed "BEST Kept Secret" – Atlanta's Duluth Luxury hotel near I-85. And let me just say, I'm going in with the skepticism of a seasoned travel blogger who's seen it all (and probably smelled most of it). This isn't just a review; this is a messy, honest, possibly-slightly-obsessed account of my experience. Get ready for a ride.

First Impressions: The Allure of "Luxury" (and the I-85 Factor)

Let's be real, "Luxury Hotel Near I-85" doesn't exactly scream "romantic getaway." It's more like, "convenient stopover for your next business meeting," right? But hey, a girl can dream. My initial thought walking in was, "Okay, let's see if this place can actually deliver on the promise.”

Accessibility: Okay, So Let's Get Practical

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Now, I didn't roll up in a wheelchair, but from what I noticed, this hotel seems pretty good. Elevators, wide doors and ramps seemed readily available. This is always a HUGE plus in my book.
  • Practical stuff: Plenty of internet access options - like a LOT.
    • Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - I'm always on the hunt for strong Wi-Fi, and I'm happy to report I had no issues. (Thank God, because the world NEEDS to know my hot takes.)

Rooms: Where the Magic (Hopefully) Happens

Okay, let’s talk about the rooms. I grabbed a room filled with all the usual features:

  • Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.

  • The Bed…Oh, the Bed: This is where my experience truly started. The bed… it was like sinking into a cloud of marshmallow fluff that just happened to support my back. Seriously, I fell asleep mid-afternoon one day. I'm a tough sleeper, but this bed was a siren song.

Cleanliness and Safety: The Panic Zone

In the age of pandemics, cleanliness is paramount. So, I was watching. I have to give them HUGE props for their efforts:

  • Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
  • Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
  • Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
  • Rooms sanitized between stays: They said so, and I didn't find any lingering germs, so… check.
  • Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely. I felt safer than in my own apartment!

Spa and Relaxation – Where the Real Me Finds Peace (Maybe)

Okay, so I went for the full spa experience. I needed it, okay?

  • Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: I dove in.

  • Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool was gorgeous. The view? Okay, it wasn't the Amalfi Coast, but it was nice. I spent one afternoon just floating, staring at the sky. Bliss.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and the Reviews)

  • Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Food is important, and this place delivered. The buffet… Look, buffets are a mixed bag, but this one was surprisingly good. The coffee was strong, which is vital for a travel blogger. I had the Asian breakfast too. It was okay.

  • Room Service [24-hour]: I did order room service one night. It arrived quickly, warm, and delicious.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

So, here's where the hotel truly shines. These are the details that elevate the experience:

  • Concierge: Helpful and actually knowledgable.
  • Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. My messy room was a pristine oasis by the time I returned each day.
  • Laundry service: Amazing. I love fresh, clean clothes!
  • Cash withdrawal: If you needed it.
  • Cashless payment service: Easy peasy.
  • Air conditioning in public area: essential.
  • Elevator: convenient.
  • Facilities for disabled guests: seemed to be excellent.
  • Gift/souvenir shop: I, of course, checked out this shop, and was unimpressed.
  • Luggage storage: Useful for a late check-out.
  • Smoking area: For smokers.

For the Kids:

  • Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I don't travel with kids, but there was clearly a LOT for families.

Getting Around:

  • Airport transfer: Convenient.
  • Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Lots of options.

The Verdict: Is It Really a Secret?

Look, "BEST Kept Secret" might be a stretch. But listen up, people. This place IS legit. It's clean, comfortable, and offers a genuinely relaxing experience.

The Offer (Because, Let's Face It, You Want to Book)

Alright, here's the deal. This isn't just a stay; it's an escape.

Book your stay at Atlanta's BEST Kept Secret: Duluth's Luxury Hotel near I-85 and receive:

  • A complimentary bottle of wine upon check-in. (Because you deserve it.)
  • Early check-in and late check-out. (So you can savor those marshmallow beds just a little longer.)
  • A discount on spa services. (Because… spa.)
  • Free Wi-Fi (of course!)

Why book NOW??

Because, let's be honest: you deserve a break. Treat yourself. Experience this hotel. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't gonna be your perfectly-polished, sterile travel guide. This is…well, this is my version of a trip to Duluth, GA, from the very comfy (hopefully) confines of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG. Prepare for a bumpy ride, and maybe some existential dread. Just kidding… mostly.

DAY 1: Arrival, Atlanta Blah, & the Quest for a Decent Dinner

  • 1:00 PM: Arrived in Atlanta. Hallelujah, the flight wasn't a complete disaster! My tiny, anxious-looking poodle, Princess Fluffernutter (yes, I know) survived the journey mostly unscathed. She's currently judging the cheap carpet in the airport, which is a mood. Also, the air is thick. Like, "you can swim in it" thick. Is humidity ALWAYS this bad in Atlanta? I feel like I'm wearing a wet wool sweater.
  • 2:30 PM: Car rental pickup. This is where the fun REALLY begins. The rental agent, bless her heart, looked about as thrilled to be there as I was. Standard car drama: "Are you sure you want the basic model, ma'am? It's…available." Yes, Brenda, I'm sure. I’m not trying to impress anyone!
  • 3:30 PM: The drive to Duluth. Smooth sailing…until I got within 5 miles of the hotel. Then BOOM traffic. This is why I hate Atlanta.
  • 4:30 PM (ish) : Finally, we made it. The Holiday Inn looks… like a Holiday Inn. Not bad, not amazing. The lobby smells suspiciously of chlorine and stale coffee. But hey, the front desk lady was nice, and they allow dogs! That's a HUGE win. Checked in. Princess Fluffernutter immediately commenced a sniffing tour of the room, leaving no corner unturned and judging EVERYTHING. Her little judgment face is adorable, though so she’s forgiven.
  • 5:30 PM: The Eternal Dinner Dilemma. This is ALWAYS the hardest part. I'm hungry, tired, and just want a damn good meal. I Google "restaurants near me," and the options are… a mixed bag. Chain restaurants mostly: Applebee’s, Olive Garden, Red Lobster. (shudders). I am not going to leave my first night to destiny.
  • 6:30 PM: After much internal debate, I settled on a local Korean place. Cross fingers and hope for the best. Princess Fluffernutter is already whining, which means I’ll need to sneak her a piece of chicken when I get back.

7:30 PM: The Korean food was…amazing! I ordered a spicy bibimbap and I was in heaven. The restaurant was buzzing with life, and I was already feeling more relaxed.

  • 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Princess Fluffernutter is now asleep, hogging the entire bed and snoring like a tiny freight train. I attempt to conquer the hotel’s surprisingly sophisticated TV. Failing. I give up and crawl into bed myself. The end.

DAY 2: Duluth Explorations, and the Unexpectedly Wonderful Park

  • 8:00 AM: The morning starts with the usual routine. Fluffernutter is demanding breakfast, so I make sure to give her the absolute most lavish breakfast she’s ever seen. Afterwards, a quick walk around the parking lot. More judging from Princess Fluffernutter. I swear, she thinks she's royalty.
  • 9:00 AM: I had originally planned on exploring downtown Duluth and checking out the local shops, but I didn't even check anything off my list. Instead, I decided to embrace the unknown.
  • 10:30 AM: I stumbled upon a local park. And it was a revelation. Wide open spaces, squirrels the size of small cats, a duck pond, and even a little hiking trail. I might have actually let out a genuine "Wow." Princess Fluffernutter was in HEAVEN. She even made a friend! A goofy golden retriever named Buddy. They ran around like lunatics for a good hour, and I just sat there, watching the world go by, feeling genuinely peaceful for the first time in ages.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch. Grabbed a sandwich from a local deli. Decent. Nothing to write home about but better than McDonald’s, at least.
  • 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: After hours of sunshine and fun, I retreated back to the hotel for some quiet time. You know when the hotel room starts to feel… a bit like home? That was me. I read, I tried to avoid Princess Fluffernutter’s advances, and I generally recharged.
  • 6:00 PM: The dinner dilemma returns! I’m thinking of trying that brewery I saw. I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for a good craft beer and a casual atmosphere. Also, somewhere I can bring Princess Fluffernutter.

DAY 3: Breakfast Blues, Packing Panic, and Farewell

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel… or, the promise of breakfast. The "hot" food was lukewarm, the scrambled eggs were suspiciously yellow, and the coffee tasted like dishwater. Let's just say, I found a way to cope. Princess Fluffernutter, however, was offended. She turned her nose up at everything, as usual. I was going to get some local pastries, but I forgot. Oh well.
  • 8:00 AM-10:00 AM: Packing. The most stressful part of any trip. Trying to squeeze everything back into my already-overstuffed suitcase. Found a shirt I thought I had lost! Success! But also, I realize I forgot to buy souvenirs. And I'm pretty sure I accidentally left a pair of socks under the bed.
  • 10:30 AM: One last walk around the hotel. I feel this weird melancholy, for the hotel, and the trip.
  • 11:00 AM: Checkout. Said goodbye to the friendly front desk woman. Promised to leave a good review.
  • 11:30 AM: The drive back to the airport. Traffic…you guessed it, it's bad.
  • 1:00 PM: The flight. More pet anxiety. More airport food. This trip has officially taken its toll, and I’m ready to go home.
  • 5:00 PM: Home. A chaotic mess, but home. And I've never been happier to see my own bed.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Duluth, Georgia, was not at all what I expected. It was a blend of mundane and beautiful, frustrating and surprisingly charming. And you know what? I actually liked it. Sure, there were moments of boredom and moments of pure annoyance, but ultimately, Princess Fluffernutter and Buddy made it worth it. And the food…well, the food was great.

Would I come back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing an air freshener, a better itinerary, and a translator for Princess Fluffernutter. Maybe I’ll even try skydiving. (Just kidding, absolutely not.)

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

DULUTH'S LUXURY HOTEL! (Or, Atlanta's Secret Hideaway?) - FAQs That Don't Sugarcoat Anything

Okay, Seriously… What Makes This Hotel a “Secret”? Is it Even *Good*?

Look, "secret" is a loaded word, right? It's not like they're hiding it under a bridge or anything. But, I’ll tell you, for years I lived in Atlanta and had NO clue this place existed. It's nestled in Duluth, a little bit off the beaten path of the usual Buckhead/Midtown glitz. Honestly, that's part of the charm! It feels… undiscovered. Like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. As for good? Honey, yes. It's *good*. Real good. We’re talking plush robes you want to abscond with (I *almost* did, don't judge), ridiculously comfortable beds, and a certain… *je ne sais quoi* about the whole vibe. It's like a little oasis of calm amidst the I-85 chaos. Trust me, after battling that highway, you'll appreciate the zen. I’ve had some truly, deeply relaxing stays there. The kind where you forget what day it is. Bliss.

Is it REALLY luxurious? What's the deal with the "luxury" label?

Alright, let's break down "luxury." It's not Versailles. But it IS a solid, high-quality experience. The rooms? Spacious. The decor? Stylish. The service? Attentive, without being suffocating. Think: high thread-count sheets, upscale toiletries (hello, Molton Brown!), and a minibar that actually has stuff you *want* to drink (not just those sad little bags of peanuts). And the pool area… *chef's kiss*. I’m a sucker for a good pool scene, and theirs is fantastic. They even have these ridiculously comfortable lounge chairs. I spent one entire afternoon just reading a book and pretending I was a real-life Instagram influencer. Don't judge. We all have our vices. But honestly the feeling? Completely worth the price of admission.

Okay, but the location... Is being near I-85 a blessing or a curse?

This is the big one, right? I-85. The bane of every Atlantan's existence. BUT, because it's *near* the highway, it's actually a HUGE convenience. I travel a lot, and the easy access to the interstate makes everything so much easier. I mean, traffic in Atlanta is legendary, so being close is a win. On the downside, You might hear the occasional siren. But honestly, it's not that bad. You're so cozily tucked away inside the hotel you’ll rarely notice it anyway. But it’s great for access, terrible for mental peace. I mean, sometimes, I was convinced I was going to be stuck in the eternal gridlock. It took me about six trips up and down to get used to the idea that I was never leaving.

Is the food any good? I'm a foodie, and hotel restaurants are usually... well, *meh*.

Okay, so the restaurant… It’s a mixed bag. *Generally* speaking, it's pretty darn good. The breakfast buffet is a lifesaver if you've got a flight early. The presentations are gorgeous and the flavor is on point. I remember one time, I was craving some pancakes and then… well, they were out. It was like the end of the world. I threw a tiny silent fit, and the waitress could see it. And so, a few minutes later, they brought me... pancakes. Now, that wasn’t just any pancake. They were *better* than what they had on the menu. Fluffy, buttery, with a hint of vanilla. Heavenly. I tipped that waitress a LOT. Dinner is good, too. But, I will say, sometimes the menu feels a *little*… predictable. Like it could use a little more pizzazz. But it never disappointed.

What's the vibe like? Romantic getaway? Business trip? Family-friendly?

It’s a chameleon, honestly. I’ve seen it all. Romantic getaways? Absolutely. Couples, holding hands, gazing lovingly at each other over their perfectly poached eggs. Business trips? Yep. Sharp-dressed professionals glued to their laptops in the lobby. Family-friendly? To a certain extent. There is a pool, after all. But, it's probably not the best choice if you're traveling with screaming toddlers. It’s probably more suited for a relaxed getaway with teenagers. I mean, there are enough places for small children, and the staff is always smiling. I have seen a few families, but it’s not like a full water park setting.

Any hidden fees or unexpected charges I should be aware of?

Well, this always gets me. The devil is in the details, right? The usual suspects apply. Valet parking is pricey. The minibar is, of course, designed to make you weep. And, yeah, the Wi-Fi might not be free. Always check the fine print! The worst part happened like a year ago. I was on a budget, thought I did a great job controlling myself. Then I check out, and a mysterious charge appears: dry cleaning. Now, I'd only used the *laundry* service. Turns out, my white shirt had a tiny little smudge on it, which I’d completely missed. A *tiny* smudge. They charged me like $50! After that, I was the master of the laundry service, because I needed my crisp shirts. I mean, the charge was small, but it was the PRINCIPLE of the thing! So, read everything CAREFULLY. And always, ALWAYS check the details of any packages or promotions.

So, should I stay there? Give it to me straight!

Okay, here's the deal. If you want a super-slick, soulless chain hotel experience? This isn't it. If you want a true luxury experience, with a little character, charm, and a serious dose of comfort after a long drive? Absolutely. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something different. It's perfect for a romantic getaway, or if you just need to de-stress after a tough week. Plus, you might accidentally eat a heavenly pancake, which is always a win! It's not perfect – no place is – but it has a certain something. It’s a place I’d recommend. Yes, I’d say it's worth it.
World Of Lodging

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Atlanta NE - Duluth By IHG Duluth (GA) United States