While some of us recall Buckhead as the liquid wonderland of the late ’90s, the Atlanta neighborhood has reinvented itself twice over, first as a port of call for bespoke shopping and power lunches, and more recently as an “it” address for boutique stays and rooftop respite.
Thompson Buckhead is its newest occupant, abutting the retail jewel box of Buckhead Village, complete with its own notable restaurateur, Chef Todd Ginsberg who opened Dirty Rascal here, and a private membership club, Tesserae, atop its ten stories.
With the reservation of one of 40 suites, you’re granted access too and it is worth the spend—Tesserae is awash with design, and its expansive terrace, elegant dining for two or 20, and big views of the ATL skyline are mutually chic and playfully modern.
The ease of staying here induces its own brand of languid luxury; designed by Studio 11, the property exudes comfort. A warm, foggy green runs throughout: on walls, upholstery and expansive padded headboards, all of which are softly lit.
The care attributed to setting the mood at The Thompson is palpable.
Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase a panorama of Atlanta development, while luxury bedding, automated nightlights, and premium fixtures (including stocked in-room bars) create a plush stay.
A collection of large-scale art and blooms placed at every turn make a stay at the Thompson feel more akin to a large estate or private compound.
The lobby bar pulls double duty as a daytime workspace for guests and leads to Dirty Rascal, a new spot in Buckhead’s dining scene. Chef Ginsberg is best known for his James Beard-nominated eatery, General Muir. At Dirty Rascal, he installed Joshua Hopkins as executive chef to craft an American-Italian menu meant to be shared, replete with a large circular seated bar and apt service. Hopkins’s name may ring a bell from his time at Slightly North of Broad, High Cotton, and Bacchanalia. Don’t discount ordering the lasagna meant to serve two to three, which arrives in its own enamelware braiser housing ribbons of fresh pasta rolled into circuitous globes, baked off with ricotta in marinara.
Upstairs at Tesserae, hobnob with the Atlanta elite. The 200+ memberships sold out pre-construction likely, in part, to the energy of Dr. Charles Burt, head of member experience. Burt packs Tesserae’s calendar out with unique member events from game night hosted by Steve Harvey to guest chef experiences and watch parties organized by professional athletes. But a cocktail overlooking all that the new Atlanta has to offer is reason enough to snag a guest reservation.
The Thompson Buckhead, 415 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta. (404) 574-1234. Rooms start at $334 per night.
Experience Buckhead in style
District Digs
Buckhead Village sits at the heart of Atlanta’s priciest zip code and offers luxury goods at every turn, roughly six blocks of retailers akin to a Rodeo Drive experience. The corporate headquarters of Spanx is in the complex too, so keep an eye out for a Sara Blakely sighting. Shop the beautiful stand-alone storefronts of Dior, Hermés, Jimmy Choo, Theory, and more, but make time to pop into these gems.
Bella Cucina
Equal parts kitchen store and studio, Bella Cucina is a beautiful purveyor of cookware, gourmet foods, and gifts along with curated antiques, artifacts, and books.
262 Buckhead Ave NE
Etro
The luxury Italian textile brand is best known for its paisley patterning and offers clothing, home goods, bedding, and European gifts.
239 Buckhead Ave NE
The RealReal
If you love browsing The RealReal app, then check out their boutique in person; the Buckhead store is stocked with lightly loved top-designer goods.
3073 Peachtree Rd, Ste 100
Fetch Park
The Thompson is dog friendly, so if you brought your pup make some time for Fetch Park, a well-planned off-leash dog park and bar, designed to look like a minor league ballpark.
520 Daniel St SE
Restoration Hardware, The Gallery at the Estate in Buckhead
Just across the street on Peachtree lies one of Restoration Hardware’s signature locations, set up as an estate gallery and design atelier. It spans six stories over 70,000 square feet and includes estate gardens and a rooftop conservatory. 3030 Peachtree Rd NE
