The Connally Hotel Downtown Atlanta, Ascend Hotel Collection

The hotel, housed in a historic building with a timeless elegance, offers a unique stay in the heart of downtown, making it a memorable choice for event attendees and sightseers due to its direct proximity to major venues and transit. Its signature feature is its blend of classic architectural charm with a highly accessible location, appealing to those seeking convenience for concerts, sporting events, or business conferences. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness and professionalism of the staff, who often go above and beyond to assist. However, the surrounding urban environment is a frequent point of concern for many, impacting the overall sense of security. To enhance your stay, guests recommend being prepared for potential delays with the elevators and factoring in the cost and nature of the mandatory valet parking, which is often praised for its service despite the expense.

Facilities & Amenities
A significant and frequently mentioned aspect of the hotel's facilities is the challenge with its elevators. Many guests reported that often only one elevator was operational, leading to considerable wait times, especially during busy periods, and causing inconvenience for those on higher floors. Some even experienced getting stuck or resorted to using the stairs. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, some reviews indicated issues with its speed or functionality. A fitness center is available and generally described as adequate for guest needs. Additionally, a water station is provided, which many guests found to be a helpful and thoughtful amenity for staying hydrated. The overall impression of the facilities is mixed, with the elevator situation being a primary point of frustration for a notable number of visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While many guests found their rooms to be clean and spacious, others reported significant issues, including the presence of mold, hair in the shower, stains on mattresses and carpets, and a persistent musty smell. The room condition is frequently described as old and worn, with outdated furnishings and various items needing repair, such as broken doors, non-functional AC units, and static-filled TVs. Bed comfort also varied, with some guests praising comfortable beds, while others found them uncomfortable or caving in. A recurring concern was the lack of consistent hot water in showers and sinks, and frequent problems with toilets not flushing properly or leaking. Guests also noted issues with insufficient towels and occasional noise levels from outside.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast, which receives varied feedback from guests. Many describe it as a basic continental offering, while others found it to be good, tasty, and well-stocked. Some guests appreciated the breakfast variety, mentioning items like waffles and coffee, and noted that the staff generally kept items replenished quickly. However, a notable number of reviews indicated dissatisfaction with the food quality and selection, with some describing it as poor or terrible. There were instances where the breakfast area ran out of certain items or lights were turned off while guests were still eating, leading to a less than ideal experience. Overall, while some found the breakfast convenient and satisfactory, others felt it did not meet their expectations for quality or service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant draw, offering convenient access to numerous downtown attractions and event venues. Guests appreciate its proximity to the Marta station, which provides easy transit, and its walkability to destinations like the Masquerade, Mercedes Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the World Congress Center. However, the immediate surrounding area is a frequent point of concern for guests. Many described the neighborhood as unsettling, with a visible presence of transient populations and an unkempt appearance, leading to a general feeling of insecurity, especially after dark. This often deterred guests from walking around, prompting them to use ride-sharing services. Parking is primarily handled through a mandatory valet service, which, while praised for its efficiency and friendly staff, is noted for its high cost. A separate self-parking garage is available nearby, but its distance and the surrounding environment made many guests prefer the valet option despite the expense.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of many guests' stays. Reviewers frequently praise their friendliness, professionalism, and attentive service, noting that employees often go above and beyond to assist. The valet staff, in particular, is highly commended for their efficiency, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor, often remembering guests by name. While the check-in process was smooth and quick for some, others reported significant delays and issues with key cards. The hotel maintains a visible security presence, which many guests found reassuring given the external environment. However, feedback on housekeeping is mixed, with some guests reporting a lack of room cleaning or issues like staff entering rooms without knocking. Despite some operational challenges, the dedication and positive attitude of the staff are a recurring theme, significantly contributing to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in an old building that many guests appreciate for its historic charm and character, though some note it could benefit from updates. There are indications that renovations are planned, which guests hope will address some of the property's aging aspects. A recurring operational issue mentioned by guests involves the room entry doors, which are sometimes difficult to open or close, requiring significant effort. Similarly, problems with key cards frequently arise, with guests needing multiple replacements during their stay due to cards deactivating. It is also noted that the property was formerly affiliated with a different brand before its current brand affiliation. These details, while not fitting into other categories, provide insight into the unique operational and structural aspects of the hotel.