My Staycation at Atlanta Marriott Marquis

A couple of weeks ago, my friends over at Atlanta Marriott Marquis hosted me and my family for Mother’s Day weekend. I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but the experience was amazing!

Because we live right outside of the city, we arrived Friday night for a late dinner at High Velocity. Even though, it was the hotel sports bar the food was tasty. We ordered the XL Soft Pretzel which we assumed would be normal sized. And it was NOT. It was definitely extra large and so delicious (why do carbs make you gain weight?!) and had the audacity to come with this delicious queso that was in the cutest mini cast iron bowl. I got the Caesar salad with salmon, my sister got the shrimp tacos, I ordered chicken tenders for the baby and hubby got the ribs (ha!). The salmon was so good, my child ate most it off of my plate. Which was fine because I was trying to put a dent into that pretzel.

After that, the intention was for Hubs and I were to catch a late movie or hit the town since we were downtown while my sister babysat, but we were exhausted after a long work week. Plus, we were headed to the Georgia Aquarium the next morning.

When we woke up Saturday morning, the view was spectacular. The Atlanta Marriott Marquis was so gracious to host us in their Vice Presidential suite which is huge and the view of the city blow you away. You can see the busyness of downtown and midtown, the awesome city skyline, while spotting Stone Mountain and Kennesaw Mountain miles away.

Before heading off to the Georgia Aquarium which is just a few blocks from the hotel, we headed to the Concierge Lounge for breakfast. It was nice to not have to worry about breakfast outside of the hotel or order room service. We just headed a few floors up for an exclusive continental breakfast. Maizah had a blast saying hi to everyone (per usual) and eating some fruit before we headed into the city.

After breakfast, it was off to the Georgia Aquarium. Because it’s so close to the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, we literally walked and it only took us 10 minutes. It was one of those overcast days where it looked like it was going to rain but didn’t. However, if you have a little one (infant or toddler), a stroller isn’t a bad idea.

We’ve been to the Aquarium before, but never for an experience like this. We got to see both the dolphin and sea lion show and the hotel treated us to lunch as well. Before the end of the afternoon, we also got a Behind the Seas tour where we learned about the history of the aquarium and the animals. It was lots of fun. Maizah was so fascinated by the animals – especially the whale shark – which caught me off guard, too! It was very cool. Certainly something to experience when you visit the aquarium. Also, the hotel offers VIP Aquarium packages or you can even pick up tickets for sale at the concierge desk. With a large group or even your family, VIP packages are the way to go!

After the aquarium, we headed back to the room for a much needed nap. I tried to get some work done (because I wanted to work in the gorgeous dining area), but my fatigue won the battle. Then, we headed downstairs for dinner at Sear. It was certainly much fancier than High Velocity and delicious.

Later after our dinner at Sear, we left the hotel to see family because Chris’ sister graduated college that same night.

Our last day there, was Mother’s Day. And I must say, the weekend was a treat. We decided to order breakfast from room service and enjoy the morning in the room together.

Around 1 pm, a couple of hours before our late check out, I headed down to the spa for a 60 minute deep tissue massage. Yes, it was as good as it sounds. To drag out the experience, I sat in the spa lounge enjoying a glass of champagne before getting changed and checking out. As a mommy, that me time is priceless.

A huge thank you to the Atlanta Marriott Marquis for hosting me and my family for Mother’s Day weekend. It was an experience I’ll never forget.