I recently visited the ATL and stayed at the Palomar Atlanta (866 West Peachtree Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30308) Midtown; actually only a couple blocks from the MARTA “Midtown” station.

It is near to the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum, the HIGH Museum, the Fox Theatre, and Georgia Institute of Technology. I could see a Publix nearby out of my window as well, which is always handy if you are traveling with kids and need emergency diapers, snacks, or cold medicine. Or sedatives?

The Palomar is only two years old, and is even eco-friendly (including eco-certified cleaning supplies).

My spacious room had nice city views, a shower big enough for four people (par-tae!), a comfy king-sized bed, good pillows, a giant flat-screen, and a cute little sofa.

It was super clean, the carpets were impeccable and not old or pet-smelly, and they had a minibar stocked with organic and fair trade snacks and drinks (I did not taste of that nectar, you know how mini bar prices are).

I was able to access free Wi-Fi by joining “Kimpton InTouch”, a free email newsletter. They had me at “free Wi-Fi”.

The Palomar has free coffee and tea in the mornings until 10 am, and on my walk to the MARTA station I saw some non-chain breakfast options. In the evenings, the Palomar has a complimentary wine reception for guests.

And? Pets are welcome at this hotel, in the guest rooms as well as at the wine reception (juice in a cocktail glass for the kids!). Good times.

Note, if you are a animal-phobe, it is actually pretty easy to avoid them. But if you want to interact with other people’s pets (or bring yours) there is always that option.

The Palomar Atlanta has several ammenties for families. Young children are given a goody bag at check-in. Mine had a drawstring backpack, a yo-yo, activity book, playing cards, and play doh.

For older children, the Palomar provides a complimentary movie from their movie selections, and popcorn. I also got a list of recommendations of family-friendly attractions in the area.

In the room, there was an adorable kid-sized bathrobe to use during the stay. It looked cute next to the adult sized zebra patterned and leopard patterned robes.

The staff at the Palomar are very accomodating to families and special considerations.

I was regaled with positive examples like the time they arranged childcare for all of the out-of-town wedding rehearsal participants staying there.

Last summer, the Palomar instituted an impromptu Kids Club, with activities and a popcorn machine in one of the rooms adjacent to the lobby. A Kids Club is a huge plus for me! Every time we have been at an establishment with a Kids Club, Jojo has begged to go as often as possible. Even in Bali. When we wanted to take him to the beach. In a tropical paradise. C’mon, kid!

I was given a fruit plate, but other than that, I brought my own food to the Palomar because of dietary restrictions. They were very helpful when I asked to use a microwave. They sent someone up to my room to get my gluten-free spaghetti, microwaved it, and brought it back on a nice plate with a cover on it. It was like tightwad’s room service! I was pleased.

For location, amenities, and friendly staff, I give the Palomar two thumbs up! The only thing that dampened my positivity was the $30 a day for required valet parking (no self-parking is available. Boo dat.).

Thanks for a good time, Palomar Atlanta!