Its architecture may be inspired by the grand hotels of New York and Paris, but serving spoonfuls of Atlanta’s signature hospitality, The St. Regis Atlanta wants to be your glamourous Southern home away from home.
To celebrate its partnership with Elite Traveler, we spoke to the hotel’s general manager, Guntram Merl.
What attracted you to your position at the hotel?
I was drawn to my position as general manager at The St Regis Atlanta because of the remarkable synergy between The St Regis Atlanta team and our ownership team. Every St Regis team member is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and creating unforgettable experiences, and because of this, we curate a hotel experience that delivers exceptional moments for our guests.
Tell us about a defining moment in your role that sticks out.
Rather than pinpointing one defining moment, this role continually underscores the importance of having a strong team. This understanding has been pivotal in shaping our success, as I’ve witnessed firsthand the exceptional capabilities of our team members when they are empowered to excel in their respective roles. This not only elevates our service standards but also fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration within our hotel.
What has been the hotel’s biggest challenge during your time there?
The biggest challenge lies within our segment of the industry, particularly in the luxury hospitality space. There’s often a misconception that premium service is mistaken for luxury. Because of this, instilling a true luxury mindset among our staff has been our greatest endeavor to ensure we continuously exceed expectations to craft experiences that are truly luxurious and tailored to each guest.
What is it about your top suite, the Empire Suite, that separates it from anything else on offer in the region?
The Empire Suite at The St Regis Atlanta is unique in the region, designed specifically for long-term stay customers who seek a home-away-from-home experience. What sets this suite apart is its thoughtful design that resembles a private residence rather than a traditional hotel room. It features a movie screening room, a small office component, a fitness area, a spa-like plush bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and even a separate entrance for staff.
What exciting plans do you have for the hotel that you can share with our readers?
Our focus remains on providing relevant luxurious experiences throughout the hotel, from the moment guests arrive to their stay in our guest rooms, and even in our food and beverage offerings. Additionally, our renowned St Regis Butler Service, which is offered to all The St Regis Atlanta hotel guests, ensures every guest receives personalized attention and exceptional service throughout their stay.
