Awe-inspiring new interiors create a dramatic sense of arrival for guests of The RITZ-CARLTON, ATLANTA with the transformative redesign of the entrance foyers, lobby and lobby lounge, marking the hotel’s 25th anniversary as downtown’s luxury landmark.

“We believe the new environment appeals to people with taste and a sense of style, yet reflects new trends appropriate to the next generation,” said Tod Morrow, general manager. “Just as the prestigious traditional interiors set the standard for elegance in 1985, the sophisticated contemporary design depicts modern interpretations of elegance.”

The new interiors feature well-known, traditional elements transposed in an updated way. For example, a Chippendale Mahogany sideboard is refinished in a hand-applied gilded platinum tone; sheer shrouds are wrapped around the hotel’s magnificent crystal chandeliers; and accent chairs are graced with damask patterns in oversized formats. The familiar caramel-toned Figured Anegre lobby walls are now finished in the deepest espresso stain, and form a vivid backdrop for large works of vibrant contemporary art.

“Today’s sophisticated and trend-conscious hotel guests take pleasure from experiencing the very latest discoveries ahead of the crowd in the worlds of art, fashion—and hotels,” said Mr. Morrow. “By generating such sweeping visual change, the new design brings to life an untypical Ritz-Carlton for discerning guests.”

The most vivid rebirth may be the transformation of the lobby lounge into a new lobby bar named Lumen, unique aspects of which include brilliant crystal chandeliers that glow red at night; seven-foot tall custom settee’s covered in midnight blue mohair, with their own beaded sconces; a bar cabinet that glows blue in the evening; mirror-polished, handspun metal tables custom designed by Brad Oldham (brother to designer Todd Oldham); beaded corkscrew floor lamps; and a custom-designed, under-lit onyx-topped communal-styled table seating up to eight. The new name, Lumen, reflects the luminous effect of the lighting throughout the space.

Wherever possible, materials and furnishings were sourced in Georgia, including a Macassar Ebony table created by master woodworkers for The Lobby, and Black American Walnut hardwood floors in the entrance foyers and Lumen. Most of the works of art were created by Georgia artists.

Merging seamlessly with the transformation, a respectful thread to the contributions of the past can be viewed in the new Portrait Salon, where the ornately framed 18th and 19th century oils installed at the hotel’s opening in 1985 are exhibited salon style against espresso-stained walls.

“We are ever mindful of our history,” said Mr. Morrow. “The oils are more beautiful than ever in the salon.”

The splendid new décor also extends to the ballroom landing, prefunction and Grand Ballroom, with an extraordinary hand-applied, silver gilt-like painted finish on the walls, a mélange of new furnishings in a palette of fuchsia, midnight blue, cream, dark charcoal and champagne; and a custom lighting feature in the Grand Ballroom’s draperied niches that allows customization of any color scheme.

One key characteristic of The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta remains unchanged: the driving goal to deliver uncompromising personal service and memorable experiences for guests.

“Service is an aspect of the guest experience that cannot be built into the design,” said Mr. Morrow. “Ritz-Carlton’s outstanding level of commitment to service and guest satisfaction is here to stay.”

Downtown’s only AAA Five Diamond hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is a luxurious oasis in the heart of the city featuring new transitional interior design with a splash of glamour. The hotel is surrounded by the state’s centers of law, finance and government, and minutes from the Georgia Aquarium and sports events at Philips Arena, Turner Stadium and the Georgia Dome.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Arizona; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.