What's New: An Online Update for Frommer's Atlanta

After three years of severe drought, Atlanta is finally out of the red and back in the wet, following torrential rain storms this spring. But even an above-average rainfall isn't enough to remedy the water wars our fair city has been embroiled in for years. It will, however, improve such high-traffic attractions as the nearby Lake Lanier, where the water level hit a record low several years ago, leaving docks and boats sitting in the dry, red Georgia dirt and water loving tourists scrambling to find somewhere else to swim, boat and fish.

In the meantime, another forecast for Atlanta isn't looking too hot at the moment. Like the rest of the country, Atlanta breathed a collective sigh of relief when gas prices fell below half of what they were a year ago. But the relief was short-lived, as Atlanta's real estate and development industry is now tanking along with the local and national economy. The much-anticipated high-rise condos and mixed-use development communities are struggling to survive, and shiny new structures that were formerly draped with banners announcing units for sale are now auctioning off units for lack of full-price buyers. Even the prominent and highly publicized community Atlantic Station has suffered in this economy, reporting store closings and a large number of vacant residential units.

On a high note, however, there are still those willing to put their money on the line in Atlanta. Atlantans and visitors alike are eagerly anticipating the opening of a number of high-end hotels, including the ultra-luxurious 26-story St. Regis Atlanta that is scheduled to open by summer 2009 in Buckhead. The hotel will also include 50 condos for those who demand the ultimate in residential services. Not to be outdone, Midtown announced the $100 million pet-friendly Palomar Hotel, also debuting this summer, as well as the 2010 opening of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and its three-story spa. Not only will the Mandarin offer a new lodging option, but the company is also moving its U.S. development offices from New York to Atlanta. In addition, Atlanta is following the green construction trend with the 2010 opening of 1 Hotel, located in The Streets of Buckhead, a new mixed-use development that so far has survived the economic crunch. The plans include the boutique hotel, a two-story spa, condos and retail space, all LEED certified.

Traffic in Atlanta is still a nightmare, but public transportation can ease the pain for those willing to leave their cars in the driveway and join their fellow riders on MARTA. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is trying to make travel easier with the new Consolidated Rental Agency Complex (CONRAC), a central area housing all of the airport's rental car companies. A new automated people mover system will operate from the airport to the CONRAC facility, with a stop at the Georgia International Convention Center. In 2011, the airport's international terminal will be completed, including 10 additional gates, two levels of curb-front parking and about 1,100 public parking spaces. But the most anticipated offering in transportation is the streetcars opening this year on Peachtree Corridor, which will run from Buckhead to Downtown.

All in all, Atlanta is faring well in today's market. There will always be something for everyone in Atlanta, even dining, attractions and lodging options that won't break the already-fragile bank.

Accommodations

• The St. Regis Atlanta, 88 West Paces Ferry Rd.; (tel. 404/563-7900; www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis) opens April 14, 2009, offering top drawer services and amenities, including a 9,200-square-foot ballroom.
• Hotel Palomar Atlanta, 866 West Peachtree St. NW; (tel. 678/412-2400; www.hotelpalomar-atlanta.com) opens April 29, 2009 in Midtown Atlanta, a pet-friendly $100 million property.

Dining

• Aja, 3500 Lenox Rd., Ste. 100; (tel. 404/231-0001; www.heretoserverestaurants.com) opened late 2008 in the former Emeril's Atlanta location, offering contemporary Asian fare, including an extensive dim sum list and lots of vegetarian dishes.
• Kozmo Gastro Pub, 11890 Douglas Rd., Ste. 105, Alpharetta; (tel. 678/526-6094; www.kozmogastropub.com) offers a comfort food menu of rich macaroni and cheese, burgers and garden fresh salads.
• Marlow's Tavern, 1950 Satellite Blvd., Duluth; (tel. 770/622-2033; www.marlowstavern.com) has pleased diehard fans with the opening of this sixth location, featuring American tavern fare and lots of small plates. Also offers a good kids' menu.
• Tin Lizzy's Cantina, 412 Memorial Dr. SE; (tel. 404/554-8220; www.tinlizzyscantina.com) opened January 2009 in Grant Park, offering gourmet soft tacos, an extensive margarita list and 30 premium tequilas, as well as made-from-scratch guacamole.

Activities/Attractions

• Center for Civil and Human Rights, 50 Hurt Plaza Grand Lobby; (tel. 404/658-1877; www.cchrpartnership.org) will open in 2010, offering insight into the contributions made by Atlantans and Georgians to the historic struggle for African-African freedom and equality.
• Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. NW; (tel. 404/873-3089; www.puppet.org) will double in size with an expansion set to open in 2010.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Georgia Forum today.