The St. Regis Atlanta

Atlanta is one of the most vibrant and inspiring cities on the east coast, with a unique blend of modern glamor and old fashioned southern hospitality that makes it the perfect destination for a summer getaway. If you're tempted by the charms of this Georgia peach, check this out: The St. Regis Atlanta Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. Just think, within days you could find yourself perusing masterpieces by Warhol and Monet at the nearby High Museum of Art and learning about everybody's favorite fizzy drink at the World of Coca-Cola. But even if you don't hit too many local attractions, the St. Regis Atlanta is a destination in itself. Start with a pampering treatment at the sumptuous Remède Spa, with ten serene treatment rooms that provide the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Then enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a pool piazza so beautiful it looks like it was plucked from a Roman villa. Once you're properly refreshed, get cleaned up and swing by the hotel's Paces 88 American Bistro, where freshly-harvested local ingredients are transformed into such delicacies as hearty braised osso buco short ribs with four-cheese gnocchi. If you're the type to appreciate a well-made cocktail, drop by the renowned St. Regis Bar, which is famous for its signature Bloody Mary, an eye-opener that carries on a St. Regis tradition that dates back to 1934. Cheers indeed. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list and start packing.

Buckhead welcomed its latest ultra-luxury hotel Tuesday, the St. Regis Atlanta, to its collection of crown jewel properties.

The St. Regis Atlanta, at 88 West Paces Ferry Road, is the chain's 16th hotel. The mark was founded by John Jacob Astor in New York City more than a century ago, and the original St. Regis is still considered one of the world's finest.

"We are proud to unveil The St. Regis Atlanta, offering our discerning global guests the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned," said Paul James, president of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, a division of New York-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

St. Regis opens with its signature-branded restaurant, Paces 88, and will add the reinvented Pano's by Buckhead Life Restaurant Group in the fall.

The posh destination hotel and residences open in a difficult economy, but James said the hotel's Buckhead location, its tradition of customer loyalty and its commitment to quality will help the hotel endure the downturn.

The regal St. Regis Atlanta opened with a flourish. A hotel executive ushered the hotel's opening by "sabering" a bottle of champagne, following a longstanding tradition of the 105-year-old hotel mark.

"I'm almost speechless in the way it crystallizes all we dreamt it would be," James said.

The $120 million hotel, developed by SR Development Company LLC and designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, features 151 guest rooms, 53 branded St. Regis condominiums, a nearly 8,000-square-foot Remede Spa and nearly 17,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space.

The opening of the 26-story tower completes a five-year journey for developer Paul Freeman.

"We've delivered something much greater than we ever could have imagined," Freeman said.

Simon Rusconi, the hotel's general manager, said the St. Regis received more than 15,000 applications for its 200 positions. He said the hotel could afford to be choosy, and has assembled an extremely talented staff.

Jonathan Jerusalmy, the hotel's executive chef, is the acclaimed former executive chef of the five-star St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, Calif., and executive banquet and sous chef at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Joining Jerusalmy is a bevy of local Atlanta talent. Mark Alba, former executive chef at Food Studio and sous chef for Concentrics Restaurants and Canoe, has been named chef de cuisine. And Herve Pennequin, former sommelier at Nikolai's Roof, will be the St. Regis' wine director.