The Tess
Modern-Southern boutique. Mid-century lines meet warm Southern sensibility. Think curated book and vinyl library, podcast studio, and an 'Experience Curator' (their word for concierge) who can supposedly get you a table anywhere. The vibe is clubby at night around the rooftop — reviews note the music gets loud after 8pm — and more composed during the day.
Request a city-view or corner room for the best Buckhead skyline sights without paying full suite rates
Why It Matters
Formerly Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead, reimagined in October 2025. One of very few Atlanta hotels with a rooftop pool. The Autograph Collection 'Mark' is The Tess Collection — a curated library of books and vinyl (Octavia Butler to Rolling Stones) that also doubles as a podcast recording studio available to guests and locals. Nominated for Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards.
The Tess opened in October 2025 as a rebrand of the former Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead, joining Marriott's Autograph Collection under Peregrine Hospitality. It's a 201-room boutique hotel in Buckhead anchored by Tesserae, a rooftop restaurant and bar on the 10th floor with sweeping Atlanta skyline views and one of the few rooftop pools in the city. Rooms lean residential — Atlanta-made furnishings, layered lighting, local artwork — and the ground-floor Lobby Bar with its marble, leather, and brass is a legit neighborhood gathering spot.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
1 King Bedroom Suite with Balcony
One of the more sought-after configurations — a full one-bedroom suite with private balcony and skyline views of Atlanta. Living room, separate bedroom, and access to the outdoors. The balcony is a genuine differentiator in this market.
1 King
1 King Parlor Suite
A proper living room separated from the bedroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the parlor with light. Elevated materials and more generous proportions make it a strong choice for longer stays or special occasions.
1 KingCorner King Room
A step up from the standard King thanks to the corner position — extra windows mean more natural light and wider neighborhood views across Buckhead's tree-lined canopy. Same finish package as the standard King.
1 KingJunior Suite
Extra lounge space beyond the standard rooms, with a dedicated seating area and dedicated workspace. Layered with locally inspired art and residential furnishings. Good pick if you need room to spread out for work or a longer stay.
1 KingKing Guestroom
The entry point at The Tess. Compact but thoughtfully finished — Atlanta-made furnishings, layered lighting, local artwork, and plush bedding. In-room Nespresso, curated minibar called 'Provisions by Tess,' and sleek bathrooms with black marble vanities. Some guests note rooms run on the smaller side.
1 KingPresidential Suite
The flagship room. Expansive living areas, sweeping city views from floor-to-ceiling windows, a formal dining area, and a spa-like bathroom anchored by a deep soaking tub. This is the room the hotel built its personality around — the one Tess herself would host in.
1 KingQueen/Queen Guestroom
Same thoughtful residential design as the King, with two queen beds — the better pick for sharing. Floor-to-ceiling windows, city views, and the same Atlanta-made furniture and art program.
2 QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Regularly scheduled hotel events include literary evenings in the foyer, live jazz nights at Tesserae, music-driven afternoons by the pool, themed brunches like 'Milano on the Roof,' and occasional book signings or culinary tastings. Full calendar available via the hotel's events page.
The hotel's signature Autograph Collection 'Mark.' A curated library of books and vinyl — from Octavia Butler novels to Rolling Stones records — plus staff picks and local partner selections. Guests can browse, listen with provided headphones, or purchase. Located in the ground-floor Study space.
The Tess's branded concierge program. The team is positioned as neighborhood insiders who can secure restaurant reservations, arrange introductions, and open doors to under-the-radar Atlanta experiences. Armed with 'Tess's Southern charm and golden rolodex,' per the hotel.
2nd-floor fitness center open 24/7. Equipment includes 2 Peloton bikes, 1 Peloton Row rowing machine, free weights, kettlebells, treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines. Clean and functional space; some guests note it's not large but well-equipped.
The Tess Collection doubles as a bookable podcast recording studio available to both hotel guests and locals. Part of the hotel's ethos around creative exchange and community programming.
Seasonal rooftop pool with cabanas, chaise loungers, and Atlanta skyline views. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 8am–8pm. Cabanas available for rent. Pool bar operates 11am–7pm during the same season.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
17,000+ sq ft of versatile event space. Cresthaven Ballroom seats up to 415 guests (4,187 sq ft). 1,823 sq ft outdoor Cresthaven Terrace. The Vault Boardroom, smaller salons, and The Study for private receptions. Formerly, Dirty Rascal ground-floor space is now a private event venue for up to 100 guests.
Free for Marriott Bonvoy members who book direct. 100+ Mbps speed.
In-room dining available Mon–Thu and Sun 7am–9pm; Fri–Sat 7am–10pm. Digital ordering available.
Pets welcome. Maximum 2 pets per room, up to 75lbs combined or 50lbs for a single pet. Non-refundable fee of $150 per stay.
Seasonal outdoor rooftop pool, open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8am–8pm daily. Towels provided. Cabanas available. Skyline views of Buckhead.
24-hour front desk plus dedicated 'Experience Curator' concierge team for personalized recommendations and bookings.
Valet parking available at $59/day. Self-parking garage also available on-property (reported ~$40/day).
Marriott's official FAQ confirms the property does not have electric vehicle charging stations.
24/7 access on the 2nd floor. 2 Peloton bikes, 1 Peloton Row, free weights, kettlebells, treadmills, ellipticals, weight machines.
On-site hair salon available to guests.
BUILD YOUR THE TESS, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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