TL;DR

IHG debut: First voco boutique hotel in Atlanta, acquired in late 2024.
Character preserved: Style and charm maintained despite brand acquisition.
Artful interior: 3D artworks, murals, and cheerful bar & lounge.
Bold design: Colorful decorative surprises mixed with comfortable furniture.
Check prices here

The old Darwin hotel was acquired by IHG in late 2024 which marked their voco Atlanta boutique hotel debut.

We liked the Darwin a lot before and thankfully the style and character of the place seems not to have been changed.

The exterior is still somewhat surprisingly drab, despite the bird motifs, but once inside you’ll notice immediately the same 3D artworks and murals circling the still decidedly cheerful bar & lounge.

There’s a boldly colorful decorative surprise around every corner at the Darwin, one which stands its ground well against more sensible, comfortable furniture.

What are the rooms like?

111 rooms & suites: All with queen size beds.
Design: Signature wallpaper, stylish furniture, clean geometric patterns.
Bathroom: Black-and-white chic, Guild & Pepper amenities, cozy robes.
Extras: Big-screen TVs, work areas, climate control, and pet-friendly options.
See each room in detail here

Your smallest option, with a queen-sized bed, is probably best for a solo traveler or a couple that prefers the outdoors.

From there, you have options including roomier singles, doubles, and suites. All options sport signature wallpaper, stylish furniture and clean design.

Bathrooms are chic black and white affairs, with the geometric patterning you’ll find around the hotel, Guild & Pepper bath amenities and cozy robes for hanging out.

If you’ve sprung for a larger room or a suite, you’ll be lounging around on beanbag chairs in no time. All rooms include big-screen TVs, work areas, and in-room climate control.

What are prices like?

> Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Bar Bar: AM coffee and pastries; PM cocktails, wine, and local beer.
Unique drinks: Espresso Patronum tequila-based martini and Harry Potter references.
Outdoor space: Three-season courtyard with fire pits, seating, and sound system.
Extras: Fitness center & business room.

The Darwin Bar Bar (yes two) is still here after the IHG sale and it’s still a straightforward and chill place to hang out.

It operates on an AM/PM schedule. The first shift as a hip coffee joint with fantastic local pastries, freshly squeezed OJ and breakfast sandwiches.

In the PM, the Bar Bar becomes the place for an upscale cocktail, a glass of carefully curated wine, or a local beer.

We love both the Harry Potter reference and the uniqueness of the Espresso Patronum, a tequila-based espresso martini designed to awaken your inner party goblin.

You’ll also have access to the Darwin’s hidden summer gem, a three-season courtyard full of cozy seating, fire pits, and a full sound system.

There’s a fitness center and a business room for those who have work to do, but we’d recommend going outdoors for exercise.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Outdoor attractions: Central Park, BeltLine Eastside, and 17 acres of walking/running paths.
Biking options: Darwin partners with Edison Bicycles.
Neighborhood vibe: Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, residential and arcade spaces.
Food & nightlife: Krog Street Market and nearby hip restaurants/bars.

You’ll be just minutes from Central Park, and a short walk from the Historic Fourth Ward Park and the Atlanta BeltLine.

The Park and the BeltLine are superstars of the neighborhood and Atlanta City. You’ll have 17 acres of walking and running paths even before you enter the 3-mile Eastside section of the former rail line.

The Darwin partners with Edison Bicycles to provide you with a set of wheels.

The Old Fourth Ward is an emerging neighborhood with much to see, including a cool multi-use space inside the old Sears building featuring the Ponce City Market, residential spaces, an arcade, and more.

Beyond this, you’ll find some unique event venues and gorgeous meals in walking distance. Around Krog Street, the Krog Street Market and a bunch of other hip restaurants and bars will help you pass the evenings.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”After a horrible morning of dealing with a cancelled booking and a rude host, I arrived to The Darwin Hotel. I was welcomed with a nice smile and a bird made out of origami that “symbolizes love and hope”. Such a small detail that changed my day. I was also given early check-in, which was amazing. The hotel is beautiful, clean, trendy and cozy. I’m so glad I ended up here and I wish I could’ve stayed longer. Thank you for such a lovely stay….”

”Very good! Can’t wait to come back to Atlanta again! I have stayed at this property previously and it has always been my go to because of location to great attractions in the area….”