Stylish but Slightly Overhyped: A Mixed Stay at The Starling
I had high hopes for The Starling, especially with its branding as a luxury boutique hotel with a bird-themed aesthetic. The design concept—birdcages, eclectic lighting, and modern lounge decor—definitely caught my attention and was what initially drew me in. The lounge is by far the highlight of the property: stylish, moody, and perfect for a cocktail or two. But overall, I left feeling underwhelmed, especially given the premium price point.
Let’s start with the good:
• Valet service was top-notch. Shoutout to Edy and his team-absolute gems. Friendly, conversational, and genuinely helpful. If I could’ve snuck Edy home in my suitcase, I would’ve (but something tells me his wife wouldn’t be too thrilled—haha).
• Housekeeping was wonderful. Fresh towels daily, tidied room, and respectful timing. They weren’t pushy about checkout and worked around our schedule seamlessly. That was truly appreciated.
• Room service available 24/7 was a great perk, and the onsite spa is a nice touch for those wanting a bit of pampering without leaving the building.
But unfortunately, the rest of the experience didn’t quite match the “luxury” label:
• The pool was a major disappointment. Cold, murky, and littered with bugs, hair ties, and debris. It felt more like a forgotten motel pool than a high-end amenity. On a chilly day, a heated pool would’ve made a huge difference.
• The sliding bathroom door fell off. Yes—actually came off the track. Not ideal.
• The location is hit-or-miss. While you’re close to Piedmont Park and some walkable restaurants, the surrounding area is under construction and lacks charm. Also, parking is valet-only at a steep $75/night (plus tips), so factor that into your budget.
• The weekend vibe changes dramatically. What starts as a chic bar experience turns into more of a nightclub scene after hours. If you’re into that, great. If not, it can feel a bit chaotic and even uncomfortable. At times, it seemed like people were trying to sneak into the hotel post-club, which didn’t exactly scream “exclusive” or “luxury.”
We did spot a couple of celebrities in the building, which was fun, and the view from the room was beautiful—especially with all the trees surrounding the area. But ultimately, while The Starling has potential and some lovely staff members, it just didn’t live up to the luxury promise.
Would I stay again? Honestly, no. I’d opt for a quieter, more refined location outside of downtown next time.
Still, thanks to Edy for making the stay memorable—and no worries, I promise I didn’t actually try to pack you.