Chateau Elan, located north of Atlanta off of I-85, exemplifies the characteristics of a resort hotel. Its architecture and interior furnishings embrace a French chateau motif which visually separates the building from other box hotels along the interstate. Though it sits less than half a mile off the exit ramp, visitors instantly feel transported to an exotic location as they follow the long driveway past the winery and vineyards to the hotel. Even a French flag flies over the winery and hotel. Guests can be dropped off underneath a canopy where bellhops and a concierge assist with the luggage and check-in process. Vehicles are then relocated to one of two parking lots which are hidden out of sight from the front of the building. The resort’s winery is visually prominent from the road, but the hotel itself is located in a separate building, hidden from the main road so that guest rooms face the hotel property.

The lobby, though modest in size, has been finely decorated with fresh flower arrangements, a sitting area, and a side fireplace which adds an inviting ambience. The lobby seems to be used almost exclusively for check-in purposes, but side tables, chairs, and couches do provide the opportunity for guests to read, work, or socialize between meals. A four star AAA rating has been engraved on a gold plaque, symbolizing the hotel’s commitment to quality. What is more, the lobby opens onto an impressive three story atrium which floods the center of the building with natural light and accentuates the atrium’s grand staircase and decorative fountain. Guests can also experience fine dining in this area at the Versailles Room which features a gourmet buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The very name "Versailles Room" suggests a high standard of luxury. Here, guests can socialize and mingle in an open atmosphere and have access to the hotel’s business center adjacent to the restaurant. If guests prefer a more casual meal and livelier company, they can walk a short distance to the winery and Paddy’s Bar which claims to be constructed of building materials produced entirely in Ireland. Its traditional Irish food fare and motif is a strange contrast to the rest of the resort, which is entirely French.

The hotel offers opulent amenities to its guests, including a day spa, golf course, hiking trails, fine dining, horseback riding, and winery tours, all of which allow guests to experience a complete vacation without ever having to leave the hotel property. This makes the hotel ideal for people looking for an afternoon getaway or for an extended overnight weekend trip. The variety of activities offered at Chateau Elan attract tourists, while the spacious and plush conference center facilities (located in the Champs Elysees hallway) appeal to businesses hosting conferences or individuals in need of a romantic wedding venue. Chateau Elan, like other resorts, embraces an almost amusement park quality in its activities and in that the entire structure is historically thematic, creating an escapist destination for travelers and locals looking to take a break from the everyday built environment.