What Does an Average Hotel Cost in Atlanta?
If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta (or hosting out-of-town guests) and wondering how much the average hotel costs, you’re really asking two things:
- What’s a typical nightly rate across the city?
- How much should you expect to pay in different neighborhoods and seasons?
Below is a practical, Atlanta-specific breakdown so you can budget realistically and avoid surprises at checkout.
The Short Answer: Typical Hotel Prices in Atlanta
Hotel prices move around a lot, but for most travelers:
- Budget hotels & motels:$80–$140 per night
- Mid-range hotels:$150–$230 per night
- Upscale & luxury properties:$260–$450+ per night
Across the city, a “typical” hotel stay for many visitors lands around $170–$230 per night before taxes and fees, depending on:
- Time of year
- Weeknight vs. weekend
- Neighborhood
- Big events (games, conventions, concerts)
Keep in mind hotel taxes and fees in Atlanta add a noticeable amount to your bill, so your final nightly cost may end up 15–20% higher than the base rate.
How Hotel Prices Vary by Atlanta Neighborhood
Where you stay in Atlanta makes a big difference in price. Here’s what you can generally expect in some of the city’s most common areas for visitors.
Downtown Atlanta (Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
Downtown is popular with convention-goers and event travelers.
- Typical range:$180–$280 per night
- On busy event/convention weekends:$250–$400+ per night
- Who it suits: People attending conferences, major sporting events, or concerts who want to walk to venues.
You’re paying mainly for proximity to:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium
During major events (college football championships, big concerts, festivals), prices jump fast and sell out early.
Midtown Atlanta (Piedmont Park, Arts District, Tech Square)
Midtown tends to be slightly more expensive than many other areas, with a strong mix of business and leisure visitors.
- Typical range:$190–$300 per night
- High demand dates:$250–$400+ per night
- Who it suits: Visitors who want walkability, access to MARTA, dining, parks, and cultural spots.
You’re near:
- Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
- High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
- Georgia Tech and Tech Square
If you want a central, walkable base and don’t mind paying more than you would near the airport or suburbs, Midtown is a strong choice.
Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Financial District)
Buckhead is known for upscale shopping and business travel.
- Typical range:$180–$280 per night
- Luxury properties:$300–$500+ per night
- Who it suits: Shoppers, business travelers, visitors wanting a polished, uptown feel.
You’re paying for:
- Proximity to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- A cluster of full-service hotels and well-known brands
- Easy access to GA-400 and MARTA’s Lenox and Buckhead stations
Prices here are often comparable to Midtown, especially for full-service and luxury hotels.
Atlanta Airport Area (Hartsfield-Jackson / College Park)
If you’re flying in and out or just need a place to sleep before an early flight, the airport area is usually more budget-friendly.
- Typical range:$100–$170 per night
- Bargain deals (off-peak): sometimes under $100
- Who it suits: Overnight layovers, budget-conscious travelers, group stays, airline crews.
You’ll find many major-chain hotels clustered near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, especially along Virginia Avenue and around College Park.
Note: You’ll save money over Downtown or Midtown, but your commute into the city tourist areas is longer (plan on ~20–35 minutes by car or MARTA, depending on traffic).
Perimeter, Cumberland, and Other Suburban Areas
Areas like Perimeter Center, Cumberland/Galleria, and Sandy Springs offer a mix of business hotels and extended-stay options.
- Typical range:$130–$200 per night
- Extended-stay suites: Often $140–$220 depending on length of stay
- Who it suits: Business travelers working at suburban offices, families wanting more space, people visiting friends or relatives in the suburbs.
You may get:
- More space for the price (suites, kitchenettes)
- Easier parking, often free or cheaper than central city hotels
- Less walkability to major attractions, so you’ll likely need a car.
Average Hotel Costs by Type of Stay
Different types of trips come with different price expectations.
1. Quick Weekend in Atlanta
For a Friday–Sunday stay near major attractions:
- Downtown or Midtown:
- Expect $200–$300 per night at a typical mid-range hotel
- More if there’s a big event nearby
- Airport or suburban area:
- Often $120–$190 per night
Weekend nights can actually be cheaper than weeknights in some business-heavy areas, but more expensive near event venues.
2. Weeklong Vacation
For a 5–7 night visit, many people aim for:
- Mid-range hotel in Midtown/Buckhead/Downtown:
- $170–$240 per night on average, before taxes
- Airport or perimeter areas:
- $120–$190 per night
Over a week, even a $30–$40 difference per night adds up, so it’s worth comparing central-city vs. just-outside-the-core neighborhoods.
3. Extended or Long-Term Stays
If you’re in Atlanta for several weeks or a month (for work, relocation, or a long visit):
- Extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes in Perimeter, Cumberland, or near the airport often run:
- $120–$200 per night at the nightly rate
- Sometimes discounted for multi-week bookings
For very long stays (several months), some Atlantans also look at short-term rentals or corporate housing instead of standard hotels, but that’s a different market with its own rules and costs.
How Season, Events, and Weekdays Affect Hotel Prices
Seasonal Patterns in Atlanta
Atlanta’s climate means there’s no true “off-season,” but some times are usually pricier:
Spring (March–May):
- Very popular for travel and events.
- Hotel rates tend to be above average, especially around large festivals, sports events, and graduation season.
Fall (September–November):
- Another high-demand period, with football games, conferences, and pleasant weather.
- Prices often rise on game days and big event weekends.
Summer (June–August):
- Mix of families, conventions, and sports.
- Prices can be moderate to high, especially around holidays and major events.
Winter (December–February):
- Often slightly lower rates, except around New Year’s Eve, major conferences, or special events.
If your dates are flexible, checking midweek in lower-demand months can significantly reduce your nightly rate.
Impact of Big Events and Conventions
In Atlanta, one big event can shift hotel prices citywide, especially near the core:
- Large conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
- Big games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
- Popular festivals and citywide events
On those dates, even budget or mid-range hotels in the area can price more like upscale properties. If you’re local and hosting family, it’s worth checking the city’s major event calendars to avoid surprise surges.
Weeknights vs. Weekends
Business-heavy areas (Buckhead, Perimeter, some Midtown hotels):
- Can be more expensive Monday–Thursday and a bit cheaper on weekends.
Leisure and event-focused areas (Downtown near attractions, airport during holidays, stadium areas):
- Often spike on Friday–Saturday and during major events.
Comparing a few different patterns (e.g., Thursday–Sunday vs. Saturday–Monday) sometimes reveals lower nightly averages.
Taxes, Fees, and What You Actually Pay
Hotel Taxes in Atlanta
When budgeting, don’t forget that your final bill will be higher than the quoted nightly rate due to:
- State and local sales taxes
- Hotel/motel taxes
- Possible city or county lodging fees
In practice, this often adds roughly 15–20% to your base room rate, though the exact total can vary by location and property.
For example:
- Base rate: $200 per night
- Estimated taxes/fees (approx. 15–20%): $30–$40
- Estimated total:$230–$240 per night
Always check the “total with taxes and fees” when comparing options, especially for multi-night stays.
Common Extra Fees in Atlanta Hotels
On top of room rate and taxes, you may see:
Parking fees (especially in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead):
- Often $20–$45 per night for self or valet parking
Resort or destination fees:
- Some properties charge a daily amenity fee that covers things like Wi‑Fi, gym access, or local “perks.”
Pet fees:
- If you’re bringing a pet, hotels may charge a nightly or one-time cleaning fee.
If you’re local and driving in from the metro area, parking costs can be the biggest “hidden” factor in your total nightly cost.
Comparing Hotel Types: What You Get for Your Money
The same base price can feel very different depending on the kind of hotel you choose.
Budget Hotels and Motels (About $80–$140 per Night)
You’ll generally find these:
- Near the airport, outer suburbs, or along major highways
- With basic rooms and fewer amenities
- Sometimes with free parking and breakfast
Best for:
- Road trips, short stays, people who prioritize price over location/amenities.
Mid-Range Hotels (About $150–$230 per Night)
Common in:
- Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Cumberland and around the airport
Often include:
- Comfortable rooms, on-site fitness centers, business services
- Sometimes a bar or restaurant, but not always full luxury offerings
Best for:
- Most family vacations, business trips, and city visits where you want comfort and a good location without a luxury price tag.
Upscale and Luxury Hotels ($260–$450+ per Night)
Primarily in:
- Downtown (near Centennial Olympic Park)
- Midtown
- Buckhead
You’re paying for:
- Larger rooms, higher-end finishes
- More personalized service, on-site dining, often spa or upscale amenities
- Prime locations and views
Best for:
- Special occasions, important business trips, or travelers who value high-touch service and amenities.
Quick Reference: Typical Nightly Hotel Costs in Atlanta
| Area / Type | Typical Nightly Range (Before Taxes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (core attractions) | $180–$280 | Higher for major events and conventions |
| Midtown | $190–$300 | Central, walkable, arts and nightlife |
| Buckhead | $180–$280+ | Business and upscale shopping; luxury can exceed $400 |
| Airport / College Park | $100–$170 | Often the best value, farther from attractions |
| Perimeter / Cumberland | $130–$200 | Good for business and longer stays |
| Budget hotels/motels citywide | $80–$140 | More basic, often outside the core |
| Luxury hotels | $260–$450+ | Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead |
Actual prices vary by date, availability, and specific property.
How Locals Often Save on Hotel Costs in Atlanta
If you live in the metro area and are planning a staycation or hosting visitors, a few Atlanta-specific strategies can help:
Avoid major event dates near your target area
- Check schedules for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Georgia World Congress Center.
- Shifting your dates by even one weekend can drop nightly rates significantly.
Consider slightly outside the core
- For events downtown, compare prices in Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter and factor in MARTA or rideshare costs.
- Sometimes a short train or car ride saves more than staying right next to the venue.
Check parking details before you book
- In central areas, parking can add $20–$45 per night.
- If you’re driving from the suburbs, a hotel with lower or included parking can make a big difference.
Look at extended-stay options for multi-night family visits
- In areas like Cumberland, Perimeter, or Sandy Springs, kitchenettes and more space can offset higher nightly rates by reducing dining costs.
If You Need General Travel Help in Atlanta
For broader visitor information (including attractions, transportation, and general travel guidance in the city), you can contact:
City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment & Tourism
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000
While this office doesn’t book hotels, it’s a starting point for official city resources and tourism information if you’re planning a visit or hosting guests.
In everyday terms, most visitors to Atlanta should plan on around $170–$230 per night for a standard, centrally located hotel, with higher or lower options depending on location, timing, and amenities. Factoring in taxes, parking, and fees upfront will give you the most realistic picture of what your stay will actually cost.