Best Western Airport East in Atlanta: What To Know Before You Book

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and looking for a convenient place to stay on the east side of the airport, a property marketed as “Best Western Airport East Atlanta” is typically referring to a Best Western–branded hotel located within a short drive of ATL, on the eastern or southeastern side of the metro area.

Because hotel branding and naming can change over time, it helps to understand the general layout, nearby areas, and what you can expect from an “airport east” hotel in Atlanta—especially if you live locally and need a park-and-fly night, or you’re visiting and want a simple, airport-focused stay.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-specific guide to help you navigate location, transportation, typical amenities, and alternatives on the east side of the airport.

Where “Airport East” Is Around ATL

Hartsfield–Jackson sits at the southern edge of Atlanta, surrounded by several cities and neighborhoods. When you see “Airport East” in a hotel name or description, it usually points to:

• East Point (north and northeast of the airport)
• Portions of College Park and Hapeville (northeast and east of ATL)
• Areas along I-75 on the eastern side of the airfield
• Occasionally locations a bit farther out in Forest Park or Morrow

Many airport hotels in this general zone will advertise:

• Shuttle access to ATL (often to the Domestic Terminal, sometimes to the International Terminal upon request)
• Short driving times to Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Decatur, especially outside of rush hour
• Fast access to major roads: I-75, I-85, I-285, and Camp Creek Parkway

If you’re specifically searching for “Best Western Airport East Atlanta,” you’ll usually be dealing with a Best Western–branded hotel located within roughly 5–10 miles of the airport on its eastern side, rather than inside the airport itself.

Typical Location & Access Details

While exact addresses vary by property, here’s what you can typically expect from a Best Western–style “Airport East” hotel near ATL:

Driving Distance & Approximate Access

• To ATL Domestic Terminal: Often about 5–15 minutes by car, depending on exact location and traffic.
• To ATL International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal): Typically 10–20 minutes by car from the east side.
• To Downtown Atlanta: Around 15–25 minutes in light traffic via I-75/85 North.
• To Midtown Atlanta: Expect 20–30 minutes, again depending on congestion.
• To Decatur / East Atlanta Village: Travel time can range from 20–30 minutes.

If you’re driving yourself, the main interstate routes you’re likely to use include:

• I-75 / I-85 (Downtown Connector) going north to Downtown/Midtown.
• I-285 East connecting to I-20 and the eastern suburbs.
• I-75 South if you’re headed to Forest Park, Morrow, or Stockbridge.

Getting Between the Hotel and the Airport

Most airport-focused hotels near ATL provide some form of shuttle service, but the specifics differ by property. When you’re considering a Best Western “Airport East” option, it helps to confirm:

1. Shuttle Availability

Common patterns among ATL airport hotels:

• Shuttles run to the Domestic Terminal only, usually to the Ground Transportation area.
• Schedules may be every 30 minutes or hourly during peak times, with reduced service late at night or early morning.
• Some properties require you to call the front desk for pickup from the airport.

🔎 Tip: If you have a very early morning flight, ask the hotel directly:

• What time the first shuttle departs.
• How long the trip to ATL usually takes at that hour.
• Whether you need to reserve a spot on the shuttle.

2. Using MARTA Instead

If a given Best Western location isn’t right at a train station, you can still often combine hotel shuttle + MARTA:

• Many airport hotels shuttle guests to the ATL Domestic Terminal, which connects directly to the Airport MARTA Station (inside the terminal).
• From there, you can take the Red or Gold line north to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points, Peachtree Center)
  • Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center)
  • Buckhead and beyond

This can be useful if you’re staying near the airport but want to explore the city without a rental car.

Typical Amenities at a Best Western–Style Airport East Hotel

While each property is different, travelers in the Atlanta airport area often find a similar core set of amenities at mid-range airport hotels. A Best Western–branded “Airport East” property commonly offers:

• Free Wi‑Fi throughout the hotel
• Complimentary breakfast (often continental or hot buffet–style)
• On-site parking, possibly with short-term or long-term park-and-fly options
• Airport shuttle (check hours and conditions)
• Fitness room and sometimes a seasonal outdoor pool
• Business center with printing and basic office services
• Guest laundry (coin or card-operated machines)
• In-room basics like a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and flat-screen TV

Because these are general patterns, it’s wise to call the specific hotel to confirm any must-have features, especially if you need:

• Accessible rooms with specific layouts
• Pet-friendly accommodations
• EV charging or large-vehicle parking
• Meeting room space for small business gatherings near the airport

Quick Snapshot: What You Can Usually Expect

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods & What They Offer

Staying “airport east” means you’re close to ATL but still within reach of several interesting parts of metro Atlanta.

East Point, College Park & Hapeville

These communities border the airport and often host airport hotels:

• East Point:

  • Residential areas mixed with light commercial.
  • Access to the East Point MARTA Station (North–South line).
  • Some local restaurants and shopping.

• College Park:

  • Home to parts of Georgia International Convention Center and the SkyTrain to the airport.
  • Several airport-oriented hotels and chain restaurants.

• Hapeville:

  • A small city directly east of ATL.
  • Known for its historic downtown, public art, and a few local dining options.

If you stay at a Best Western–style airport east property, you’ll typically be just a short ride from at least one of these areas.

For Atlanta Residents: Using an Airport East Hotel for Park-and-Fly

If you live in the Atlanta area, you may look at an “Airport East” Best Western as a pre-flight stop the night before travel, especially for early or international departures.

Here’s how locals often approach it:

1. Check park-and-fly offers
   Some airport hotels near ATL offer packages that include parking for several days if you stay one night.

   • Ask about total parking duration, any per-day fees, and whether your car stays on-site.

2. Plan around Atlanta traffic

   • Morning rush hours on I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285 can be significant.
   • By overnighting near the airport, you reduce the risk of being stuck far away when it’s time to check in.

3. Confirm shuttle reliability

   • Verify the first and last shuttle times that fit your flight schedule.
   • Ask what happens if a shuttle is full—will you be guaranteed a spot on the next one?

4. Compare with ATL’s own parking

   • Many local travelers compare hotel park-and-fly with ATL’s official parking options or nearby private lots.
   • Consider not just cost, but also convenience and shuttle frequency.

For Visitors: Balancing Airport Convenience with City Access

If you’re visiting Atlanta and your primary goal is easy access to the airport, staying at a Best Western–branded “Airport East” property can be practical. Just weigh it against how much time you plan to spend elsewhere in the city.

When Airport East Makes Sense

You may find this area a good fit if:

• You have very early or very late flights.
• You’re in town mainly for a meeting near the airport or a short layover.
• Your priority is budget and convenience more than nightlife or walkable sightseeing.

From an airport east hotel, you can still reach major attractions like:

• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola in Downtown
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Ponce City Market, BeltLine Eastside Trail, and Midtown museums

Using MARTA from the airport or a rideshare/taxi often simplifies the trip if you don’t want to drive yourself.

When You Might Prefer Another Area

If you plan to spend most of your time exploring neighborhoods like:

• Midtown (Piedmont Park, cultural institutions)
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park (BeltLine, food and nightlife)
• Decatur (walkable downtown with shops and restaurants)

you may prefer to stay more central. However, if you’ve already booked an airport east hotel, you can still visit these areas using MARTA or rideshares, just with longer travel times.

Practical Tips for Booking a Best Western “Airport East” in Atlanta

Because specific hotel branding and names can change:

1. Confirm the exact address

   • Make sure the hotel is indeed on the east or southeast side of ATL if that’s important for your plans.
   • Check travel time to both your departure terminal and any Atlanta neighborhoods you want to visit.

2. Call the front desk directly

   • Ask about shuttle service, parking, breakfast hours, and any fees.
   • If you rely on specific amenities (accessible rooms, pet policies), verify those details in advance.

3. Check how you’ll get to and from MARTA

   • If you plan to use public transit, confirm whether the hotel has a shuttle to ATL or a nearby MARTA station, or if you’ll need a short rideshare ride to connect.

4. Plan around peak times at ATL

   • Hartsfield–Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the country, so allow extra buffer time even if your hotel is close by—especially during holidays, Mondays, and Fridays.

Key Takeaways for Travelers in Atlanta

• A hotel called “Best Western Airport East Atlanta” is generally a Best Western–branded property near the eastern side of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, not inside the airport itself.
• These hotels are designed for airport convenience: short shuttles, easy interstate access, and core amenities like Wi‑Fi, breakfast, and parking.
• For Atlanta residents, they can serve as a park-and-fly base before early flights.
• For visitors, they offer a practical, airport-centered stay while still keeping you within reach of Downtown, Midtown, and other major Atlanta neighborhoods by car, MARTA, or rideshare.

Understanding these patterns will help you match an “Airport East” Best Western–style hotel to your specific Atlanta travel needs, whether you’re flying out, flying in, or just looking for a straightforward stay near ATL.