Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East: What to Know Before You Book Near ATL

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and need a convenient place to stay, the Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East is one of the recognizable airport hotel options on the south side of metro Atlanta. This guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into the Atlanta travel landscape, and practical tips for locals and visitors using ATL.

Where Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East Is Located

General area:
Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East is in the Hapeville / East Point / Airport East corridor, just east of the airport along the I‑75/I‑85 and Virginia Avenue / Old Dixie Highway area. This is a busy zone filled with:

  • Airport hotels
  • Park-and-fly style parking lots
  • Fast-food and casual restaurants
  • Gas stations and quick-stop services

Distance from Hartsfield–Jackson

The hotel is typically:

  • About 5–10 minutes by car or shuttle to ATL, depending on traffic
  • On the east side of the airport, convenient for both Domestic and International terminals via airport roadways or I‑75

For travelers:

  • Early morning flights: Staying here can cut down on rush-hour stress from other parts of Atlanta.
  • Late arrivals: It’s close enough that you can usually get from baggage claim to your room in a short ride, if shuttle or rideshare timing cooperates.

Getting Between the Hotel and Atlanta Airport

Airport Shuttle Options

Many ATL-area hotels near the airport offer some form of shuttle. For Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East, it’s common to see:

  • Scheduled shuttle routes to and from the airport
  • Pickups at designated hotel shuttle areas at the Domestic Terminal
  • Limited overnight schedules (for very late or very early flights, you may need a taxi or rideshare)

To use a shuttle efficiently:

  1. Ask the front desk (by phone or at check-in) for the current shuttle schedule.
  2. Clarify which terminal and which door / shuttle island it serves.
  3. Build in extra time for traffic, especially during weekday mornings and late afternoons.

If shuttle service isn’t available at the time you need:

  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is widely used at ATL with designated pickup zones.
  • Traditional taxis line up outside the terminal.
  • Rental cars are handled through the ATL Rental Car Center, a short SkyTrain ride from the Domestic Terminal.

Driving Directions in Atlanta Terms

If you’re coming from around the city:

  • From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta:

    • Head south on I‑75/85
    • Follow signs toward Hartsfield–Jackson Airport
    • Transition toward I‑75 South / Airport East and follow surface roads toward the Virginia Avenue / Old Dixie Highway area.
  • From the eastern suburbs (Decatur, Lithonia, Conyers):

    • Take I‑285 South toward the airport
    • Connect to I‑75 North briefly and exit toward the airport east hotel corridor.
  • From the south side (Fayetteville, Jonesboro, McDonough):

    • Take I‑75 North toward Atlanta
    • Exit near the airport east / Hapeville hotel zone.

Always factor in:

  • Peak traffic hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays)
  • Potential delays on I‑75/85 through Downtown

Rooms, Amenities, and What Travelers Usually Look For

While specifics can vary by date and renovation cycle, airport hotels like Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East typically focus on short-stay convenience rather than resort-style features.

Typical Room Features

You can usually expect:

  • Standard rooms with one king or two queen beds
  • In-room basics like TV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker
  • Work-friendly touches such as a small desk and Wi‑Fi
  • Interior corridors, which many guests prefer for security and noise control

If you’re an Atlanta local planning a quick overnight before a flight, check for:

  • Early check-in / late check-out fees and policies
  • Crib or rollaway availability if you’re traveling with kids
  • Pet policy, especially if you’re bringing a dog and need to coordinate with your airline rules

Common On-Site Amenities

Airport hotels in this corridor often include:

  • Breakfast area: Some offer complimentary breakfast; confirm current details and hours.
  • Fitness room: Typically modest but functional for basic workouts.
  • Pool: Often seasonal and more for relaxation than lap swimming.
  • Business corner: Printers and computers for printing boarding passes and basic tasks.
  • Parking: On-site parking for hotel guests; ask about parking fees and whether park-and-fly style stays are allowed.

For ATL travelers, the key questions to ask when you call:

  • Is parking included in the room rate or charged daily?
  • Can I leave my car here while I travel? If so, how many days and at what cost?
  • Is the shuttle included in any park-and-fly package?

Quick Snapshot: Best for Which Types of Travelers?

Traveler TypeWhy This Kind of Airport Hotel Can Work Well
Early morning flyersShort ride to ATL, avoids I‑75/85 rush-hour from farther suburbs.
Late-night arrivalsEasy place to crash before heading into the city the next day.
Atlanta locals on long tripsPotential park-and-fly options and reduced pre-flight stress.
Business travelersStable Wi‑Fi, basic workspace, quick access to airport meetings.
Road-trippers passing throughConvenient off the interstate with quick food and fuel options nearby.

Using the Hotel as a Base for Visiting Atlanta

While this hotel is optimized for airport convenience, you can still reach many Atlanta attractions with some planning.

Getting Into the City

You have three main options:

  1. Rideshare / Taxi

    • Door-to-door convenience to Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
    • Costs more than transit but can be efficient, especially for multiple people.
  2. Drive Yourself

    • If you have a car, Downtown is usually around 15–25 minutes away in lighter traffic.
    • You’ll need to budget for parking at major attractions and in business districts.
  3. MARTA Rail (via the Airport)

    • The Airport Station (MARTA Red/Gold Lines) is directly attached to the Domestic Terminal.
    • You can take a hotel shuttle or rideshare to the airport, then ride MARTA to stops such as:
      • Five Points for Downtown
      • Peachtree Center for hotels and some offices
      • Midtown for arts and dining
      • Buckhead for shopping and corporate offices

This combo (shuttle + MARTA) can be especially useful if you want to avoid driving and parking in the city.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions Within Reach

From Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East, you’re relatively close to:

  • Delta Flight Museum (near the airport) – Aviation history and aircraft exhibits.
  • Downtown Atlanta – Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, SkyView Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park.
  • College Park Main Street – Local restaurants and small-town main street feel close to the airport.
  • Hapeville arts area – Murals, small galleries, and local eateries.

For a short layover or one-night stay, these can be realistic side trips if you factor in transport time and ATL traffic.

Safety, Noise, and What Locals Commonly Consider

Noise Considerations

Being near ATL, you should expect:

  • Aircraft noise, especially depending on runway usage and wind direction
  • Interstate traffic noise if your room faces major roads

To manage this:

  • Ask the hotel if airport-facing or road-facing rooms tend to be louder or quieter.
  • Consider using white noise apps or earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound.
  • Higher floors sometimes experience less street noise, though aircraft noise can be similar across levels.

General Area Awareness

The airport hotel corridor is:

  • Busy and commercial, with heavy traffic and a lot of turnaround business
  • Oriented toward short stays and transit, not walkable neighborhood charm

Common-sense tips many locals follow around ATL airport hotels:

  • Park in well-lit areas and remove valuables from your vehicle.
  • Use hotel room safes for passports and smaller electronics if available.
  • When walking to nearby restaurants, stay on main, well-lit routes—especially at night—and consider driving even short distances if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Parking, Park-and-Fly, and Local Logistics

For Atlanta residents, one big question is whether to:

  • Park directly at Hartsfield–Jackson (Domestic or International decks / Economy lots), or
  • Use hotel park-and-fly packages to leave your car at a nearby hotel.

At a place like Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East, it’s worth asking:

  • Do you offer multi-day parking for guests while they’re traveling?
  • Is there a special rate that bundles one night of stay plus X days of parking?
  • How often does the airport shuttle run, and how early/late?

Compare this to:

  • ATL on-site parking: Closer to the terminal but often more expensive per day.
  • Off-airport parking lots: Frequently cheaper with their own shuttles, but not overnight lodging.

For long trips from Atlanta, a hotel night plus several days of parking can sometimes make sense if it’s close in cost to airport parking and saves you a very early morning drive.

Accessibility and Special Requests

If you or a family member needs specific accommodations:

  • Ask about accessible rooms (roll-in showers, wider doorways, lower fixtures).
  • Confirm elevator access to all floors.
  • For medical equipment or mobility aids, ask whether the hotel can help store supplies or assist with delivery coordination.

If you’re connecting through ATL’s accessible services, keep in mind:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson offers wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and support for passengers with disabilities; requests are usually arranged through the airline.
  • Staying near the airport can ease logistics if you have complex medical or mobility needs and want minimal travel time on departure or arrival days.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Stay Near ATL

A few Atlanta-specific pointers:

  • Build in buffer time: I‑75/85 near the airport and Downtown is prone to congestion. Give yourself extra travel time to catch flights or head into the city.
  • Ask about terminal specifics: If you’re flying internationally, check whether the hotel shuttle runs directly to the International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal) or if you’ll transfer from Domestic.
  • Plan meals realistically: The area has many quick-service spots. If you want a more “Atlanta” dining experience, you’ll likely need to drive a bit—into College Park, Hapeville, or Downtown.
  • Confirm early/late services: For red-eye or dawn flights, verify shuttle hours, breakfast timing, and front desk staffing so you know what will actually be available.

Staying at Best Western Plus Atlanta Airport East places you firmly in Atlanta’s busy airport hub, making it a practical choice if your top priority is quick access to Hartsfield–Jackson, straightforward parking, and basic amenities. For locals and visitors alike, understanding the layout of ATL, nearby roads, and transportation options will help you use this location smoothly as part of your broader Atlanta travel plans.