Best Western Options in Downtown Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re searching for “Best Western Atlanta GA Downtown,” you’re probably trying to figure out whether there’s a Best Western hotel right in downtown Atlanta and what your best options are nearby.
Here’s how it works in Atlanta, what’s actually close to downtown, and how to decide where to stay based on what you’re doing in the city.
Is There a Best Western in Downtown Atlanta?
As of the most recent information available, there is not a flagship Best Western-branded hotel directly in the heart of Downtown Atlanta in the same way you’d find major convention-center hotels along Peachtree Street, near State Farm Arena, or by the Georgia World Congress Center.
However, there are Best Western family properties (including Best Western, Best Western Plus, and Best Western Premier) in the greater Atlanta area that are:
- A short drive or ride-share from downtown
- Convenient to major interstates that connect quickly to central Atlanta
- Often more budget-friendly than some of the large convention hotels downtown
If you’re flexible about being a few miles outside the strict downtown core, you can usually find a Best Western that still works well for:
- Business trips with meetings downtown
- Concerts, games, and events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Tourist visits to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame
Understanding “Downtown” vs. “Near Downtown” in Atlanta
Atlanta locals think about the city in clusters, not just “downtown” in a strict sense. When you’re picking a Best Western, it helps to understand these key areas:
H2: The Downtown Core
This is the area around:
- Peachtree Center
- Georgia World Congress Center
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Centennial Olympic Park
Staying inside this zone usually means:
- Higher room rates, especially during conventions or big events
- Being within walking distance of many major attractions
- Heavier traffic and higher parking fees
Best Western generally has more presence in adjacent neighborhoods or along major corridors that lead into this area rather than right in the middle of downtown.
H2: Nearby Areas Where You’re More Likely to Find Best Western Properties
You’re more likely to find a Best Western in or near:
- Midtown – just north of downtown, accessible by MARTA rail and major streets
- Buckhead – a bit farther north, more upscale, heavy on shopping and dining
- Airport / College Park / Hapeville – south of downtown, near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – along GA-400 and I-285, more suburban, business-heavy
- I-75 / I-85 / I-20 corridors – convenient for people driving into Atlanta
From these areas, you can usually reach downtown Atlanta in about 10–25 minutes by car in normal traffic, sometimes faster by MARTA rail from Midtown or Buckhead.
How to Choose the Best Western That Works Like “Downtown” for Your Trip
Because Atlanta is so spread out, the key is to match your Best Western choice to:
- What you’re doing in the city
- Whether you have a car
- How comfortable you are with transit or ride-shares
H3: If You’re Visiting Downtown Attractions
If your focus is on:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- College Football Hall of Fame
- CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park
You’ll want a location that offers:
- Fast access via I-75/85 or MARTA
- Reasonable parking if you’re driving
- Early check-in or baggage storage if you’re going straight to attractions
Look for Best Western locations that mention “close to downtown”, “near I-75/85,” or reference Centennial Park / Georgia Aquarium in their area description. Even if they’re not technically downtown, a 10–15 minute drive or MARTA ride may be all you need.
H3: If You’re Attending a Game or Concert
Downtown stadiums and arenas include:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, major concerts
- State Farm Arena – Hawks games, concerts, events
- Events at the Georgia World Congress Center
For these, your biggest concerns are usually:
- Traffic and parking around event time
- Getting out of the area safely and efficiently afterward
A Best Western just outside downtown can be a smart choice because:
- You can avoid the most congested core streets
- Ride-shares may be easier and sometimes cheaper than parking at the venue
- You avoid noise and crowd spillover immediately outside the stadiums
Location descriptions that mention “west of downtown,” “near I-20,” or “near Georgia Dome / Mercedes-Benz Stadium” can be good signs that you’re close enough without being in the thick of everything.
H3: If You’re on a Business Trip to Downtown Atlanta
If your meetings are in downtown office towers or government buildings such as:
- Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
- State of Georgia government offices near Capitol Hill
- Corporate offices around Peachtree Center
You might balance between:
- A strict downtown hotel (walkable but more expensive)
- A near-downtown Best Western with easy MARTA or freeway access
Key things to look for when picking a Best Western for business:
- Business center access – printing, scanning, workspace
- Reliable Wi‑Fi – often highlighted in hotel descriptions
- Proximity to MARTA stations if you prefer to avoid driving/parking downtown
- Early breakfast hours if you’re heading into meetings first thing in the morning
Getting From a Best Western to Downtown Atlanta: Transportation Tips
Even if your Best Western isn’t technically downtown, it’s often straightforward to get into the city center.
H2: Using MARTA (Atlanta’s Rail and Bus System)
MARTA is often the simplest way to get into Downtown Atlanta during busy times.
Key downtown rail stations:
- Five Points Station – central hub, connects all rail lines, short walk to government offices
- Peachtree Center Station – close to hotels, offices, and Peachtree Street attractions
- Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Station – for stadiums and Centennial Olympic Park
If your Best Western is within walking distance or a short ride from a MARTA rail station, you can often:
- Ride directly into downtown
- Avoid parking fees near major venues
- Skip heavy game-day or rush-hour traffic
H2: Driving and Parking Considerations
If you’re driving from a Best Western into downtown:
- Plan extra time around weekday rush hours:
- Morning: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
- Evening: roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.
- Many downtown garages and lots are card-only and may charge event pricing for big games and concerts.
- Some visitors prefer to park near an outlying MARTA station (for example, a station in Midtown or along the North-South line) and ride the train in the rest of the way.
Most Best Western locations along the interstates will highlight free or lower-cost parking, which can significantly cut your overall trip costs compared with staying in the downtown core.
What to Look For in a Best Western Near Downtown Atlanta
Regardless of the exact location, there are certain features that are especially useful in the Atlanta area.
H2: Location Checklist
When evaluating Best Western properties around Atlanta, pay attention to:
- Distance to Downtown Atlanta:
- How many miles?
- Estimated drive time in normal conditions?
- Access to Major Highways:
- I‑75 / I‑85 (Downtown Connector)
- I‑20
- I‑285 (Perimeter)
- Access to Transit:
- Is there a MARTA station nearby?
- Nearby Amenities:
- Restaurants, gas stations, pharmacies, and convenience stores
H2: Amenities That Matter in Atlanta’s Climate and Layout
Because Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and traffic-heavy year-round, certain amenities can make your stay more comfortable:
- On-site or nearby dining so you’re not always driving for food
- Complimentary breakfast if you want to head into downtown without detours
- Pool and fitness center for unwinding after a long day out
- Shuttles (some airport-area hotels may offer transfers to MARTA or the airport)
Look closely at individual property descriptions to see which of these are available.
Approximate Area Comparison for “Near Downtown” Best Western Stays
Below is a general comparison of common areas where Best Western properties may be located relative to downtown Atlanta. This is not a list of specific hotels, but a way to understand trade-offs by area.
| Area (Approximate) | Typical Drive to Downtown* | Vibe / Use Case | What It’s Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport / College Park | 10–20 minutes via I‑85 | Near ATL, more budget options | Late flights, early departures, quick downtown visits |
| Midtown / Near-Midtown | 5–15 minutes or MARTA | Urban, artsy, close to downtown & nightlife | Mix of business + leisure |
| Buckhead / North Atlanta | 15–25 minutes or MARTA | Upscale, shopping, dining | Longer stays, business trips, shopping |
| I‑20 / West or East Side | 10–25 minutes via I‑20 | More residential/suburban | Driving to games or downtown attractions |
| I‑285 / Perimeter area | 20–35 minutes via interstates | Suburban, business parks, malls | Road trips, regional business travel |
*Drive times are general ranges and can vary widely with Atlanta traffic.
Safety and Practical Tips for Staying Near Downtown
Whether you’re staying downtown or a few miles away at a Best Western, a few common-sense tips help:
- Check parking details – Is it free, gated, or in a shared lot?
- Ask the front desk about local traffic patterns, best routes, and any areas to avoid walking after dark.
- If you’re staying near the airport or along major interstates, be aware of:
- Road noise
- Busy intersections
- Heavier truck traffic
For events downtown, many visitors from across the region stay in nearby perimeter hotels, including Best Western properties, and then drive or take MARTA into the city center.
Helpful Local Contacts and Information
For questions that go beyond your hotel itself, these Atlanta-area resources can help:
Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 521‑6600
– Provides visitor guides, maps, and general information about downtown attractions and events.MARTA Customer Service
2424 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Main phone: (404) 848‑5000
– Offers route, fare, and schedule information to help you plan travel between your Best Western and downtown.City of Atlanta Information Line (via Atlanta City Hall)
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main switchboard: (404) 330‑6000
– Can direct you to departments responsible for parking, downtown events, or public services that may affect travel plans.
How to Decide Quickly
If you’re trying to make a fast decision on a Best Western near downtown Atlanta, use this simple approach:
Define your priority:
- Walking distance to attractions?
- Lowest price with a reasonable commute?
- Quick access to the airport plus downtown?
Look for Best Western locations that:
- Mention “Atlanta” or “near downtown Atlanta” in their description
- Are along I‑75/85, I‑20, or near MARTA
Check estimated travel time to your main downtown destination (stadium, office, attraction) during the times you’ll actually be traveling.
Confirm amenities that matter for your trip: parking, Wi‑Fi, breakfast, and any shuttle services.
By understanding how Best Western properties fit into Atlanta’s layout, you can pick a hotel that feels “close enough to downtown” for your needs—without overpaying or making your daily travel more complicated than it has to be.