The Best Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay in Every Part of the City

Atlanta’s hotel scene is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re here for a Falcons game, a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, a weekend in Midtown’s arts district, or a quick stay near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, choosing the right area and hotel style can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Below is a practical guide to the best types of hotels in Atlanta, broken down by neighborhood, style, and common needs, with a focus on what actually matters when you arrive: walkability, MARTA access, traffic, and nearby things to do.

How to Choose the Best Hotel Area in Atlanta

Before specific hotels, it helps to pick the right part of the city. Atlanta is spread out and traffic-heavy, so location matters more here than in many cities.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need to be near downtown offices, stadiums, or the convention center?
• Do I care more about nightlife, dining, and walkable neighborhoods?
• Am I focused on family attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium?
• Do I want easy MARTA access and to avoid driving?
• Do I prefer a quieter, upscale neighborhood?

Quick Area Guide

Best Hotels in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown is home to many of the best hotels in Atlanta for sightseeing and events. You can walk to Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Who Downtown Works Best For

• Travelers without a car
• Families visiting the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola
• People attending Falcons, United, or Hawks games
• Convention attendees

What to Look For in Downtown Hotels

When comparing downtown options, pay attention to:

• Distance to MARTA: Peachtree Center and Five Points stations are key.
• Walkability: If you’re near Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Andrew Young International Blvd, or Peachtree Street, you’re usually in good shape.
• On-site parking costs: Downtown rates can be high.
• Noise levels: Hotels closest to stadiums and arenas can be louder on event nights.

Many downtown hotels offer:

• Rooftop or high-floor bars with skyline views
• Business centers and multiple meeting rooms
• Direct or short-walk access to Skybridges and underground concourses near Peachtree Center

If you’re unsure, calling the front desk and asking, “How far are you from the Georgia World Congress Center or the Aquarium on foot?” gives a good real-world measure of convenience.

Best Hotels in Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is often considered the sweet spot between business-friendly and fun. It’s one of Atlanta’s most walkable districts and a strong choice if you want culture and nightlife right outside your door.

Why Midtown Is a Top Choice

• Easy access to Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the High Museum of Art
• Good MARTA coverage (Midtown and Arts Center stations)
• Plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
• Mix of upscale, boutique, and business hotels

Who Midtown Works Best For

• Travelers wanting a central location without feeling stuck in a business district
• Arts and culture lovers
• People who want to explore the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail nearby
• Professionals attending meetings along Peachtree Street

When comparing Midtown hotels, look for:

• Proximity to Piedmont Park if greenery and jogging paths matter
• Access to MARTA on foot, especially if you’re skipping a rental car
• Whether the hotel charges a “destination” or “amenity” fee

Best Hotels in Buckhead

Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale commercial and residential district, known for high-end shopping, polished office towers, and some of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

Why Buckhead Might Be Best for You

• Close to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers
• Many premium and luxury hotels
• Easier access to GA 400 and the northern suburbs
• A bit quieter at night compared to Midtown and Downtown

Ideal For

• Travelers who prioritize luxury amenities and service
• Shoppers and business travelers with meetings in north Atlanta
• Those who don’t mind using rideshare or MARTA to get to downtown attractions

Look for hotels clustered around Peachtree Road NE near the Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations if you prefer to skip driving.

Best Hotels Near the Atlanta Airport (ATL)

If you have an early flight, a long layover, or just want a stress-free connection to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, staying near the airport can be the smartest move.

Airport Hotel Areas

• Domestic Terminal area (Camp Creek Parkway / Sullivan Road / Virginia Avenue): Many familiar hotel chains, most with free airport shuttles.
• SkyTrain-connected hotels: A few hotels can be reached via the ATL SkyTrain at the Rental Car Center, avoiding road traffic.
• College Park and Hapeville: Slightly more local feel, with nearby restaurants and quick access to the airport.

What to Ask When Booking

• Does the hotel offer a 24/7 shuttle, and how often does it run?
• Where does the shuttle pick up at the airport (usually specified for North or South Terminal)?
• How long is the ride during typical rush hour?

For travelers heading into Atlanta after landing, staying one night at an airport hotel and then moving in-town via MARTA the next day can sometimes be easier than battling late-night traffic.

Best Hotels for Sports, Concerts, and Major Events

Atlanta regularly hosts NFL, MLS, NBA games, major concerts, and conventions, especially around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Best Areas for Events

• Stadium / Arena events
  • Look in Downtown close to Centennial Olympic Park, Andrew Young International Blvd, or Marietta Street.
  • Being able to walk to the game or concert can save time and parking stress.
• Georgia World Congress Center events
  • Downtown hotels along Marietta Street NW and near the CNN Center area are especially convenient.

📝 Tip: On big event days, parking lots around downtown and the stadium can fill quickly and become expensive. Choosing a hotel within walking distance, or one close to a MARTA station (like Vine City or GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center), makes the whole night easier.

Best Boutique & Neighborhood-Style Hotels in Atlanta

If you prefer a hotel that feels more local and less corporate, Atlanta has a growing selection of boutique and smaller-scale properties, especially around its in-town neighborhoods.

Areas with a More Local Vibe

• Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park
  • Close to the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market.
  • Great dining, coffee, and walkable streets.
• Virginia-Highland
  • Charming, residential, and ideal if you want a quieter, tree-lined neighborhood near Midtown and Piedmont Park.
• West Midtown / Westside Provisions District
  • Trendy, industrial-chic area with popular restaurants, shops, and loft-style conversions.

When evaluating boutique hotels:

• Check if parking is on-site or nearby (street parking can be limited).
• Look at proximity to MARTA or be prepared to rely on rideshare.
• Consider weekday vs. weekend pricing—they can fluctuate with events and demand.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta

Families visiting Atlanta usually care most about safety, convenience, and easy access to kid-friendly attractions.

Key Priorities for Families

• Walkability to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
• Rooms or suites that can comfortably fit multiple people
• On-site or nearby casual dining options
• Pool availability (especially in warmer months)

Best Areas for Families

• Downtown / Centennial Park area
  • Short walks to most major attractions, plus the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.
• Midtown
  • Great for older kids and teens who can enjoy Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and Midtown’s art museums.

📝 Tip: When traveling with children, calling the hotel directly to ask about cribs, rollaway beds, connecting rooms, and fridge/microwave availability can prevent surprises at check-in.

Best Hotels for Business Travelers in Atlanta

Business travelers in Atlanta often need reliable Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, and quick access to offices or MARTA.

Top Areas for Business Stays

• Downtown
  • Near government offices, the Georgia World Congress Center, and corporate towers.
• Midtown
  • Strong for tech, law, and corporate offices along Peachtree Street, plus co-working spaces.
• Perimeter Center / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs
  • Convenient if your meetings are in the northern suburbs; easy access via the Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs MARTA stations and GA 400.

What to Look For

• Proximity to Peachtree Center, Midtown, or Arts Center MARTA stations if you travel between meetings
• Quiet floors or business floors
• On-site meeting rooms, printing, and flexible early check-in/late check-out policies

Price Ranges and What to Expect in Atlanta Hotels

Pricing in Atlanta shifts with:

• Big events (sports playoffs, concerts, conventions)
• Weekday vs. weekend demand
• Season (spring and fall often busier)

General Price Expectations

• Budget hotels (often near the airport or further from core neighborhoods)
  • Basic rooms; check recent reviews for cleanliness and safety.
• Mid-range hotels (common in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
  • Usually good for families and business; expect Wi-Fi, on-site fitness, and standard amenities.
• Luxury hotels (mainly in Buckhead, Midtown, and select Downtown locations)
  • High-touch service, upgraded rooms, fine dining, and often spa or rooftop facilities.

Always check:

• Whether parking, Wi-Fi, and resort/destination fees are included
• The final nightly total, not just the base rate
• Cancellation policies, especially around large events

Using MARTA and Transit When Choosing a Hotel

For many visitors, staying near MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) is a major advantage, especially if you want to avoid renting a car.

Key MARTA Stations for Hotel Access

• Airport Station (ATL) – Directly inside the domestic terminal.
• Five Points (Downtown) – Hub connecting all lines; near government offices and some downtown hotels.
• Peachtree Center (Downtown) – Skybridge access to multiple hotels and Peachtree Street.
• Midtown & Arts Center (Midtown) – Walkable to a dense cluster of hotels, restaurants, and offices.
• Buckhead, Lenox, and Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (Buckhead/North Atlanta) – Reach many north-side hotels.

If MARTA access is important, confirm:

• Walking distance from the station (under 10 minutes is ideal)
• Whether the route is straightforward and well-lit if you will be walking at night

Practical Local Tips for Booking the Best Hotel in Atlanta

• Plan around traffic: If you expect to drive during rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays), staying closer to your main activities can save a lot of time.
• Check event calendars: Look up major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center. Prices in nearby hotels often spike and availability drops.
• Ask about renovations: Some Atlanta properties go through large-scale renovations; a quick call can tell you if construction noise or closed amenities might affect your stay.
• Prioritize safety and lighting: If you plan to walk at night, ask the hotel about surrounding streets, valet options, and recommended walking routes.
• Consider the BeltLine: If you want to experience Atlanta’s most popular urban trail, look for hotels near the Eastside Trail in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park, or the Westside Trail near West End and West Midtown.

By focusing first on the right neighborhood—Downtown for attractions, Midtown for culture, Buckhead for luxury, in-town neighborhoods for local character, and the Airport area for convenience—you can quickly narrow down to the best hotels in Atlanta for your specific trip, budget, and style. From there, comparing walkability, MARTA access, and total costs (including parking and fees) will usually point you to the smartest choice.