Element Atlanta Perimeter Center: What to Know About This Atlanta Hotel Hub
If you spend time on Atlanta’s north side—whether you live in the city, commute to the Perimeter for work, or are visiting from out of town—Element Atlanta Perimeter Center is one of the better-known modern hotel options in the area. It sits in the Perimeter Center district near Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, a major hub for offices, shopping, dining, and medical centers.
This guide walks through what Element Atlanta Perimeter Center is like, how it fits into the surrounding neighborhood, and what Atlanta-area visitors and residents should know before booking or recommending it.
Where Element Atlanta Perimeter Center Is Located
Element Atlanta Perimeter Center is in the Perimeter business district, just outside the northern edge of the City of Atlanta limits, but still very much part of the metro Atlanta experience.
General area highlights:
- Near the intersection of I-285 and GA-400
- Close to Perimeter Mall (major retail and dining hub)
- Convenient to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody corporate offices
- Within a short drive of several major Atlanta medical centers in the Perimeter area
If you’re familiar with Atlanta’s layout, think of Perimeter Center as one of the main “edge city” districts, similar in importance to Midtown or Buckhead, but focused more on offices and large shopping complexes.
Who Element Atlanta Perimeter Center Works Well For
Element Atlanta Perimeter Center is generally designed around:
- Business travelers working at nearby offices in Perimeter Center, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs
- Short- and extended-stay guests who want suite-style rooms or kitchenettes
- Families visiting relatives in nearby hospitals or staying outside central Atlanta
- Visitors who prefer a quieter base outside of downtown but still want MARTA access and highway connectivity
Because the hotel is surrounded by offices and retail rather than nightlife, it tends to be a better fit if you:
- Have meetings in the Perimeter or Central Perimeter area
- Want quick access to I-285 and GA-400 for driving all over metro Atlanta
- Appreciate newer, minimal, and eco-conscious-style accommodations over historic or boutique hotels in the urban core
Getting To and From Element Atlanta Perimeter Center
Atlanta traffic is a major factor in any lodging decision, especially near Perimeter where I-285 can back up heavily during rush hours.
By Car
The hotel is typically reached via:
- I-285 (the “Perimeter” interstate encircling Atlanta)
- GA-400 (north–south highway linking Perimeter, Buckhead, and I-85)
From central Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown):
- Expect roughly 20–35 minutes by car depending on traffic
- Peak congestion is common on I-285 east–west and GA-400 north–south during morning and evening rush hours
If you’re staying at Element while visiting multiple parts of metro Atlanta, the location is practical because:
- You can head east/west on I-285 to get toward Decatur, Stone Mountain, Vinings, or Smyrna
- You can head south on GA-400 toward Buckhead and Midtown
- You can connect to major interstates like I-75 and I-85 without cutting directly through local streets in town
By MARTA
For visitors who prefer public transit, the hotel is near MARTA’s Red Line:
- The closest major stations are Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Medical Center
- These stations connect directly to Buckhead, Midtown, Arts Center, and Downtown stations without transfers
Typical pattern for guests:
- Take the MARTA Red Line from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to a Perimeter-area station.
- Use a rideshare or hotel shuttle (if available) for the short trip between the station and the hotel.
If you plan to rely on MARTA instead of renting a car, check how you’ll get from the station to the hotel, especially later at night or with luggage.
What the Rooms and Amenities Are Typically Like
Element properties are generally designed around modern, clean lines and extended-stay-friendly rooms. While individual details can change over time, guests at Element Atlanta Perimeter Center can usually expect:
Room Features
- Studio-style and suite-style layouts
- Kitchenettes or full kitchens in many rooms (with a small fridge, microwave, and basic cookware)
- Emphasis on natural light and functional workspaces
- Design that leans minimal and contemporary, rather than traditional or ornate
This style suits:
- Business travelers who need a comfortable workspace
- Guests staying several nights or more
- Families who prefer to cook some meals instead of eating out for every meal
On-Property Amenities
While exact offerings can vary, Element properties typically include:
- Fitness center with basic cardio and strength equipment
- Breakfast options, often with simple, health-focused selections
- Lobby/lounge areas suited to working or relaxing
- Wi-Fi in rooms and common areas
Some Element locations also feature:
- Outdoor seating/patio areas
- Guest laundry facilities
- Small convenience market or pantry-style shop for snacks and essentials
For an Atlanta stay, these amenities are useful if you plan to:
- Work remotely from your room or lobby
- Stay on a workout routine without seeking an external gym
- Minimize extra trips out into traffic for quick snacks or simple items
How Element Atlanta Perimeter Center Fits into the Perimeter Neighborhood
The Perimeter Center district is one of metro Atlanta’s main suburban-urban hybrids: dense with offices, major retailers, and chain restaurants, but not as walkable or nightlife-focused as Midtown or Downtown.
Nearby Attractions and Essentials
Around Element Atlanta Perimeter Center, you’ll typically find:
- Perimeter Mall
- A large regional mall with national retailers, restaurants, and services
- Chain and local restaurants
- Ranging from fast-casual to sit-down dining
- Grocery and big-box stores
- Helpful if you’re using in-room kitchens
- Medical facilities
- The “Pill Hill” area around Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital, Northside Hospital Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
This cluster of services makes the hotel especially practical for:
- Families with medical appointments nearby
- Business visitors who want to stay near offices but still have plenty of food and shopping options
Walkability and Getting Around Locally
Perimeter Center has pockets of walkability, especially around newer mixed-use developments, but many areas still function like a traditional office-and-retail suburb:
- Sidewalks are present in most places, but crossings and distances can feel car-oriented
- Many guests still rely on rideshare services or personal vehicles for short distances
- Traffic at major intersections can be heavy during lunch and rush-hour periods
If walking is a priority for you, look at the exact location of the hotel relative to your intended destinations in Perimeter, and check whether sidewalks and crossings are friendly for pedestrians.
Using Element Atlanta Perimeter Center as a Base to Explore Atlanta
Staying in Perimeter means you’re not in the heart of Atlanta’s main tourist districts, but you’re well-positioned to reach them by car or MARTA.
Common Destinations from Perimeter
Here’s a basic reference if you’re considering Element as a home base while exploring the city:
| Atlanta Area | Approx. Transit from Perimeter* | What It’s Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Buckhead | 10–20 minutes by car or MARTA Red Line | Upscale shopping, dining, nightlife |
| Midtown | 15–25 minutes by car or MARTA Red Line | Arts, museums, Piedmont Park, walkable streets |
| Downtown | 20–30 minutes by car or MARTA Red/Gold Line | State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, stadiums, attractions |
| Eastside (Inman Park, BeltLine, Old Fourth Ward) | 25–35 minutes by car | BeltLine, local restaurants, historic neighborhoods |
*Times depend heavily on traffic and time of day.
Staying at Element Atlanta Perimeter Center makes the most sense if:
- You mainly need to be in Perimeter, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Buckhead, and
- You’re willing to plan around traffic or MARTA if you want to explore Midtown and Downtown attractions.
Parking, Traffic, and Local Tips 🚗
Parking Considerations
Most Perimeter-area hotels—including modern properties like Element—typically offer on-site parking. Points to consider:
- Some hotels in this area charge nightly parking fees, especially in structured decks
- Surface parking lots may be more flexible but can fill during busy weekdays
- If you’re renting a car, factor parking costs into your total budget, especially for multi-night stays
It’s smart to confirm:
- Whether parking is complimentary or paid
- The difference between self-parking and any available valet options
- Maximum vehicle height if you’re driving a tall SUV or van into a deck
Rush Hour and Commuter Traffic
Perimeter is one of the busiest commuting nodes in metro Atlanta. To minimize frustration:
- Avoid planning long drives on I-285 or GA-400 between roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays
- If you have appointments or flights, add extra buffer time—especially if your drive involves merging onto I-285 West or GA-400 South
- Consider using MARTA for trips to Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown when feasible
When Element Atlanta Perimeter Center Is a Strong Fit
Element Atlanta Perimeter Center tends to be a good choice if you:
- Want a modern, extended-stay-friendly hotel in the Perimeter Center area
- Need convenient access to Perimeter offices, Northside/Emory St. Joseph’s medical campuses, or Perimeter Mall
- Prefer a quieter, business-focused environment rather than being in the middle of nightlife districts
- Plan to use MARTA’s Red Line or drive across metro Atlanta using the I-285/GA-400 interchange
It may be less ideal if your main goal is to:
- Walk out the door into Midtown or Downtown nightlife
- Spend most of your time on Atlanta BeltLine trails or in-town neighborhoods without using a car
For many Atlanta-area visitors—especially business travelers, medical visitors, and families wanting extra space and kitchen amenities—Element Atlanta Perimeter Center offers a practical, comfortable base on the city’s north side with straightforward access to both the suburbs and the urban core.