Extended Stay America in Kennesaw Town Center: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

If you’re looking for a longer-term place to stay near Atlanta—whether for work, relocation, school, or an extended visit—Extended Stay America Atlanta – Kennesaw Town Center is one of the more conveniently located options on the northwest side of the metro.

This guide walks through what to expect, who this area works best for, how it connects to Atlanta, and practical tips for making an extended stay in Kennesaw’s Town Center area work smoothly.

Where Is Extended Stay America – Kennesaw Town Center?

Extended Stay–style hotels in the Kennesaw Town Center area are clustered around:

  • Town Center at Cobb (major mall and commercial hub)
  • The I-75 corridor near the Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road exits
  • Roughly 25–30 minutes northwest of Downtown Atlanta in typical (non-rush hour) traffic

Kennesaw is in Cobb County, and the Town Center area is essentially a major shopping, dining, and employment hub for the northwest suburbs. For many Atlantans, this area is closely tied to:

  • Kennesaw State University (KSU) – Kennesaw Campus
  • Office parks and industrial areas along I-75
  • Quick access south toward Cumberland, The Battery Atlanta, and Midtown

If you’re doing business in northwest Atlanta or want something just outside the city with easy interstate access, this location is often considered a practical fit.

Who Is the Kennesaw Town Center Area Good For?

An extended stay near Town Center typically works best if you:

  • Have work or school on the northwest side
    • Kennesaw State University
    • Businesses in Kennesaw, Marietta, or near Barrett Parkway / Chastain Road
  • Want to be near I-75 for frequent drives into Atlanta, Chattanooga, or other parts of the metro
  • Prefer a suburban environment with large shopping centers, chain restaurants, and big-box stores
  • Need kitchen facilities for a multi-week or multi-month stay (common with Extended Stay America–style lodging)

It can be especially helpful if you:

  • Are relocating to Atlanta and using Kennesaw as a temporary base
  • Are on a long project at a local employer or distribution center
  • Have a student at KSU and want a place to stay during a long visit, move-in, or transition period

If your main priority is nightlife, walkability, and not needing a car, you may find Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead more convenient, but they’ll generally cost more.

Access to Atlanta: Commute & Transportation

Driving into Atlanta from Kennesaw

From the Kennesaw Town Center area, you’re mainly using I-75 South to reach Atlanta:

  • To Downtown Atlanta:

    • Typically 25–30 minutes without heavy traffic
    • Can extend to 45–60 minutes or more during morning (southbound) and evening (northbound) rush hours
  • To Midtown Atlanta:

    • Often a similar or slightly shorter time than Downtown, depending on where you exit

Because it sits right off I-75, Town Center is popular with travelers who drive in and out of Atlanta frequently and want easy freeway access rather than surface-street driving through the city.

Using Transit (CobbLinc & MARTA)

Kennesaw is outside the MARTA heavy rail system, so there’s no direct train. Instead, public transit relies on CobbLinc buses connecting to MARTA:

  • You can typically use CobbLinc routes along the I-75 corridor to connect with:
    • MARTA Arts Center Station (Midtown) or
    • Other MARTA stops closer to the Perimeter

If you plan to rely heavily on public transit:

  • Check CobbLinc routes and schedules that serve the Town Center / Barrett Parkway area
  • Plan for longer overall travel times vs. driving

In most real-world Atlanta scenarios, staying near Kennesaw Town Center works best if you have a car or are comfortable using rideshare for part of your commute.

What to Expect from an Extended Stay–Style Hotel in Kennesaw

Extended Stay America–type properties in the Atlanta area generally focus on simple, functional stays rather than luxury. While exact features can vary by specific address, you’ll commonly see:

Room Features

  • In-room kitchen or kitchenette, usually with:
    • A stovetop
    • A full-size or mid-size refrigerator
    • Microwave
    • Sink and basic cabinetry
  • Workspace / desk area for laptop or paperwork
  • Wi-Fi (often included, with optional upgrades at some locations)
  • On-site laundry facilities, usually coin-operated or card-operated

These features are often the main reason people choose this style of hotel for Atlanta stays lasting more than a few nights.

Property & Amenities

While not all locations are identical, many Extended Stay–type properties in Kennesaw Town Center offer:

  • On-site parking, often free and self-park
  • Grab-and-go or simple breakfast options at certain locations
  • Pet-friendly policies at some properties (usually with daily or per-stay fees and size/breed restrictions)
  • Front desk support with limited or extended hours depending on the property

Because specific offerings can change, it’s a good idea to:

  • Confirm pet policies, parking details, and what’s included in the room directly with the hotel before you book if these are critical to you.

Living Day-to-Day Around Town Center

If you’re treating your stay like short-term apartment living, the Kennesaw Town Center area is generally practical and convenient.

Groceries & Essentials

You’ll typically find multiple grocery and big-box options within a short drive, such as:

  • Kroger and Publix for everyday groceries
  • Walmart Supercenter or Target for groceries plus general household items
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club in the broader Cobb area

This makes it easier to use your in-room kitchen and avoid eating out for every meal, which is often a big budget saver for extended stays in metro Atlanta.

Dining & Takeout

Around Town Center at Cobb and Barrett Parkway you’ll see:

  • Many sit-down chains (American, Mexican, Italian, Asian)
  • Fast-casual spots for quick meals
  • Coffee shops and dessert places

If you’re working odd hours or arriving late from downtown, the area’s chain-heavy mix can be convenient, with plenty of late-night or drive-thru options nearby.

Local Attractions and Things to Do Nearby

Even if your main focus is work or relocation, it helps to know what’s close for downtime and exploring the northwest side of the metro.

Near Kennesaw Town Center

1. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

  • A major local highlight for hiking, views, and Civil War history
  • Popular with locals for weekend walks, trail runs, and short scenic drives to the top

2. Town Center at Cobb & Retail Corridors

  • Traditional mall plus surrounding plazas
  • Easy access to clothing, electronics, and everyday shopping during a long stay

3. Kennesaw State University

  • Large university with sports events, performances, and public activities
  • The campus area has an increasing number of student-friendly eateries and coffee shops

Within a Short Drive Toward Atlanta

From Kennesaw Town Center, you’re also relatively close to:

  • The Battery Atlanta & Truist Park (Cumberland area)

    • About 10–20 minutes south, depending on traffic
    • Home of the Atlanta Braves, plus restaurants, retail, and entertainment
  • Marietta Square

    • A historic square with restaurants, small shops, and regular local events
    • Less than 20 minutes from Kennesaw in many traffic conditions

These spots give you a mix of suburban entertainment and a taste of historic Atlanta-area neighborhoods without going all the way into Midtown or Downtown every time.

Comparing Kennesaw Town Center to Other Atlanta Areas for Extended Stays

Here’s a quick overview of how this area fits into the broader Atlanta lodging landscape:

AreaVibe & EnvironmentTypical ProsTypical Tradeoffs
Kennesaw Town CenterSuburban, car-centric, near I-75Easy freeway access, close to KSU & Cobb jobsLonger drive to Midtown/Downtown; car usually needed
Cumberland / The BatteryEntertainment, offices, dense retailClose to Braves, businesses, I-75/I-285Traffic can be heavy; a bit pricier
Midtown AtlantaUrban, walkable, near MARTA railGreat transit, dining, nightlifeHigher rates and parking costs
Downtown AtlantaBusiness & tourism coreClose to major attractions, MARTA railBusy, less residential feel

If you work in Kennesaw, Acworth, or north Cobb, staying near Town Center can reduce daily drive times significantly compared to basing yourself in central Atlanta.

Practical Tips for an Extended Stay in Kennesaw (Atlanta Area)

To make the most of a stay at an Extended Stay–type hotel near Kennesaw Town Center, consider:

1. Plan for Rush Hour

  • Morning: Southbound I-75 into Atlanta is often slow from Kennesaw through Cumberland
  • Evening: Northbound back toward Kennesaw usually backs up
  • If your schedule is flexible, shifting by even 30–45 minutes can make a noticeable difference

2. Budget for Transportation

  • If you’re commuting into the city daily, factor in:
    • Gas for regular I-75 drives
    • Occasional downtown/Midtown parking fees if you’re not using MARTA
  • If you rely on rideshare, estimate typical one-way fares during peak hours from Kennesaw to Midtown or Downtown to avoid surprises

3. Use Your In-Room Kitchen

For stays lasting more than a week, many Atlantans find that:

  • Cooking most breakfasts and some dinners in-room
  • Packing simple lunches
  • Buying snacks and staples in bulk

…can significantly cut costs compared to eating out every meal in the metro area.

4. Explore Locally, Not Just in the City

While Atlanta proper has major attractions, the northwest suburbs have their own charm:

  • Hike Kennesaw Mountain at sunrise or sunset
  • Spend a weekend evening at The Battery even if you’re not catching a game
  • Take an afternoon to walk Marietta Square, especially if there’s a market or festival

This can keep you from feeling like you’re “stuck at a hotel” and helps you get to know the broader metro area.

When an Extended Stay in Kennesaw Makes the Most Sense

Choosing Extended Stay America – Atlanta Kennesaw Town Center or a similar extended-stay property in this area usually makes sense if:

  • Your job, project, or school is in Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, or north Cobb
  • You want a suburban base that still gives reasonably direct access to Atlanta via I-75
  • You need kitchen facilities and laundry access for a multi-week or multi-month stay
  • You’re relocating to greater Atlanta and want time to explore neighborhoods in Cobb County and the northwest part of the metro before signing a lease

For someone whose entire itinerary revolves around Downtown Atlanta meetings, Midtown nightlife, and MARTA access, you may want to look closer in. But if your life is oriented toward the northwest side of the Atlanta metro, Kennesaw Town Center is a practical and often budget-conscious place to base an extended stay.