Atlanta Sheraton Downtown: What to Know Before You Book in the Heart of the City

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Sheraton Downtown,” you’re most likely looking for a full-service hotel in or near Downtown Atlanta that’s close to major attractions, business centers, and public transit. In Atlanta, the primary option that fits what most people mean by this term is the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, located just a few blocks from Peachtree Street and the central core of downtown.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to what to expect, how to get there, nearby landmarks, and how it fits into the broader Downtown Atlanta hotel scene.

Where Is the “Atlanta Sheraton Downtown”?

When Atlantans talk about the Sheraton downtown, they are usually referring to:

Sheraton Atlanta Hotel
165 Courtland St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-6500

This property sits on the east side of Downtown, within walking distance of:

  • Peachtree Center (shops, food court, MARTA station)
  • Georgia State University buildings
  • Atlanta City Hall and various government offices
  • Major business corridors near Auburn Avenue and Edgewood Avenue

It’s not directly on Peachtree Street, but it’s close enough that you can walk to the main downtown spine in about 5–10 minutes, depending on where you’re headed.

Why People Choose a Downtown Sheraton in Atlanta

For many locals and visitors, a Downtown Atlanta Sheraton-type hotel is appealing because it usually offers:

  • Proximity to major attractions: Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia Aquarium are all a reasonable walk, quick drive, or short MARTA ride away.
  • Central access for work: If you’re in town for a convention, court appearance, business meetings, or state government visits, downtown is often the most practical base.
  • Full-service amenities: Compared with smaller limited-service properties, you typically get on-site dining, meeting rooms, ballrooms, and more robust business services.

Residents of metro Atlanta may also use the Sheraton and similar downtown hotels for:

  • Conferences and conventions
  • Professional gatherings and industry events
  • Weddings, banquets, and family reunions
  • Staycations that revolve around downtown attractions or events

Getting to the Sheraton in Downtown Atlanta

By MARTA

The closest heavy-rail stop is usually considered Peachtree Center Station on the Red/Gold lines. From there, it’s roughly a 5–10 minute walk:

  • Exit toward Peachtree Street East
  • Walk east toward Courtland Street NE
  • Head south on Courtland to reach the hotel

Depending on your exact mobility needs and luggage, you may also consider getting off at Five Points Station and taking the Atlanta Streetcar or a short ride share to the hotel area.

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Typical options include:

  • MARTA Train: Take the Red or Gold line from the Airport Station to Peachtree Center. This is usually the most predictable in terms of timing during rush hour.
  • Rideshare/Taxi: Travel time can vary widely with traffic on I-75/85 into downtown. Early mornings, late evenings, and weekends tend to be more predictable than weekday rush hours.
  • Shuttle or private car services: Some travelers arrange advance transportation for large groups or events; this can be practical if everyone is going directly to the same downtown hotel.

Driving and Parking Considerations

Downtown Atlanta driving is straightforward on a map but can feel tight and busy around event times:

  • The Sheraton is just off Courtland St NE, near the I-75/85 Connector.
  • Parking downtown is typically paid, either via hotel valet/garage or nearby private decks.
  • During big games, concerts, or conventions, expect higher parking rates and heavier congestion, especially near Centennial Olympic Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If you’re local, you may want to compare hotel parking vs. nearby decks or consider MARTA plus walking for certain days.

What to Expect from a Downtown Sheraton Experience

While each property manages its own specific features and policies, there are some common expectations for a full-service brand hotel in Downtown Atlanta:

Typical On-Site Features

  • Guestrooms and suites geared toward business and leisure travelers
  • On-site restaurant and bar options, often including breakfast service and evening dining
  • Room service or grab-and-go options (varies by current operations)
  • Meeting and event spaces: ballrooms, breakout rooms, and pre-function areas
  • Fitness center; some downtown hotels also offer pools or courtyards, though the style and availability can differ
  • Business services such as printing, copying, and package handling, often used by convention and corporate guests

Because offerings can change over time, it’s wise to confirm specific amenities directly with the hotel if they’re important to your stay (for example, pool hours, pet policies, or club lounge access).

Who Stays at a Downtown Sheraton?

You’ll typically see a mix of:

  • Conference and convention attendees going to the Georgia World Congress Center or other venues
  • Business travelers with meetings in Downtown, Midtown, or at state and federal offices
  • Tourists and families visiting key attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, and CNN Center
  • Locals celebrating milestones, attending banquets, or using the property as a central meetup point

Nearby Downtown Atlanta Landmarks and Attractions

One of the biggest reasons people seek out an “Atlanta Sheraton Downtown” is access to the surrounding area. Here’s how the location typically works in practice.

Walkable or Short-Ride Attractions

From the hotel’s general area, you’re within walking distance or a quick ride of:

  • Georgia State University (GSU) main campus
  • Woodruff Park
  • Portions of the Atlanta Streetcar loop (connecting to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Sweet Auburn district)
  • Peachtree Center food court and shops
  • Nightlife and dining along parts of Edgewood Avenue and Auburn Avenue (short ride or longer walk)

Within a somewhat longer walk or very short drive:

  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Georgia World Congress Center

These are common destinations for visitors staying in or around the Sheraton area.

Comparing Downtown Sheraton to Other Downtown Hotel Areas

When planning a stay in Downtown Atlanta, it can help to understand how the Sheraton location compares to other clusters of hotels.

Here’s a simple overview:

Area of DowntownWhat It Feels LikeGood ForTradeoffs
Sheraton / Courtland St NE areaSlightly quieter side of downtown, close to GSU and Peachtree CenterBusiness travel, conferences, access to state/local officesA few blocks off Peachtree; some walks feel more “office district” than touristy
Peachtree Center corridorHigh-rise hotels, skybridges, food courtsFirst-time visitors, people who want MARTA at their doorstepCan be busier and more crowded, especially during conventions
Centennial Olympic Park / GWCC areaRight by major attractions and stadiumsEvents, families visiting Aquarium/World of CokeHeavier game-day crowds; parking fees often higher on event dates
South Downtown / Government buildingsMore civic and historic, active redevelopmentCourts, government visits, historic neighborhoodsFewer large hotels; walkability depends on your specific route

The Sheraton’s location on Courtland Street NE tends to appeal to travelers who like being close to the center but slightly away from the most congested event areas.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips in Downtown Atlanta

Like many major downtowns, Downtown Atlanta is a mix of busy business corridors, tourist zones, student areas, and office buildings that get quieter after business hours.

Some general, common-sense tips locals and regular visitors keep in mind:

  • Stay on well-lit, busier streets at night when walking between the hotel, Peachtree Street, and attractions.
  • When possible, use MARTA stations with good foot traffic such as Peachtree Center, especially during daylight or event times.
  • For late-night returns, many people opt for rideshare from nightlife districts like Edgewood or the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area back to their hotel.
  • Keep standard big-city precautions in mind: secure your belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and use well-known transportation options.

If you’re driving in from the suburbs, give yourself extra time for:

  • I-75/85 Connector traffic during rush hours
  • Possible delays around major events, especially when the Falcons, United, Hawks, or large concerts are in town

Using the Sheraton as a Base for Exploring More of Atlanta

Staying at or near the Atlanta Sheraton Downtown puts you in a strong position to explore beyond the immediate downtown blocks.

Easy Access to Midtown

From the downtown Sheraton area, you can reach Midtown Atlanta by:

  • MARTA (Peachtree Center to Midtown/Arts Center)
  • A short rideshare or taxi
  • Driving via Peachtree Street or the Connector

Midtown gives you faster access to:

  • Piedmont Park
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Fox Theatre
  • Heavier clusters of restaurants and bars along Peachtree, Crescent Avenue, and surrounding side streets

Visiting Neighborhoods Around the Core

Using the hotel as your “hub,” you can also reach:

  • Old Fourth Ward and the BeltLine Eastside Trail (for food, bars, and walkable paths)
  • Inman Park and Krog Street Market
  • Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta (a short drive or rideshare southeast of downtown)

Locals sometimes book downtown stays specifically so they can enjoy events, food, and nightlife in multiple neighborhoods without dealing with a long late-night drive back to the suburbs.

When an “Atlanta Sheraton Downtown” Stay Makes the Most Sense

Choosing a Sheraton-style downtown hotel is often a good fit if:

  • You need walkable or transit-friendly access to Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or government buildings.
  • You’re attending a large convention and want to be close to both meeting rooms and the central city.
  • You prefer full-service amenities (on-site dining, meeting rooms, more robust service options) rather than a minimal hotel setup.
  • You’re planning a staycation centered on the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, and want a comfortable home base nearby.

If your plans are more focused on Buckhead shopping, airport overnight stays, or solely BeltLine neighborhoods, you may find other parts of Atlanta more convenient—but for true downtown access, the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel on Courtland Street NE is a central, commonly chosen option.

By knowing exactly where it is, what surrounds it, and how it fits into the rest of Downtown Atlanta, you can better decide how an “Atlanta Sheraton Downtown” stay matches your plans in the city.