Staying at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re looking at the Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta as a place to stay, you’re likely trying to figure out: Is the location good? What’s nearby? How easy is it to get around the city from there? This guide breaks down the hotel’s downtown location, nearby attractions, transportation options, and what an Atlanta visitor or local can realistically expect in this part of the city.

Why Downtown Atlanta Is a Strategic Place to Stay

Staying at a Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta typically means you’re in or near the main business and entertainment core of the city. This area is popular for:

• Conventions and events (Georgia World Congress Center, AmericasMart, State Farm Arena)
• Tourist attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, SkyView Atlanta)
• Business travel (corporate offices, government buildings, courthouses)
• Transit access (MARTA rail and bus routes, highway access)

If you want to be within a short walk or quick ride of many of Atlanta’s top downtown destinations, a Crowne Plaza property in this area is usually positioned to make that easy.

Location Basics: Downtown Landmarks and Layout

Downtown Atlanta is compact but busy. A Crowne Plaza in this area will typically put you close to:

• Peachtree Street corridor – The main north–south street, lined with offices, hotels, and restaurants.
• Centennial Olympic Park area – Home to major attractions, including:
  • Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
  • World of Coca‑Cola (121 Baker St NW)
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW)
• Conference and event spaces:
  • Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)
  • AmericasMart Atlanta (240 Peachtree St NW)
• Arenas and stadiums:
  • State Farm Arena – NBA and concerts (1 State Farm Dr)
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – NFL, soccer, large events (1 AMB Dr NW)
• Government and business:
  • City of Atlanta and Fulton County offices
  • Courts and law offices, especially around Pryor St and Central Ave

If you’re attending a convention, concert, sports game, or corporate meeting, a Crowne Plaza in downtown often means you can walk or take a quick rideshare instead of driving and parking at each venue.

Getting Around: Transit, Parking, and Walkability

MARTA Access

Downtown Atlanta is one of the best parts of the city for using MARTA, the regional rail and bus system. Depending on the exact Crowne Plaza location, you’ll typically be near one or more of these stations:

• Peachtree Center Station (Northeast–South line)
• Five Points Station (main rail hub, where all lines meet)
• Civic Center Station (just north of the downtown core)

From these stations, you can usually:

• Ride directly to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Head north to Midtown, Buckhead, and Lindbergh
• Connect to buses serving Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, and other neighborhoods

Tip 🚌: If you’re flying into Atlanta, taking MARTA from the airport to a downtown Crowne Plaza can be simpler than renting a car, especially if most of your plans are in the city core.

Driving and Parking

Downtown Atlanta has heavy traffic at rush hours and lots of one‑way streets. Crowne Plaza properties in this area usually rely on:

• On‑site parking garages or decks
• Valet parking
• Nearby public or private parking decks

Parking downtown can be relatively costly compared to other parts of the city. If you’re driving:

• Factor daily parking fees into your budget.
• Learn the nearby interstate exits: I‑75/85 (Downtown Connector) and I‑20 both run close to the downtown core.
• Allow extra time for event nights (Falcons, Hawks, United games, or major concerts).

Walkability and Street Experience

Downtown is walkable between most major attractions and hotels, including a Crowne Plaza, but the feel can vary by block and time of day:

• Daytime: Generally active with workers, tourists, and students.
• Evenings: Busier around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and streets with bars and restaurants; quieter in office-heavy areas.
• Late night: Some streets can feel relatively empty except near nightlife zones and hotels.

Most visitors rely on a mix of:

• Walking for short trips (attractions, restaurants, nearby offices)
• Rideshare or taxis for late-night returns, unfamiliar streets, or when dressed for events
• MARTA for airport and some neighborhood trips

What’s Near a Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta?

Here’s a simple overview of the types of places typically within a short walk or quick ride from a downtown Crowne Plaza–branded hotel.

Quick-Glance Local Access Table

Types of Travelers Who Often Choose Downtown Crowne Plaza

Business Travelers

For business travelers, a Crowne Plaza in downtown Atlanta is often chosen because:

• It’s close to corporate offices and government buildings.
• There’s easy access to meeting spaces (onsite or nearby).
• MARTA and highways make it feasible to reach other Atlanta submarkets for meetings (Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter).

Common nearby destinations for business stays include:

• AmericasMart Atlanta (for trade shows and markets)
• Georgia World Congress Center (for conventions)
• Office towers along Peachtree St and surrounding blocks

Convention and Event Attendees

If you’re in town for a major convention or trade show, staying at a downtown Crowne Plaza typically means:

• A short walk or quick rideshare to the Georgia World Congress Center.
• Less stress about event-day parking.
• Easy access to restaurants and bars popular with conference attendees.

This can be especially convenient during:

• Professional association conferences
• Industry expos at AmericasMart
• Fan events, esports, or large-scale entertainment at GWCC venues

Leisure Travelers and Families

Families and vacationers staying at a Crowne Plaza downtown often appreciate:

• Walkable access to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Proximity to SkyView Atlanta (the big Ferris wheel) and kid-friendly attractions.
• Simple connections to MARTA if they want to explore Midtown museums or other neighborhoods.

Nearby Neighborhoods You Can Easily Reach

Even if your base is a Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta, many travelers want to explore beyond the immediate area. From downtown, you’re relatively close to:

Midtown Atlanta

• Reachable via MARTA (one or two stops north) or a short drive.
• Highlights:
  • High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE)
  • Atlanta Symphony Hall
  • Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Midtown has a denser cluster of restaurants, nightlife, and arts venues than downtown.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside Trail

• A short drive, rideshare, or bus ride from downtown.
• Key spots:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE)
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Ponce City Market (675 Ponce de Leon Ave NE)
• Popular for walking, biking, dining, and casual exploring.

Castleberry Hill

• Just southwest of downtown, near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Known for:
  • Historic warehouse buildings
  • Art galleries and lofts
  • Occasional art walks and events

Staying downtown gives you a central base to sample several neighborhoods in short hops.

Practical Tips for Staying at a Downtown Atlanta Crowne Plaza

1. Consider Your Transportation Plan

• No car? Make use of MARTA, especially for the airport and Midtown/Buckhead trips.
• With a car?
  • Confirm parking options and daily costs ahead of time.
  • Plan alternate routes during rush hour and event days.

2. Time Your Activities

• Visit major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium earlier in the day to avoid long lines.
• On game or concert nights, expect heavier crowds around State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
• Business travelers may want to schedule meetings outside of peak traffic windows if driving.

3. Take Basic Downtown Precautions

Like in many major cities, downtown Atlanta is mixed-use and very busy:

• Stick to well-lit, busier streets, especially at night.
• Use rideshare or taxis if you’re unfamiliar with the area or returning late.
• Keep personal items secure and avoid leaving valuables visible in a parked car.

These steps are standard in most large downtowns and help make your stay smoother.

4. Know Where to Handle Everyday Needs

Around a downtown Crowne Plaza, it’s usually easy to find:

• Pharmacies (often along Peachtree St or in nearby mixed-use buildings)
• ATMs and bank branches
• Copy/print and shipping services near office districts
• Small markets or convenience stores for snacks, drinks, and basic essentials

Ask the front desk or concierge for the nearest options; they typically keep updated, walkable suggestions.

Useful Local Contacts and Services

These public and citywide resources can be helpful while you’re staying downtown:

• City of Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown/Midtown)
  200 Spring St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Non-emergency: 404‑614‑6544
  Emergency: 911

• MARTA Customer Information
  General info line: 404‑848‑5000
  (For schedules, routes, and service updates affecting downtown stations.)

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  Main information: 800‑897‑1910
  MARTA runs directly between Airport Station and downtown stations such as Five Points and Peachtree Center.

These contacts are not hotel-specific but can help with safety, transit, and logistics during your visit.

Is a Downtown Atlanta Crowne Plaza Right for You?

A Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta is generally a good fit if you:

• Want to be close to major attractions, arenas, and conventions
• Prefer transit access and centrality over a more residential or quiet setting
• Are attending events at GWCC, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Need quick access to corporate or government offices in the urban core

If you’re looking for a more neighborhood-style, residential feel, you might spend more of your time in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Buckhead, and use downtown mainly for specific events. But as a base for work trips, conventions, and sightseeing, a Crowne Plaza in Downtown Atlanta offers a straightforward, central launching point to experience the city.