Downtown Atlanta’s Marriott Marquis: What to Know Before You Stay

The Downtown Atlanta Marriott Marquis is one of the city’s most recognizable hotels, thanks to its dramatic atrium and central location in the heart of downtown. If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning a trip for business or leisure, it’s helpful to understand what this hotel offers, how it fits into downtown’s layout, and what to expect when you stay there.

Where the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Is and Why the Location Matters

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis sits in the core of Downtown Atlanta at:

Atlanta Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main phone: (404) 521-0000

It’s part of the Peachtree Center area, surrounded by office towers, major hotels, and indoor walkways that connect much of downtown.

Nearby Neighborhoods and Landmarks

From the Marriott Marquis, you’re within walking distance of many central Atlanta spots:

• Peachtree Center shops and dining (connected via skybridges in many cases)
• Georgia World Congress Center (short ride; walkable for some events if you plan your route)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home of the Falcons and major concerts)
• State Farm Arena (Hawks and concerts)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Downtown government and office buildings

For convention-goers, this location is especially convenient since many large conferences use nearby venues and shuttle routes that often include the Marquis.

Getting to the Marriott Marquis: Transit, Driving, and Walking

Using MARTA

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to reach the Marriott Marquis.

• Closest station:Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
• From the station:
  • Follow signs to the Peachtree Center exit.
  • Once at street level, it’s a short walk along Peachtree Center Ave NE to the hotel.

If you’re coming from:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  • Take the Red or Gold line northbound from the Airport Station to Peachtree Center Station (no transfers required).
• Buckhead, Midtown, or North Springs areas:
  • Use Red/Gold lines heading southbound and exit at Peachtree Center.

MARTA is often faster and more predictable than driving during rush hour or big events downtown.

Driving and Parking

Downtown driving can be congestion-heavy, especially:

• Weekday mornings and late afternoons
• During large conventions, concerts, or games
• When there are major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena

For the Marriott Marquis:

• The hotel typically offers valet parking at its Peachtree Center Ave NE entrance.
• There are also nearby parking decks and surface lots within a few blocks.

Because parking conditions and pricing can change, it’s a good idea to:

• Check current parking details and rates directly with the hotel.
• Consider nearby decks along Courtland St NE, Ellis St NE, and Peachtree Center Ave NE if you want alternatives.

Walking Around Downtown

From the Marriott Marquis, many key locations are walkable:

• Roughly 10–15 minutes to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola.
• Less than 10 minutes to many Peachtree Center restaurants and food courts.

At night, as with most urban downtowns, it’s wise to:

• Stick to well-lit, busier streets
• Walk with others when possible
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially when events let out

What the Marriott Marquis Is Known For

The Iconic Atrium

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis is widely recognized for its soaring atrium, visible from many interior-facing rooms and the glass elevators. This open interior space is often a talking point for:

• Conference attendees
• Convention groups
• First-time visitors to Atlanta’s downtown hotel district

If you’re sensitive to noise, you might prefer a room higher up or one that doesn’t directly face the busiest atrium areas, especially during large conventions.

Conference and Event Hub

The Marriott Marquis is a major conference hotel in downtown Atlanta. You’re likely to see:

• Multi-day professional conferences
• Trade shows and expos
• Fan conventions
• Corporate meetings and banquets

For Atlanta residents, this may be a common venue for local conventions they attend without staying overnight. For out-of-town visitors, the hotel often serves as both lodging and event site, which can make it easier to get around without needing a car.

Types of Stays: Business, Conventions, and Leisure

Business Travelers

For business travelers working in or near downtown, the Marriott Marquis can be convenient because:

• Many corporate offices and government buildings are within a short walk.
• You can access Peachtree Center and indoor walkways in some directions, which helps during hot summers or rainy days.
• MARTA’s Peachtree Center Station provides a direct link to the airport and Midtown/Buckhead for client meetings.

If you’re commuting from other parts of Atlanta for meetings here, you may find it easiest to:

• Take MARTA, or
• Park once in a nearby deck and move around on foot the rest of the day.

Convention and Big-Event Visitors

The Marriott Marquis is especially popular during:

• Large regional and national conferences
• Major sports and entertainment events
• Fan conventions hosted across multiple downtown hotels

In those periods, you can expect:

• Crowded lobbies and elevators
• Longer lines at on-site dining
• Heavier demand for meeting rooms and common spaces

If you prefer a quieter environment, you may want to:

• Request a room on a higher floor
• Plan meals slightly off-peak (earlier breakfast, later lunch)
• Explore nearby restaurants outside the main cluster to avoid lines

Leisure Travelers and Staycations

For locals planning a staycation or guests exploring Atlanta:

• The hotel’s central location makes it a practical base for visiting:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Civil and Human Rights attractions around Centennial Olympic Park
  • Events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Families often appreciate being able to walk or take MARTA to many attractions instead of dealing with multiple parking fees.

If you’re staying with kids, you might find it helpful to:

• Map walking routes before you head out
• Factor in midday breaks back at the hotel during summer heat

On-Site Amenities You Can Typically Expect

While specific offerings can change over time, large downtown hotels like the Marriott Marquis commonly include:

• Fitness center
• Pool (indoor, outdoor, or both depending on season and setup)
• On-site restaurants and bars
• Grab-and-go or coffee shop options
• Business services like printing and small meeting rooms
• Concierge or front desk support for directions and local information

Because offerings are updated periodically, it’s best to verify:

• Current pool and fitness center hours
• Which dining options are open on weekdays vs. weekends or late nights
• Any seasonal amenities or limited-time services

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Like any busy downtown hotel, your experience is smoother if you arrive with a plan. Here are some practical, Atlanta-specific considerations:

Safety and Security

Downtown Atlanta has a steady flow of visitors, workers, and event attendees. As in other large cities:

• The hotel and surrounding area are generally busy, especially during workdays and events.
• Security presence inside major hotels is common, particularly around large conferences.

To stay comfortable:

• Use hotel safes for valuables when possible.
• Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded lobbies or elevators.
• When walking at night, choose main routes like Peachtree St and Peachtree Center Ave and walk with others when you can.

Weather and Seasonal Considerations

Atlanta’s weather can affect how you move around downtown:

• Summer: Hot and often humid; short walks can feel intense mid-day. Plan:
  • Indoor routes when available
  • Early morning or evening outings to parks and outdoor attractions
• Winter: Generally mild but can include occasional cold snaps.
• Rainy days: MARTA and indoor connections to nearby buildings can be especially useful.

If you’re from out of town, building in short rest breaks back at the hotel can make sightseeing more comfortable, especially in summer.

Food, Dining, and Nearby Options

In and Around the Hotel

Large downtown hotels like the Marriott Marquis typically offer:

• Casual dining for breakfast and lunch
• A bar or lounge for drinks and light meals
• A grab-and-go market or coffee stand

Hours can vary by day and season. When events are in town, dining spots may be busier, so you might want to:

• Eat slightly off-peak
• Check same-day hours posted at the venues or on hotel info boards

Downtown and Nearby Neighborhood Dining

If you’re staying at the Marriott Marquis and want broader food choices, you’re close to:

• Peachtree Center food courts and restaurants (many fast-casual options)
• Independent and chain restaurants along Peachtree St, Andrew Young International Blvd, and Courtland St
• Short ride or MARTA trip to:
  • Midtown (more nightlife and a wide range of restaurants)
  • Old Fourth Ward and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail area (cafés, breweries, and mixed-use developments)

For locals meeting friends or colleagues at the Marquis, planning a short walk to surrounding restaurants can be a good way to avoid hotel-crowd bottlenecks during big conventions.

Using the Marriott Marquis as a Base to Explore Atlanta

If you’re using the Downtown Atlanta Marriott Marquis as your home base, you can build a simple plan for the city:

Walking-Friendly Attractions

From the hotel, many major attractions are either walkable or a brief ride away:

• Within walking distance (about 10–20 minutes):
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • State Farm Arena (longer walk; consider rideshare at night)
• Short MARTA ride or quick drive:
  • Midtown museums and nightlife
  • Piedmont Park
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

Simple Planning Framework

Here’s a quick way to think about your day from the Marriott Marquis:

When the Marriott Marquis Makes the Most Sense

For someone focused on Downtown Atlanta, the Marriott Marquis tends to be especially practical if:

• You’re attending or hosting a convention centered in or near the hotel.
• You want a central location with straightforward MARTA access to the airport and other parts of the city.
• You prefer being able to walk to major attractions, restaurants, and downtown offices.
• You’re planning an Atlanta staycation and want to experience the downtown skyline and hotel district from the inside.

For Atlanta locals, it’s also useful to remember the Marquis as:

• A common meeting point downtown
• A frequent venue for conferences, galas, and professional events

Understanding its location, transit options, and typical atmosphere helps you decide whether this downtown hotel fits the way you want to experience Atlanta.