Extended Stay in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Stay, What to Expect, and How to Plan

Downtown Atlanta is a practical base if you’re planning an extended stay—whether you’re here for a work assignment, a long conference, medical treatments at nearby hospitals, or a slow-paced visit to explore the city. This guide walks through where to stay, how long-term lodging works in Downtown, what neighborhoods feel like on the ground, and tips to keep costs and daily life manageable.

Why Choose an Extended Stay in Downtown Atlanta?

Staying in Downtown Atlanta puts you close to:

• Major offices and government buildings
• Georgia State University and nearby campuses
• State and federal courthouses
• Big convention centers like the Georgia World Congress Center
• Tourist spots like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola

For an extended stay, Downtown is especially useful if you:

• Don’t want to rent a car (MARTA rail and buses are close by)
• Need to walk to offices or court regularly
• Have a multi-day or multi-week conference or project
• Want easy access to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport via MARTA

If you prefer nightlife and restaurants every night, you might also compare Midtown or Old Fourth Ward, but for sheer convenience to business, government, and major attractions, Downtown stands out.

Types of Extended Stay Options in Downtown Atlanta

When people say “extended stay,” they usually mean any lodging geared toward multi-week or multi-month stays. In Downtown, your main options fall into a few categories.

1. Extended Stay Hotels and Apartment-Style Hotels

These properties are built for longer visits and often include:

• In-room kitchens or kitchenettes
• On-site laundry (in-room washer/dryer or shared laundry room)
• Weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping
• Flexible month-to-month style booking at nightly or weekly rates

You’ll typically find:

• Studios with one open living/sleeping space and kitchen
• One-bedroom suites with a separate bedroom and living area
• Occasionally two-bedroom units for families or roommate-style stays

Who this works best for:

• Contractors and consultants on temporary assignments
• People relocating to Atlanta who need a base while they search for housing
• Families in town for an extended medical stay or treatment nearby
• Long conference runs or seasonal business

2. Furnished Short-Term Apartments

Downtown and nearby areas like Midtown, Castleberry Hill, and the Old Fourth Ward have apartment buildings that allow:

• Furnished rentals
• Shorter leases (often 30–90 days)
• Amenities like pools, gyms, business centers, and parking

These can feel more like “living in Atlanta” than staying in a hotel, but:

• You may be responsible for utilities, internet, and sometimes parking fees.
• Some buildings have minimum stay requirements (30 days or more).

3. Corporate Housing

Corporate housing providers often place guests in high-rise or modern mid-rise buildings around:

• Downtown business core
• Georgia State University area
• Nearby neighborhoods (Midtown, Westside, Buckhead) for slightly quieter stays

Corporate housing typically includes:

• Fully furnished units
• Housewares (dishes, cookware, linens)
• Utilities bundled into one monthly payment

This option is popular with:

• Companies relocating employees
• Law firms and consultants working on big cases at Fulton County Courthouse or U.S. District Court
• People who want a “home” setup without buying furniture

How Long Is an “Extended Stay” in Downtown Atlanta?

In Atlanta, an “extended stay” can mean different things depending on the property:

• 7–13 nights: Some hotels offer “extended stay” or “long weekend + work week” discounts.
• 14–29 nights: Many extended stay hotels start offering lower average nightly rates and light housekeeping.
• 30+ nights: At this point, you may see:
  • Lower rates that feel more like “rent” than hotel pricing
  • Different local tax treatment (some lodging taxes change after 30 days)
  • Lease-style agreements rather than standard hotel check-in forms

If you know you’ll be in Downtown Atlanta for a month or longer, ask specifically:

• Is there a 30+ day rate or corporate rate?
• Do taxes or fees change after 30 days?
• Is there a security deposit or just a hold on a credit card?

Key Downtown Areas to Consider for an Extended Stay

Downtown Atlanta covers several small pockets that feel a bit different from each other. For a multi-week or multi-month stay, it helps to know the basics.

Core Downtown (Central Business District)

Approximate area around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and John Portman Boulevard.

What it’s like:

• Very office- and convention-heavy
• Busy on weekdays and event days, quieter on some evenings and weekends
• Walking distance to Peachtree Center MARTA Station and multiple bus lines

Best for:

• Business travelers who want to walk to corporate offices or government buildings
• Those attending frequent events at the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Centennial Olympic Park & Tourist Corridor

Area around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, near:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame

What it’s like:

• Heavy tourist presence, especially during peak travel seasons and school breaks
• Tons of families, school groups, and tour buses
• Good for those who want walkable attractions

Best for:

• Families on longer vacations
• Guests who don’t mind tourist energy in exchange for easy entertainment
• Travelers who want frequent events and things to do without a car

Castleberry Hill & South Downtown (Nearby)

Just south and southwest of the main Downtown core, around Peters Street SW, Walker Street SW, and Mitchell Street SW.

What it’s like:

• Historic warehouse district with lofts, galleries, and small businesses
• More residential feel than core Downtown, with creative spaces and fewer high rises
• Walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and GWCC depending on your exact block

Best for:

• People who want an extended-stay apartment or loft feel
• Longer-term visitors who value character and local spots over tourist crowds

Cost Expectations for an Extended Stay Downtown

Prices change based on the season, big events, and how far in advance you book, but in general:

• Extended stay hotels in Downtown often cost more per night than typical suburban extended stays but offer better walkability and transit access.
• Monthly furnished rentals or corporate housing can sometimes be more cost-effective for 30+ days, especially if you split with a roommate or family member.

Factors that raise prices:

• Major conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
• Big sporting events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Peak tourism seasons and large festivals

To control costs:

• Ask about:
  • Weekly or monthly pricing
  • Corporate or government rates
  • Whether parking, Wi-Fi, and utilities are included
• Be flexible with your exact move-in date, especially during big events.

Transportation: Getting Around During an Extended Stay

One of the strengths of staying in Downtown Atlanta is not needing a car every day.

MARTA Rail and Bus

Key MARTA rail stations near Downtown:

• Peachtree Center Station (Northeast–South Line)
• Five Points Station (main transfer hub)
• Garnett Station (a bit farther south, useful for some extended stay and apartment areas)

From Downtown, you can take MARTA to:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Midtown, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs
• Decatur and East Atlanta-area stops

Many extended stay guests choose a property within a short walk of a MARTA station to avoid rideshare costs.

Driving and Parking

If you do keep a car:

• Expect daily parking fees at many Downtown hotels and some apartment buildings.
• Street parking is limited; most people rely on garages or surface lots.
• Traffic around I-75/85 and the Downtown Connector can be heavy at rush hour.

Ask in advance:

• Is parking included, discounted, or full-rate?
• Is there a monthly parking option that’s cheaper than paying nightly?

Walking and Biking

Downtown is walkable in pockets, especially around:

• Peachtree Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia State University area

For biking or scooters:

• You’ll see bike lanes in some corridors and shared scooter/bike options near tourist areas.
• For an extended stay, some visitors bring or buy a folding bike and store it in their unit.

Everyday Living: Groceries, Pharmacies, and Essentials

For multi-week stays, you’ll need easy access to daily essentials.

Groceries

Within or near Downtown, many extended stay visitors use:

• Smaller urban-format grocery stores or markets
• Convenience stores for quick items
• Larger supermarkets in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Westside (often reached via MARTA, car, or rideshare)

Some guests choose a location based on how easy it is to get to a full-size grocery store, especially if they plan to cook regularly.

Pharmacies and Health Needs

You can find:

• Major chain pharmacies dotted around the Downtown and Midtown area
• Hospital systems a short drive or MARTA ride away, including large medical centers in Midtown and nearby neighborhoods

If you’re staying for medical reasons:

• Factor in travel time to your main clinic or hospital
• Look for extended stay options with:
  • Elevators and step-free access
  • In-room kitchen facilities for a specific diet
  • Quiet hours or a quieter side of the building, if that matters for recovery

Safety and Comfort Considerations

Downtown is a busy urban center, and experiences can vary block to block. Common considerations for extended stays include:

• Street activity: Expect more foot traffic around transit stations, major event venues, and late-night districts.
• Lighting and late hours: If you plan to walk at night, check how well-lit your walking route is and whether there are 24-hour or late-night spots nearby.
• Building security: For an extended stay, look for:
  • Controlled-access entries or keycard systems
  • Staffed front desks or security presence
  • Well-maintained common areas

Many long-term guests feel more comfortable in:

• Buildings that have dedicated lobby staff
• Properties within quick walking distance of MARTA stations and main streets
• Areas with a mix of residential, office, and retail activity (instead of isolated blocks)

Planning an Extended Stay: Step-by-Step

Use this simple sequence to plan your Downtown Atlanta stay.

1. Define Your Priorities

Decide what matters most:

• Walking to work or court vs. lower cost farther out
• Kitchen access vs. eating out most days
• On-site laundry vs. using nearby laundromats or wash-and-fold services
• Access to public transit vs. comfortable parking

2. Estimate Your Length of Stay

• If you’re under 2 weeks, a standard hotel or extended stay hotel is often easiest.
• At 2–4 weeks, weigh hotel convenience versus the cost of a small furnished apartment.
• At 30+ days, look closely at monthly pricing, tax differences, and what’s included.

3. Compare Total Monthly Costs

When you compare options, consider all of these:

4. Contact Properties Directly

When you reach out, ask:

• Do you offer extended stay or long-term rates?
• What is the minimum stay?
• What’s included in the rate (Wi-Fi, utilities, daily/weekly cleaning, parking)?
• Are there additional fees for pets, parking, or extra guests?
• What happens if you need to extend or shorten your stay?

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

While exact lodging options change over time, some official and public resources stay relatively stable and can help you orient your stay in Downtown Atlanta.

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs (Welcoming Atlanta)
  For newcomers and international visitors who may need general guidance on living in the city.

  • City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
  Offers visitor information, maps, and an overview of Downtown attractions and major events that might affect hotel availability and pricing.

  • 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: (404) 521-6600

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  For help planning your commute from Downtown to other parts of Atlanta during a long stay.

  • Phone: (404) 848-5000

Using these resources, you can better understand event calendars, transit options, and basic city services that influence where you should stay and what your day-to-day will look like.

Choosing an extended stay in Downtown Atlanta comes down to balancing location, budget, and daily comfort. If you prioritize transit access, walkability to offices and attractions, and the convenience of being in the middle of the city, Downtown can be a practical and efficient long-term base while you work, recover, or explore.