Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Downtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re looking at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Downtown Atlanta as a base for your trip, you’re probably trying to figure out three things: Is the location good? Is it convenient for getting around? And what is it actually like to stay there in the middle of downtown Atlanta?

This guide walks through those questions from an Atlanta-specific point of view so you can decide whether it fits your plans for work, events, or sightseeing.

Where the Fairfield Marriott Downtown Atlanta Fits Into the City

The Fairfield-branded hotel in Downtown Atlanta sits in the city’s historic core, surrounded by major offices, government buildings, and attractions.

You’re typically within a short walk or quick ride of:

  • Peachtree Center (offices, food court, and MARTA rail hub)
  • Georgia State University academic buildings
  • State government offices along Capitol Avenue and around Liberty Plaza
  • Atlanta City Hall and the Fulton County Courthouse
  • Major tourism spots like Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia Aquarium (a bit farther but still “downtown close”)

For someone visiting Atlanta without a car, or for locals who want to stay overnight for an event, the central downtown location is usually the biggest draw.

Downtown Atlanta Location: Pros and Cons

Why Travelers Like This Area

1. Walkable to key downtown attractions

Depending on the exact Fairfield location and your walking pace, you may be able to walk to:

  • CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park area
  • World of Coca‑Cola and Georgia Aquarium
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • State Farm Arena (basketball, concerts)
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (football, soccer, large events)
  • Underground Atlanta and nearby event spaces

If you’re in town for a Falcons, United, or Hawks game, or a big concert, being downtown can significantly cut down on rideshare costs and post‑event travel time.

2. Good access to MARTA

Downtown hotels like the Fairfield Inn & Suites typically sit near at least one MARTA rail station:

  • Common nearby stations include Peachtree Center, Five Points, and Georgia State.
  • From these, you can ride directly to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Midtown, Buckhead, and several residential areas along the Red, Gold, Green, and Blue lines.

This is especially useful if:

  • You’re flying in and want to skip renting a car.
  • You’re in town for a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center.
  • You need to reach office parks or neighborhoods connected via MARTA.

3. Central for meetings and government visits

If you’re visiting:

  • State agencies near the Georgia State Capitol
  • Federal courts or Fulton County offices
  • Law firms clustered around Peachtree Street
  • Georgia State University’s main campus

…a Fairfield Marriott in Downtown Atlanta keeps you a short walk or quick rideshare away, which is attractive for quick business trips or court appearances.

Things to Be Aware of About Staying Downtown

1. Urban noise and activity

Downtown Atlanta is an active business and event district. Common realities include:

  • Sirens, traffic, and construction noise during the day
  • Event nights (games, concerts) that can keep the area lively later
  • Heavier pedestrian and rideshare traffic near major venues

If you’re sensitive to noise, it’s worth:

  • Requesting a higher floor when checking in
  • Bringing earplugs or using a sound machine app at night

2. Limited “neighborhood” feel after work hours

Compared with areas like Midtown, Inman Park, or Virginia-Highland, Downtown can feel more business‑oriented, especially:

  • After office hours on weekdays
  • On some weekends when there are no big events

You’ll still find restaurants, fast‑casual spots, and hotel bars open, especially closer to Peachtree Center and Centennial Olympic Park, but the streets can feel quieter and more office‑district‑focused at times.

3. Parking costs and logistics

As with most central Atlanta hotels, you should expect:

  • Paid parking (often valet or structured garage)
  • Daily parking rates that may be higher than what you’d see in the suburbs
  • Additional time getting in and out during big events

If you’re local and driving in for a staycation or event:

  • Compare hotel parking to nearby public garages or surface lots, especially around Peachtree Center or the Government District.
  • Plan extra time for parking on Falcons, United, or major concert nights.

What to Expect from a Fairfield Inn & Suites Stay in Downtown

While every property is managed individually, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott tends to follow a similar pattern that Atlanta guests can expect:

Room Types and General Layout

Rooms in downtown Fairfield properties typically include:

  • Standard rooms with one king or two queens
  • Suites with partial room dividers, pull‑out sofas, and small sitting areas
  • Essential in‑room amenities such as:
    • A work desk or small table
    • Wi‑Fi access
    • A mini‑fridge and microwave in many rooms
    • An in‑room coffee maker

Suites can be especially helpful if you’re:

  • Sharing with friends for a game or concert weekend
  • Traveling with kids and need more space
  • Working remotely from your room during the day

Breakfast and On‑Site Food Options

Fairfield properties are often known for:

  • A complimentary or included breakfast area with basics like:
    • Eggs
    • Breakfast meats
    • Cereals, yogurt, fruit
    • Breads and waffles or similar items
  • A small lobby market or pantry with snacks, drinks, and quick heat‑and‑eat options

In Downtown Atlanta, you’ll also be near:

  • Peachtree Center food court (weekday heavy, lighter on weekends)
  • Chain and local restaurants around Marietta Street, Luckie Street, and near Centennial Olympic Park
  • Fast‑casual spots and coffee shops that serve the office crowd

🍽 Tip for locals visiting downtown for an event:
If you’re staying at a Fairfield downtown, scope out pre‑event dining options near Marietta Street NW or around Centennial Olympic Park to avoid last‑minute crowds right before a game or show.

Fitness Center and Business Needs

Most Fairfield Inn & Suites locations include:

  • A fitness room with cardio equipment and some weights
  • Basic business services, such as:
    • Printing boarding passes
    • Access to a computer station in the lobby
    • Meeting or conference rooms (varies by property)

If you’re in Atlanta for a convention or business meetings, check in advance whether:

  • The hotel has meeting space for small sessions
  • There’s reliable Wi‑Fi coverage in both rooms and lobby areas

Getting To and From the Fairfield Downtown by MARTA, Car, or Rideshare

MARTA from the Airport

To reach a downtown Fairfield Marriott from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

  1. From the airport, follow signs to the MARTA station at the Domestic Terminal.
  2. Board a Red or Gold Line train heading north.
  3. Exit at Five Points, Georgia State, or Peachtree Center, depending on which is closest to your specific Fairfield property.
  4. Walk from the station to the hotel (typically 5–15 minutes, depending on exact location and route).

This can be significantly faster than driving during rush hour and avoids parking at the airport or hotel.

Driving and Parking Tips

If you’re driving into downtown from other parts of Atlanta or Georgia:

  • From I‑75/85 (the Downtown Connector), common exits for the downtown core are:
    • Courtland St / Edgewood Ave
    • Williams St / Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd
    • Andrew Young International Blvd
  • Use your GPS for precise directions to the Fairfield’s garage or valet area, as one‑way streets and event closures are common.

For locals:

  • Check whether your event (game, concert, or convention) offers discounted or pre‑paid parking nearby and compare to the hotel’s overnight rate.
  • If you’re just visiting the hotel for a meeting, ask in advance about short‑term or validated parking.

Using Rideshare

With downtown’s sometimes complex one‑way grid, Uber and Lyft drivers may have:

  • Designated pick‑up/drop‑off points near main entrances
  • Temporary re‑routes during big events or road closures

If your Fairfield is within walking distance to major venues:

  • Many guests prefer to walk to the venue and rideshare back to avoid post‑event traffic when streets are most clogged.

Safety and Practical Tips for Staying in Downtown Atlanta

Like most dense urban areas, Downtown Atlanta has a mix of busy crowds, office workers, tourists, and people passing through. Visitors often find it helpful to keep a few practical guidelines in mind:

General Safety Habits

  • Stay on well‑lit, main streets, especially at night.
  • Use hotel staff recommendations for walking routes to MARTA, stadiums, or restaurants.
  • Keep valuables, laptops, and bags out of sight when leaving items in a parked car.
  • Use the hotel’s front entrance rather than side or rear exits late at night when possible.

Many downtown hotels, including brands like Fairfield, typically have:

  • Key‑card access to guest floors and stairwells
  • Front desk staff on duty 24/7
  • Cameras in public areas such as lobbies and parking access points

Walking to Attractions

Walking from a Fairfield in Downtown Atlanta to places like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or the World of Coca‑Cola is common. To make it smoother:

  • Map your route before leaving the hotel, especially after dark.
  • Stick to major corridors like Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, or routes your hotel staff recommends.
  • For late‑night returns after a concert or game, some visitors prefer:
    • Rideshare back to the hotel, even if walking distance
    • Or walking in a group along busy, well‑traveled streets

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Neighborhoods to Explore

Staying at a Fairfield in Downtown Atlanta makes it easy to venture beyond the immediate area:

Quick Access from Downtown

  • Midtown Atlanta

    • Reachable via MARTA or short rideshare
    • Known for Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a dense restaurant and nightlife scene along Peachtree and Crescent Avenue.

  • Old Fourth Ward & the BeltLine Eastside Trail

    • Short drive from downtown
    • Popular for the Atlanta BeltLine, Ponce City Market, breweries, and walkable paths.

  • Grant Park & Summerhill

    • South and east of downtown
    • Features the Atlanta Zoo, neighborhood restaurants, and the redeveloped Georgia Avenue strip in Summerhill.

If you’re staying at a Fairfield downtown for business or a convention, building in a half‑day to explore these neighborhoods can round out your experience of the city beyond the office towers.

When a Fairfield Marriott in Downtown Atlanta Makes the Most Sense

A Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Downtown Atlanta is usually a strong fit if you:

  • Want to be within walking or short transit distance of stadiums, arenas, or tourist attractions.
  • Prefer an efficient, business‑friendly stay—with Wi‑Fi, breakfast area, and basic amenities.
  • Are traveling to government offices, courts, or Georgia State University.
  • Plan to use MARTA from the airport instead of driving.

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Want a more residential, nightlife‑heavy neighborhood feel (in which case, consider staying in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park and visiting downtown for specific events).
  • Need free or low‑cost parking and don’t want to pay typical downtown rates.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, understanding how Downtown fits into the city’s layout—and what a Fairfield‑style hotel offers in that setting—will help you decide if this is the right home base for your time in the city.