Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Downtown: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re looking for a practical, centrally located hotel in downtown Atlanta, Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Downtown is one of the options visitors and locals often consider for business trips, events, or staycations. This guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into the downtown area, and key tips for navigating the neighborhood.
Where Four Points by Sheraton Fits in Downtown Atlanta
Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Downtown is typically chosen by travelers who want:
- Walkable access to key downtown attractions
- Straightforward, mid-range accommodations rather than luxury extras
- Reasonable proximity to business offices, government buildings, and event venues
Downtown Atlanta is compact compared to many major cities, and hotels here tend to cluster around:
- Peachtree Street corridor (business and dining)
- Centennial Olympic Park area (tourism and attractions)
- The Georgia State Capitol and government offices
- Transit hubs like the Five Points and Peachtree Center MARTA stations
Four Points generally aligns with the business-and-events crowd, often appealing to:
- Out-of-town professionals with meetings downtown
- Guests attending conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
- Visitors going to games or concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Families who want to stay near attractions without driving everywhere
Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Attractions
Staying at a downtown hotel like Four Points by Sheraton usually means you’re a short walk or quick ride from many of Atlanta’s biggest draws. Depending on your exact location downtown, you can typically reach:
Major Attractions Within a Short Distance
- Centennial Olympic Park – Central green space popular for walking, fountains, and events
- Georgia Aquarium – One of the city’s most visited family attractions
- World of Coca-Cola – Interactive museum focused on the Coca-Cola brand
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum exploring civil rights history and global human rights issues
- College Football Hall of Fame – Sports-focused attraction near the park
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United
- State Farm Arena – Home of the Atlanta Hawks and concert venue
- CNN Center area – Offices and nearby eateries (though parts of the complex change over time)
Business, Government, and Campus Access
Many guests staying downtown are here for work or public visits. From a central downtown hotel, you can often reach:
- Georgia World Congress Center – Major convention and trade show facility
- Atlanta City Hall – 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Georgia State Capitol – 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
- Georgia State University (Downtown Campus) – Core buildings clustered around Decatur St SE and Piedmont Ave SE
If you have official business, it’s wise to:
- Confirm which building and entrance you need in advance
- Factor in extra time for security checks at government buildings
- Check parking and visitor policies before you arrive
Getting Around: MARTA, Walking, and Driving
Downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most transit-friendly areas. If you’re staying at or near Four Points by Sheraton, you’ll generally have multiple options:
Using MARTA
The primary MARTA stations serving downtown include:
- Five Points Station
- Peachtree Center Station
- Georgia State Station
- Garnett Station (slightly farther but still downtown)
From these stations, you can usually:
- Walk to many downtown hotels and offices
- Transfer to buses that run deeper into neighborhoods
- Connect to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via MARTA rail
If you are flying into Atlanta:
- The Airport Station is directly inside the airport
- Trains typically run north into downtown without needing to change lines, depending on your final stop
Walking Considerations
Downtown streets are fairly walkable, but keep these basics in mind:
- Hills: Some streets have inclines, especially heading toward the Capitol or out of the core business area
- Crosswalks: Major intersections around Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Andrew Young International Blvd can be busy; use crosswalks and signals
- After dark: Many visitors prefer to stay on well-lit, main routes at night and may opt for rideshare for longer or quieter stretches
Driving and Parking
Parking downtown can be expensive and limited, especially around event days.
Common options:
- Hotel parking: Many downtown hotels offer valet or self-parking for a daily fee
- Public garages and lots: Around Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, and near stadiums
- Street parking: Heavily regulated; always check posted signs for times, rates, and restrictions
If you plan to drive:
- Budget for daily parking fees
- Check for event days (Falcons games, concerts, conventions) when traffic and pricing can spike
- Consider leaving your car parked and using MARTA or walking to nearby destinations
What Type of Stay Four Points by Sheraton Suits Best
A downtown hotel like Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta typically appeals to travelers who want:
1. Business and Work Trips
Professionals often stay downtown when they:
- Have meetings in downtown offices, law firms, or government buildings
- Are attending a conference at Georgia World Congress Center
- Need quick MARTA access to the airport or Midtown/Buckhead offices
Benefits for business travelers:
- Short commute to Peachtree Street business corridors
- Easy rideshare and taxi pickup zones around the hotel
- Walkable access to casual dining and coffee shops for informal meetings
2. Event and Sports Weekends
Many visitors book downtown stays to be near:
- Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Atlanta Hawks games or concerts at State Farm Arena
- Festivals and large events at Centennial Olympic Park
Staying downtown can:
- Reduce the need to drive or park near the stadium
- Make it easier to walk or take MARTA to games
- Provide quick access back to your room after late events
3. Sightseeing and Short City Visits
Families, couples, and solo travelers often choose downtown if their priority is:
- Visiting Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and nearby museums
- Experiencing a “core Atlanta” feel through central parks, skyline views, and busy streets
- Exploring nearby neighborhoods by short rideshare trips (like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park)
Downtown is not typically Atlanta’s nightlife hub (that’s more Midtown and some intown neighborhoods), but it offers:
- A mix of chain and local restaurants
- Proximity to cultural venues and daytime attractions
- Easy connections via MARTA to explore farther out
Safety, Comfort, and Local Expectations
Like many major city centers, downtown Atlanta is a mix of tourist activity, office towers, busy traffic, and people passing through.
Here are realistic points travelers and locals often consider:
- Daytime: Generally active and busy near main attractions, government offices, and major streets
- Evenings: Streets can be quieter outside event nights; people often choose well-lit routes or rideshare
- Awareness: Visitors commonly keep standard big-city habits—securing valuables, staying alert, and avoiding isolated areas late at night
If you’re unfamiliar with downtown:
- Ask hotel staff to recommend best walking routes to major spots
- Program the address into your rideshare app in advance so you’re not searching outside
- If you’re driving, confirm which garage or entrance your hotel uses
Sample Planning Snapshot for a Downtown Stay
Below is a simple overview to help you decide if a Four Points–style downtown stay matches your needs:
| Question | What to Expect from a Downtown Atlanta Hotel Like Four Points by Sheraton |
|---|---|
| Best for | Business trips, events, sports games, quick access to attractions |
| Typical location feel | Busy weekday business area, more event-focused on weekends |
| Transit access | Close to MARTA (Five Points/Peachtree Center), rideshare-friendly |
| Car needed? | Often optional if your plans stay within downtown/midtown |
| Nearby attractions | Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, civil rights museum |
| Things to plan ahead | Parking costs, event-day traffic, walking routes, government building access |
| Good fit for families? | Often yes, especially for aquarium and park visits, if you prefer central location |
Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals Booking Downtown
Whether you live in Atlanta and need a central hotel for an early meeting, or you’re flying in for a few days, a bit of planning goes a long way.
Before You Arrive
- Check your itinerary: Map out key locations—offices, attractions, stadiums—and see how close they are to your hotel
- Look up MARTA routes: Note which station you’ll use most (often Peachtree Center or Five Points for downtown hotels)
- Confirm parking details: If you’re driving, find out the daily rate, in/out privileges, and garage entry points
During Your Stay
- 🗺️ Use landmarks for orientation – Streets around Peachtree St, Centennial Olympic Park, and the major stadiums make good reference points
- 🚇 Leverage MARTA for big outings – Especially for airport transfers and stadium events
- 🍽️ Explore nearby neighborhoods – Short rideshare rides can take you to Midtown, Ponce City Market, or Edgewood for more dining and nightlife variety
How Four Points by Sheraton Fits into the Broader Atlanta Hotel Picture
In the context of Atlanta, Georgia, Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Downtown is one of several mid-range hotel options that emphasize:
- Central location over resort-style amenities
- Straightforward, practical stays for work trips and event-focused travel
- Efficient access to MARTA, major roads, and walkable attractions
For many guests, the value lies less in elaborate on-site features and more in the ability to:
- Walk to meetings or attractions
- Minimize driving and parking hassles
- Use downtown as a base for exploring the rest of the city
If you’re deciding whether this type of hotel fits your plans in Atlanta, focus on:
- How much time you’ll actually spend downtown
- Whether you prefer to walk or use transit instead of driving
- The importance of being close to stadiums, convention centers, and core attractions
That alignment between your plans and the downtown setting is what ultimately determines whether Four Points by Sheraton Atlanta Downtown is likely to be a good fit for your stay in Atlanta.