Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown by Marriott: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re looking for an extended-stay hotel in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown by Marriott is one of the better-known options. It combines apartment-style suites with a central location that works well for both business and leisure travelers.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, where it’s located, what’s nearby, and how to decide if it fits your trip.

Where the Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown Is Located

The Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown by Marriott is in the Fairlie-Poplar section of Downtown Atlanta, close to major office buildings, government centers, and popular attractions.

Typical location details:

• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Fairlie-Poplar Historic District
• Area vibe: Urban, walkable core with offices, historic buildings, and tourist traffic on weekdays, a bit quieter at night and on weekends
• Nearby streets and landmarks: Generally surrounded by Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and the main downtown grid

For anyone working or attending events downtown, the location is convenient for:

• Government offices near City Hall and the Fulton County Courthouse
• Corporate offices and bank towers
• Conventions and trade shows at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Events and games at State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re flying in, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is usually 15–25 minutes away by car in normal traffic, and the hotel’s downtown location makes it easier to use rideshare or transit than staying in more suburban areas.

Getting Around: MARTA, Walking, and Driving

MARTA Access

For many Atlanta visitors, MARTA rail is a key part of navigating downtown without a car. The Residence Inn’s area is typically:

• Walkable to at least one MARTA station (commonly Peachtree Center or Five Points, depending on your exact route)
• On or near multiple MARTA bus routes that move through downtown

This makes it easier to:

• Reach the airport without driving
• Connect to Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur
• Visit neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or West End with a single rail or rail-plus-bus ride

If you’re not used to Atlanta’s transit system, it’s helpful to know:

• Trains run on the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines, and most downtown travelers use the Red/Gold lines for north–south trips and airport service.
• MARTA Breeze cards are used to pay fares; you can buy or reload them at station kiosks.

Walking in Downtown Atlanta

From the Residence Inn’s area, you can usually walk to:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Office buildings, banks, and law firms in the downtown core
• Numerous fast-casual spots and local restaurants

Sidewalks in this part of downtown are continuous and designed for weekday foot traffic. At night, some blocks can feel quieter, so common-sense safety habits—staying on busier streets, being aware of your surroundings—are a good idea, as in any major city.

Driving and Parking

Driving downtown can be busy during:

• Weekday morning rush (roughly 7–9 a.m.)
• Evening rush (roughly 4–6:30 p.m.)
• Major events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you plan to drive:

• Expect paid parking at or near the hotel (either self-park lots/garages or valet, depending on the property’s current offerings).
• Street parking is limited and often metered or time-restricted.

For local Atlantans considering the Residence Inn as a staycation spot or overflow guest lodging, factor parking costs and downtown traffic into your budget and timeline, especially during big events.

Suites and Amenities: What Extended-Stay Means Here

Residence Inn is designed around extended stays, meaning rooms function more like small apartments than traditional hotel rooms.

You can typically expect:

Suite Layout and Features

• Separate sleeping and living areas in most room types
• Kitchen or kitchenette, often with:
  • Refrigerator (often full-size or mid-size)
  • Microwave
  • Stovetop or cooktop in many suites
  • Basic cookware and dishes
• Work desk or dedicated workspace
• Free Wi‑Fi is commonly available in both rooms and public areas

This setup is particularly useful if you:

• Are in Atlanta for a long business project downtown
• Are relocating to Atlanta and need a temporary base while house-hunting
• Want to prepare some meals yourself to save money or manage dietary needs

Common On-Site Amenities

Amenities vary over time, but extended-stay properties like this usually offer some combination of:

• Daily or regular housekeeping
• Fitness center with basic cardio and weight equipment
• Breakfast service (often a hot buffet or enhanced continental for hotel guests)
• Laundry facilities, frequently coin- or card-operated, useful for long stays
• Business services such as printing and basic meeting spaces

Since offerings can change, it’s wise to:

• Confirm which amenities are currently available
• Ask about any resort fees or added costs for amenities that are not included in the base room rate

Who This Hotel Tends to Work Best For

The Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown generally works well for:

1. Business Travelers Working Downtown

If your meetings are in:

• Downtown law offices or bank towers
• The State of Georgia offices or Atlanta City Hall
• A conference at the Georgia World Congress Center

…staying here can dramatically cut commute time. You can often walk to work or take a short MARTA ride, avoiding daily parking costs in separate garages.

2. Extended-Stay Guests and Relocators

If you’re moving to Atlanta or in town for multi-week training, the suite layout and kitchen make life easier:

• Cook your own meals instead of relying on restaurants every day
• Do laundry on-site
• Use the hotel as a temporary home base while you search for neighborhoods like Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, West Midtown, or Kirkwood

3. Families Visiting Downtown Attractions

If your main plans are around:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
• College Football Hall of Fame

…being able to walk or take a quick rideshare from a central downtown hotel is convenient. A larger suite lets parents and kids have a bit more space, and having a refrigerator and microwave can help with snacks and simple meals.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions and Walkable Highlights

Here’s a quick guide to what you can usually access within a short walk or quick ride from the Residence Inn’s downtown area.

Being near these spots means you can realistically plan a car-free or car-light visit, especially if your focus is Downtown and maybe a few MARTA-accessible neighborhoods.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors Staying Downtown

Whether you’re a local planning a staycation or a first-time visitor, a few Atlanta-specific tips can make your stay smoother.

1. Plan Around Event Days

Downtown hotel demand and parking costs often fluctuate with:

• Falcons and Atlanta United games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Major concerts and touring shows
• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re flexible:

• 📅 Check major event schedules before choosing your dates
• Expect more crowds on streets and in restaurants during big events

2. Factor in Atlanta Traffic if You Have a Car

If you’ll be driving in and out of downtown each day:

• Allow extra time for I‑75/85 and connector traffic during rush hour
• Use navigation apps to watch for incidents, which can significantly slow travel

Some travelers prefer to:

• Park once at the hotel
• Use MARTA, scooters, rideshare, or walking for most local movement

3. Budget for City-Center Costs

Staying downtown can save on commuting time, but costs to consider include:

• Parking fees
• Possible valet charges or in/out fees
• Higher restaurant prices at tourist-oriented spots

Using your suite’s kitchen for some meals can help balance the budget, especially for families or longer stays.

How the Residence Inn Fits into the Downtown Hotel Landscape

If you’re trying to decide whether this specific hotel type suits your plans in Atlanta:

Strengths of this style of downtown stay:

• Apartment-like suites in the central business district
• Good match for longer stays, relocation, or work projects
• Walkable to a large concentration of downtown attractions and offices
• Access to MARTA for airport trips and cross-city travel

Considerations to keep in mind:

• Urban setting means you’ll notice city noise, traffic, and event activity more than in suburban hotels
• Parking is paid and can be more expensive than in non-downtown areas
• Nighttime streets vary in activity level; many visitors prefer sticking to main corridors and well-lit routes after dark

For someone who lives in metro Atlanta, the Residence Inn can be a solid option when:

• Hosting out-of-town guests who want to sightsee downtown
• You need a temporary downtown base during home renovations or between leases
• You want a walkable staycation close to events, museums, and restaurants

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Travelers

If you’re deciding whether to stay at the Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown by Marriott:

• It’s best suited for extended stays, business travel, and families who value extra space and a kitchen.
• The location in Downtown Atlanta offers strong access to major attractions, government buildings, and corporate offices.
• You can take advantage of MARTA, walking, and short rideshares to navigate the city efficiently, especially to and from the airport.
• Be prepared for urban parking costs, variable event-day crowds, and typical big-city noise and activity.

Understanding these Atlanta-specific factors will help you decide if this downtown Residence Inn matches how you like to travel, work, or explore the city.