Finding the Right Room in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Stay, What to Expect, and How to Choose

Looking for rooms in Downtown Atlanta—whether for a quick overnight stay, a business trip, a convention, or a game at State Farm Arena—means choosing between several distinct pockets of the downtown core. Each area has its own feel, price range, and conveniences.

This guide breaks down where to find rooms in Downtown Atlanta, what different areas are like, typical price and parking expectations, and how to match the neighborhood to your plans in the city.

Key Areas for Rooms in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is compact enough to walk between most attractions, but each cluster of hotels and rooms serves a slightly different purpose.

1. Peachtree Center & Core Downtown

This is the traditional heart of Downtown Atlanta and one of the most popular areas for visitors who want to be in the middle of everything.

What it’s like

• High-rise hotels and offices
• Covered walkways and indoor food courts
• Heavy weekday foot traffic, especially around lunchtime
• Easy access to MARTA Peachtree Center Station

Best for:

• Business travelers with downtown meetings
• Visitors without a car (easy transit and walkability)
• Conventions at nearby hotels or office buildings

Pros

• Walkable to attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and CNN Center
• Direct access to MARTA rail for airport and citywide travel
• Plenty of quick food options and casual dining on and around Peachtree Street

Things to consider

• Can feel quieter at night and on weekends compared to Midtown
• Heavier traffic and limited cheap street parking

2. Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center Area

This cluster is ideal if you want a room near Atlanta’s major attractions.

Nearby attractions include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Centennial Olympic Park itself

Best for:

• Families visiting the aquarium or nearby museums
• Sports and concert goers
• Visitors who want to walk to multiple attractions in a single day

Pros

• You can often walk to several attractions without needing rideshare or MARTA
• Good mix of chain hotels and convention-oriented properties
• Easy to reach from MARTA Five Points or GWCC/CNN Center Stations

Things to consider

• Prices often go up during:
  • Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Big conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Expect paid parking; free hotel parking is rare in this area

3. Georgia State University / Georgia State Capitol Area

East and southeast of the core, you’ll find rooms closer to campus life and government offices.

Nearby landmarks:

• Georgia State University (GSU) campus
• Georgia State Capitol
• Court buildings and government offices

Best for:

• Students and families visiting GSU
• People with business at the capitol or courts
• Travelers looking for rooms slightly outside the busiest tourist zone

Pros

• Close to MARTA Georgia State and Five Points Stations
• Walkable to core downtown within 10–15 minutes
• Often a bit quieter at night compared to Peachtree Center

Things to consider

• Fewer large attractions right at your doorstep
• Mix of student life, offices, and government buildings means different daytime feel than tourist-oriented areas

4. Castleberry Hill & South Downtown (Edge of Downtown)

These areas sit just south and southwest of the main downtown core, still within a short walk or ride to major venues.

Castleberry Hill

• Historic, artsy neighborhood with lofts, galleries, and local restaurants
• Walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center area
• Mix of traditional hotels, boutique-style properties, and short-term rental options

South Downtown

• Older commercial buildings, some being redeveloped
• Close to MARTA Garnett and Five Points Stations
• Walkable to the Greyhound bus station and several government buildings

Best for:

• Visitors who prefer a neighborhood feel instead of a corporate hotel strip
• Guests attending events at the stadium who want to walk
• People seeking rooms that may be less expensive than the core tourist blocks (depending on dates and events)

Things to consider

• Nighttime activity can vary block by block; some streets are busy, others very quiet
• Check exact address and walking routes if you’ll be on foot after late events

Types of Rooms Available in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown offers a full range of lodging types. The right choice depends on your budget, length of stay, and how much space or amenities you need.

1. Standard Hotel Rooms

Most common option, ranging from basic budget rooms to upscale high-rise hotels.

Typical features:

• Private bedroom and bathroom
• Daily housekeeping (varies by property)
• On-site front desk and security
• Often includes fitness center or small business center

Good for: Short stays, business trips, conventions, and first-time visitors who want predictable services.

2. Extended-Stay and Suite-Style Rooms

Some downtown properties offer studio or one-bedroom suites with extra space and basic kitchen facilities.

Why choose extended-stay rooms:

• In-room kitchen or kitchenette
• More storage and space for longer visits
• Often designed for stays of a week or more, but many allow shorter bookings

Good for:
Travelers relocating to Atlanta, interns, project-based workers, or families who want to cook some meals.

3. Short-Term Rentals & Lofts

Downtown and especially Castleberry Hill and South Downtown have loft-style and apartment-style rentals.

Common characteristics:

• Full kitchen and living room
• Flexible layouts, sometimes in historic or industrial buildings
• Often self check-in

Good for:

• Groups who want shared living space
• Visitors seeking a more “local” or residential feel
• Longer stays where hotel costs would add up

Important tips:

• Verify building security, parking, and entry instructions before arrival.
• Check any building or city rules on short-term rentals to avoid surprises about registration or noise restrictions.

Typical Price Ranges & What Affects Cost

Prices for rooms in Downtown Atlanta can swing widely. While exact rates change constantly, there are some clear patterns.

What usually makes rooms more expensive

• Large events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center
• Major holidays and festival weekends
• Last-minute bookings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays

Times when you might find better rates

• Weeknights when there’s no major convention or event
• Shoulder seasons when tourism is lighter
• Booking further in advance, especially for big event weekends

Quick Cost & Location Guide

Use this simple overview to match room type and area to your needs:

Parking, Transit, and Getting Around Downtown

Parking at Downtown Atlanta Rooms

In most of downtown:

• Expect paid parking at hotels and many loft buildings
• Options include:
  • Valet-only
  • Self-park in a connected or nearby garage
• Daily rates can vary widely; always check:
  • If parking is included
  • Whether in/out privileges are allowed

If you plan to drive frequently around the city, you may want a room with easier garage access rather than strictly valet.

Using MARTA and Other Transit

Downtown Atlanta is served by several MARTA rail stations, making it convenient to skip driving:

• Peachtree Center Station – central for most core hotels
• Five Points Station – major hub, easy transfer point
• Georgia State Station – for GSU and parts of east downtown
• GWCC/CNN Center Station – ideal for Centennial Olympic Park, CNN, stadium, and arena

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• You can take MARTA directly from the airport to Peachtree Center or Five Points in about 20–25 minutes on the train, then walk or take a short ride to your room.

Walking and Safety Considerations

Downtown is walkable during the day between major attractions and most hotel clusters. Practical tips:

• Plan your walking routes in advance, especially at night.
• Look for well-lit, main streets and areas with other pedestrians.
• If you’re unsure about late-night walking from a venue back to your room, rideshare and taxis are widely available around:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Peachtree Center
  • Centennial Olympic Park area

How to Choose the Best Downtown Room for Your Trip

When comparing rooms in Downtown Atlanta, use these questions to narrow your options:

1. What’s your main reason for being downtown?

• Visiting attractions? Look near Centennial Olympic Park or CNN Center.
• Meetings and business? Focus on Peachtree Center and the immediate core.
• Events and games? Consider stadium-adjacent options near Castleberry Hill or CNN Center.
• Campus or capitol business? East downtown near GSU and the Capitol may make more sense.

2. Do you need a car?

If you:

• Don’t plan to drive much: Staying close to a MARTA station and walkable attractions can save on parking and rideshare.
• Plan to explore beyond downtown: Factor in hotels with easier garage access and consider proximity to interstates I‑75/85 and I‑20.

3. How long are you staying?

• 1–3 nights: Standard hotel rooms are usually simplest.
• 4+ nights: Suite-style rooms or loft-style rentals with kitchens can be more comfortable and potentially more cost-effective.

Helpful Local Contacts & Resources

For transit and general downtown questions, these official Atlanta resources can help you plan your stay:

• MARTA Customer Information
  Phone: 404‑848‑5000
  Main rail access for airport and local travel to/from downtown.

• ATL Airport General Information (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
  Phone: 800‑897‑1910
  Useful if you’re coordinating late arrivals or checking ground transportation options.

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404‑330‑6023
  Can direct you to city services and provide general guidance about the downtown area.

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Information (Downtown Welcome Centers)
  Look for staffed visitor centers near Centennial Olympic Park and major attractions for printed maps, neighborhood details, and local event information.

Choosing a room in Downtown Atlanta comes down to matching your location, budget, and transportation preferences with the right pocket of the city. Once you know whether you’re here for attractions, business, school, or a big game, it becomes much easier to pick the downtown area—and type of room—that fits how you actually plan to use Atlanta.