The Westin Peachtree Plaza: Staying in the Heart of Downtown Atlanta

If you’re searching for “Westin Downtown Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta – the tall, cylindrical glass hotel that dominates the downtown skyline. For many locals and visitors, it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in the city and a central hub for events, conventions, and weekend stays.

This guide walks through what to expect at the Westin in downtown Atlanta, how it fits into the surrounding neighborhood, and practical tips for getting around, parking, safety, and nearby attractions.

Where the Westin Is in Downtown Atlanta

Hotel name: The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
Typical street address: On Peachtree Street NW in the heart of downtown
Neighborhood:Downtown Atlanta, near major business, tourism, and convention centers

The hotel sits right along Peachtree Street NW, which is one of Atlanta’s main corridors. From the street, you’re within a short walk of:

• Peachtree Center (offices, food court, and shops)
• Georgia World Congress Center area (via a longer walk or quick ride)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (walkable if you’re comfortable with a bit of distance)
• MARTA Peachtree Center Station

If you live in metro Atlanta, think of this Westin as being in the same cluster as Peachtree Center, Five Points, and Fairlie-Poplar.

What the Westin Peachtree Plaza Is Known For

The Westin downtown is often recognized for a few key features:

• Iconic cylindrical design: A landmark on the Atlanta skyline for decades.
• Height and views: One of the tallest hotels in the city, with wide views over downtown, Midtown, and beyond on clear days.
• Central location for conventions: Convenient to Georgia World Congress Center, AmericasMart, and many corporate offices.
• Popular for events: Many Atlantans know it from conferences, banquets, weddings, and large meetings, especially those centered downtown.

While details about specific on-site restaurants, renovation status, or amenities can shift over time, the hotel generally caters to both business travelers and tourists who need a reliable, centrally located base.

Getting to the Westin Downtown from Around Atlanta

By MARTA

If you’re using MARTA, the Westin is easiest to access from:

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)

From Peachtree Center Station:

1. Exit toward Peachtree Street.
2. Once you’re at street level, you’re just a short walk away along Peachtree Street NW.

This is often the simplest option if you’re arriving from:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (straight shot on the Red/Gold line)
• North Atlanta suburbs along the Red/Gold lines (Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, etc.)

By Car

If you’re driving from:

• Midtown/Buckhead: Head south along Peachtree Street or use I-75/85 south and exit into downtown.
• South Atlanta/airport: Use I-75/85 north and take a downtown exit toward Peachtree Street or Courtland/Capitol Avenue.

Because road patterns and one-way streets can be confusing downtown, many Atlanta drivers rely on GPS navigation for the final streets around the hotel.

⛽ Local tip: Traffic on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85) can be heavy during rush hour and on game or concert days. If you’re coming in for a timed event, build in extra time for congestion and parking.

Parking at the Westin and Nearby Options

Parking in downtown Atlanta can be expensive and varies by day and event. Around the Westin, you’ll typically find:

• Hotel valet parking:

  • Usually the most convenient option.
  • Often priced at a premium, especially overnight.
  • Good for those with luggage or mobility concerns.

• Nearby paid garages and lots:

  • Several public garages are within a block or two.
  • Prices can fluctuate during Falcons games, Hawks games, concerts, and conventions.
  • Look for secure, well-lit structures, especially if returning late.

• Street parking:

  • Limited and often time-restricted, with meters and enforced hours.
  • Not always ideal for overnight stays.

If you’re an Atlanta local driving in just for a meeting or meal at the hotel, you might:

• Compare hotel valet pricing vs. nearby public garages.
• Consider MARTA if parking costs or downtown driving stress are a concern.

Staying at the Westin: What Atlanta Visitors Typically Use It For

1. Business and Convention Travel

Downtown Atlanta is a major business and convention hub. Many guests at the Westin are:

• Attending events at Georgia World Congress Center
• Visiting AmericasMart Atlanta during major markets
• Meeting with downtown-based employers, law firms, or state/federal offices

Being able to walk or take a quick rideshare to these destinations is a key reason business travelers choose this hotel.

2. Weekend Getaways and Staycations

For Atlanta-area residents, the Westin can function as a staycation spot:

• Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola
• Walkability to State Farm Arena for concerts and Hawks games
• Close enough to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Falcons football, United soccer, and major events, with either a walk or short rideshare

Local couples, groups of friends, or families sometimes book a night here to avoid late-night drives back to the suburbs after events.

3. Special Events and Social Functions

The hotel regularly hosts:

• Weddings and receptions
• Corporate banquets and award ceremonies
• Alumni gatherings and community events

If you’re attending an event here, it’s worth confirming in advance:

• Which ballroom or floor your event is on
• Suggested arrival time if valet or elevator lines are expected
• Dress codes or special access instructions

Safety and Practical Tips for Downtown Atlanta Near the Westin

Like any major urban downtown, central Atlanta has high-traffic areas, busy sidewalks, and some pockets that can feel quieter or less comfortable late at night. Common-sense steps many locals and visitors follow include:

• Stay on well-lit, busier streets such as Peachtree Street NW when walking after dark.
• Use hotel entrances and lobbies as safe, active points of reference.
• Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars to reduce risk of break-ins.
• Use licensed rideshare, taxis, or MARTA from well-marked pickup areas.

If you ever need assistance downtown, you can find support from:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown area)
• Downtown Ambassador programs (when operating), typically visible in branded attire helping with directions and basic concerns.

For emergencies anywhere in downtown Atlanta, dial 911.

Attractions Near the Westin in Downtown Atlanta

One of the main advantages of staying at the Westin is how close it is to many of Atlanta’s top attractions. Walking times will vary based on route and pace, but most of the following are reasonable walks or short rides:

Within a Short Walk

• Peachtree Center – Dining options, quick-service eateries, and basic shopping.
• Fairlie-Poplar District – Historic streetscape with restaurants, bars, and small venues.
• Woodruff Park – Public green space popular for lunch breaks and community events.

A Bit Farther, But Still Central Downtown

• Centennial Olympic Park – Open green space and a hub for surrounding attractions.
• Georgia Aquarium – Major family-friendly destination.
• World of Coca-Cola – Museum-style attraction centered on the Coca-Cola brand.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum focused on civil rights and social justice history.
• State Farm Arena – Home of the Atlanta Hawks and frequent concerts.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, plus national events.

If you’re bringing children or family, these spots make it easy to fill a weekend without heavy driving.

Using the Westin as a Base to Explore Metro Atlanta

Even though the Westin is firmly in downtown, it can be a practical launch point for exploring other parts of Atlanta:

• Midtown:
  • Quick rideshare or MARTA ride for Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, Midtown dining, and nightlife.
• Buckhead:
  • Accessible by car or MARTA for upscale shopping districts and restaurants.
• Eastside neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, BeltLine):
  • Short rideshare away for local dining, bars, and BeltLine walks.

If you’re a visitor without a car:

• MARTA + rideshare is typically sufficient for covering most major compact areas of the city.
• Many guests schedule a mix of walking, MARTA trips, and short car rides depending on their plans.

Accessibility and Mobility Considerations

Downtown Atlanta includes a mix of:

• Newer high-rise buildings designed with modern accessibility standards
• Older structures and streetscapes where sidewalks and crossings may be uneven in places

If accessibility is a priority:

• Contact the Westin directly before your stay to ask about accessible rooms, elevator locations, and entrance options.
• Ask the hotel for recommended accessible routes to nearby attractions or MARTA stations, especially if you’re using a mobility device.

For public transportation, MARTA stations like Peachtree Center are equipped with elevators, but it is wise to allow a few extra minutes to navigate to elevator entrances at street level.

When the Westin Downtown Atlanta Works Best

For someone focused on Atlanta, the Westin Peachtree Plaza downtown tends to be a strong fit if you:

• Want to walk to major downtown attractions or corporate offices
• Are attending a conference, convention, or major event in the downtown core
• Prefer staying in a recognizable, central landmark hotel
• Are planning a staycation that avoids long drives home after late-night events

It may be less convenient if your plans are centered in:

• Far north suburbs (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming)
• Far west/east metro areas that are not easily reached by MARTA or major highways

In those cases, you might still use the Westin for a special night around a specific downtown event, then return to your usual base elsewhere in the metro area.

Key Takeaways at a Glance

For anyone living in, visiting, or planning around Atlanta, the Westin Peachtree Plaza is one of downtown’s most central hotel options, offering a practical base to experience both the business core and many of the city’s most visited landmarks.