Staying at DoubleTree Hotel Atlanta Northlake: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re searching for “Doubletree Hotel Northlake Atlanta GA”, you’re most likely looking for a convenient, mid-range hotel on Atlanta’s northeast side—close to I‑285, near Tucker and Northlake Mall, and within an easy drive of downtown, Decatur, and several major business districts.

This guide walks through what to expect from the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta – Northlake, how its location fits into Atlanta life, nearby attractions and neighborhoods, transportation options, and practical tips for both locals and visitors.

Where the DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake Is and What It’s Like

The DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta – Northlake sits in the Northlake area just inside the northeast section of the I‑285 Perimeter. It’s commonly used by:

  • Business travelers working in nearby office parks
  • Families visiting relatives in Tucker, Decatur, or Brookhaven
  • Road-trippers who want easy highway access without going into the core of downtown

General location overview:

  • Area: Northlake / Tucker side of Atlanta metro
  • Nearby major roads: I‑285 (Perimeter), LaVista Road, Briarcliff Road
  • Driving time to key spots (non-rush hour estimates):
    • Downtown Atlanta: ~15–20 minutes
    • Midtown Atlanta: ~20–25 minutes
    • Decatur Square: ~15–20 minutes
    • Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield–Jackson): ~30–40 minutes

The hotel has the typical DoubleTree feel: full-service amenities, on-site dining, meeting space, and a lobby that caters to both business and leisure guests. Many guests choose it specifically because it’s outside the busiest tourist corridors (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) but still within practical driving distance.

Why Someone in Atlanta Might Choose This Hotel

Even many locals use the DoubleTree Northlake when they need:

  • A block of rooms for out-of-town wedding guests (especially for events in Tucker, Northlake, or North DeKalb)
  • An overflow option for family visiting Atlanta’s east side
  • A meeting or conference space that’s easier to reach from the suburbs than downtown hotels
  • A staycation that avoids heavy city traffic while still giving access to Atlanta attractions

Pros of the Northlake location for Atlantans

  • Perimeter access: Being right off I‑285 makes it convenient if your plans include multiple sides of the city.
  • Easier parking: The area is more car-friendly than downtown; parking is usually simpler and less stressful.
  • Quieter than central Atlanta: Northlake tends to feel more like a commercial–suburban corridor than a dense urban core.

Trade-offs to be aware of

  • Limited walkability: The immediate area is more car-oriented, with plazas and big-box centers. You can walk to a few spots, but it’s not like strolling Midtown or Decatur.
  • Traffic on I‑285: The Perimeter is notoriously busy at rush hour; factor this into your daily schedule.
  • Transit is not ideal: If you’re relying entirely on MARTA rail, this location is less convenient than staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.

Rooms, Amenities, and What to Expect

While details can change over time, guests at the DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake typically find:

Core room features

Most rooms usually include:

  • Standard beds (king or two doubles/queens)
  • Desk or work area
  • Wi‑Fi access
  • TV with basic cable and streaming compatibility in many rooms
  • Coffee maker, basic bathroom amenities, and in-room climate control

If you’re traveling for business in Atlanta, the work desk and internet access tend to be important. It’s wise to confirm Wi‑Fi policies and any premium-tier options at booking if you’re planning remote work or video calls.

Common on-site amenities

Although offerings can evolve, full-service hotels in this category and area often provide:

  • On-site restaurant and bar or lounge area
  • Room service (sometimes limited hours)
  • Outdoor or indoor pool
  • Fitness center
  • Meeting rooms and ballrooms for conferences, training sessions, or celebrations
  • Business center or printing access at the front desk
  • Event catering options for weddings, reunions, and business events

If you’re coordinating an Atlanta-area meeting or wedding, ask about:

  • Room-block pricing for your guests
  • Parking arrangements (self-park vs. valet, any fees)
  • AV support and Wi‑Fi capacity in meeting spaces
  • Whether they can coordinate with nearby vendors (bands, DJs, decorators, etc.)

Quick Snapshot: Is DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake a Good Fit for You?

Traveler TypeWhy It May Work WellWhat to Double-Check First
Business travelersNear I‑285, office parks, and an easy drive to Perimeter/DecaturWi‑Fi reliability, commute time to your specific office, any corporate rates
Families visiting relativesCentral to Northlake/Tucker/Decatur; easier parking than downtownConnecting rooms or suite options; crib/rollaway availability
Event and wedding guestsOn-site event spaces; room blocks; straightforward highway accessShuttle options to your event venue; late check-out availability
Budget-conscious Atlanta visitorsOften more affordable than Downtown/Midtown hotelsTravel time to main attractions; cost of rideshare vs. a rental car
Staycationers and localsComfortable, full-service environment close to suburban shopping and diningPool/amenity status; any seasonal renovations or noise-impacting projects

Getting to and From the Hotel: Transportation Tips

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying into Atlanta:

  1. Driving or rental car:

    • Take I‑85 North to I‑285 East (North) and exit near LaVista Road or Northlake Parkway, depending on current signage and directions.
    • Expect 30–40 minutes without heavy traffic; longer at peak times.
  2. Rideshare or taxi:

    • Both Uber and Lyft commonly serve the airport and the Northlake area.
    • This is a point-to-point option that avoids navigating unfamiliar highways yourself.
  3. MARTA + rideshare combo:

    • Take MARTA rail from the Airport Station to a northern station (such as Brookhaven/Oglethorpe or Doraville), then use rideshare to the hotel.
    • This can reduce time in highway traffic and may save on fare during peak travel periods.

Getting around Atlanta from Northlake

From this hotel, you’re positioned on the northeast arc of the Perimeter, making it relatively straightforward to reach:

  • Downtown / Midtown:

    • Drive I‑285 to I‑85 South or I‑20 West as appropriate.
    • Plan extra time during rush hours (early mornings and late afternoons).
  • Decatur and Emory area:

    • Use LaVista Road, North Druid Hills Road, or Lawrenceville Highway depending on your destination.
    • These routes are heavily used by locals and can be more predictable than jumping on I‑285 for short trips.
  • Stone Mountain Park:

    • Head east toward US‑78.
    • Many families staying here visit Stone Mountain for hiking, the park’s attractions, or seasonal events.

If you don’t plan to rent a car, expect to rely heavily on rideshare or taxis; this area is not directly served by MARTA rail and bus connections may be limited or time-consuming.

Nearby Neighborhoods and Attractions

Staying at the DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake puts you in the middle of several popular east and northeast Atlanta communities.

Northlake / Tucker

The immediate area has:

  • Chain restaurants, casual dining, and coffee shops
  • Big-box and specialty retailers
  • Office parks and medical offices

Just east, Downtown Tucker has a small-town feel inside the metro:

  • A walkable Main Street
  • A growing restaurant scene and local shops
  • Community events that draw in residents from all over DeKalb County

This can be a good option if you prefer local restaurants rather than only national chains.

Decatur

About 15–20 minutes away, Decatur Square is known for:

  • Independent restaurants and bars
  • Local boutiques and bookstores
  • A more urban, walkable environment

Many visitors staying at Northlake choose an evening in Decatur for dinner and strolling without going all the way into downtown Atlanta.

Emory, CDC, and North Druid Hills

If you’re in Atlanta for:

  • Emory University
  • Emory University Hospital
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Corporate offices in North Druid Hills or Executive Park

the DoubleTree Northlake can work as a less expensive, slightly farther-out base. You’ll use LaVista Road or Briarcliff Road for most of these commutes.

Stone Mountain Park

To the east, Stone Mountain Park is a common day trip from this hotel:

  • Hiking trails and the walk-up to the top of Stone Mountain
  • Lakeside areas and picnic spots
  • Seasonal events and light shows (check current schedules directly with the park)

Families and groups often choose Northlake as a middle-ground location, giving access to both Stone Mountain and central Atlanta.

Food and Shopping Near the Hotel

Although offerings change over time, guests typically find within a short drive:

  • Sit-down chain restaurants along LaVista Road and Northlake Parkway
  • Fast-casual options (sandwiches, burgers, coffee)
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies for snacks or forgotten essentials
  • Northlake-area shopping centers for clothing, electronics, and basic needs

If you’re staying several days and don’t want to eat hotel food for every meal, planning a loop that includes:

  • A stop at a nearby grocery store for drinks and snacks
  • One or two evenings in Tucker or Decatur for more local dining

can make your stay feel less generic and more like you’re experiencing real Atlanta life on the east side.

Using the Hotel for Events, Meetings, and Group Stays

Many Atlantans use this property for events that bring together people from different parts of the metro, because it’s:

  • Easy to reach from Gwinnett, DeKalb, and the City of Atlanta
  • Far enough from downtown to avoid the highest hotel pricing
  • Close to I‑285 for guests driving in from farther out-of-state

Common uses

  • Business meetings and training sessions
  • Small conferences or association gatherings
  • Wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners
  • Class reunions and family reunions

If you’re planning an event here, consider:

  • Negotiating room blocks for out-of-town guests
  • Asking about group breakfast or catering packages
  • Clarifying noise and curfew policies if you expect late-night events
  • Discussing accessibility needs, such as wheelchair access and elevator locations

Local event planners often appreciate that guests can arrive by car and park without the density and parking complexity of Downtown or Midtown hotels.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

As with most of Atlanta, Northlake is a mix of commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods. Travelers commonly take the same basic precautions they would in any large metro area:

  • Lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible.
  • Be mindful at gas stations or late-night stops.
  • Ask the front desk which routes and areas they recommend for walking or jogging.

A few practical pointers specific to Atlanta and this area:

  • Traffic timing: If you have a morning appointment downtown or at Emory, add a buffer; 15–20 minutes can quickly become 40+ minutes at rush hour.
  • Weather considerations:
    • Summer can be very humid; check that your room’s AC is working well.
    • Occasional winter ice can severely impact I‑285; keep an eye on local forecasts if traveling in winter.
  • Noise awareness: Rooms facing the highway or pool may have different noise levels; if you’re sensitive to noise, you can request a quieter location in the building when booking or at check-in.

How to Decide If DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake Is Right for Your Atlanta Trip

This hotel generally makes sense if you:

  • Want easy highway access via I‑285
  • Have business or family in Tucker, Decatur, Northlake, or North DeKalb
  • Prefer full-service amenities without needing to be in the heart of downtown
  • Plan to rent a car or use rideshare regularly

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Rely solely on MARTA rail
  • Want to walk out your door into a dense restaurant/bar scene
  • Prioritize being steps from Downtown or Midtown attractions

For many visitors and locals, though, the DoubleTree Hotel Northlake in Atlanta, GA strikes a solid balance between convenience, comfort, and cost, especially when your plans center on the northeast and east sides of the city rather than the downtown core.