Holiday Inn Hotels in Atlanta, GA: Where to Stay and How to Choose

Looking for Holiday Inn hotels in Atlanta, GA and not sure which location fits your trip best? Atlanta is spread out, traffic can be intense, and what feels “close” on a map can be a 30–40 minute drive at the wrong time of day. Choosing the right Holiday Inn in or around the city can make your visit much smoother.

This guide walks through popular Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express areas around Atlanta, what each is generally best for, and practical tips on getting around, parking, and booking—specifically with Atlanta locals and visitors in mind.

How to Pick the Right Holiday Inn in Atlanta

Before looking at specific areas, think about:

• Your main purpose

  • Business meetings Downtown or Midtown
  • Conventions around Georgia World Congress Center
  • Flights in/out of Hartsfield–Jackson
  • Shopping or dining in Buckhead
  • Family attractions (Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, etc.)

• Your must-haves

  • Free parking vs. paid garage
  • Free breakfast (often at Holiday Inn Express)
  • Airport shuttle
  • Easy MARTA access
  • Indoor pool or fitness center

• How you’ll get around Atlanta

  • Rental car
  • Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
  • MARTA rail/bus
  • Walking (realistically only works in certain neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead core areas)

Main Areas Where You’ll Find Holiday Inn Hotels in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of how different Atlanta areas with Holiday Inn properties tend to compare:

Use this table as a quick filter, then narrow down by what’s most important to you.

Holiday Inn Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

If you’re flying in or out of Hartsfield–Jackson, staying near the airport can save a lot of time and stress—especially with early morning flights or tight connections.

Why choose an airport-area Holiday Inn?

• Airport shuttles: Many airport hotels offer scheduled shuttles to the terminals. Confirm current times directly with the front desk when booking.
• Access to I‑85 and I‑285: Helpful if you’re continuing on a road trip south or circling around the city.
• MARTA access: You can take MARTA from the Airport Station to Downtown or Midtown if you’d rather not drive.

Airport-area Holiday Inns are typically a better fit if:

• You have a very early or very late flight.
• Your trip is mostly business with quick in-and-out meetings.
• You don’t need much walkable nightlife or attractions.

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time and want to explore, you’ll usually be happier closer to Downtown or Midtown.

Holiday Inn Options in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown is Atlanta’s hub for conventions, big events, and major tourist attractions. Holiday Inn properties here are often chosen for convenience rather than seclusion.

Who Downtown works well for

• Visitors attending events at:
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Families visiting major attractions like:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • SkyView Atlanta
  • Centennial Olympic Park
• Travelers who prefer not to rent a car, and want to rely on MARTA, walking, or rideshare.

Pros of staying Downtown in a Holiday Inn

• Walkable to top attractions: You can often walk to main sights within 10–15 minutes.
• MARTA rail access: Stations such as Five Points, Peachtree Center, and GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center connect you to the airport, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Food and convenience: Plenty of fast-casual dining, coffee shops, and lunch spots geared toward office workers and convention crowds.

Things to keep in mind

• Parking costs: Expect to pay for parking, whether in a garage or valet.
• Event schedules: On big event days (Falcons games, concerts, large conventions), streets and restaurants can get crowded and prices may be higher.
• Weekends vs. weekdays: Parts of Downtown feel much busier during the workweek; weekends can be quieter in some blocks.

If your priority is being right in the middle of things and minimizing commute times to attractions, Downtown is generally a strong pick.

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Dining, and Central Access

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most walkable and lively neighborhoods. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express options here are useful if you want a mix of business, culture, and nightlife.

Why book in Midtown?

• Easy access to:
  • Midtown MARTA Station and Arts Center Station
  • Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • High Museum of Art, Woodruff Arts Center, and other cultural spots
• Plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within short walking distance in key corridors like Peachtree Street and 10th Street.
• Central enough that you can take MARTA or a short ride to Downtown, Buckhead, or the airport.

Midtown pros and cons

Pros:

• Active street life in core blocks, especially around Peachtree and 10th.
• Good option for travelers who want both daytime attractions and evening activities.
• Reasonable routes for both drivers and non-drivers.

Consider:

• Traffic on Peachtree Street and intersecting roads can be heavy during rush hour.
• Parking is commonly in garages and may be paid nightly.
• Nightlife can mean more noise in certain areas; request higher floors or interior-facing rooms if you’re a light sleeper.

For visitors who want a balanced “city feel” without being as convention-focused as Downtown, Midtown is often a comfortable middle ground.

Buckhead: Shopping, Business, and North Atlanta Access

Buckhead is an upscale commercial and residential district in north Atlanta. It’s home to major shopping areas, high-rise office buildings, and a number of hotel chains, including Holiday Inn–branded properties.

When Buckhead makes sense

• You’re in town for meetings in Buckhead office towers or medical facilities nearby.
• You want to be close to shopping at:
  • Lenox Square
  • Phipps Plaza
• You plan to drive around the northern suburbs and need quick access to GA‑400 and I‑85.

What to expect in Buckhead

• Busy main roads like Peachtree Road and Lenox Road, especially at commute times and during holiday shopping seasons.
• Mix of chain and local restaurants, often concentrated around Lenox and Peachtree.
• MARTA’s Lenox Station and Buckhead Station serve parts of the neighborhood, useful if your hotel is reasonably close to one.

If your Atlanta plans revolve around the north side of the city or you prefer a more commercial, modern-feeling district, Buckhead-area Holiday Inns can be very convenient.

Perimeter and Northside: Holiday Inns for Longer or Suburban Stays

Perimeter (around Perimeter Center, near I‑285 and GA‑400) and other northern suburbs (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Norcross, Alpharetta) often have Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties that are well-suited for extended business trips and families visiting nearby residents.

Who these areas are best for

• Travelers with business at Perimeter Center, Sandy Springs, or Dunwoody offices.
• Families visiting relatives in the north metro area who want to avoid city-center prices.
• People who plan to spend only a small portion of time in Downtown or Midtown.

Benefits of staying in the Perimeter / Northside corridor

• Typically easier parking, often free or lower cost than in core Atlanta neighborhoods.
• Close to Perimeter Mall and numerous chain restaurants and services.
• Access to MARTA via Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or North Springs stations, depending on your exact location.

Trade-offs

• Travel times to Downtown during rush hours can be 30–45 minutes or more by car.
• These areas feel more suburban; if you’re looking for a strong “in the city” atmosphere, they may not be the best match.

If you’re combining work in the northern business districts with occasional trips into town, Perimeter-area Holiday Inns can be a practical base.

Holiday Inns Along Atlanta’s Major Highways (I‑75, I‑85, I‑20)

Outside the center of Atlanta, you’ll find many Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express locations along the main interstates.

Good use cases for highway-adjacent Holiday Inns

• Road trips passing through Atlanta on the way to Florida, Alabama, the Carolinas, or beyond.
• Early-morning drives into the city for events or appointments, while staying the night before outside the heaviest traffic zones.
• Travelers who want simpler access to highways and often more budget-friendly rates compared to prime urban locations.

Common corridors where you may see Holiday Inn properties include:

• I‑75 North (toward Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth)
• I‑85 North (toward Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville)
• I‑20 East and West (toward Stonecrest or Douglasville)

These spots are generally car-dependent; plan on driving or using rideshare for nearly all errands and outings.

Practical Tips for Staying at a Holiday Inn in Atlanta

1. Think about parking and local driving

Atlanta is a driving city, and where you stay affects how easily you can get around.

• In Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, expect:
  • Paid garages or valet at many hotels
  • Limited free street parking
• In airport and suburban areas, you’re more likely to find:
  • Free or lower-cost surface lots
  • Easier entry/exit to main roads

If you’re uncomfortable driving in heavy traffic, areas with MARTA rail nearby (Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead core, Perimeter) can help you avoid some driving.

2. Use MARTA where it makes sense

MARTA is Atlanta’s main public transit system. Key points for Holiday Inn guests:

• Airport Station (inside Hartsfield–Jackson) links directly to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter without needing a car.
• Some hotels are within walking distance of MARTA; others may require a short rideshare or hotel shuttle ride.
• For big events Downtown or in Midtown, taking MARTA often beats driving and dealing with event parking.

If transit access is important, call the hotel and ask:

• “How far are you from the nearest MARTA station?”
• “Is it realistically walkable with luggage?”

3. Consider Atlanta traffic patterns

Atlanta traffic tends to be heaviest:

• Weekday mornings (roughly 6:30–9:30 a.m.) heading into the city.
• Weekday evenings (roughly 4:00–7:00 p.m.) heading out of the city center.

If your schedule is flexible:

• Plan longer drives outside peak hours.
• Choose a hotel closer to your main activity area to avoid crossing the entire metro region during rush hour.

4. Budget realistically

Nightly rates at Holiday Inns in Atlanta can vary widely based on:

• Location (Downtown/Midtown usually higher than outer suburbs)
• Events (conventions, sports games, concerts, and festivals)
• Season (spring and fall are often popular)

To keep costs manageable:

• Compare airport and suburban locations if you don’t need to be in the city center.
• Check whether parking, breakfast, and Wi‑Fi are included or extra.
• If you’re visiting for a large event, book as early as practical—Downtown rooms can fill quickly.

Getting Local Help and Visitor Information

If you’re in Atlanta and want in-person help planning your stay or understanding neighborhoods, you can look to:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 521‑6600

They can provide general visitor information about areas, attractions, and transportation options across the city.

For transit help related to MARTA (routes, schedules, fares):

• MARTA Headquarters & Customer Information
  2424 Piedmont Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service (commonly listed): (404) 848‑5000

These contacts won’t book rooms for you, but they can help you understand how different parts of Atlanta connect, which can influence which Holiday Inn location works best.

By focusing on where in Atlanta you plan to spend the most time, how you’ll get around, and what you prioritize (shuttles, parking, transit, nightlife, or quiet), you can narrow down the many Holiday Inn hotel options in and around Atlanta, GA to the one that truly fits your trip.