Lodging in Atlanta, GA: How to Find the Right Place to Stay in the City

Whether you live in metro Atlanta and need a local getaway, or you’re visiting from out of town, finding the right lodging in Atlanta, GA comes down to three things: location, budget, and purpose of your stay. Atlanta is large and spread out, so where you stay can shape your entire experience.

This guide walks through the main lodging options in Atlanta, key neighborhoods, approximate price ranges, and practical tips for booking and getting around.

Choosing Where to Stay in Atlanta

Because Atlanta traffic can be heavy and public transit is limited to specific corridors, it often makes sense to pick lodging close to what you plan to do. Start with these questions:

• Are you here for business, a convention, or a conference?
• Are you visiting tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or the College Football Hall of Fame?
• Do you want to be near nightlife, dining, and shopping?
• Do you prefer quiet residential neighborhoods?
• Do you need quick access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)?

Once you know your priorities, use the sections below to match areas and lodging types to your needs.

Major Lodging Areas in Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta

Best for: First-time visitors, conventions, major attractions, events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

What to expect:

• Walking distance to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, College Football Hall of Fame, and the CNN Center area.
• Many large business and convention hotels clustered around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
• More office-oriented during weekdays; can feel quieter at night a few blocks away from attractions.

Typical lodging types:

• Full-service hotels with meeting rooms and conference facilities.
• Moderate to higher nightly rates, especially during major events and conventions.

Midtown Atlanta

Best for: Arts and culture, walkable dining, nightlife, and easy MARTA access.

What to expect:

• Close to High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre, and Piedmont Park.
• Good MARTA rail access (Arts Center, Midtown, and North Avenue stations).
• Mix of hotels, apartments, and boutique-style lodging.

Typical lodging types:

• Mid-range to upscale hotels along Peachtree Street and near Piedmont Park.
• Popular with both business travelers and leisure visitors who want a more walkable, lively feel.

Buckhead

Best for: Shopping, higher-end lodging, and business travel.

What to expect:

• Known for Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, plus many restaurants and offices.
• Heavy traffic around Peachtree Road and GA-400 during rush hours.
• A concentration of upscale hotels and extended-stay options.

Typical lodging types:

• Higher-end hotels, including those with club-level floors and business services.
• Some more affordable options closer to GA-400 and in nearby business parks.

Airport Area (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)

Best for: Early morning flights, layovers, airline staff, and quick overnight stays.

What to expect:

• Dozens of chain hotels and motels located mainly in College Park, Hapeville, and East Point near ATL.
• Many properties offer airport shuttles and park-and-fly options.
• Less convenient for sightseeing unless you don’t mind commuting.

Typical lodging types:

• Budget to mid-range hotels, often with free breakfast and parking.
• A few higher-end airport hotels directly connected or adjacent to the terminals.

Popular In-Town Neighborhoods (Short-Term Rentals & Boutique Options)

Best for: More local feel, longer stays, or group trips.

Some of the most common city neighborhoods where visitors look for short-term rentals or smaller lodging:

• Virginia-Highland & Morningside – Tree-lined, walkable, close to Piedmont Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.
• Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland – Historic homes, newer apartments, easy access to the Atlanta BeltLine, Krog Street Market, and Ponce City Market.
• West Midtown / Westside – Trendy restaurants, converted industrial spaces, and loft-style accommodations.
• Grant Park – Near Zoo Atlanta and historic homes, quieter than Midtown or Downtown.

These areas are popular for short-term rentals, guesthouses, and smaller hotels. If you’re driving, pay attention to street parking rules and whether your lodging provides a dedicated spot.

Types of Lodging in Atlanta

1. Hotels and Motels

Most common choice, ranging from budget motels along interstates to luxury hotels in Buckhead and Midtown.

Pros:

• On-site staff and 24/7 front desk at most full-service properties.
• Often near MARTA stations, business districts, or major highways.
• Predictable amenities like Wi‑Fi, housekeeping, and security.

Things to consider:

• Parking fees are common in Downtown and Midtown.
• Prices increase significantly during major events (sporting events, big conventions, concerts).

2. Short-Term Rentals and Furnished Apartments

Includes private homes, condos, and apartments rented on a short-term basis, often in residential neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Cabbagetown, West End, and Virginia-Highland.

Pros:

• More space and privacy, often with kitchens and laundry.
• Good for families, groups, or longer stays.
• Lets you experience neighborhood life beyond hotel districts.

Things to consider:

• Short-term rentals in Atlanta may be subject to local rules and permitting, especially within city limits.
• Check for clear house rules, parking info, and safety features (smoke detectors, secure entry).
• Noise and parking can be sensitive in residential areas—be considerate of neighbors.

3. Extended-Stay Lodging

Extended-stay hotels and corporate apartments are common around Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs), Buckhead, Midtown, and near major hospitals.

Best for:

• Business trips lasting a week or more.
• People relocating to Atlanta who need temporary housing.
• Medical visits or long-term family stays.

Features often include:

• In-room kitchenettes or full kitchens.
• Weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping instead of daily service.
• Discounts for longer stays (weekly/monthly rates).

4. Bed & Breakfasts and Boutique Inns

Smaller-scale lodging options can be found in historic neighborhoods such as Inman Park, Midtown, Grant Park, and certain parts of Buckhead.

Pros:

• More personal, local feel.
• Often located in historic homes or unique buildings.
• Sometimes include homemade or locally sourced breakfast.

Things to consider:

• Fewer rooms, so they may book up early during festivals and big events.
• Limited front-desk hours and services compared with large hotels.

5. Budget Lodging and Motels Near Major Highways

Budget-conscious travelers often look along:

• I‑75/I‑85 corridor through the city.
• I‑20 (east and west of Downtown).
• I‑285 (the Perimeter) in areas like Smyrna, Doraville, Tucker, and Forest Park.

Pros:

• Lower nightly rates than Downtown/Midtown hotels.
• Free parking is common.

Things to consider:

• Quality and safety can vary significantly by property and exact location.
• If you plan to visit central Atlanta, factor in commute time and parking costs once you get into the city.

Approximate Price Ranges in Atlanta (Very General)

Actual prices vary by season, day of week, and events, but many visitors see roughly:

*These are relative categories, not fixed dollar amounts. Rates can spike during large events (for example, major games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or big conventions).

Transportation and Getting Around from Your Lodging

Atlanta is car-oriented, but where you stay changes how easy it is to move around.

MARTA (Rail and Bus)

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the main public transit system.

• Rail lines run from the Airport through Downtown and Midtown and extend to Buckhead, North Springs, Doraville, Decatur, and East Point.
• Many hotels in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near the Airport are within walking distance of a MARTA station.

If you want to avoid renting a car, aim for lodging near:

• Airport Station (for airport hotels with direct or shuttle connections).
• Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, Lenox, or Lindbergh Center stations.

MARTA headquarters and main transit information:

• MARTA Headquarters
• 2424 Piedmont Road NE
• Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer Service (commonly listed): 404-848-5000

Always verify routes and schedules before you travel.

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive:

• Factor in rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays).
• Downtown and Midtown parking is often in garages or paid lots.
• Many hotels charge nightly parking fees; ask about self-parking vs. valet costs before booking.

Staying outside the core (for example, near Perimeter Mall, Cumberland, or in the suburbs) usually offers:

• Easier free parking.
• Longer drive times into central Atlanta attractions.

Safety and Practical Considerations

Like any major city, Atlanta has areas that feel very different block by block. When choosing lodging:

• Look for well-lit surroundings and secure building access.
• Read recent guest feedback for comments on noise, cleanliness, and security.
• Check whether the property has front-desk staff or on-site management, especially if you’re arriving late.

If you’re unsure about an area, map distances to:

• Nearest MARTA station
• Major roads (I‑75/85, I‑20, GA‑400, I‑285)
• Key nearby landmarks (parks, universities, hospitals, stadiums)

For general city information and neighborhood context, you can contact:

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Communications
• 55 Trinity Avenue SW
• Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main City Hall line: 404-330-6000

They can often direct you to visitor or neighborhood resources.

Special Situations: Conventions, Events, and Game Days

Atlanta hosts frequent sporting events, concerts, and conventions, which can quickly fill lodging in certain areas.

If you’re attending a convention at Georgia World Congress Center

• Look at Downtown hotels within walking distance or close to MARTA.
• Book early; convention weeks can make rooms tight and more expensive.

If you’re going to a game or concert

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena – Downtown lodging or MARTA-accessible hotels are most convenient.
• Check event dates in advance and lock in your room as early as possible.

If you’re staying near a university or hospital

Atlanta has major campuses and medical centers, including:

• Georgia State University (Downtown)
• Georgia Tech (Midtown)
• Emory University / Emory University Hospital (Druid Hills)
• Large health systems in Midtown, Downtown, and the Clifton Road corridor

For medical or campus visits, consider extended-stay hotels or short-term rentals within a short drive or bus/MARTA ride of your destination.

Tips for Choosing Lodging in Atlanta

Use these simple steps to narrow down your options:

1. Pinpoint your main activities.

   • Attractions Downtown? Focus on Downtown or Midtown.
   • Shopping and dining? Look at Buckhead or Midtown.
   • Early flight? Consider airport hotels.

2. Decide if you’ll have a car.

   • No car: Choose areas close to MARTA rail or central attractions.
   • With car: Expand your search to Perimeter, West Midtown, or nearby suburbs with easier parking.

3. Set a budget range.

   • Expect to pay more in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead, especially during event weekends.
   • Consider outer neighborhoods or the Perimeter for better value if you don’t mind commuting.

4. Check key amenities.

   • Parking cost and availability
   • Wi‑Fi and workspace (for remote work)
   • Kitchen access (for longer stays)
   • Laundry (important for extended stays or families)

5. Confirm local rules for rentals.

   • For short-term rentals, make sure the property clearly lists house rules, occupancy limits, and any city-compliance info.

When You Might Want Help or Information

If you’re planning a larger event, group stay, or need specialized lodging (accessibility accommodations, long-term housing, or specific locations), you can:

• Contact Atlanta Convention & Visitors resources or local tourism offices for neighborhood guidance and general lodging information.
• Reach out directly to hotels near key venues (like Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or major hospitals) to ask about group rates and accessibility.

Being clear about your schedule, transportation plans, and budget will help you quickly zero in on the right area and type of lodging.

Staying in Atlanta can feel very different depending on whether you choose Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, the Airport area, or an in-town neighborhood. By matching your lodging choice to your activities, transportation needs, and budget, you can make the most of your time in Atlanta, GA—whether you’re here for one night or several weeks.