Marriott at Emory in Atlanta, GA: What to Know Before You Book
If you search for “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA”, you’re usually looking for the main hotel that serves Emory University and Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. In practice, most people are referring to Emory Conference Center Hotel and nearby Marriott-branded properties that cater to visitors to Emory, the CDC, and Atlanta’s east side.
This guide breaks down how Marriott options work around Emory University and what you should know if you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are coordinating a stay for family, patients, or students.
Understanding the “Marriott Emory Atlanta” Area
There isn’t a single hotel officially named “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA”, but there are several closely connected options that serve the Emory and Druid Hills area:
- Emory Conference Center Hotel (in the Druid Hills / Clifton Corridor area)
- Nearby Marriott-branded hotels such as:
- Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory
- SpringHill Suites, Courtyard, or Residence Inn locations along the I-85 and North Druid Hills corridors
- Other hotels that partner with Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for patient and family stays
When Atlanta residents say “the Marriott by Emory,” they typically mean a full-service or business-class hotel that’s convenient to Emory’s main campus, Emory hospitals, and the CDC.
Key Locations Around Emory and Druid Hills
To understand your hotel options, it helps to know the main hubs on the east side of Atlanta:
- Emory University main campus – Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory University Hospital – 1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
- CDC Headquarters (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – primarily along Clifton Rd NE near Emory
- Druid Hills / Emory / Virginia-Highland / Decatur – neighborhoods where most visitors want to stay if their focus is Emory rather than downtown
Being familiar with these areas helps you judge distances, traffic, and transit options when choosing a Marriott or Marriott-adjacent property.
Typical Reasons People Look for a Marriott Near Emory
People in Atlanta commonly look up “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA” for a few recurring reasons:
- Campus visits – touring Emory University, attending orientation, move-in, or graduation
- Medical stays – short or extended visits tied to Emory University Hospital or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- CDC and healthcare conferences – events hosted near the Clifton Corridor
- Local staycations – Atlanta residents wanting a quieter, tree-lined area compared to downtown
- Business travel – meetings with Emory, CDC, or healthcare organizations in the area
Knowing your primary reason for staying helps narrow down the best Marriott-type option: closer to campus and hospitals, closer to MARTA, or with easier access to the interstate.
Where These Hotels Sit in Relation to the City
Here’s a quick orientation for someone unfamiliar with Atlanta’s layout:
| Area / Landmark | Approx. Relation to Emory Main Campus | Why It Matters for Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Druid Hills / Clifton Rd | Right around campus | Easiest for walking or quick shuttles to Emory and CDC |
| Decatur (Downtown Decatur) | ~2–3 miles south | More dining, MARTA access, still very convenient to Emory |
| North Druid Hills / I‑85 | ~4–6 miles northwest | Good for drivers, fast interstate access, mix of business and leisure |
| Midtown Atlanta | ~6–8 miles west | Better for nightlife, museums, and city attractions, longer to Emory |
| Downtown Atlanta | ~7–9 miles southwest | Close to convention centers and tourist spots, longest commute to Emory |
If your main priority is Emory, most visitors prefer Druid Hills / Clifton Corridor or Decatur, and then look at Marriott or Marriott-adjacent hotels in those zones.
Getting Between Marriott Hotels and Emory/CDC
Traffic in Atlanta can be intense, especially along Clifton Road NE, North Decatur Road, and I‑85. When choosing a Marriott near Emory:
Typical transportation options
🚗 Driving
- Common for locals and business travelers.
- Be prepared for rush-hour congestion on Clifton Rd and Briarcliff Rd.
- Many hotels charge for parking; check daily rates.
🚐 Hotel shuttles
- Some properties close to Emory or Decatur offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles to Emory University Hospital, Emory campus, and sometimes CDC.
- If you’re traveling for medical reasons, ask if there’s a hospital shuttle schedule.
🚌 Emory shuttle (Cliff Shuttles)
- Emory runs its own shuttle system (often called the Cliff).
- If you stay along the Clifton Corridor or near campus, you may be within walking distance of a shuttle stop.
🚆 MARTA
- The nearest MARTA rail options are typically:
- Decatur Station (Blue Line)
- Doraville or Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (Gold Line) for some hotels along I‑85 and North Druid Hills
- You may still need a rideshare or hotel shuttle from MARTA to your hotel or the campus.
- The nearest MARTA rail options are typically:
If you don’t want to rent a car, try to pair MARTA access with a hotel shuttle or plan on using rideshare services for the last mile.
What to Consider If You’re Visiting Emory Hospitals
Many people looking up “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA” are dealing with medical visits. The east side of Atlanta hosts several major centers:
- Emory University Hospital – Clifton Rd NE (main campus)
- Emory University Hospital Midtown – 550 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Emory Rehabilitation Hospital
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta facilities (Egleston, and newer campus developments along I‑85 and North Druid Hills)
If that’s your situation, consider the following:
1. Distance and travel time
Staying technically “near Emory” doesn’t always mean a short commute in traffic. Check:
- Peak-hour drive times, not just mileage
- Whether the hotel runs shuttles specifically to your hospital
- How easy it is to navigate if you’re not familiar with Atlanta’s one-way streets and hospital complexes
2. Supportive amenities
For medical or extended stays, look for:
- Microwaves or kitchenettes (common in Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, or some SpringHill Suites)
- On-site laundry or laundry service
- Nearby grocery options (Decatur, North Druid Hills, and Emory Village areas generally have decent access)
- Quiet rooms away from major highways if rest is a priority
3. Patient and family discounts
Many large hospitals in Atlanta, including Emory, maintain a list of hotels that:
- Offer medical rates for patients, family members, and caregivers
- Provide shuttle service directly to hospital entrances
- Have staff familiar with common questions about early check-in, special needs, and longer stays
You can often call:
- Emory University Hospital main line: 404‑712‑2000
and ask to be directed to information about nearby lodging or patient and family services.
Nearby Neighborhood Feel: What Each Area Is Like
If you’re deciding between several Marriott and Marriott-adjacent properties around Emory, local neighborhood character can help you choose.
Druid Hills / Clifton Corridor
- Best if: You want to be as close as possible to Emory or CDC.
- Vibe: Residential, tree-lined, historic homes, quiet in the evenings.
- Pros: Very convenient to campus, reduced commute stress, good for conferences.
- Cons: Limited nightlife and shopping within walking distance; you’ll often use a car or shuttle for most errands.
Decatur (Downtown Decatur and nearby)
- Best if: You want a walkable area with restaurants and local shops.
- Vibe: Small-city feel with a downtown square, independent businesses, popular with families and professionals.
- Pros: Great for people who want to combine an Emory visit with a more “neighborhood” Atlanta experience; MARTA access.
- Cons: Slightly farther from Emory’s main gates than Clifton Corridor hotels; street parking can be tight in certain spots.
North Druid Hills / I‑85 and Briarcliff
- Best if: You’re driving and want fast interstate access.
- Vibe: More commercial; office parks, shopping centers, and chain restaurants.
- Pros: Easier to hop on I‑85 to reach Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport; often more hotel choices.
- Cons: Less walkable; traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
Midtown and Downtown Atlanta
- Best if: Emory is only part of your trip and you want to explore city attractions.
- Vibe: Urban, busy, with museums, major venues, and high-rise hotels.
- Pros: Access to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, and more.
- Cons: Commute to Emory can be longer, especially in morning and evening rush hours; parking often costs more.
Tips for Atlanta Residents Booking a Local Stay Near Emory
If you already live in metro Atlanta but need a short stay near Emory—for a work conference, a loved one’s hospital stay, or a home renovation—keep these in mind:
- Ask for local/medical rates: Even if you’re local, some properties extend discounted rates tied to Emory or nearby hospitals.
- Check parking policies carefully: Daily parking charges can add up quickly if you’re driving in from the suburbs.
- Consider traffic patterns you already know: If you commute through Druid Hills or I‑85 regularly, schedule your check-in or checkout outside peak times.
- Look for extended-stay features: If your stay might stretch longer than expected, a suite or extended-stay style property can be more comfortable and cost-effective.
Practical Steps to Find the Right “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA” Option
Here’s a simple way to home in on the right hotel for your situation:
Clarify your main anchor point in Atlanta
- Emory main campus
- Emory University Hospital (Clifton)
- Emory University Hospital Midtown
- CDC campus
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta location
Decide how you’ll get around
- No car → prioritize shuttle + MARTA + walkability
- With car → prioritize parking, easy access to main roads, and not-too-tight garages
Pick your neighborhood zone
- For maximum convenience to Emory/CDC: Druid Hills / Clifton Corridor
- For walkable restaurants and MARTA: Decatur
- For freeway access to other parts of Atlanta: North Druid Hills / I‑85
- For broader city exploring: Midtown or Downtown
Call the hotel directly to confirm:
- Exact distance and average travel time to your destination
- Whether there is a shuttle and how it operates (hours, stops, appointment rules)
- Current parking fees
- Any Emory, hospital, or university-related discounts
Coordinate with your Atlanta contact
- If you’re visiting a student, patient, or colleague, ask them whether traffic, construction, or road closures are affecting the area. Atlanta often has ongoing road work that can change the “feel” of a short trip.
Key Takeaways for Travelers Focused on Emory
- When you see “Marriott Emory Atlanta GA,” think of Marriott and Marriott-adjacent hotels serving the Emory and Druid Hills / Decatur area, not one specific hotel name.
- The Clifton Corridor is your closest-in zone for Emory and CDC; Decatur and North Druid Hills are the next-most-popular choices.
- Transportation and traffic patterns in Atlanta matter as much as pure distance, especially during weekday mornings and late afternoons.
- If you’re here for medical care or family support, ask about hospital rates, shuttles, and extended-stay amenities—these can make a noticeable difference in comfort and cost.
- Locals and visitors alike benefit from matching the neighborhood vibe (quiet and close-in vs. lively and walkable) to the reason for their stay.
With a clear sense of where you’ll be spending most of your time in Atlanta and how you’ll get around, it’s straightforward to choose a Marriott or Marriott-adjacent hotel that truly fits your Emory-focused trip.