Where to Stay in Atlanta, Georgia: A Practical Guide to Local Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation in Atlanta, Georgia depends on why you’re here, how you’re getting around, and what kind of neighborhood vibe you want. Whether you live in the metro area and need a convenient staycation spot, you’re visiting for a convention, or you’re relocating and need longer-term housing, Atlanta offers a wide range of options.

This guide walks through where to stay, what types of accommodation to expect, typical price tiers, and local tips that matter specifically in and around Atlanta.

Key Areas to Stay in Atlanta

Atlanta is spread out, and traffic can be heavy, so location is crucial. Here are some of the most useful areas for visitors and short-term stays.

Downtown Atlanta

Best for: Conventions, sporting events, first-time visitors without a car

Typical nearby attractions:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola

What to expect:

• Many large hotels, from budget-friendly to luxury
• Heavier event traffic during games, concerts, and conferences
• Easy access to MARTA rail (e.g., Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center stations)
• More business- and event-focused atmosphere after dark

Good if:

• You want to walk to major attractions
• You’re attending a convention or game
• You prefer not to rent a car

Midtown Atlanta

Best for: Arts, nightlife, central location, MARTA access

Typical nearby attractions:

• Fox Theatre
• High Museum of Art
• Atlanta Symphony Hall
• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden (short rideshare or walk from some hotels)

What to expect:

• Mix of upscale hotels, boutique properties, and extended stay options
• Many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
• Several MARTA stations (North Avenue, Midtown, Arts Center)
• More walkable than many other parts of Atlanta

Good if:

• You want a central, urban experience
• You like art, culture, and dining
• You need easy access to Midtown offices, Georgia Tech, or the Arts District

Buckhead

Best for: Shopping, higher-end stays, business travel

Typical nearby draws:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Cluster of corporate offices and medical practices
• Many dining options from casual to fine-dining

What to expect:

• Many full-service hotels and luxury brands
• Some extended stay options near commercial corridors
• Access to MARTA (Buckhead, Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe stations), but many travelers rely on cars or rideshare

Good if:

• You’re here for business in Buckhead
• You prefer a more upscale environment
• You want easy access to shopping and dining without being downtown

Atlanta Airport Area (Hartsfield–Jackson)

Best for: Early flights, short stopovers, budget-conscious stays

Nearby:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Georgia International Convention Center (College Park)

What to expect:

• Many airport hotels, often with free shuttles
• More budget-friendly options than the city core
• Limited attractions in walking distance; most visitors use shuttles or rideshare
• Airline staff and overnight travelers often stay here

Good if:

• You have a very early or late flight
• You’re just passing through Atlanta
• You’re attending an event near the airport or Georgia International Convention Center

Atlanta Neighborhood-Style Stays (Intown Areas)

If you want to experience Atlanta’s neighborhood life, there are smaller hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals across intown neighborhoods such as:

• Virginia-Highland – Walkable streets, local restaurants, near Piedmont Park
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – Historic homes, BeltLine access, Ponce City Market nearby
• Grant Park – Near Zoo Atlanta and Victorian homes; quieter residential feel
• West Midtown / Westside – Trendy restaurants, converted industrial spaces

These areas:

• Often have boutique lodgings or short-term rentals
• Are popular with people who want a less corporate, more local experience
• May require rideshare or car to reach MARTA rail, depending on exact location

Types of Accommodation Available in Atlanta

Atlanta offers a wide range of places to stay. Knowing what’s common locally helps narrow your search.

Hotels (Budget to Luxury)

You’ll find:

• Big-brand hotels in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near the airport
• Boutique hotels in Midtown, Buckhead, and some intown neighborhoods
• Conference hotels clustered around Georgia World Congress Center and Downtown

Common amenities:

• Wi‑Fi, fitness centers, business services
• On-site or nearby parking (often paid, especially in central areas)
• Access to MARTA in core areas

Useful for:

• Short visits
• Business trips
• Events and conventions

Extended Stay Hotels

In and around Atlanta, extended stay options are common near:

• Medical centers (e.g., Emory, Northside, Piedmont Hospital area in Buckhead/Midtown)
• Business districts (Downtown, Perimeter, Cumberland, Buckhead)
• Airport areas

They typically offer:

• In-room kitchenettes or full kitchens
• On-site laundry
• Weekly or monthly rate structures

Useful for:

• People relocating to Atlanta who need a base while searching for housing
• Medical stays where proximity to hospitals matters
• Longer business assignments

Short-Term Rentals (Apartments, Condos, Houses)

Across intown neighborhoods and high-rise areas, you’ll see many short-term rental listings.

Common patterns:

• Condos and apartments in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, West Midtown
• Houses and duplexes in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Grant Park, Old Fourth Ward, Kirkwood, and other intown neighborhoods

When considering these:

• Check parking options (street vs. off-street, permits, and fees)
• Confirm how close you are to the Atlanta BeltLine, MARTA, or major roads if you’ll be commuting
• Review house rules carefully for noise, pets, and length of stay

Corporate Housing & Furnished Apartments

Atlanta’s major employment centers make corporate housing common, especially in:

• Midtown (tech, university, and healthcare)
• Buckhead (finance, consulting, corporate HQs)
• Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs (north I‑285, major corporate offices)
• Cumberland / Galleria (near Truist Park)

These often include:

• Fully furnished units in larger apartment complexes
• Shorter lease terms (e.g., 30–90 days)
• Utilities and internet bundled into the rate

Useful for:

• Company relocations
• Temporary assignments
• People testing a neighborhood before signing a long-term lease

Hostels and Budget-Friendly Lodging

Atlanta has a more limited supply of traditional hostels, but budget options exist:

• Lower-cost hotels and motels around airport, Perimeter, and some suburbs
• Occasional guesthouse-style accommodations in intown neighborhoods

If you’re watching your budget:

• Compare cost of staying further from Downtown vs. extra transportation time and expense
• Look at how much you’ll spend on parking if you’ll be driving into the city daily

Quick Comparison of Major Atlanta Accommodation Zones

How to Choose the Right Area for Your Needs

If You’re Visiting for Sightseeing

Consider:

• Downtown if you want to walk to the Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Midtown if you plan to spend time at Piedmont Park, the High Museum, Fox Theatre, and want access to both Downtown and Buckhead by MARTA.

Key tips:

• Look for accommodation within walking distance of a MARTA rail station if you won’t have a car.
• Check whether parking is included if you do drive; many central hotels charge daily fees.

If You’re in Town for a Convention or Big Event

Most large events use:

• Georgia World Congress Center (near Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Georgia International Convention Center (near the airport)
• Various Midtown and Buckhead hotels for conferences and corporate gatherings

What helps:

• For events at GWCC or stadiums, staying Downtown or near CNN Center is usually most convenient.
• For the airport convention center, staying near College Park, Airport North or Airport South hotel clusters can save time.

Plan ahead:

• Major events (football games, large conferences, festivals) can raise prices and reduce availability, especially Downtown and Midtown. Booking early usually gives more choices.

If You’re Moving to Atlanta and Need Temporary Housing

Common strategies:

• Choose extended stay hotels or furnished apartments close to where you expect to live long-term (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, Sandy Springs, etc.).
• If you haven’t chosen a neighborhood yet, Midtown or Buckhead can offer a good central base to explore different parts of the city.

Things to consider:

• Commute patterns: I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, and GA‑400 can be heavily congested during rush hours.
• Decide whether you’ll rely mainly on MARTA, driving, or rideshare, then choose your area accordingly.

Understanding Transportation and Location in Atlanta

Atlanta’s layout and transportation strongly affect where it makes sense to stay.

MARTA Rail and Bus

MARTA is Atlanta’s primary public transit system and connects:

• Airport ↔ Downtown ↔ Midtown ↔ Buckhead ↔ North Springs/Dunwoody (North-South lines)
• West ↔ Downtown ↔ East (East-West lines)

Why this matters for accommodation:

• Staying near a MARTA rail station can reduce your need for a car.
• Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Airport areas generally offer the best transit access.

If you stay in more residential neighborhoods:

• Expect to rely more on buses, rideshare, or your own vehicle.
• Check the walkability from your lodging to the nearest transit stop, especially late at night.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving:

• Central areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead often charge for hotel parking.
• Event days (games, concerts, festivals) can drive up parking costs around the stadiums and arena.
• Many neighborhoods have limited street parking or require permits, particularly in older intown areas.

When booking:

• Confirm whether parking is:
  • On-site or off-site
  • Included or extra
  • Valet-only or self-park

Price Ranges and What Affects Cost

Prices in Atlanta can fluctuate based on:

• Location (Downtown/Midtown vs. outer suburbs)
• Event calendar (sports, concerts, conventions)
• Season (popular travel and festival weekends can be higher)

General patterns:

• Downtown & Midtown: Often among the priciest areas, especially during major events.
• Buckhead: Wide range, but many mid-range to upscale properties.
• Airport area and outer suburbs: Often more affordable, but you may spend more time (and money) on transportation.

To manage costs:

• Consider staying one transit stop or short drive away from the busiest hubs if rates are high.
• Look at whether breakfast, parking, and Wi‑Fi are included, as these can affect your total spend.

Special Situations: Families, Pets, and Accessibility

Family-Friendly Accommodation

Atlanta works well for family trips, particularly around:

• Downtown, for easy access to the Aquarium, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola
• Midtown, for Piedmont Park and green spaces
• Near Zoo Atlanta (Grant Park area), if you want a residential feel

When comparing options:

• Check for suites, connecting rooms, or kitchenettes
• Look for pool availability and kid-friendly services
• Review how easy it is to reach child-focused attractions by car or transit

Pet-Friendly Options

Many hotels and rentals in Atlanta allow pets, especially dogs.

Consider:

• Proximity to parks and green spaces (Piedmont Park, BeltLine trails, neighborhood parks)
• Any pet fees, deposits, or weight/breed restrictions
• Access to nearby veterinary clinics and pet supply stores

Accessibility Considerations

If accessibility is important:

• Look for properties that clearly list accessible rooms, ramps, elevators, and roll-in showers.
• Consider proximity to:
  • MARTA stations with elevators
  • Major medical centers, if that’s relevant to your stay

Longer-Term Housing Resources in Atlanta

If you’re planning to stay in Atlanta for weeks or months, you may need more structured options beyond hotels and daily rentals.

Extended Stay & Transitional Housing

Look around:

• Midtown and Buckhead corridors
• Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs
• Airport area for budget-conscious longer stays
• Downtown if you need to be close to government or legal services

Use filters such as:

• “Extended stay”
• “Furnished”
• “Short-term lease” or “month-to-month”

Local Housing Assistance and Information

For those who may need help finding affordable or transitional housing, some official local resources include:

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
  Often provides information about affordable housing programs, local initiatives, and contacts for further assistance.
  Address: Typically based in the Atlanta City Hall area (55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303).
  Phone (City of Atlanta main line): (404) 330-6000 (ask to be directed to housing-related offices).

• Fulton County Government Offices (for much of the City of Atlanta)
  Many city residents are also Fulton County residents; the county provides information on certain housing- and community-related services.
  General Fulton County Government line: (404) 612-4000

• DeKalb County Government
  Portions of Atlanta, including some East Atlanta and nearby areas, are in DeKalb County.
  General DeKalb County Government line: (404) 371-2000

These offices can typically point residents and newcomers toward:

• Housing information hotlines
• Affordable housing and voucher programs (where applicable)
• Local non-profit organizations that support housing stability

It’s wise to call ahead or check the most current contact details before visiting any office in person.

Practical Tips for Booking Accommodation in Atlanta

To make the most of your stay:

• Check the event calendar
  Large conventions or big games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park can tighten availability and raise prices, especially Downtown and Midtown.

• Prioritize transit or parking based on your plans

  • No car: Aim for Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Airport with MARTA access.
  • With a car: Consider parking costs and traffic; some outer or neighborhood locations can be more comfortable and less expensive if you’re willing to drive.

• Consider the BeltLine
  If you enjoy walking or biking, staying near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trail puts you close to restaurants, parks, and neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and West Midtown.

• Plan for Atlanta traffic
  If you have fixed-time commitments (court dates, medical appointments, office meetings), choose accommodation that minimizes highway time during rush hours whenever possible.

• Confirm local rules for short-term rentals
  Atlanta has regulations for short-term rentals. If using these platforms, confirm that:

  • The property is properly registered or compliant with local rules
  • You understand house rules, parking guidelines, and noise expectations

By focusing on where you’ll spend most of your time, how you’ll get around, and what kind of environment you prefer, you can narrow down the many accommodation options in Atlanta, Georgia to something that fits your trip or transition smoothly and comfortably.