Where To Stay: Hotels Close to Atlanta, Georgia for Every Type of Trip

Finding hotels close to Atlanta, Georgia is easier once you know which part of the metro area fits your plans. Atlanta is spread out, traffic can be heavy, and different neighborhoods offer very different experiences. This guide walks through key areas to stay in and around Atlanta, what each is best for, and how to quickly narrow down your options.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Area Near Atlanta

Start with three simple questions:

1. Why are you here?

   • Business, convention, or government meetings
   • Sports or concerts
   • Airport overnight
   • Family vacation or sightseeing
   • Medical appointments or college visits

2. Do you need a car?

   • If not, look for hotels near MARTA rail stations (Atlanta’s public transit).
   • If yes, consider hotels with easy interstate access and parking included.

3. What’s your priority?

   • 🚶 Walkability to food, attractions, and nightlife
   • 🚗 Easy driving and parking
   • ✈️ Quick airport access
   • 🧘 Quieter, suburban feel with chain hotels you recognize

Once you answer those, you can match yourself to the parts of Atlanta listed below.

Downtown Atlanta: Best for First-Time Visitors & Big Attractions

If you want to be in the middle of major sights, Downtown Atlanta is usually the most convenient base.

You’ll be close to:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• CNN Center area
• MARTA stations like Peachtree Center and Five Points

Downtown is a good fit if you:

• Are attending a conference or trade show at GWCC
• Are in town for a Falcons, United, or Hawks game, or a major concert
• Want to walk to top attractions without renting a car
• Prefer quick MARTA access to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Pros:

• High density of hotels in all price ranges
• Lots of restaurants and fast-casual spots within walking distance
• Easy to get around on foot or via MARTA
• Good for short stays and business trips

Things to know:

• Parking can be expensive
• Streets quiet down on some weeknights and weekends away from event times
• Traffic is heavy around major events and rush hours

Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Nightlife, and Central Location

Midtown sits between Downtown and Buckhead and offers a mix of business, culture, and nightlife. It’s one of the most walkable and lively parts of the city.

Nearby highlights include:

• Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden
• High Museum of Art
• Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street
• Tech and corporate offices around Technology Square
• MARTA stations like Midtown, Arts Center, and North Avenue

Midtown is a good fit if you:

• Want a central location that’s less business-heavy than Downtown
• Appreciate restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within a short walk
• Are visiting Georgia Tech or attending events at Fox Theatre
• Like a neighborhood feel but still want easy access to the rest of Atlanta

Pros:

• Walkable grid with plenty of dining and nightlife
• Direct MARTA rail access (helpful for airport trips)
• Good mix of boutique, upscale, and mid-range hotels
• Easy rideshare access to just about anywhere in town

Things to know:

• Parking at hotels may be valet or paid parking garages
• Nightlife can mean more noise on certain streets
• Room rates often sit between Downtown and Buckhead prices

Buckhead: Shopping, Dining, and Upscale Comfort

Buckhead, in north Atlanta, is known for shopping, dining, and a concentration of higher-end and business-friendly hotels.

Nearby points of interest:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers
• Corporate offices along Peachtree Road and near Buckhead and Lenox MARTA stations
• A large cluster of chain and upscale hotels along Peachtree Road NE and Lenox Road

Buckhead is a good fit if you:

• Prefer a more suburban-urban blend rather than a busy downtown core
• Are traveling for business meetings in north Atlanta
• Want easy access to high-end shopping and dining
• Don’t mind using rideshare or MARTA to reach attractions elsewhere

Pros:

• Many hotels with on-site parking and easy access to GA‑400, I‑85, and I‑75
• Wide range of dining options, from casual to fine dining
• Feels somewhat quieter and more residential than Downtown/Midtown

Things to know:

• You’ll likely use a car or rideshare for major attractions
• Traffic along Peachtree Road and around Lenox can be slow during rush hours
• Not as many tourist attractions directly in the neighborhood

Hotels Near Atlanta Airport (Hartsfield–Jackson ATL)

For early flights, quick connections, or short business trips, the most convenient option is staying near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, south of the city.

Key areas:

• Airport North (Virginia Avenue and surrounding streets) – large cluster of national-brand hotels
• Airport South (near Riverdale Road, Sullivan Road, and Camp Creek Parkway)
• Hotels near Airport MARTA Station and the SkyTrain that serves the Rental Car Center

Airport hotels are a good fit if you:

• Have a very early or very late flight
• Are on a short layover or single-night business trip
• Prefer a free airport shuttle and don’t plan to explore the city much
• Want easier on/off access to I‑85 and I‑285

Pros:

• Many hotels offer shuttles to and from ATL
• Often more budget-friendly than Midtown or Downtown
• Convenient for people with rental cars returning at the airport

Things to know:

• You’ll be about 15–25 minutes (without heavy traffic) from Downtown by car
• Some areas are more commercial/industrial, less walkable for dining
• If you plan multiple days of sightseeing, staying closer to central Atlanta may be easier

Hotels Near Popular Atlanta Attractions

If you’re coming to Atlanta mainly for a specific attraction or event, choosing a hotel near that site can save time and stress.

Hotels Near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium & State Farm Arena

These venues sit on the western side of Downtown Atlanta.

Good nearby areas:

• Downtown hotels around Centennial Olympic Park
• Hotels near the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center MARTA Station
• Properties within walking distance of the stadiums or a short rideshare ride

Best for:

• Falcons or Atlanta United games
• Hawks games and concerts
• Major conventions, fan events, and festivals around the Georgia World Congress Center

Hotels Near Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca‑Cola

These are located in the Centennial Olympic Park district of Downtown.

Look for hotels:

• Around Baker Street NW, Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, and Marietta Street NW
• Within walking distance of Peachtree Center or Civic Center MARTA stations

Best for:

• Family trips with kids
• Short weekend getaways focused on a few central attractions
• Visitors who want to walk to most sights and use MARTA to get around

Hotels Near Atlanta’s Universities and Colleges

Atlanta has several major campuses; staying nearby can make campus tours and events easier.

• Georgia Tech (Midtown) – Hotels in Midtown along Spring Street, West Peachtree Street, and Peachtree Street are convenient.
• Georgia State University (Downtown) – Hotels in the heart of Downtown near the Georgia State and Five Points MARTA stations work well.
• Emory University (Druid Hills) – Fewer large hotels right next to campus; many visitors stay in Emory, Druid Hills, Virginia‑Highland, Midtown, or Decatur and drive or use rideshare.
• Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta University Center) – Options are more limited immediately next to campus; many guests stay in Downtown or Midtown and commute a short distance.

Suburban Hotels Near Atlanta: Quieter and Often More Affordable

If you’re driving and don’t need to be right in the city core, suburban hotels near Atlanta can offer lower prices and easier parking.

North of Atlanta

These areas sit along major interstates and office parks:

• Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – Along GA‑400; near Perimeter Center offices and Perimeter Mall.
• Alpharetta / Roswell – Further up GA‑400; good for business travelers and families wanting a quieter stay.
• Cumberland / The Battery Atlanta – Near Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves’ stadium, and the I‑75/I‑285 junction.

Best for:

• Business travelers with offices in the north suburbs
• Visitors catching a Braves game at Truist Park
• Drivers who prefer easier parking and suburban-style hotels

East, West, and South of Atlanta

• Decatur (East) – A small city just east of Atlanta with its own walkable downtown, restaurants, and MARTA access.
• College Park / East Point (South) – Close to the airport and I‑285; convenient for short airport-focused stays.
• Stone Mountain (East‑northeast) – Good for visitors to Stone Mountain Park, with a mix of local and chain hotels.
• Douglasville, Morrow, Stockbridge, and others – Suburbs with clusters of hotels near I‑20, I‑75, and I‑85 for road trippers.

Quick Comparison: Main Hotel Areas Near Atlanta

Using MARTA and Highways to Pick Your Hotel

MARTA-Friendly Hotel Choices

If you want to avoid renting a car, focus on hotels:

• Near Downtown MARTA stations (Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center)
• Along Midtown (Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue stations)
• In Buckhead (Buckhead, Lenox, Brookhaven/Oglethorpe stations)
• Near Airport MARTA Station at Hartsfield–Jackson

Benefits of MARTA‑adjacent hotels:

• Direct ride between airport and city without driving
• Fewer parking fees
• Easier access to events when traffic and parking are challenging

Driving? Consider Interstate Access

If you’ll have a car:

• I‑75/I‑85 (Downtown Connector) – Runs through the center of Atlanta; useful for Downtown, Midtown, and access to many city neighborhoods.
• I‑285 – The “Perimeter” loop; staying close to it can make it easier to move around the metro area.
• GA‑400 – Main north–south route to Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
• I‑20 – East‑west route connecting Downtown to suburbs like Douglasville and Stonecrest.

Look for hotels near, but not directly on, major interstates if you want faster travel while reducing road noise.

Staying Near Major Atlanta Medical Centers

If you’re in Atlanta for medical-related visits, choosing a nearby hotel can reduce stress and travel time.

Some of the main medical hubs:

• Emory University Hospital (1364 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322)
• Emory University Hospital Midtown (550 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Grady Memorial Hospital (80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston & Scottish Rite locations
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital (1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309)

Tips:

• For Emory’s main Druid Hills campus, many visitors stay in Emory, Druid Hills, Decatur, or Midtown and commute by car or rideshare.
• For Midtown and Downtown hospitals, Midtown or Downtown hotels will typically be most convenient.
• Ask hotels about medical rates or shuttle options; some near larger hospitals may offer them.

Practical Tips for Booking Hotels Near Atlanta, Georgia

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make your stay smoother:

• Check event calendars. Large conventions, college graduations, major concerts, SEC football games, and festivals can quickly raise hotel rates and reduce availability, especially in Downtown and Midtown.
• Plan for traffic. Morning and evening rush hours can be heavy on I‑75/I‑85, GA‑400, and I‑285. If you have a tight schedule, choose a hotel close to your main destination.
• Understand parking costs. In central neighborhoods, valet or paid garage parking is common. Suburban hotels more often offer free surface parking.
• Walkability varies widely. Downtown, Midtown, parts of Buckhead, and Decatur are much more walkable than many suburbs or airport-adjacent areas.
• Late-night dining options are better in Midtown, parts of Downtown, and near The Battery than in more office‑focused areas, especially on weekends.

If You Live in Atlanta and Need a Nearby Hotel

Atlanta residents sometimes look for local hotel stays for:

• Home renovations or temporary displacement
• “Staycations” near attractions they’ve always meant to visit
• Proximity to an early flight or late‑night event

If that’s you:

• For a staycation, consider Midtown (close to Piedmont Park, Botanical Garden, Fox Theatre) or Downtown (Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, stadiums).
• For an early-morning flight, staying in College Park/East Point or Airport North can remove a lot of stress.
• If your home is being worked on, pick a hotel with free parking, in-room microwaves/fridges, and laundry facilities somewhere close to your usual daily routes.

By focusing on where you’ll spend most of your time—Downtown for attractions, Midtown for arts and nightlife, Buckhead for shopping and business, the airport area for flights, or the suburbs for space and savings—you can quickly narrow down the hotels close to Atlanta, Georgia that best match your trip.