Where To Stay: A Local Guide to Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta has a hotel for just about every kind of trip—business, conventions, sports weekends, concerts, family vacations, or a quick staycation. Because the city is spread out and traffic can be heavy, where you stay matters almost as much as which hotel you choose.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia specifically—the major neighborhoods, typical price ranges, parking realities, and what to expect if you’re staying near the airport, in Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, or the suburbs.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Area in Atlanta

Before you look at specific properties, narrow down which part of Atlanta fits your plans:

Ask yourself:

• What brings you to Atlanta?
  • Convention, game, concert, business meetings, sightseeing, medical appointment, airport layover, or visiting friends/family?
• Do you need MARTA access?
  • If you don’t want to drive, staying near a MARTA rail station is a major advantage.
• What’s your parking situation?
  • Many in-town hotels charge for parking. Suburban hotels often have free parking.
• Do you care more about nightlife and dining, or quiet and easy parking?

Once you know your priorities, it’s much easier to pick a neighborhood.

Major Hotel Areas in Atlanta (and Who They’re Best For)

Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide to the main hotel zones in and around Atlanta:

Staying in Downtown Atlanta

Best if you want to walk to major attractions and big events.

Downtown is where you’ll find:

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

Many large hotels are clustered around Peachtree Street NW, Marietta Street NW, and the Centennial Olympic Park area.

Pros of Downtown hotels:

• You can often walk to:
  • Games, concerts, conventions
  • Aquarium and family attractions
• MARTA access: Peachtree Center Station and GWCC/CNN Center Station connect you to the airport and other parts of the city.
• Very practical if your main goal is events at the GWCC or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Things to know:

• Parking is often:
  • Paid nightly
  • Valet or deck only
  • Can add a noticeable amount to your stay
• During major events (big games, concerts, conventions), hotel prices can spike and availability shrinks quickly.
• Downtown can feel quieter after business hours outside of event days; plan ahead for late-night dining.

If you live in metro Atlanta and want a staycation for a game or concert, Downtown is one of the most convenient options, especially if you’d rather walk back to your room than fight post-event traffic.

Staying in Midtown Atlanta

Best for nightlife, dining, arts, and a central location.

Midtown sits between Downtown and Buckhead and is a favorite for both visitors and locals looking for a more vibrant, walkable experience.

Key Midtown attractions and landmarks:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Fox Theatre
• Midtown Mile along Peachtree Street
• Arts institutions around Woodruff Arts Center

Why many visitors choose Midtown:

• Walkable corridors with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes.
• Access to Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations.
• Easy MARTA ride to:
  • Airport (no car needed)
  • Downtown attractions
  • Buckhead shopping

Considerations:

• Room rates are often higher than in the suburbs or airport area.
• Parking is usually an extra fee (valet or garage).
• Weekends can be lively and noisy in certain blocks, which some guests love and others prefer to avoid.

If you’re in Atlanta for a concert at the Fox Theatre, a weekend at Piedmont Park, or to experience local restaurants and nightlife, Midtown offers a strong mix of convenience and atmosphere.

Staying in Buckhead

Best for shopping, business trips, and more upscale stays.

Buckhead, in the northern part of the city, is known for:

• Major shopping centers like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Many corporate offices and business centers
• A mix of luxury and mid-range hotels

You’ll find hotels clustered along and near Peachtree Road NE, around Lenox Road, and near major intersections like Piedmont Road.

Why stay in Buckhead:

• Good fit if your meetings or events are in Buckhead offices.
• High-end and mid-range hotels with more of a business and shopping focus.
• Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations make it feasible to skip driving to Downtown or the airport.

Things to be aware of:

• Traffic on Peachtree Road and connecting streets can be heavy, especially rush hours and weekends.
• Some hotel locations are very walkable around the malls; others are easier by car or rideshare.
• Parking is often paid, but sometimes easier to navigate than in more compact Midtown or Downtown streets.

If you’re a local planning a shopping weekend, or a visitor attending meetings in Buckhead, staying in this area will likely save you time.

Hotels Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Best for layovers, early flights, or short business trips.

Hartsfield-Jackson is on the south side of Atlanta. The airport has a large concentration of hotels, especially around:

• Airport Boulevard
• Virginia Avenue
• Phoenix Boulevard
• College Park and Hapeville areas

Most airport hotels offer:

• Shuttle service to and from the terminals (usually every 15–30 minutes)
• Early breakfast options geared toward travelers
• Rooms often at lower nightly rates than Midtown or Buckhead

Pros:

• Extremely convenient if:
  • You have a very early or late flight
  • You’re only in town for a brief meeting near the airport
• Many properties have park-and-fly style options or extended parking for a fee.

Cons:

• Far from major Atlanta attractions if you want to do a lot of sightseeing.
• Mostly business- and travel-focused dining options nearby.
• You’ll likely rely on MARTA (Airport Station) or rideshare to go in-town.

If you’re an Atlanta resident catching a morning international flight, staying at an airport hotel the night before can reduce stress and avoid morning traffic on I‑75/I‑85.

Suburban and Perimeter Hotels Around Atlanta

If you’re driving, visiting family, or here for work in the outer areas, suburban hotels may fit better than staying in the city core.

Perimeter / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs

Centered around Perimeter Mall near the junction of I‑285 and GA‑400, this area offers:

• Many mid-range and extended-stay hotels
• Often free parking
• Nearby corporate offices and medical centers
• Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Medical Center MARTA stations

Good for:

• Business travelers with meetings in the Perimeter area
• Families who prefer a quieter, suburban feel while still having restaurant and shopping options

Cobb / Cumberland / The Battery

Around Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) and Cobb Galleria Centre, you’ll find:

• Newer hotels within walking distance of The Battery Atlanta
• Many restaurants and entertainment options

Good for:

• Braves games
• Events at Cobb Galleria
• Visitors who don’t need to be in the City of Atlanta proper

Note that this area is not served by MARTA rail; most people drive or use rideshare. Traffic can be heavy on game days.

Decatur and Eastside

The City of Decatur and nearby neighborhoods east of Downtown offer:

• Smaller hotels and more independent lodging options
• Walkable squares with local restaurants and bars
• Good access to Emory University, Emory University Hospital, and CDC campuses

Decatur has a MARTA station in its downtown area, making it a solid choice if you want a quieter, neighborhood-oriented stay with train access to Downtown and Midtown.

Price Ranges and What Affects Atlanta Hotel Rates

Hotel prices in Atlanta can vary widely depending on:

• Location (Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead vs. suburbs)
• Day of week (weekends vs. weekdays)
• Events (Falcons games, major concerts, conventions, festivals)
• Season (spring and fall are especially busy)

In general:

• Downtown & Midtown:
  • Often higher base prices
  • Significant spikes during large events
• Buckhead:
  • Mix of luxury and mid-range, with business travel driving rates
• Airport & suburbs:
  • Frequently lower nightly costs
  • Often include free parking, which can balance out a slightly longer commute

If you’re local and flexible, you can often find better rates on off-peak weekends or when there’s no major convention or sports event.

Parking, Transit, and Getting Around from Your Hotel

Atlanta is a driving city, but you have options:

Parking at Hotels

• In Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead:
  • Expect paid parking (valet or garage).
  • Check whether the rate is nightly and whether in/out privileges are included.
• In many suburban and airport hotels:
  • Parking is often included.
• If you’re not planning to drive much:
  • Compare hotel parking costs with the price of using rideshare and MARTA.

MARTA Access

Staying near a MARTA rail station is extremely useful, especially if you’re visiting:

• From out of town without a car
• For a conference or game near MARTA-connected venues

Key hotel-adjacent MARTA stations:

• Airport Station – directly in the airport for quick access to in-town hotels.
• Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/CNN Center – Downtown area.
• Midtown, Arts Center – Midtown.
• Buckhead, Lenox, Dunwoody, Medical Center, Sandy Springs – Northside business and shopping areas.
• Decatur – Eastside neighborhood feel with in-town access.

If you’re a local planning a staycation, choosing a hotel near MARTA can make your trip feel more like a car-free getaway.

Types of Hotels You’ll Find in Atlanta

Across Atlanta and its suburbs, you’ll generally see:

• Full-service hotels
  • On-site restaurants and bars
  • Room service (at many, but not all)
  • Meeting and event space
  • Common around Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and key suburban business hubs
• Select-service / limited-service hotels
  • Typically include breakfast
  • Smaller or no restaurant space
  • Often more budget-friendly
• Extended-stay hotels
  • Kitchenettes or full kitchens
  • Geared toward longer stays, relocations, or extended projects
  • Common in Perimeter, Cobb, and other suburban office areas
• Boutique and smaller independent hotels
  • More common in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, and some in-town neighborhoods
  • Often emphasize design, local character, or historic buildings

Choose based on:

• Length of stay
• Whether you’ll cook or eat out
• If you need meeting rooms or event space
• Your preference for large brands vs. smaller, more unique properties

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips

Like any major city, Atlanta has areas that feel different by day and night. Common-sense precautions go a long way:

• Check recent reviews for mentions of:
  • Noise levels
  • Parking security
  • Street activity around the property
• Ask about security measures:
  • Keycard access to elevators and guest floors
  • On-site security presence
• Be realistic about walking distances:
  • What looks close on a map can feel much farther in hot or humid weather.
  • Plan your routes to and from MARTA stations or venues, especially at night.
• Budget for extras:
  • Parking, resort or destination fees (where applicable), and internet where it’s not included.

Residents booking a staycation often choose areas they already know well (e.g., Midtown or Buckhead) so they’re comfortable walking to restaurants and venues.

If You Need Help or Local Information While in Atlanta

For general visitor assistance and local information, you can reach:

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

They can provide:

• Neighborhood and attraction information
• Guidance on major events that may affect hotel availability and traffic
• Tips for navigating the city as a visitor

For transit questions:

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer service (general information line is widely published and can be checked quickly before you call)

MARTA staff can help you understand which station is closest to your hotel and how to reach major venues from where you’re staying.

How to Match Your Trip Type to an Atlanta Hotel Area

To narrow it down quickly:

• 🏟 Here for a game, concert, or convention?
  Look at Downtown (near GWCC, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium) or The Battery/Cobb for Braves games.

• 🎭 Here for arts, dining, and nightlife?
  Consider Midtown or Old Fourth Ward/Decatur area hotels for a more neighborhood feel.

• 👜 Shopping or business in the north side?
  Buckhead or Perimeter/Dunwoody are practical, with access to malls and major office parks.

• ✈️ Layover or early/late flights?
  Stay near Hartsfield-Jackson with a shuttle to the terminals.

• 🚗 Visiting family or driving around metro Atlanta?
  A suburban hotel with free parking (Perimeter, Cobb, Decatur, or other suburbs) can reduce costs and stress.

Once you’ve matched your travel purpose with the right part of Atlanta, compare specific hotels based on transit access, parking, and the kind of stay—business-focused, family-friendly, extended-stay, or more upscale—that best fits your plans.