Residence Inn in Atlanta, Georgia: How to Choose the Right One for Your Stay
If you search for “Residence Inn Atlanta Georgia”, you’ll quickly realize there isn’t just one hotel. There are multiple Residence Inn by Marriott locations across metro Atlanta, each with its own strengths depending on whether you’re here for business in Midtown, a convention downtown, a flight out of Hartsfield-Jackson, or a longer family stay in the suburbs.
This guide walks you through the main Residence Inn options in and around Atlanta, what they’re generally like, and how to pick the best fit based on neighborhood, transportation, and trip purpose.
Why Consider Residence Inn in Atlanta?
Residence Inn properties are generally designed for extended stays and apartment-style comfort, which can work well in Atlanta for:
- Business travelers on multi-week projects
- Families relocating to or from Atlanta
- Visitors attending conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center
- People needing a kitchen and more space than a standard hotel room
Common features you’ll often find at Residence Inns in the Atlanta area include:
- Studio, 1-bedroom, and sometimes 2-bedroom suites
- Kitchen or kitchenette (fridge, microwave, cooktop, basic cookware)
- On-site laundry facilities
- Breakfast included at many locations
- Fitness center and often a small pool
- Pet-friendly policies at many properties (often with a fee)
Because Atlanta is large and traffic-heavy, location matters a lot. Choosing the right Residence Inn often comes down to where you’ll spend most of your time.
Key Residence Inn Areas in and Around Atlanta
Below is a simplified overview of how the different Atlanta-area Residence Inns tend to position themselves. Exact amenities differ by property, but this table can help you narrow in by general location and purpose.
| Area / Neighborhood | Typical Trip Type | Why Choose This Area |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | Conventions, major attractions, events | Walkable to GWCC, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Midtown Atlanta | Business, nightlife, arts, Georgia Tech | Central, MARTA access, restaurants, cultural venues |
| Buckhead | Business, upscale shopping, longer stays | Safer-feeling business district, near Lenox/Phipps |
| Airport (College Park) | Early/late flights, quick layovers | Close to Hartsfield-Jackson, some offer shuttle service |
| Perimeter / Sandy Springs | Corporate offices, medical visits | Near Perimeter Center employers and hospitals |
| Suburban (Alpharetta, Kennesaw, etc.) | Long-term, families, sports tournaments | More space, quieter, often easier parking |
When you search “Residence Inn Atlanta Georgia,” you’ll see specific properties under or near these areas. The sections below explain what to look for in each part of town.
Staying in Downtown Atlanta
If you’re focused on conventions, sports, and major attractions, a Residence Inn near downtown Atlanta can be especially convenient.
Downtown is useful if you plan to spend time at:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- College Football Hall of Fame
- The Georgia State Capitol area
Pros of a downtown-area Residence Inn:
- You can often walk or take a short ride to meetings and attractions.
- Access to MARTA rail via Peachtree Center or Five Points stations makes it easier to get to the airport without driving.
- Good for car-free travelers or those who don’t want to fight Atlanta traffic every day.
Considerations:
- Parking downtown is often more expensive and can be valet-only.
- Streets can feel busy during events; plan extra travel time on game or concert days.
- If you’re noise-sensitive, ask about quieter floors or rooms facing away from main streets.
Midtown Atlanta: Central and Transit-Friendly
Midtown is one of the most central, transit-friendly, and walkable parts of Atlanta, especially appropriate if you:
- Are visiting Georgia Tech or Emory Midtown Hospital
- Have business meetings in Midtown office towers
- Want to enjoy Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, or arts venues like the Fox Theatre and the High Museum of Art
- Prefer easy MARTA access (Midtown, Arts Center, or North Avenue stations)
A Midtown-area Residence Inn typically works well if you want:
- A balance between business and leisure
- Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops within walking distance
- Quick transit rides to Buckhead, downtown, or the airport
Tips for staying in Midtown:
- If you don’t plan to drive often, you may be able to rely mainly on MARTA plus rideshare.
- For longer stays, confirm the in-room kitchen setup, especially if you plan to cook most meals.
- Midtown streets can be lively on weekends; if you value quiet, ask for a higher floor or a room facing a side street.
Buckhead: Business, Shopping, and Longer Stays
Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale business and shopping district, popular with travelers who want a more residential, polished feel while still being inside the city.
Reasons you might choose a Buckhead-area Residence Inn:
- You have meetings near Peachtree Road NE, Phipps Plaza, or Lenox Square.
- You want convenient access to GA 400 and the I-85 corridor.
- You’re staying a week or more and want a quieter base than downtown.
Common advantages in this area:
- Generally easier parking than downtown or core Midtown.
- Proximity to major shopping centers and plenty of dining options.
- Many corporate offices and medical practices are based here.
What to keep in mind:
- Buckhead traffic on Peachtree Road can be heavy at rush hour.
- It’s not as transit-centric as Midtown, but Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center MARTA stations provide some rail access.
Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
If your priority is the airport, there are Residence Inn and similar extended-stay properties in the College Park / Airport area, just south of the city.
When this area makes sense:
- You have an early morning or late-night flight.
- You’re in town briefly for airline training, aviation work, or a quick layover.
- You want to avoid a long drive to or from the airport after landing.
What to ask or verify for an airport-area Residence Inn:
- Whether there is a free shuttle to the Hartsfield-Jackson terminals.
- Typical shuttle hours of operation (not all run 24/7).
- How long it takes to get from the hotel to the Domestic Terminal in usual traffic.
This location is less ideal for general tourism unless you’re comfortable taking MARTA from the Airport station into the city or relying heavily on rideshare.
Perimeter / Sandy Springs / North Atlanta
In the Perimeter Center, Dunwoody, and Sandy Springs corridor, you’ll often find Residence Inn properties serving:
- Major employers along I-285 and GA 400
- Nearby hospitals such as Emory Saint Joseph’s, Northside Hospital Atlanta, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- Longer-stay business travelers
Choosing a Residence Inn in this area makes sense if:
- Your office or medical appointments are nearby.
- You’re looking for a balance between city access and suburban convenience.
- You want easier car access to both OTP (Outside the Perimeter) suburbs and ITP (Inside the Perimeter) neighborhoods.
Transportation notes:
- The area is served by Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and Medical Center MARTA stations.
- Many properties here have free or lower-cost parking compared to intown hotels.
- Traffic on I-285 and GA 400 can be intense at rush hour; plan accordingly.
Suburban Residence Inn Options Around Metro Atlanta
If you’ll be in the Atlanta area for several weeks or months, or if you’re traveling with a family or sports team, a suburban Residence Inn may be a better fit.
Common suburban locales that often host Residence Inn or similar extended-stay hotels include:
- Alpharetta / Johns Creek (north of the city)
- Kennesaw / Marietta (northwest)
- Duluth / Gwinnett County (northeast)
- McDonough / Stockbridge (south)
- Douglasville (west)
You might choose a suburban Residence Inn if:
- You’re relocating to Atlanta and need temporary housing while you house-hunt.
- Your work site, warehouse, or client is outside the I-285 perimeter.
- You want more space for kids or pets and don’t need to be downtown often.
Suburban properties often offer:
- Easier parking and less congestion.
- Larger rooms or more family-friendly layouts.
- Proximity to parks, local shopping centers, and schools.
The tradeoff is a longer commute if you plan to visit central Atlanta frequently.
How to Choose the Best Residence Inn in Atlanta for Your Needs
When comparing Residence Inn properties in and near Atlanta, focus on these practical factors:
1. Location vs. Daily Destinations
Ask yourself:
- Where will you be most days—downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, or outside the city?
- How much time are you willing to spend in traffic?
- Will you have a car, or are you relying on MARTA and rideshare?
In Atlanta, choosing the right side of the city can easily save you 30–60 minutes a day in travel.
2. Access to MARTA and Highways
If you want rail access, check how close the property is to stations like:
- Airport, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, North Avenue
- Arts Center, Buckhead, Lenox, Lindbergh Center
- Dunwoody, Medical Center, Sandy Springs
If you’re driving, note proximity to:
- I-75 / I-85 (Downtown Connector)
- I-285 (the Perimeter)
- GA 400
- I-20 (east–west corridor)
3. Room Type and Kitchen Setup
Because Residence Inn focuses on extended stays, pay attention to:
- Room layout: Studio vs. 1-bedroom vs. 2-bedroom suites.
- Kitchen features: Full-sized fridge, cooktop or oven, dishwasher, cookware.
- Workspace: Desk area, outlets, and lighting if you’ll be working remotely.
For longer stays, that extra bedroom separation and a proper kitchen can make a big difference.
4. Parking and Transportation Costs
Ask or check for:
- Parking fees (downtown and Midtown often charge per night).
- Whether parking is valet-only or has a self-park option.
- If you can realistically skip renting a car by staying near MARTA and using rideshare.
For some travelers, the higher nightly rate in a transit-friendly area can be offset by not paying for a car and parking.
5. Amenities That Matter for Your Stay
Common amenity questions to consider:
- Is breakfast included and what type (continental vs. hot options)?
- Are there laundry facilities on-site or in-room?
- Is the property pet-friendly, and what are the fees and limits?
- Is there a fitness center or pool if that’s important to you?
If you’re coming for a sports tournament, graduation, or family reunion, also ask about:
- Group booking options
- Meeting spaces or common areas
- Late checkout flexibility, especially on Sundays
Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Using Residence Inn
Whether you live in Atlanta or are visiting, these tips can help you get more from your Residence Inn stay:
- Time your drives: Try to avoid driving across town during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM).
- Use MARTA where it makes sense: For major events downtown or at the airport, MARTA often beats driving and parking.
- Plan around big events: Home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, concerts at State Farm Arena, and large conventions at GWCC can drive up both rates and congestion downtown.
- Stock your kitchen smartly: Many Residence Inn locations are within a short drive of a Kroger, Publix, or other grocery store. Doing one big shop early in your stay can cut down on eating out.
- Confirm details directly: Policies on pets, parking, shuttles, and breakfast can differ between locations, even within the same brand. If something is important, call the specific property and ask.
When a Residence Inn in Atlanta Is a Good Fit
A Residence Inn in or near Atlanta, Georgia is often a strong choice if you:
- Need a longer-term, home-like setup with a kitchen
- Are relocating to or from Atlanta and need temporary housing
- Want extra space for families or small groups
- Are here on a project and want to stay near your office or work site rather than commuting from across town
By focusing on which part of metro Atlanta you’ll actually use the most, and then comparing Residence Inn options within that area, you can usually find a property that makes your time in Atlanta more convenient, comfortable, and predictable—whether you’re staying for a few nights or a few months.