Staying at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Downtown: What Locals and Visitors Need to Know
If you’re searching for the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Downtown, you’re likely trying to figure out whether it’s a good fit for your stay in the city’s core. This guide walks through what to expect from the hotel, what’s nearby, how to get there, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta, Georgia experience.
Where the Downtown Sheraton Fits in Atlanta
The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, in the general area around Peachtree Center and the city’s major business and convention corridors.
Staying here places you close to:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Georgia State University
- Peachtree Center offices and shops
- Major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
For business travelers, this area is convenient for meetings, conferences, and quick MARTA access. For visitors, it’s one of the most central spots for sightseeing.
Typical Features and Amenities at a Downtown Sheraton
Specific features can vary, but a Downtown Sheraton–style full-service hotel in Atlanta usually offers:
Guest Rooms
You can usually expect:
- Standard rooms with either one king bed or two double/queen beds
- Work-friendly spaces: desk, chair, and reliable lighting
- Wi‑Fi (sometimes tiered between standard and premium)
- In-room basics: TV, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, hair dryer, mini-fridge in many rooms
Higher-category rooms may offer city views, more space, and possible access to a club lounge where available.
On-Site Dining
Most Sheraton properties in Downtown Atlanta include at least:
- A full-service restaurant (often serving breakfast and dinner)
- A lobby bar with small plates or bar snacks
- Sometimes a coffee shop or grab‑and‑go market for quick bites and drinks
If you prefer local spots, you’re also within walking distance of Downtown staples such as restaurants in Peachtree Center, the Fairlie-Poplar district, and food options near Centennial Olympic Park.
Meeting and Event Space
The Sheraton brand tends to focus heavily on meetings and conferences, and the Downtown Atlanta property generally follows that pattern with:
- Multiple ballrooms suitable for conferences, galas, and weddings
- Several breakout rooms and boardrooms
- On-site event planning and banquet services
This makes it a frequent choice for conventions, corporate meetings, and association events happening in the city center.
Fitness and Recreation
You can typically expect:
- A fitness center with cardio machines and basic strength equipment
- A pool (indoor, outdoor, or a combination depending on how the property is configured)
The precise setup changes from property to property, so it’s worth checking directly with the hotel if a pool or gym is a deciding factor for your stay.
Location Highlights: What’s Around the Sheraton in Downtown Atlanta
One of the main reasons people choose a Downtown Sheraton hotel in Atlanta is proximity. Even if you don’t know the city well, you’ll have plenty within walking or short transit distance.
Walkable Attractions
From the Sheraton’s area in Downtown, you can generally reach:
- Centennial Olympic Park – Large green space with splash fountains, city views, and frequent events
- Georgia Aquarium – One of Atlanta’s top attractions, popular for families and visitors of all ages
- World of Coca-Cola – Museum and interactive exhibits about the Coca-Cola brand
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum exploring civil rights history and global human rights
- College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits, particularly popular on game weekends
These are usually under a 15–20 minute walk, depending on your exact starting point and pace.
Business and Education Hubs
A Downtown Sheraton often serves:
- Business travelers visiting companies in Peachtree Center, the Government District, or Five Points
- Conference attendees at Georgia World Congress Center
- Families and students visiting Georgia State University and nearby academic facilities
If your schedule keeps you near Downtown offices, staying here can significantly cut down on commuting time.
Getting To and From the Downtown Sheraton
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You have several reliable options:
MARTA (Train)
- Take the Red or Gold Line from the airport station to a Downtown station such as Peachtree Center, Five Points, or Georgia State, depending on the closest station to the specific Sheraton you’ve booked.
- The ride usually takes around 20–25 minutes from the airport to Downtown.
Taxi or Rideshare
- Taxis line up at the airport, and rideshare pickups are clearly marked.
- Travel time varies with traffic but often ranges from 20–35 minutes to Downtown.
Airport Shuttles
- Some full-service hotels occasionally coordinate with third-party shuttle services. Check with the Sheraton directly to see if they offer recommendations.
Getting Around Downtown Once You’re There
From a Downtown Sheraton, you can usually:
- Walk to many attractions, offices, and restaurants
- Use MARTA buses and trains, especially from Peachtree Center or Five Points
- Use Atlanta Streetcar (when operating) to reach nearby stops around the Auburn Avenue and Centennial Olympic Park areas
- Take bike or scooter rentals in areas where they are permitted
Parking and Driving Considerations
Driving in Downtown Atlanta can be convenient but sometimes stressful during rush hour or on major event days.
At a typical Sheraton in Downtown, you may see:
- Valet parking with a daily rate
- Sometimes self-parking in an attached or nearby garage
- Additional fees for oversized vehicles in some cases
If you’re planning to bring a car, consider:
- Event schedules: Games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or concerts at State Farm Arena can quickly fill nearby lots.
- Daily cost: When you factor in parking, rideshare or MARTA may be more economical for shorter visits.
- Traffic patterns: Morning (7–9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4–7 p.m.) are typically the heaviest traffic periods on Interstates 75/85 and 20.
Is a Downtown Sheraton a Good Fit for You?
Whether the Sheraton Atlanta Downtown is your best option depends on what you want from your time in the city.
Best For
- Business travelers attending meetings, conventions, or court/government appointments
- Conference and event attendees needing to stay near Georgia World Congress Center or major venues
- First-time visitors who want a central base for walking to top attractions
- Groups and wedding parties looking for robust event and banquet space
Possibly Not Ideal If
- You want a more residential neighborhood feel (consider Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park for that vibe).
- You plan to stay mostly outside Downtown (for example, in Buckhead, Perimeter, or near the airport) and don’t need quick access to city-center attractions.
- You prefer small boutique hotels or short-term rentals over larger full-service properties.
Nearby Alternatives and Neighborhood Context
While you may be focused on the Sheraton brand, it helps to understand the wider Downtown hotel landscape:
- The area around Peachtree Center, Courtland Street, and John Portman Boulevard hosts several full-service hotels in a similar category.
- Midtown Atlanta (just a couple of MARTA stops north) has more nightlife, arts, and restaurant diversity, including easy walks to Piedmont Park and the Midtown Mile shopping/dining corridor.
- Buckhead (farther north) is known more for upscale shopping and dining, with a different atmosphere than Downtown’s convention and office focus.
If you’re attending an event, the official event information often recommends hotels, including the Sheraton and similar options, within short walking distance.
Practical Tips for Staying at the Sheraton in Downtown Atlanta
Here are a few practical considerations that matter specifically in Atlanta:
1. Plan for Events and Game Days
- Check whether your stay overlaps with major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center. Room rates and availability can shift, and streets can be more congested.
2. Think Through Transit vs. Rental Car
- If your activities are mainly in Downtown or along the MARTA rail line (Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport), you may not need a car at all.
- If you plan to explore Stone Mountain, suburban attractions, or outlying areas, a car or rideshare budget becomes more important.
3. Walkability and Safety
- Downtown is generally walkable, especially along main corridors.
- As in any major city, staying aware of your surroundings, especially late at night and on less-trafficked side streets, is sensible.
Quick Reference: Downtown Sheraton at a Glance
| Aspect | What to Expect in Downtown Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Location Type | Central business and convention district |
| Typical Guests | Business travelers, conference attendees, tourists |
| Nearby Transit | MARTA (Peachtree Center, Five Points, Georgia State), buses, Streetcar |
| Walkable Attractions | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, Civil Rights Center |
| On-Site Amenities | Restaurant, bar, meeting/event space, fitness center, pool (varies by property) |
| Parking | Paid valet and/or self-parking; event days may affect access and pricing |
| Best Use Case | If you want to be in the heart of Downtown with easy access to major venues |
If you live in Atlanta, the Sheraton in Downtown can be useful for hosting out-of-town guests, attending local conferences, or planning events without leaving the city center. If you’re visiting, it offers a straightforward, centrally located base that keeps most of Atlanta’s marquee attractions within easy reach.