Atlanta Westin Hotels: What to Know Before You Book in Downtown and Beyond

If someone in Atlanta mentions “the Westin,” they’re usually talking about one of a few well-known Westin hotels in the Atlanta area, especially the landmark tower with the spinning restaurant on top. Whether you live in metro Atlanta and need a staycation spot or you’re flying in through Hartsfield‑Jackson, it helps to know which Westin is which, what neighborhoods they’re in, and how each fits different types of trips.

Below is a practical, Atlanta‑focused guide to Atlanta Westin hotels—where they’re located, what they’re near, and how to choose the right one for your visit.

The Main Westin Hotels in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta’s Westin properties cluster around three key zones locals know well:

• Downtown / Peachtree Center
• Airport / College Park
• North Perimeter / Sandy Springs

Here’s a simple overview:

All of these are full-service hotels with typical Westin hallmarks: on‑site dining, fitness options, meeting space, and a business‑friendly feel. The big difference is location and atmosphere.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta (Downtown Icon)

When locals say “Atlanta Westin hotel,” they often mean The Westin Peachtree Plaza, the cylindrical skyscraper that defines the downtown skyline.

Location & Local Landmarks

• Area: Downtown Atlanta, along Peachtree Street
• Typical access points:
  • Close to Peachtree Center and major office towers
  • Walking distance to Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena for big events and games
  • Near Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca‑Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

This is one of the most recognizable hotels in the city, making it a common choice for conventions, fan weekends, and tourist trips focused on downtown attractions.

What It’s Like to Stay Downtown

Staying at the downtown Westin usually means:

• High‑rise city views: Many rooms look out over downtown, Midtown, or west toward the stadiums.
• A busy, conference‑oriented feel: You’ll often see name badges, meeting groups, and event setups.
• Walkability to attractions: If your plans are mostly around downtown or the convention center, the location can cut down on rideshares and parking.

However, visitors often notice:

• Downtown can feel quieter or more business‑oriented at night and on weekends, especially compared with Midtown or the BeltLine.
• Traffic around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive can be heavy before and after events.

If you’re attending a conference, a Falcons or Hawks game, or planning to hit the big tourist spots, this Westin is often the most convenient “in the middle of everything” option.

The Westin Atlanta Airport (Near Hartsfield‑Jackson)

If your priority is being close to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there’s a Westin designed for that.

Location & Access

• Area: Near the airport, typically used by travelers connecting via Atlanta or catching early/late flights
• Close to:
  • Airport terminals via short shuttle or rideshare
  • The Airport MARTA Station for direct rail access to Downtown and Midtown
  • Interstate corridors like I‑85 and I‑285, which connect quickly to the rest of the metro area

This hotel location is geared heavily toward air travelers, airline crews, and short business trips.

When an Airport Westin Makes Sense

An airport Westin is especially practical if you:

• Have a very early morning departure or arrive on a late‑night flight
• Are in Atlanta for just a day or two for meetings near the airport or in nearby business parks
• Want a straightforward overnight option without having to drive into the city

From the airport area, it’s relatively simple to:

• Take MARTA into downtown (no car needed if your plans are limited to central Atlanta).
• Catch rideshares along I‑85 to reach neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, or East Point.

This kind of stay is usually more functional than scenic, but it can save a lot of hassle for tight travel schedules.

The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North (Sandy Springs / Perimeter)

If you want to be near Perimeter Center, major corporate offices, or a quieter suburban environment, the Perimeter‑area Westin is often the local choice.

Neighborhood Context

• Area: North of Atlanta, around the Perimeter Center and Sandy Springs business district
• Proximity to:
  • Major highways GA‑400 and I‑285
  • Offices and corporate campuses that line Hammond Drive, Peachtree‑Dunwoody Road, and Abernathy Road
  • Shopping and dining near Perimeter Mall

Locals often think of this part of town as a business and residential hub with decent access both back into the city and out toward north‑metro suburbs.

Who This Westin Works Best For

A Perimeter Westin tends to make sense if you:

• Have meetings or work in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or along the GA‑400 corridor
• Prefer a quieter base with easier parking over the density of downtown
• Plan to visit both the city and north‑metro attractions (Alpharetta, Roswell, Chattahoochee River parks, etc.)

From here, you can typically:

• Use MARTA (Perimeter, Sandy Springs, or Dunwoody stations) to head into Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown without fighting I‑285 traffic.
• Drive to Buckhead in a relatively short time outside of peak rush hours.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Westin for Your Trip

Because “Atlanta Westin hotel” could mean several different properties, it helps to think in terms of your priorities: events, convenience, or neighborhood feel.

1. Prioritizing Attractions & Events

If your plans are centered around:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Falcons, Atlanta United, concerts)
• State Farm Arena (Hawks, shows)
• Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or College Football Hall of Fame

Then a downtown Westin is usually the most practical choice. You can often:

• Walk to many venues
• Rely less on rideshares and parking
• Stay in the “core” of the city for a first‑timer experience

2. Prioritizing Flight Convenience

If your top concern is making a connection, red‑eye, or early‑morning flight, then the airport Westin is often best. You’ll get:

• Minimal transit time between your room and the terminals
• Easy access to MARTA if you want a quick trip into the city
• A more travel‑oriented environment (flight crews, business travelers, layovers)

3. Prioritizing a Quieter, Suburban Environment

If you’d rather be outside the downtown core but still within reach of Atlanta, a Perimeter Westin may be more comfortable:

• Closer to northside offices and suburban neighborhoods
• Often easier for those visiting friends or family in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, or Alpharetta
• Can be a good compromise between city access and a less hectic environment

Transportation Tips for Westin Guests in Atlanta

No matter which Atlanta Westin you’re considering, logistics matter. Here’s how transportation typically breaks down.

Using MARTA

Many Westin guests use MARTA to avoid driving through busy corridors:

• From the Airport Westin:
  • Hop the Airport Station on the Red/Gold Line to reach downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• From Downtown Westin:
  • Nearby Peachtree Center Station connects you to the airport, Midtown, Buckhead, and beyond.
• From Perimeter Westin:
  • The Perimeter, Sandy Springs, or Dunwoody Stations on the Red Line provide a direct route to Buckhead and Midtown.

MARTA is often the fastest way to bypass peak‑hour interstate traffic, especially along I‑75/85 and GA‑400.

Driving & Parking

Atlanta is still a car‑heavy city, so many guests drive or rent cars. A few practical points:

• Downtown: Expect higher parking costs and more congestion, especially during events.
• Airport: Often easier in and out, with quick access to I‑85 and I‑285.
• Perimeter: Generally more suburban parking setups, but I‑285 can back up heavily at rush hour.

🔑 Tip: If your plans are mostly central—conventions, tourist attractions, or a couple of in‑town meetings—consider relying on MARTA + rideshare rather than renting a car.

What Locals Often Consider When Booking a Westin in Atlanta

People who live in or near Atlanta often think differently about where to stay than first‑time visitors. Common factors include:

• Game and concert schedules: If there’s a big event at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, downtown hotels (including the Westin) can be busier and more expensive.
• Traffic patterns: Locals know to factor in I‑285 and GA‑400 rush hours when choosing between staying downtown vs. Perimeter vs. airport.
• Proximity to specific neighborhoods: Someone visiting friends in Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia‑Highland might prefer to be near MARTA or central neighborhoods, even if their actual hotel is in downtown or Midtown.

If you’re combining a visit to family or friends in the suburbs with a few days of sightseeing, it can be worth mapping out:

1. Where you’ll spend most of your time (northside, southside, or in‑town),
2. How comfortable you are driving in heavy traffic, and
3. Whether being near MARTA is important for your plans.

Making the Most of a Westin Stay in Atlanta

Once you’ve decided which Atlanta Westin best fits your needs, a few simple habits can help you get more out of your stay:

• Plan your arrival around traffic: If possible, schedule arrivals and departures outside weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) on I‑75/85, I‑285, and GA‑400.
• Use MARTA for big events: For major games or concerts, MARTA often beats driving and stadium parking. This is especially useful if you’re at the airport or Perimeter Westin and heading downtown.
• Build in walking time downtown: If you’re at the downtown Westin, many key attractions are walkable—but allow time for crowds, weather, and navigating busy Peachtree Street intersections.
• Check what’s nearby your specific Westin: Each area has its own dining, shopping, and entertainment within a short walk or drive. Locals often explore:
  • Downtown: Centennial Olympic Park area, Fairlie‑Poplar streets
  • Perimeter: Perimeter Mall and nearby commercial centers
  • Airport: Restaurants in College Park, Hapeville, or East Point if you have extra time

Understanding which Atlanta Westin hotel fits your trip—downtown, airport, or Perimeter—comes down to where you’ll spend most of your time and how you plan to get around the city. With that in mind, you can pick a location that matches your schedule, your transportation preferences, and your ideal Atlanta experience.