Best Hotels in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Stay and Why It Matters

Choosing the best hotel in downtown Atlanta depends on why you’re here: a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center, a game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a business meeting in Peachtree Center, or a family trip to the Georgia Aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.

Downtown is compact, walkable, and packed with major attractions—but each block feels a little different. This guide breaks down the top downtown Atlanta hotel areas, what they’re like, and which types of travelers they fit best.

How to Choose the Best Downtown Atlanta Hotel for You

Before looking at specific properties, narrow down your priorities. In downtown Atlanta, the “best” hotel usually means the one that balances:

• Location (walkability to your main destinations)
• Transportation access (MARTA, airport connectivity, parking)
• Vibe & comfort level (business, luxury, family-friendly, or budget)
• Noise level & safety awareness (busy event nights vs. quieter pockets)
• On-site amenities (pool, meeting space, dining, pet-friendly rooms)

Ask yourself:

• Are you here mainly for conventions/sports?
• Do you want to walk to tourist attractions?
• Are you trying to keep costs down but still stay central?
• Do you care more about view and ambiance or function and convenience?

Once you’re clear on that, it becomes much easier to pick the right part of downtown and then the right hotel.

Key Areas of Downtown Atlanta for Hotels

1. Centennial Olympic Park & Attractions Zone

Best if you want to walk to:
Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, CNN Center area, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, SkyView Atlanta.

This area feels the most “touristy” in downtown—in a good way. It’s centered around Centennial Olympic Park, a large green space that’s easy to navigate and surrounded by major attractions.

Pros:

• Very walkable for families and first-time visitors
• Quick access to event venues and sports arenas
• Plenty of casual dining nearby
• Easy MARTA access from GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station and Peachtree Center Station

Considerations:

• Can be crowded and noisy during big events, concerts, and games
• Rates may spike on event weekends
• Nighttime foot traffic is thinner a few blocks out; pay attention to your route, especially if you’re walking late

This is often the top choice for visitors who want a central, easy base without needing a car.

2. Peachtree Center & Business Core

Best for:
Business travelers, conferences, quick MARTA access, and people who want to be centrally located without being directly in the tourist zone.

The Peachtree Center area is packed with high-rise hotels and office towers, connected by indoor walkways and close to corporate offices, law firms, and government buildings.

Pros:

• Very central: walkable to both tourist attractions and office buildings
• Direct access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station (good for airport commuters)
• Lots of quick-service dining, food courts, and coffee shops
• Typically strong business amenities (meeting rooms, business services)

Considerations:

• More of a weekday business vibe; can feel quieter after office hours
• Much of the retail/dining is oriented to workers and conference attendees
• Street-level foot traffic can thin out at night; use common urban safety sense

If you’re in Atlanta for work, a convention, or you want easy train access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, this cluster is highly practical.

3. Government & Georgia State University Area

Best for:
Budget-conscious travelers, short work trips to government offices, and visitors connected to Georgia State University.

South and east of the main tourist core, you’ll find hotels around:

• Georgia State University
• Atlanta City Hall
• Fulton County Government Center
• State and federal buildings

Pros:

• Often more budget-friendly than hotels right by Centennial Olympic Park
• Good for people with business at courthouses or state offices
• Convenient to Georgia State Station and Five Points Station

Considerations:

• Less nightlife and fewer tourist-focused eateries than the park area
• Foot traffic is heavily weekday-based; evenings may feel quieter
• Distances to landmarks like the aquarium and stadium are walkable for some but may feel long for families with kids

This area can work well if you’re price-sensitive but still want to stay legitimately downtown.

Quick Comparison: Which Downtown Area Fits You Best?

What “Best Hotel” Means in Downtown Atlanta

1. Best for Walkability to Attractions

If your top priority is walking everywhere, look for hotels within a few blocks of:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Baker Street NW (near Georgia Aquarium)
• Marietta Street NW and Andrew Young International Blvd (near CNN Center, College Football Hall of Fame)

From this cluster, you’re typically within a 10–15 minute walk of:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• SkyView Atlanta
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

This is ideal for families, couples, and short stays where convenience matters more than anything else.

2. Best for Business and Conferences

For business trips, you usually want:

• Easy MARTA access (for airport transit and commuting)
• Proximity to your meeting location
• Reliable Wi‑Fi, quiet rooms, and meeting spaces

Consider staying within walking distance of:

• Peachtree Center
• Major office buildings along Peachtree Street
• The Georgia World Congress Center complex (west of downtown, but still very close to the core)

Many business-focused hotels in this area are designed for conventions and corporate travel, with:

• On‑site restaurants suitable for working dinners
• Lobby lounges for informal meetings
• Multiple room types for individual travelers and small teams

If you’ll be in and out frequently, being close to Peachtree Center MARTA Station is especially helpful. You can ride directly from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to downtown without needing a car.

3. Best for Games, Concerts, and Big Events

If you’re centered around:

• State Farm Arena (basketball, concerts)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (football, soccer, major events)
• Events at Georgia World Congress Center

Look for hotels:

• West of Peachtree Street, closer to the arena and stadium side of downtown
• Near Centennial Olympic Park or CNN Center

Benefits:

• You can walk to and from events, avoiding rideshare surges and parking hassles
• Easy access to pre-game or post-event gathering spots around the park and on Marietta Street

⚠️ Tip: On major event days, hotel prices and parking rates downtown can rise sharply. If you’re price-sensitive, compare:

• Staying slightly farther east (near Georgia State) and using MARTA or rideshare
• Booking early if you know your event date well in advance

4. Best for Comfort and Quiet

Downtown Atlanta is an active urban core with:

• Street noise
• Occasional late-night activity
• Event traffic

For a calmer experience, look for hotels:

• On slightly quieter side streets rather than directly on the busiest corners
• A bit east or southeast of the immediate Centennial Olympic Park ring
• Higher floors, which can reduce street-level noise

When booking, you can often:

• Request a higher floor
• Ask for a room facing away from main streets or event venues
• Check if the hotel offers double-pane windows or specific “quiet floors”

You might sacrifice a tiny bit of walk-out-the-door action for better sleep and less crowding, which can be worth it on longer stays.

Transportation: Getting To and Around Downtown Hotels

From the Airport (ATL) to Downtown Atlanta

If you’re staying anywhere in downtown, you have three main options:

1. MARTA Train

   • Board at Airport Station (inside the domestic terminal)
   • Ride the Red or Gold line north to:
     • Five Points Station (central transfer station, close to South Downtown and Sweet Auburn)
     • Peachtree Center Station (ideal for Peachtree Center/business hotels)
   • Fast, predictable, and avoids traffic

2. Rideshare / Taxi

   • Available from designated pick-up zones at the airport
   • Useful if you have heavy luggage or are arriving late at night

3. Rental Car

   • Generally not necessary if your whole trip is centered in downtown
   • Parking fees at downtown hotels can be significant; check daily rates beforehand

For most downtown-only stays, many visitors choose MARTA + walking plus occasional rideshare.

Moving Around Downtown Once You’re Here

You can get around easily using:

• Walking: Most major downtown attractions are within a 0.5–1 mile radius
• MARTA:
  • Stations: Peachtree Center, Five Points, Georgia State, GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center
  • Good for reaching Midtown, Buckhead, the airport, and beyond
• Street-level options:
  • Rideshare
  • City scooters and bikes in designated areas

Good to keep in mind:

• Traffic can be heavy at rush hours and during big events.
• Sidewalks are generally good in the main hotel and attraction zones.
• As in any major city, stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night or on quieter streets.

Safety and Practical Tips for Staying in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is a busy urban environment, especially around:

• Peachtree Street
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Arena and stadium areas

Most visitors navigate it comfortably by following basic city awareness:

• Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets at night
• Use hotel staff for local walking route advice, especially after dark
• Avoid displaying valuables openly in crowded areas
• Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and small electronics when possible

If you need assistance or want to report non-emergency concerns downtown, you can contact:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown area)
  Headquarters for APD:
  • 226 Peachtree Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Non-emergency line (City of Atlanta): 404‑658‑6666
• For emergencies, always dial 911.

Most hotels also have on-site security and front-desk staff who can:

• Call you a cab or rideshare to a safe pick-up spot
• Provide printed maps or walking directions
• Suggest routes that stay on busier streets

When to Book and What to Watch For

Event Calendars Matter

Hotel demand in downtown Atlanta jumps with:

• Major Falcons, Hawks, and Atlanta United games
• Big-name concerts at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
• City-wide festivals and parades

To avoid surprises:

• Check event schedules for the dates you’re considering
• Book earlier if your trip overlaps with a large event
• If flexible, consider shifting your stay by a day or two to improve price and availability

Price vs. Proximity Trade-Off

In downtown Atlanta, you typically balance:

• Paying more to be steps from your main destination, or
• Paying less to be a bit farther away, possibly adding a 10–20 minute walk or short MARTA ride

For example:

• A hotel right at the edge of Centennial Olympic Park might cost more on a busy weekend, but you save on rideshares and time.
• A hotel closer to the Georgia State University area can be more affordable but may require planning your walks if you’re visiting attractions with kids or luggage.

Local Services and Useful Contacts Near Downtown Hotels

If you’re staying downtown for more than a quick overnight, it can help to know where some basic services are located.

Nearby transit and visitor resources:

• MARTA Five Points Station
  • 30 Alabama Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Central hub for rail lines and some bus routes
• MARTA Peachtree Center Station
  • 216 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Directly connected to many business hotels via escalators and walkways

Visitor guidance:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (administrative offices)
  • 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • While not a walk-in tourist center in the traditional sense, this location anchors many city tourism efforts, and staff at downtown hotels often have city maps and up-to-date attraction details.

For urgent medical needs, visitors staying downtown commonly use:

• Grady Memorial Hospital (major regional hospital)
  • 80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Emergency Department open 24/7

For routine or minor needs, many travelers rely on:

• Chain pharmacies located along or near Peachtree Street and in mixed-use developments just outside the core.

Putting It All Together: Finding Your Best Downtown Atlanta Hotel

To narrow down the best hotel in downtown Atlanta for your situation:

1. Decide your primary purpose

   • Attractions? Business? Sports? Budget?

2. Pick the right micro-area

   • Centennial Olympic Park if you’re sightseeing or attending events
   • Peachtree Center if you’re on business or want easy MARTA access
   • Georgia State / Government area for lower prices and government/GSU visits

3. Check your transportation plan

   • If you won’t have a car, prioritize walking routes and MARTA station proximity.
   • If you will have a car, note parking costs and whether you’re comfortable driving in city traffic.

4. Consider your comfort preferences

   • Ask for higher floors for quieter stays
   • Look at photos and descriptions of lobby/common areas to judge the vibe (lively vs. calm)

5. Scan the local event calendar

   • If there’s a big game or concert, decide whether you want to be in the middle of the action or slightly removed from it.

With these factors in mind, you can confidently choose a downtown Atlanta hotel that fits your needs—whether you’re a local planning a staycation, a business traveler on a tight schedule, or a visitor wanting to experience the heart of the city on foot.