Best Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay in the City Like a Local

Choosing the best hotels in Atlanta depends on why you’re here: business in Downtown, nightlife in Midtown, family attractions around Centennial Park, or upscale shopping in Buckhead. Atlanta is spread out, so your neighborhood choice is almost as important as the hotel itself.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta’s top hotel areas, standout properties in each, and how to pick the right place for your trip.

Top Atlanta Neighborhoods for Hotels (Quick Overview)

*Prices vary seasonally and by event dates.

Staying in Downtown Atlanta: Best Hotels Near the Big Attractions

If you want to be close to State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca‑Cola, and the Georgia Aquarium, Downtown is a practical choice. You can walk to most major sights and connect easily to MARTA at Five Points or Peachtree Center stations.

Who Downtown works best for:

• First-time visitors who want to hit the major attractions
• Convention and conference travelers (Georgia World Congress Center, AmericasMart)
• Fans attending sports games or concerts

Notable Downtown Atlanta Hotels

These are the types of places people commonly consider when they want central access and big-hotel amenities:

• Large convention hotels near Peachtree Center
  These towers typically include:

  • Several on-site restaurants and bars
  • Large lobbies (good for working or meeting up)
  • Fitness centers and often a pool
  • Direct or covered access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station

• Hotels around Centennial Olympic Park
  These are popular with families and leisure travelers because they’re:

  • Within walking distance of the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
  • Close to the College Football Hall of Fame
  • Often used for event weekends at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

• Boutique and smaller properties near Fairlie-Poplar
  In the historic core, you’ll find:

  • Older buildings with more character
  • Quieter corners just off the main tourist drag
  • Walkable access to restaurants on Broad Street and around Marietta Street

Local tip:
If you’re in town for a Falcons game, United match, or a big concert, staying in Downtown means you can walk to the venue and avoid traffic. Booking early is wise on major event weekends.

Midtown Atlanta: Best Hotels for Nightlife, Dining, and the Arts

Midtown is often considered the sweet spot for many visitors and locals who want a staycation: it’s walkable, full of restaurants and bars, and centrally located between Downtown and Buckhead.

You’ll be close to:

• Piedmont Park
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (via the park or Ponce City Market)
• High Museum of Art
• Atlanta Symphony Hall
• Fox Theatre (just on the south edge of Midtown)

What Makes Midtown Hotels Appealing

• Great for car-free trips: Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations are nearby.
• Strong dining and nightlife: Peachtree Street, Crescent Avenue, and 10th/11th Streets have plenty of options.
• Balanced feel: More vibrant and walkable than Buckhead, but less tourist-heavy than Downtown.

Types of Midtown Hotels You’ll Find

• Upscale, design-forward towers on Peachtree Street
  Common perks include:

  • Rooftop or high-floor bars with skyline views
  • Modern rooms, good for both business and leisure
  • Easy walk to tech and office hubs along Spring and West Peachtree

• Hotels near Piedmont Park and the BeltLine
  Well-suited to:

  • Weekend getaways and staycations
  • Runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants green space
  • Guests who plan to spend evenings at Ponce City Market or along the BeltLine

• Properties near the Fox Theatre
  If your main event is a show, staying within a few blocks of the Fox lets you:

  • Walk to and from a performance
  • Take MARTA (North Avenue Station) instead of driving
  • Enjoy nearby bars and late-night food on Peachtree and Ponce de Leon

Local tip:
Traffic and parking in Midtown can be tight. Hotels close to a MARTA station make it easier to get to the airport, Downtown venues, and Buckhead without driving.

Buckhead: Best Hotels for Luxury Stays and Shopping

Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale hotel district, known for luxury brands, high-end malls, and office towers. If you want polished service, fine dining, and easy access to shopping, this is the area to target.

You’ll be near:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza shopping centers
• Corporate offices along Peachtree Road and Powers Ferry / Piedmont Road corridors
• High-end dining and cocktail bars

Who Buckhead Hotels Are Best For

• Business travelers with meetings in Buckhead
• Guests who prioritize luxury, quiet, and service
• Shoppers and visitors planning a more relaxed, upscale trip

Common Buckhead Hotel Features

• Luxury towers near Lenox/Peachtree
  Expect:

  • High-level service and concierge desks
  • Valet parking and often house cars or car service partnerships
  • Spas, fine-dining restaurants, and well-equipped fitness centers

• Extended-stay and business-focused hotels
  Often located just off the main streets:

  • Kitchenettes or full kitchens in rooms
  • Guest laundry and more space for longer stays
  • More low-key surroundings than right on Peachtree Road

Local tip:
Lenox and Buckhead MARTA stations give easy train access to Downtown and the airport. If you’re staying multiple days, being near one of these stations can reduce your need for rideshares.

Airport Hotels (Hartsfield‑Jackson): Best for Early Flights and Short Stays

Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is south of the city, in the College Park / Hapeville area. Airport hotels are ideal if you:

• Have a very early or very late flight
• Are only in town for a short layover
• Want a simple, budget-friendly room with shuttle service

Where Airport Hotels Are Concentrated

• “Airport hotel row” along Virginia Avenue and near Camp Creek Parkway
  Here you’ll typically find:

  • Frequent airport shuttles
  • Basic restaurants and fast food nearby
  • Conference spaces for airline and corporate meetings

• Hotels connected or adjacent to the airport
  These can be more convenient if:

  • You prefer to walk or use the Plane Train and SkyTrain
  • You want to minimize transfer time in and out of ATL

Local tip:
If you plan to explore Downtown or Midtown during a longer stay, it’s usually better to stay in the city rather than at the airport, then take MARTA or rideshare back for your flight.

Perimeter, Sandy Springs, and Other Suburban Hotel Options

Not every trip to Atlanta is about nightlife and stadiums. If you’re visiting family in the suburbs, attending training at a corporate office, or want easier parking and a quieter environment, consider staying in areas like Perimeter Center or Sandy Springs.

Why Some Travelers Prefer These Areas

• Often more parking and lower nightly rates than central neighborhoods
• Easy highway access to I‑285, GA‑400, and I‑75/I‑85
• Public transit access via Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Medical Center MARTA stations

These areas work well for:

• Longer business trips near the Perimeter office parks
• Visitors who plan to drive to Stone Mountain, the North Georgia mountains, or other regional sights
• Families who want space, pools, and quieter nights

How to Choose the Best Hotel in Atlanta for Your Needs

Instead of focusing only on the “top” hotel names, think through how you’ll actually use your room each day. Here are key factors that matter specifically in Atlanta.

1. Location vs. Traffic

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic, especially on I‑75/85, I‑285, and GA‑400.

Ask yourself:

• Will I mostly visit Downtown attractions?
  → Consider Downtown or Midtown to avoid daily commuting.

• Will I be working in Buckhead or Perimeter?
  → Staying in the same area as your meetings can save a lot of driving time.

• Do I plan to use MARTA often?
  → Look for hotels within a 5–10 minute walk of a MARTA rail station (Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue, Lenox, Buckhead, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, etc.).

2. Walkability and Transit

If you prefer not to rent a car:

• Best walkable areas:

  • Midtown (especially around 10th/11th Street and Peachtree)
  • Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park and Peachtree Center
  • Buckhead near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza

• Check for:

  • Proximity to MARTA rail
  • Sidewalks and street lighting around the hotel
  • Nearby dining within a couple of blocks

3. Trip Purpose

Match your priorities to the neighborhood:

• Business/conferences: Downtown or Buckhead, sometimes Perimeter
• Leisure and sightseeing: Downtown or Midtown
• Nightlife and dining: Midtown or Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward adjacent hotels
• Shopping and luxury: Buckhead
• Budget or quick stopover: Airport hotels or certain suburban options near interstates

4. Parking, Fees, and Extra Costs

Atlanta hotels often charge for:

• Overnight parking (valet or self-park, especially in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead)
• Daily “destination” or “amenity” fees at some properties
• Higher rates on weekends with major events (sports, conventions, festivals)

If you’re driving:

• Compare parking costs between hotels, not just room rates.
• Suburban and Perimeter hotels are more likely to offer free or lower-cost parking.

5. Family-Friendly Considerations

If you’re traveling with kids and focusing on attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, or Fernbank Museum:

• Look for:

  • Suites or connecting rooms
  • On-site or nearby casual dining
  • Pools, especially in warmer months
  • Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park or Piedmont Park for outdoor time

• Downtown is great for aquarium and museum access; Midtown works well if you also want parks and the BeltLine.

6. Safety and Comfort

In Atlanta, as in other large cities:

• Choose hotels on well-traveled streets and near major landmarks or transit hubs.
• Use hotel valet or secured parking if you’re concerned about your vehicle.
• Ask the front desk about walking routes at night and best ways to reach nearby restaurants or venues.

Practical Tips for Booking Atlanta Hotels

Here are a few Atlanta-specific patterns that can help you save time and money:

• Check event calendars
  Room rates rise significantly during:

  • Big games and concerts at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
  • Large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
  • Major festivals and college events

• Consider MARTA access from the airport
  If your hotel is near a MARTA station, you can often:

  • Ride the Red or Gold Line directly from the airport
  • Avoid renting a car for stays focused in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead

• Stay flexible on neighborhoods
  If Midtown rates are high, Buckhead sometimes offers better value, and vice versa.
  If Downtown is packed for a convention, Midtown or Airport hotels might be more affordable.

• Ask about renovation status
  Many Atlanta hotels periodically renovate. When you call to book, you can ask if:

  • Rooms or common areas have been updated recently
  • Any current renovations might affect your stay (noise, closed amenities)

When a Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Airport Hotel Makes the Most Sense

To quickly decide where to focus your search, use this rule of thumb:

• Choose Downtown if:
  You want to walk to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or a major convention.

• Choose Midtown if:
  You want a balanced, central base with nightlife, restaurants, arts, and easy transit.

• Choose Buckhead if:
  You care most about upscale hotels, shopping, and a quieter upscale atmosphere.

• Choose Airport hotels if:
  You have a short, flight-focused trip or need a place to sleep before/after a flight with minimal hassle.

By focusing on neighborhood fit, walkability, and how you’ll get around Atlanta, you can narrow down the best hotels in Atlanta for your stay—whether you’re local and planning a staycation or visiting the city for the first time.