Best Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: Where to Stay and What to Expect

Staying near the Georgia Aquarium puts you right in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, close to Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca‑Cola, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame. This guide walks through some of the best hotels near the Georgia Aquarium, what each area feels like, and how to pick the right place for your visit.

Understanding the Area Around the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, in the Centennial Park District of Downtown. When people say “hotels near the Atlanta Aquarium,” they’re usually talking about:

  • Hotels directly around Centennial Olympic Park (short walk to the aquarium)
  • Downtown business hotels a few blocks away
  • Midtown hotels a quick MARTA ride or short drive away

If you want to walk to the aquarium, focus on Centennial Olympic Park and the surrounding Downtown blocks.

Top Hotels Within a Short Walk of the Georgia Aquarium

These hotels are typically considered “aquarium-nearby” because most guests can walk there in under 10 minutes, depending on the exact route and entrance used.

1. Family‑Friendly & All‑Purpose Downtown Options

These work well if you’re visiting with kids, attending a convention, or want to be close to attractions:

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park

    • Why people pick it:
      • Walkable to the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
      • Suites with separate living/sleeping areas (helpful for families)
      • Often includes breakfast and evening reception options
    • Good to know:
      • Overlooks Centennial Olympic Park, so you’re in the middle of the tourist district
      • Popular during big events at State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

  • Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown

    • Why people pick it:
      • Very close to the aquarium and College Football Hall of Fame
      • Mix of leisure and business travelers
      • On‑site dining and typical business‑oriented amenities
    • Good to know:
      • Convenient if you’re splitting time between attractions and meetings

  • Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown & Hyatt Place Atlanta/Downtown (nearby options)

    • Why people pick them:
      • Frequently chosen by families and small groups
      • Modern rooms, often with breakfast options and small kitchenettes in some room types (Hyatt House)
    • Good to know:
      • Short walk or quick rideshare to the aquarium, depending on which location you choose

These options are practical if you want to park once and walk to most major attractions in the Centennial Park District.

2. Business‑Oriented Hotels That Still Work Well for Leisure

Many Downtown hotels primarily serve business travelers and convention guests, but they’re just as usable for aquarium visitors.

  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center

    • Why people pick it:
      • Directly connected to CNN Center and close to State Farm Arena
      • Easy walk through Centennial Olympic Park to the aquarium
    • Good to know:
      • Very central for events and conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center

  • The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta

    • Why people pick it:
      • Iconic cylindrical skyscraper visible across the skyline
      • Rotating restaurant at the top (Sky Lounge concepts vary over time)
      • Walkable to the aquarium with a bit more of a stroll
    • Good to know:
      • Elevators and upper floors can be a highlight if you enjoy skyline views

  • Marriott Marquis Atlanta

    • Why people pick it:
      • Large convention‑style hotel with a dramatic atrium
      • Popular during large conferences and events
    • Good to know:
      • You’ll have a longer walk or short rideshare to the aquarium, but you’re still in the Downtown core

These hotels are a good fit if you’re mixing aquarium time with business, conventions, or nightlife in Downtown.

Midtown Hotels: A Short Ride With a Different Vibe

If you want to visit the Georgia Aquarium but prefer the feel of Midtown—with more neighborhood restaurants, walkable streets, and arts venues—a Midtown hotel can be a good compromise.

Midtown is usually:

  • About 5–10 minutes by car to the aquarium, depending on traffic
  • Accessible via MARTA (North/South line stations like Midtown or Arts Center) plus a short bus or rideshare

Popular Midtown hotel styles include:

  • Boutique and lifestyle hotels near Peachtree Street
  • Chain hotels serving Georgia Tech, the Woodruff Arts Center, and offices along 14th/17th Street

Midtown hotels work well if you:

  • Plan to visit the aquarium once or twice, but spend most of your time exploring other parts of the city
  • Want to be close to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine Eastside Trail, or Midtown restaurants and bars

Choosing the Best Hotel Near the Georgia Aquarium for Your Needs

Use these questions to narrow your options:

1. How Important Is Walking Distance?

  • Must be walkable (no car needed):
    • Focus on hotels around Centennial Olympic Park and Baker St NW
  • Okay with a short drive or rideshare:
    • Downtown and Midtown both work
  • Relying on MARTA:
    • Look at hotels near Peachtree Center Station (Downtown) or Midtown/Arts Center Station (Midtown)
    • From Peachtree Center, it’s usually a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium

2. Are You Traveling With Kids?

For families, features that often matter near the aquarium:

  • Suites or extra space (separate living room or pull‑out sofas)
  • Breakfast options on‑site to simplify mornings before aquarium visits
  • Pool or kid‑friendly amenities for downtime

Hotels like Embassy Suites near Centennial Olympic Park, Hyatt House, and many mainstream Downtown chains often cater well to families.

3. Are You Attending an Event Nearby?

If you’re combining the aquarium with:

  • A concert or game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • A conference at the Georgia World Congress Center

Then hotels clustered around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and the Westside of Downtown typically reduce your transit time between events and attractions.

Quick Comparison: Types of Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium

Below is a simplified summary to help you match hotel types to your priorities:

PriorityBest Area/Hotel TypeTypical Trade‑Offs
Walk to Georgia AquariumCentennial Olympic Park / Baker St NW hotelsHigher demand during peak tourist seasons
Family‑friendly spaceSuite‑style hotels in DowntownMay be slightly more per night than standard rooms
Business + aquariumLarger Downtown convention hotelsBusier lobbies, more conference traffic
Neighborhood feel + attractionsMidtown hotelsShort ride to aquarium instead of walking
Games/concerts + aquariumHotels near CNN Center & State Farm ArenaArea can feel very event‑driven on show/game nights

Tips for Getting Around From Your Hotel to the Georgia Aquarium

Even if you’re close, a little planning helps:

  • 🚶 Walking:

    • Most Downtown hotels offer sidewalk routes through or around Centennial Olympic Park.
    • Check with your front desk for the most direct and well‑lit route, especially if returning after an evening event.

  • 🚗 Driving & Parking:

    • The Georgia Aquarium offers structured parking near Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd & Luckie St NW.
    • Parking rates can vary by day and event; many visitors find it easier to park once at the hotel and walk if they’re staying nearby.

  • 🚇 MARTA:

    • The Peachtree Center Station is the nearest rail stop to the aquarium area.
    • From the station, plan on walking several city blocks or using a short rideshare.

  • 🚕 Rideshare & Taxis:

    • Commonly used from Midtown and Buckhead hotels.
    • When leaving the aquarium, follow posted signs to designated pickup areas around Baker St NW and surrounding blocks.

When to Book and What to Expect in Atlanta

Because the Georgia Aquarium is one of the city’s biggest draws, plus the presence of major venues nearby, hotel demand in this part of Atlanta can spike when:

  • Large conventions are in town (Georgia World Congress Center)
  • There are Falcons games, United matches, concerts, or special events
  • Popular holiday weekends (especially around school breaks and summer)

To get the best mix of price, availability, and walking distance:

  • Consider booking earlier if your visit overlaps with a game, concert, or major convention.
  • Be flexible about whether you must be within a short walking radius or are comfortable with a quick ride from Midtown or other neighborhoods.

Local Details to Keep in Mind

  • Address of the Georgia Aquarium:
    225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    Visitor information is typically available by phone through Georgia Aquarium’s main line, which can be found on their official materials and signage.

  • Nearby attractions in easy walking range from most aquarium‑adjacent hotels:

    • World of Coca‑Cola
    • Centennial Olympic Park
    • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
    • College Football Hall of Fame
    • Short walk or ride to State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

If your main goal is to maximize time at the Georgia Aquarium and nearby attractions, a hotel in the Centennial Olympic Park / Downtown area is usually the most convenient. If you prefer more of a neighborhood experience and don’t mind a short commute, a Midtown hotel offers a different side of Atlanta while keeping the aquarium easily within reach.