Cheap Hotels in Atlanta Under $100: How to Actually Find Them

Finding cheap hotels in Atlanta under $100 is possible, but it usually takes flexibility, timing, and realistic expectations. Atlanta is a major business and travel hub, so prices can spike quickly—especially near Downtown, Midtown, or around the airport.

This guide walks you through where to look, what to expect, and how to get the lowest rates in Atlanta without ending up somewhere unsafe or inconvenient.

What “Under $100” Really Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, a nightly rate under $100 usually means:

• You’re farther from the city center, or
• You’re booking on a slow night (Sunday–Thursday, outside big event dates), or
• You’re accepting basic accommodations with fewer amenities.

It can still be a good experience if you:

• Focus on safety and cleanliness over luxury
• Check recent reviews carefully
• Understand how location affects your transportation costs

Often, paying $10–$20 more per night to stay in a safer, more convenient area will save you money on rideshares, parking, and time stuck in traffic.

Best Atlanta Areas for Cheap Hotels Under $100

1. Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

The airport area, especially around Riverdale Road, Virginia Avenue, and Old National Highway, often has some of the cheapest hotel rates in the metro area.

Pros:

• Some of the most consistent under-$100 nightly rates
• Free airport shuttles are common
• Good if you’re catching an early or late flight

Cons:

• You’re about 10–20 minutes from Downtown (longer in traffic)
• Neighborhood quality varies—check reviews for safety and cleanliness
• Not walkable for sightseeing; you’ll rely on rideshare, MARTA, or rental car

Best for: Short airport layovers, very tight budgets, or travelers who won’t spend much time at the hotel.

2. Perimeter Area (Dunwoody / Sandy Springs)

Around Perimeter Center, near the junction of GA-400 and I-285, you’ll find many mid-range hotels and extended-stay options. While not every night will drop below $100, you can sometimes find deals under $100, especially on weekends or slower weeks.

Nearby areas include:

• Dunwoody
• Sandy Springs
• Perimeter Mall area

Pros:

• Access to MARTA’s Red Line (e.g., Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs stations)
• Safer, more suburban feel compared with some budget areas
• Good selection of chain hotels and extended-stay options

Cons:

• You’re about 20–30 minutes by train from Downtown or Midtown
• Prices can go above $100 during busy business weeks

Best for: Visitors mixing city time with the northern suburbs, or those who want a calmer area and can ride MARTA into the city.

3. I-85 and I-75 Suburbs (Budget-Friendly Corridors)

You’ll often find cheaper hotels along the interstates outside the core city, especially:

• I-85 North: Near Norcross, Duluth, and Suwanee
• I-75 North: Around Marietta, Kennesaw
• I-75 South: Toward Morrow, Jonesboro, McDonough

These areas frequently have motels and chain hotels under $100, especially if you book ahead or travel on non-peak nights.

Pros:

• Easier parking, often free
• Lots of food options in shopping center corridors
• Good if you’re driving through Atlanta and don’t need to be Downtown

Cons:

• Limited public transportation; a car is almost required
• Traffic into Atlanta during rush hour can be heavy
• Quality can vary widely between properties even on the same exit

Best for: Road-trip travelers, families needing drive-up motels, people visiting friends/relatives in the suburbs.

4. Budget-Friendly Pockets Inside the Perimeter (ITP)

Inside I-285, prices tend to rise, but you may sometimes spot sub-$100 options:

• Westside / West Atlanta: Some budget motels along I-20 West and I-285
• South Atlanta: Areas near Lakewood, Fort McPherson, and older commercial corridors

These can be hit or miss. You’ll want to balance budget vs. safety and convenience carefully.

Tips:

• Always check recent guest reviews, especially mentioning safety, cleanliness, and noise.
• Look at the street view and surrounding area if possible to get a feel for the neighborhood.
• Understand how you’ll get to places like Downtown, Midtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia Aquarium, or Georgia Tech.

Key Strategies to Find Cheap Hotels in Atlanta Under $100

1. Be Flexible With Dates and Timing

Atlanta hosts conventions, sporting events, concerts, and festivals that can push prices well above $100 citywide.

To keep rates low:

• Avoid major event weekends near:
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia World Congress Center
• If possible, stay:
  • Sunday–Thursday, and
  • Outside major holiday weekends and college football events

Shifting by even one or two nights can make the difference between $90 and $180.

2. Use Location Strategically

You can often either:

• Pay more to be centrally located and save on transportation, or
• Pay less for a suburb or airport area and spend more on rideshares, MARTA, or parking.

If you won’t have a car, look for places near:

• MARTA Red/Gold Line: Airport, College Park, East Point, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter area
• MARTA Blue/Green Line: Decatur, West Lake, Ashby, etc.

Staying near a MARTA rail station can save you money on both hotel rates and daily transportation.

3. Consider Extended-Stay and Budget Chains

Many extended-stay hotels in Atlanta sometimes drop rates close to or under $100, especially if:

• You stay several nights in a row, or
• You book during slower travel seasons

These properties often include:

• Kitchenettes
• On-site laundry
• Weekly or multi-night price breaks (when available)

They are common along:

• I-85 North (Norcross, Duluth)
• I-75 North/South
• Around the airport
• In the Perimeter Center area

Expect basic furnishings, but they can be a good overall value if you cook some meals yourself.

4. Book Early, But Watch for Price Drops

In Atlanta, booking early generally gives you more choices near or under $100, especially for:

• Airport hotels
• Suburban chain hotels
• Weekday business-oriented properties that discount on weekends

Some travelers track prices over time and rebook if they see a drop (check the policies carefully to avoid non-refundable pitfalls).

5. Factor in Parking, Fees, and Taxes

A hotel advertised at $95 per night can easily cost more than $100 once you add:

• Atlanta’s hotel/motel taxes
• Parking fees (often charged near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead)
• Mandatory resort or amenity fees (less common at budget hotels but still possible)

To truly keep it under $100, look for:

• Free parking (more common in suburban and airport areas)
• No added daily fees
• A rate that leaves room for taxes beneath your actual budget cap

Quick-Glance Summary: Budget Areas vs. Trade-Offs

How to Stay Safe and Comfortable on a Budget in Atlanta

When chasing low rates, especially under $100, quality can vary more from place to place. Before you book:

1. Read Recent Reviews Carefully

Look for reviews mentioning:

• Cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms
• Noise levels (especially by interstates or nightlife areas)
• Safety issues (parking lot, surroundings)
• Staff responsiveness if something goes wrong

Focus on reviews from the last 3–6 months, since management and conditions can change.

2. Check the Neighborhood and Transit Options

Use maps to see:

• How close you are to MARTA rail stations or major bus routes
• Whether you are near busy roads, industrial zones, or isolated areas
• Travel time to your key destinations (e.g., Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur)

A hotel that’s $20 cheaper but an hour away in traffic may cost you more in time and transportation.

3. Plan Your Transportation Budget

In Atlanta, your hotel cost and transportation are closely linked.

Possible options:

• Driving yourself: Consider I-85, I-75, I-20, I-285 traffic and parking costs in central neighborhoods.
• MARTA:
  • Rail lines connect the airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and some suburbs.
  • Useful if you’re staying near stations like Airport, College Park, North Avenue, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Buckhead, Dunwoody, etc.
• Rideshare / Taxi:
  • Faster for certain trips but can add up quickly if your hotel is far from where you’ll spend your time.

Sometimes, staying slightly closer in for $10–$15 more per night reduces your total spending.

Practical Booking Tips Specific to Atlanta

Here are some Atlanta-specific pointers when you’re hunting for cheap rooms:

• Check for big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Georgia World Congress Center. Prices often surge citywide on those dates.
• If you’re visiting Georgia Tech, Georgia State, or nearby colleges, consider:
  • Airport or Perimeter-area hotels on weekends,
  • Or looking at suburban corridors if you have a car.
• If you’re here for downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or Centennial Olympic Park:
  • Compare the cost of staying Downtown for more than $100 vs. a cheaper hotel plus transit. Sometimes paying more to be walkable is actually cheaper overall.
• For late-night arrivals at Hartsfield–Jackson, staying at an airport hotel with a shuttle can save money on a first-night taxi or rideshare.

Local Resources That Can Help

If you need general visitor information or are unsure how far your hotel is from Atlanta’s key areas, you can contact or visit:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
  233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 521-6600

They can provide visitor guides, maps, and neighborhood overviews to help you better understand where you’re booking.

For transit planning and cost estimates:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
  Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Road NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer Service: (404) 848-5000

MARTA’s information desk can clarify which stations are close to your hotel and how long your commute to central Atlanta will be.

When a Slightly Higher Budget Makes Sense

If you find that most reliable hotels near your destinations are $105–$120 instead of under $100, consider whether:

• You’ll save on transportation and parking
• You’ll feel safer and more comfortable
• You’ll be closer to food, attractions, or work

In Atlanta, nudging your budget up a little can sometimes make a big difference in overall experience and total trip cost.

If you stay flexible on location and dates, carefully compare the trade-offs between distance, transit, and nightly rates, and pay close attention to recent reviews, you can still find cheap hotels in Atlanta under $100 that work well for your needs.