Cheap Weekly Hotels in Atlanta: How to Find Affordable Extended Stays That Actually Work

Finding cheap weekly hotels in Atlanta can be the difference between keeping your budget on track and watching your costs spiral. Whether you’re between apartments, in town for a long work project, or relocating and need a base while you search for housing, Atlanta has a wide range of weekly and extended-stay options — but prices, locations, and conditions vary a lot.

This guide walks through where to look, what “cheap” really means in Atlanta, neighborhoods to consider, red flags to avoid, and practical tips for getting the best weekly deal.

How Weekly Hotels Work in Atlanta

Weekly hotels (sometimes called extended stay hotels or short-term suites) are designed for stays of 7+ nights. In Atlanta, these fall into a few categories:

• Budget weekly motels – Basic rooms, often older properties, usually outside the city core or near interstates (I‑20, I‑75/85, I‑285).
• Mid-range extended stay hotels – Often have kitchenettes, on-site laundry, and better security; usually in commercial corridors and near major employers.
• Corporate/long-term suites – Higher price, more amenities, common near Perimeter Center, Buckhead, Midtown, and near major hospitals.

Most weekly hotels in Atlanta:

• Offer a discounted weekly rate versus paying night-by-night.
• Require photo ID and a card for incidentals (some also accept cash, but terms can be stricter).
• May ask for a deposit, especially at budget properties.
• Often include utilities, Wi‑Fi, and basic cable in the weekly price.

What “Cheap” Weekly Hotels Mean in Atlanta

Prices change with season, events, and location, but typical patterns around Atlanta look like this:

*“Cost” here is relative within Atlanta, not exact prices.

If you need the lowest possible weekly rate, you’ll likely be:

• A bit farther from Midtown/Downtown, or
• In a more commercial/industrial corridor near interstates.

If you can spend a bit more, you may get:

• Safer-feeling surroundings,
• Better maintenance and cleanliness,
• More stable, longer-term guests rather than constant turnover.

Best Atlanta Areas to Look for Cheap Weekly Hotels

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

The area around Hartsfield–Jackson (College Park, Forest Park, East Point, Hapeville) has many budget and mid-range weekly options.

Why look here:

• Often cheaper than Midtown or Buckhead.
• Good access to I‑75, I‑85, and the Airport MARTA station.
• A lot of competition means you can sometimes negotiate or find better weekly deals.

Considerations:

• Street-by-street quality varies.
• Noise from air traffic or interstates at some properties.
• Check parking security and guest reviews carefully.

2. Perimeter Center / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody

Around Perimeter Mall and nearby office parks (near GA‑400 and I‑285) you’ll find many extended stay suites.

Why look here:

• Popular with business travelers and medical workers.
• Often safer and better maintained than the cheapest motels.
• Near major employers, Northside Hospital Atlanta, Emory St. Joseph’s, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite.

Considerations:

• Weekly rates are usually mid-range, not ultra-cheap.
• You’ll likely need a car, though there are MARTA stations (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center).

3. Decatur & East Side Corridors

Areas like Decatur, North Druid Hills, and the I‑85 corridor toward Tucker and Doraville have a mix of older motels and branded extended stay hotels.

Why look here:

• Good for people connected to Emory University, Emory Decatur Hospital, and Atlanta VA Medical Center.
• Some properties offer better value per week than central-city hotels.

Considerations:

• Verify how close you are to MARTA if you don’t have a car.
• Some pockets have heavy traffic and road noise.

4. Northwest Atlanta / Cobb County (Marietta, Smyrna, Cumberland)

Up I‑75 toward Marietta and Smyrna, and near The Battery Atlanta / Truist Park, there are numerous extended-stay options.

Why look here:

• Useful if you’re working in Cobb County or Northwest Atlanta.
• Mix of budget and mid-range properties, often with free parking.

Considerations:

• Prices may go up around major events, games, or concerts at Truist Park.
• Public transit is limited compared to core Atlanta; a car is usually necessary.

5. In-Town: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead (When You Can Find Deals)

True “cheap” weekly hotels in the core city are limited. However, you may sometimes find:

• Off-season weekly discounts at extended-stay chains.
• Special contractor/relocation rates if you’re staying for multiple weeks or months.

Advantages:

• Access to MARTA rail, walkable neighborhoods, and major job centers.
• Close to Georgia State, Georgia Tech, major hospitals, and convention centers.

Drawbacks:

• Expect to pay noticeably more than in outer neighborhoods.
• Parking fees may apply.

How to Actually Find Cheap Weekly Rates in Atlanta

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Start with Extended Stay Filters

On major booking platforms (hotel search engines or apps):

• Filter for “Extended Stay” or “Kitchenette”.
• Enter “Atlanta, GA” and then test 1–4 week stays.
• Compare:
  • Weekly total vs. nightly rate,
  • Taxes and fees,
  • Parking costs.

You’ll often see:

• Discounts that only appear when you search 7+ nights.
• Cheaper Sunday–Thursday check-in dates compared to weekends.

2. Call Properties Directly

Once you have a short list, call the front desk and ask:

• “Do you offer a weekly rate or extended stay rate?”
• “Is tax included in that weekly price?”
• “Is there a security deposit? Is it refundable, and when?”
• “What’s included: Wi‑Fi, utilities, parking, laundry?”

☎️ Tip: If you’re staying multiple weeks, ask if they can lower the weekly rate for a longer commitment.

3. Look Slightly Outside the City Center

Search not just “Atlanta,” but also:

• College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Hapeville
• Decatur, Doraville, Chamblee
• Smyrna, Marietta, Tucker
• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody

You’re still in the Atlanta metro area, but often at lower rates than Midtown or Buckhead.

4. Adjust Dates Around Big Atlanta Events

Major events (conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center, big games, festivals, graduation weekends) can spike rates.

If possible:

• Shift your stay by a few days around major events.
• Watch out for weekends tied to:
  • Large sports events,
  • Music festivals,
  • Big conventions.

What to Look For in a Weekly Hotel (Beyond Price)

Price matters, but for a stay of a week or more in Atlanta, pay close attention to:

Safety & Security

For any property:

• Check if there are interior corridors vs. exterior doors opening to the parking lot.
• Ask about:
  • 24/7 front desk or on-site staff.
  • Cameras in parking and common areas.
  • Room entry via key card.

If you’re new to Atlanta, be cautious with:

• Isolated properties off interstate exits with little lighting.
• Motels with many complaints about crime or disturbances in reviews.

Cleanliness & Maintenance

Things to verify or ask about:

• Frequency of housekeeping for weekly stays.
• Laundry facilities on-site (machines condition, hours, payment method).
• Recent renovations or upgrades (floors, mattresses, bathrooms).

Kitchen & Food Options

For a cheap weekly stay, being able to cook simple meals can save a lot:

• Look for kitchenettes (fridge, microwave, stovetop, basic cookware).
• Check distance to:
  • Grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Walmart).
  • Affordable restaurants or food courts.

If you’re staying:

• Near Downtown/Midtown – you’ll have more walkable options but higher restaurant prices.
• Near Perimeter, Cobb, or Airport – you’ll likely rely more on nearby shopping centers and fast food.

Transportation & Commute

Without a car, prioritize:

• Proximity to MARTA rail stations like:
  • Airport, College Park, East Point, Five Points, Peachtree Center,
  • Midtown, North Avenue, Lindbergh Center,
  • Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Medical Center.
• Bus stops with frequent routes.

With a car:

• Confirm free parking and ask if they tow non-guests.
• Check average drive times to your job or destination during rush hour (morning and evening traffic on I‑75/85, GA‑400, and I‑285 can be heavy).

Typical Weekly Hotel Costs vs. Renting a Room or Apartment

If you’re staying in Atlanta for several weeks or months, compare a weekly hotel to:

• Short-term apartment leases (3–6 months).
• Furnished rooms for rent.
• Corporate or student housing if you’re tied to:
  • Georgia State University (Downtown),
  • Georgia Tech (Midtown),
  • Emory University (Decatur/Druid Hills).

Weekly hotels usually include:

• All utilities, Wi‑Fi, and sometimes parking in one payment.
• No credit check or long lease, which helps if you’re new to the city or rebuilding credit.

But they can be:

• More expensive per month than a shared apartment.
• Less spacious and with more transient neighbors.

If you know you’ll be in Atlanta for several months, it may be worth starting in a weekly hotel for 2–4 weeks while you:

• Look for longer-term housing,
• Learn neighborhoods like Grant Park, West Midtown, Kirkwood, Old Fourth Ward, or ***
• Decide where you’ll be working or commuting daily.

Red Flags When Choosing a Cheap Weekly Hotel in Atlanta

Be cautious if you notice:

• Many reviews mentioning pests, mold, or unsafe conditions.
• Repeated mentions of:
  • Noise late at night,
  • Suspicious activity in parking areas,
  • Doors that don’t lock well.
• Policies that are unclear on:
  • Refunds for early checkout,
  • Deposit return,
  • Added fees (cleaning, linen, utilities).

Also be wary of:

• Cash-only arrangements where you don’t get a written receipt.
• Being asked to switch rooms frequently during a continuous stay.

If You’re in Crisis or Struggling With Housing Costs

Some people searching for cheap weekly hotels in Atlanta are dealing with a housing crisis. If you’re at risk of homelessness or already unhoused, consider reaching out to local resources that may help you bridge the gap instead of relying only on motels.

A few key starting points:

• Gateway Center
  275 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main intake and referrals for adult homeless services in Downtown.

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2‑1‑1
  Dial 2‑1‑1 from most metro Atlanta phones.
  Can provide information about:

  • Emergency shelters,
  • Rental and utility assistance programs,
  • Food resources.

• City of Atlanta – Homeless Outreach
  Through city-coordinated partners, you may be connected to case management and housing navigation services.

These services typically cannot guarantee a hotel stay, but they can help you explore options beyond paying night-to-night at a motel.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Weekly Costs Down in Atlanta

Use these quick strategies to stretch your budget:

• Plan around MARTA if you don’t have a car, to avoid rideshare costs.
• Cook at least one meal a day if you have a kitchenette.
• Ask about weekly or monthly housekeeping schedules and keep the room tidy to avoid extra cleaning fees.
• Consider staying just outside the Perimeter (I‑285) if your job or school doesn’t require you to be in the core city.
• If you’re booking for multiple weeks, ask, “Is there a better rate if I pay in advance for two or three weeks?”

Atlanta has a wide range of cheap weekly hotels and extended stay options, but the best choice depends on where you need to be, whether you have a car, and how long you’ll stay. Focusing on neighborhood, safety, transportation, and total weekly cost (including fees and food) will help you find a place that fits your budget without creating new headaches while you’re in Atlanta.