Choice Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay, What to Expect, and How to Choose
Atlanta offers a wide range of hotels, and Choice Hotels properties are spread across the metro area in many of the places visitors and locals need most—near the airport, along I-75/I-85, close to major hospitals, and in popular business and shopping districts.
If you’re searching for “Choice Hotels Atlanta”, this guide walks through how these hotels are typically laid out across the city, what kinds of stays they fit best, and how to match a property to your plans in Atlanta.
Understanding Choice Hotels in Atlanta
Choice Hotels is an umbrella for multiple hotel brands that you’ll see all around metro Atlanta, including:
- Comfort Inn / Comfort Suites
- Quality Inn
- Sleep Inn
- Clarion / Clarion Pointe
- Econo Lodge
- MainStay Suites
- Suburban Studios
- Rodeway Inn
- Cambria Hotels (more upscale, often in city/urban areas)
Across Atlanta, these brands tend to serve different needs:
- Airport stays for early flights or layovers
- Downtown/Midtown stays for events, business, and attractions
- Suburban options for longer visits, budget stays, or visiting family and friends
- Extended-stay properties with kitchenettes for multi-week work or medical trips
Where Choice Hotels Tend to Be in Atlanta
You’ll find Choice Hotels in most key travel corridors around Atlanta. While exact properties change over time, these are the most common areas where people look for them and what each area is best for.
1. Near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
If you have an early morning or late-night flight, a hotel near ATL can make things much easier. Choice brands commonly cluster around:
- Virginia Avenue (East Point / College Park)
- Old National Highway
- Sullivan Road and surrounding streets
These airport-area hotels typically offer:
- Free or low-cost airport shuttles (always confirm hours)
- Basic grab-and-go breakfast options in many mid-range brands
- Easy access to I-85, I-285, and sometimes MARTA trains via the airport terminal
Best for:
- One-night layovers
- Early flights and late arrivals
- Drivers passing through on the interstate who want a quick stop close to the airport
2. Downtown & Midtown Atlanta: For Events and Attractions
While many of the largest hotels downtown are full-service or luxury brands, there are sometimes Choice-branded properties or nearby locations that appeal to travelers who want:
- Access to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, and Centennial Olympic Park
- Short drives or MARTA rides to Midtown attractions like the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and Fox Theatre
If you’re focused on walkability and easy access to events, you’ll want to look for:
- Choice Hotels inside or just outside the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
- Locations near MARTA rail stations such as Peachtree Center, Five Points, or Civic Center
Best for:
- Conferences and conventions
- Sports games and concerts
- First-time visitors who want to explore central Atlanta
3. Buckhead & North Atlanta: Shopping and Business
North Atlanta, especially Buckhead, is one of the city’s major hubs for:
- Shopping (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza)
- Corporate offices and medical centers
- Dining and nightlife
Choice Hotels here tend to be:
- More business-oriented with amenities like desks, Wi-Fi, and simple meeting spaces
- Situated near GA-400, Peachtree Road NE, and major corridors feeding into Buckhead and Sandy Springs
This area can be a good fit if you want:
- A mid-range stay while visiting corporate offices
- Easy access to Northside Hospital, Emory St. Joseph’s, or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- Close proximity to Buckhead’s shopping, but often at a lower price than some luxury hotels
4. Perimeter, Cumberland, and Suburban Corridors
Many visitors to Atlanta are actually spending most of their time in the suburbs, near family, offices, or youth sports venues. Choice Hotels are common along:
- Perimeter Center / Dunwoody / Sandy Springs (near I-285 and GA-400)
- Cumberland / Vinings / The Battery (near Truist Park and I-285/I-75)
- I-75 north toward Marietta and Kennesaw
- I-85 north toward Doraville, Norcross, and Duluth
- I-20 east toward Decatur, Lithonia, and Conyers
These locations typically feature:
- Free parking (a key difference from many downtown options)
- Easy access to major highways
- Nearby shopping centers and chain restaurants
Best for:
- Youth tournaments and sports travel
- Families visiting relatives in the suburbs
- Work trips to corporate and industrial parks outside central Atlanta
5. Extended-Stay Options in Metro Atlanta
If you’re staying in Atlanta for a week or longer, especially for:
- Temporary work assignments
- Moving or relocation
- Long-term medical treatment at major hospitals
it can be helpful to look for Choice’s extended-stay brands such as:
- MainStay Suites
- Suburban Studios
Typical features often include:
- Kitchenettes or full kitchens (stovetops, microwaves, fridges)
- On-site laundry facilities
- Weekly rather than daily housekeeping at some locations
- More long-term–friendly pricing for multi-night stays
These properties are usually found in suburban corridors along interstates and major roads, where land and parking are more available.
How to Choose the Right Choice Hotel in Atlanta
Use your main trip purpose to guide where you stay and which type of hotel will work best.
By Trip Purpose
1. Flying In or Out of Atlanta
- Look for a Choice Hotel near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- Confirm:
- Shuttle hours (some do not run 24/7)
- Early breakfast options if you have a morning flight
- Travel time from hotel to Domestic vs. International Terminal
2. Business in Downtown/Midtown
- Prioritize proximity to MARTA or your office/event location.
- Verify:
- Daily parking costs (downtown rates can add up)
- Wi-Fi availability and any workspace or business center
3. Visiting Family or Friends in the Suburbs
- Anchor your search to the nearest major interstate exit, such as:
- I-75 (Marietta, Kennesaw)
- I-85 (Norcross, Duluth)
- I-20 (Lithonia, Douglasville)
- I-285 (Perimeter, Doraville)
- Look at:
- Drive times at rush hour, not just distance
- Access to grocery stores, pharmacies, and casual food nearby
4. Attending a Game, Concert, or Festival
- For Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, staying near:
- Downtown or the Westside can cut down travel time.
- For Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) at The Battery:
- Focus on Cumberland/Vinings along I-75 and I-285.
- Confirm:
- Event-day traffic patterns
- Whether you can use rideshare or MARTA instead of driving
Common Amenities at Choice Hotels in Atlanta
Amenities vary by brand and property, but many Atlanta-area Choice Hotels commonly include:
- Free Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas
- Breakfast options, ranging from continental to hot buffets at some brands
- Parking (often free outside the urban core)
- Fitness rooms or small gyms
- Business services (printers, basic meeting spaces, lobby work areas)
- Outdoor or indoor pools at some locations
Budget-oriented brands may offer more basic rooms and fewer extras, while mid-range and upscale brands like Comfort or Cambria often have more amenities and updated interiors.
Always check a specific hotel’s amenity list before booking, as offerings can change over time.
Quick Comparison: Choosing by Area and Priority
Below is a simple overview to help you narrow down your search for Choice Hotels in Atlanta based on what matters most:
| Your Priority | Area to Consider | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Early/late flight, quick layover | Airport (East Point, College Park) | Short shuttle ride, easy access to terminals |
| Conferences, stadium events | Downtown / near GWCC / Stadium areas | Close to venues, transit options |
| Arts, dining, central neighborhoods | Midtown / Old Fourth Ward / nearby corridors | Access to museums, parks, restaurants |
| Shopping and business meetings | Buckhead / Perimeter / Cumberland | Near malls, offices, and medical facilities |
| Youth sports, visiting relatives | Suburban corridors along I-75, I-85, I-20, I-285 | More space, free parking, access to local venues |
| Long stays or relocation | Extended-stay properties across metro suburbs | Kitchenettes, laundry, weekly rates in many cases |
Practical Atlanta-Specific Tips for Booking
To make your stay at a Choice Hotel in Atlanta smoother, keep these local factors in mind.
1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic
Atlanta traffic is known to be heavy, especially:
- Weekday mornings (7–9 a.m.)
- Late-afternoon/early evening (4–7 p.m.)
If you’re choosing between:
- A cheaper hotel farther away, and
- A slightly more expensive spot closer to where you’ll be most of the time
it’s often worth estimating drive time during rush hour. A 15-mile drive here can easily stretch past 45 minutes at peak times.
2. Consider MARTA Access
If you’d prefer not to drive:
- Look for a hotel near a MARTA rail station (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Airport).
- MARTA can connect you to:
- The airport
- Downtown and Midtown attractions
- Some hospitals and business districts
This is especially helpful during large events when parking is limited or expensive.
3. Safety and Neighborhood Awareness
Like any large city, Atlanta has block-by-block variations in how areas feel, especially at night. When choosing a hotel:
- Look at recent guest reviews for comments about noise, lighting, and surroundings.
- Use online maps to check:
- Street lighting
- Proximity to restaurants or gas stations
- Whether the hotel is in a busy commercial area or more isolated
If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta, many guests find it more comfortable to stay near airport commercial areas, Buckhead, Perimeter Center, Cumberland, or other established business corridors.
4. Parking: Free vs. Paid
In central Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown), many hotels charge for parking. In suburban areas, parking is more often included, which can be a major budget factor if:
- You’ve rented a car
- You’re staying for multiple days
- You’re traveling with multiple vehicles
When comparing Choice Hotels, be sure to factor daily parking costs into your total budget.
How Locals and Frequent Visitors Often Use Choice Hotels
People in and around Atlanta commonly turn to Choice Hotels when they:
- Need a reliable, mid-priced room near a specific corridor (airport, I-75 north, I-20 east, etc.)
- Have out-of-town family visiting and want them nearby in a budget-friendly place
- Are driving through Atlanta and want a single-night stop just off the interstate
- Are in the middle of a move, renovation, or insurance repair and need an extended-stay option
- Are attending a tournament, church conference, or regional meeting held in suburban venues
Understanding these patterns can help you narrow your search more quickly: think about where you’ll spend most of your time in Atlanta, then look for a Choice brand that matches your price point and amenity needs in that area.
Taking Your Next Step
To move forward:
Pinpoint your main Atlanta locations
- Airport, stadium, office, hospital, family home, or specific suburb.
Decide your must-have features
- Free parking, breakfast, airport shuttle, kitchen, pool, or meeting space.
Search by corridor, not just “Atlanta”
- Add “airport,” “Buckhead,” “Perimeter,” “Cumberland,” or your specific suburb name to narrow choices.
Check current details
- Verify shuttle times, parking policies, and amenities directly with the hotel before booking.
With these Atlanta-focused pointers, you’ll be better equipped to choose a Choice Hotel that fits your schedule, budget, and the parts of metro Atlanta you plan to spend the most time in.