Cool Hotels in Atlanta: Unique Places to Stay Around the City

Atlanta has no shortage of chain hotels, but if you’re looking for cool hotels in Atlanta—places with personality, design, history, or standout views—you’ve got excellent options in almost every in-town neighborhood.

Below is a guide to some of the most interesting, stylish, and locally rooted places to stay in Atlanta, plus tips on choosing the right area based on what you want to do.

How to Choose a Cool Hotel in Atlanta

Before you pick a hotel, think about:

• Neighborhood vibe – Party scene, quiet residential, artsy, or luxury?
• Transit & walkability – Are you planning to use MARTA, scooters, or rideshare?
• Reason for your trip – Business, concert, nightlife, family visit, or a staycation?
• Parking & driving – Some areas are easier than others if you’ll have a car.

Here’s a quick snapshot of popular “cool hotel” areas in Atlanta:

Cool Hotels in Downtown Atlanta & Centennial Olympic Park Area

This area is ideal if you want to be near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. It’s one of the most convenient zones for visitors who don’t want to drive much.

Why Downtown Can Be Cool

• Easy access to MARTA (Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center).
• Short walks to major attractions and big events.
• Mix of historic and ultra-modern high-rises with skyline views.

Look for features like:

• Rooftop bars with city views over Centennial Olympic Park.
• Adaptive reuse properties in historic buildings (vintage bones with modern interiors).
• Pools with skyline backdrops, especially appealing in summer.

Downtown is a good fit if you’re in Atlanta for:

• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW).
• Sports events or concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW) or State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr).
• Family trips focused on the Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW) and nearby attractions.

Midtown: Artsy, Walkable, and Lively

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most consistently cool areas to stay. It’s dense, vibrant, and full of cultural institutions, nightlife, and restaurants.

What Makes Midtown Stand Out

• Walking distance to Piedmont Park and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail (via 10th Street).
• Close to the High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE), the Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE), and the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Strong LGBTQ+ nightlife and inclusive atmosphere.
• Easy MARTA access at Midtown and Arts Center stations.

Cool Midtown hotels often feature:

• Modern, boutique-style design with bold interiors.
• Rooftop pools or lounges facing the Midtown or Downtown skyline.
• On-site art collections or creative public spaces where locals actually hang out.
• Walkable access to Peachtree Street and 10th & Piedmont dining corridors.

Midtown is a strong option for:

• A car-free stay using MARTA, scooters, and rideshare.
• Nights out at the Fox Theatre or Midtown clubs and bars.
• Morning walks or runs in Piedmont Park and along the BeltLine.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park & BeltLine: Trendy and Local

If your idea of a cool hotel is something near craft breweries, food halls, murals, and bike paths, the BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods might be your best fit.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Highlights

• Quick access to the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine.
• Close to Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE), a major food and shopping destination.
• Street art, loft-style buildings, and converted industrial spaces.

Cool hotels in and around Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park commonly offer:

• Industrial-chic interiors in former warehouses or factories.
• Easy access to BeltLine walking and biking.
• Close proximity to local favorites in Inman Park, like Euclid Avenue and North Highland Avenue.

This area is ideal if you:

• Want to explore restaurants, coffee shops, and bars without driving much.
• Plan to bike or scooter along the BeltLine.
• Prefer a younger, more local scene than the typical tourist routes.

Buckhead: Luxury and High-Rise Cool

Buckhead, on Atlanta’s north side, is known for upscale shopping and high-end high-rises. If your version of “cool” leans toward luxury, spa days, and polished service, this is the neighborhood to check.

Buckhead Vibe

• Close to Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE) and Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE).
• Mix of luxury brands, steakhouses, and cocktail bars.
• Easy access via Buckhead, Lenox, and Lindbergh Center MARTA stations.

Cool hotels in Buckhead often have:

• High-floor rooms with sweeping views of the Buckhead and Midtown skylines.
• On-site fine dining or craft cocktail bars.
• Valet parking and concierge services geared toward business and upscale leisure travel.

Choose Buckhead if you:

• Want a more quiet, polished home base after busy days.
• Are in town for business on the north side or along Peachtree Road.
• Enjoy high-end shopping and dining within a short drive or walk.

Neighborhood-Style Cool: Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points & Nearby

If you want to feel like you’re staying in a residential Atlanta neighborhood instead of a commercial district, look around:

• Virginia-Highland (Va-Hi) – Craftsman homes, tree-lined streets, local restaurants.
• Little Five Points – Alternative vibe, vintage shops, street art.
• Morningside / Poncey-Highland – Quiet, leafy, still close to nightlife and the BeltLine.

These areas don’t have as many big traditional hotels; you’ll find:

• Smaller inns or boutique properties.
• Converted historic homes offering a more bed-and-breakfast feel.
• Easy access to local spots like Virginia Avenue, North Highland Avenue, and Candler Park.

This kind of stay works well if:

• You’re visiting friends or family in-town and want to be nearby.
• You prefer local coffee shops and neighborhood bars over big-box development.
• You’re comfortable using rideshare or scooters for occasional trips to Midtown or Downtown.

Cool Hotels Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Sometimes “cool” is being able to walk to your gate in the morning or crash somewhere stylish right after a late flight.

The airport area (Hapeville / College Park / Airport district) includes:

• Hotels directly connected to the airport via SkyTrain from the Rental Car Center.
• Several newer properties with modern design, lounges, and quiet rooms.
• Proximity to Hapeville and College Park’s growing restaurant scenes if you have a few hours to spare.

This is useful if you:

• Have a very early departure or late arrival.
• Are in Atlanta purely for a quick meeting near the airport.
• Need an overnight stay between connecting flights.

For orientation:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  Main information line: (800) 897-1910

Practical Tips for Booking a Cool Hotel in Atlanta

1. Match Your Hotel to Your Transportation Plan

• No car?
  • Look around Midtown, Downtown, or near a MARTA rail station.
  • These areas allow you to use trains, scooters, and ride-hailing instead of renting a car.
• Driving?
  • Factor in parking costs, which can be significant at intown hotels.
  • Areas like Buckhead and some pockets of the BeltLine can be easier for parking than the busiest parts of Midtown.

2. Think About Events and Game Days

Major events around:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center

can quickly impact room rates and availability across Downtown and even into Midtown. If you’re flexible, check if large conventions, playoff games, or concerts line up with your dates.

3. Consider Walkability to Your Priorities

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to walk to Piedmont Park in the mornings?
  → Look in Midtown near 10th Street or 14th Street.
• Is the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola your main focus?
  → Center your search on Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Do you want nightlife, breweries, and the BeltLine?
  → Focus on Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or east Midtown.

4. Check Noise Levels and Street Activity

Some of Atlanta’s coolest hotels are in lively corridors with bars and late-night traffic. If you’re a light sleeper:

• Look for mentions of soundproofing, high floors, or interior-facing rooms.
• Consider being a block or two off the busiest streets while still staying walkable.

5. Plan for Atlanta Weather

Atlanta summers are hot and humid, so for warm months:

• A pool or rooftop can make a big difference, especially for families or staycations.
• Proximity to parks and shaded areas like Piedmont Park or the BeltLine makes outdoor time more pleasant.

In cooler months:

• Indoor amenities—lounges, onsite dining, good lobbies—matter more since you may not want to walk as far at night.

Getting Oriented: Helpful Local Contacts & Info

While hotels handle most guest needs directly, it’s useful to know a few central resources if you’re planning your stay:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (Discover Atlanta)
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 521-6600

  They provide visitor guides, maps, and event information that can help you decide which neighborhood and hotel style fits your plans.

• MARTA Customer Service (for transit to and from hotels near rail stations)
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: (404) 848-5000

  Useful for planning train routes from the airport to Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, and beyond.

Quick Summary: How to Find Your Kind of “Cool”

When people talk about cool hotels in Atlanta, they’re usually looking for at least one of these:

• Design & atmosphere – Unique interiors, art, rooftop spaces.
• Location – Easy access to the BeltLine, major attractions, or nightlife.
• Views – High floors facing the city skyline or stadiums.
• Neighborhood feel – Staying where locals actually eat and hang out.

For most visitors and locals planning a staycation:

• Pick Downtown for attractions and big events.
• Pick Midtown for arts, nightlife, and walkable city living.
• Pick Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park for BeltLine energy and food scenes.
• Pick Buckhead for luxury and polished calm.
• Pick Va-Hi / Little Five Points area for a neighborhood-based, offbeat experience.
• Pick the airport area for convenience and quick overnights.

Once you know which Atlanta neighborhood matches your priorities, you can zero in on hotels that blend style, comfort, and the kind of “cool” that makes sense for your trip.