Staying at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Downtown: What Locals & Visitors Should Know

The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Downtown has long been one of the best-known large hotels in the heart of the city. Whether you live in metro Atlanta and need a central spot for an event, or you’re visiting and want to be close to major attractions, understanding what this hotel offers—and how it fits into downtown Atlanta—can help you decide if it’s right for you.

Where the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel Is and What’s Nearby

The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is located in the downtown Atlanta business and convention district, roughly between Peachtree Center and the Georgia State University campus.

Typical address information for the hotel:

  • Sheraton Atlanta Hotel – Downtown
  • 165 Courtland St NE
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main phone: usually listed on the hotel’s official site or reservation line

This location places you within walking or short rideshare distance of:

  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Georgia State University campus buildings
  • Peachtree Center (food court, shops, and direct access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station)
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • SkyView Atlanta (the big Ferris wheel)
  • Underground Atlanta and the Atlanta City Hall area

If you’re in town for a convention, a concert, a Falcons or United game, or a major downtown event like a parade or festival, staying at the Sheraton typically means you can get around without needing a car most of the time.

Getting to the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

You have two main options:

1. MARTA (Train) 🚇

For many visitors, MARTA is the most predictable way into downtown:

  • From the Airport Station, take the Red or Gold line northbound.
  • Exit at Peachtree Center Station.
  • From Peachtree Center, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk depending on your pace and luggage, mostly downhill but with some city blocks to cover.
  • Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available around Peachtree Center if you prefer not to walk.

This works well if:

  • You travel light
  • You’re comfortable navigating city sidewalks
  • Weather is reasonable (summer heat and storms can be intense)

2. Car, Taxi, or Rideshare 🚗

A direct ride from the airport:

  • Typically takes 20–30 minutes in lighter traffic
  • Can take much longer during rush hours or major events
  • Drops you at the main hotel entrance on Courtland Street NE

If you’re driving yourself, expect downtown parking rates, which can be significant. It’s useful to ask about:

  • Daily self-parking rates
  • Overnight valet options
  • Any event or game-day surcharges

Rooms and On-Site Amenities You Can Typically Expect

While specific room types and amenities can change, downtown full-service hotels like the Sheraton usually offer:

Room Types

  • Standard guest rooms with one king or two double/queen beds
  • Club-level rooms or similar upgraded floors with added amenities
  • Suites with separate living areas, often used by business travelers, wedding parties, or families

Common in-room features often include:

  • Wi‑Fi (sometimes tiered free/paid)
  • Work desk and chair
  • TV with cable or streaming options
  • Mini-fridge and coffee/tea maker
  • Iron/ironing board and in-room safe

If you’re traveling for a special reason (wedding group, sports team, university event), it’s worth asking about room blocks and what’s included.

Hotel Amenities

Most downtown Sheraton-level properties in Atlanta provide:

  • Fitness center with cardio and strength equipment
  • On-site restaurants and bars (often including breakfast, casual dining, and lounge options)
  • Room service (hours can be limited)
  • Business center or printing support
  • Meeting and event spaces (ballrooms, boardrooms, breakout rooms)
  • On-site or attached parking garage

For families or longer stays, check about:

  • Cribs or rollaway beds
  • Connecting rooms
  • Laundry or dry cleaning services

Because offerings can vary over time, it helps to confirm:

  • Whether breakfast is included or extra
  • Any resort or destination fees
  • If Wi‑Fi is free in rooms or only in common areas

Event, Convention, and Group Use

A major reason many locals and out-of-town visitors choose the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel is its focus on meetings and events.

Conferences and Corporate Events

The hotel often caters to:

  • Business conferences and professional association meetings
  • Training sessions and workshops
  • Corporate retreats held near the Georgia World Congress Center but with a separate host hotel

If you’re planning an event, consider:

  • Total meeting space and how it’s divided (large ballrooms vs. many smaller breakout rooms)
  • Audiovisual support availability and pricing
  • Catering options (buffets, plated meals, coffee breaks)
  • Accessibility for guests arriving via MARTA or rideshare

Weddings and Social Events

Many Atlanta couples and families look downtown for a hotel that can handle:

  • Ceremonies and receptions in the same building
  • Guest room blocks for out-of-town families
  • Next-day brunches or farewell events

If you’re local and using the Sheraton as a wedding hotel, ask in detail about:

  • Minimum spend requirements for ballrooms
  • Noise/time restrictions for music and receptions
  • Parking discounts or validation for guests
  • Preferred vendors vs. bringing your own décor, DJ, or planner

Safety, Security, and Downtown Considerations

Downtown Atlanta is a busy urban environment, with commuters, students, tourists, and event crowds. Most visitors find it manageable when they follow standard big-city precautions.

Around the Hotel

Common patterns experienced by guests in the downtown core:

  • Heavier foot traffic during workdays and events
  • Quieter streets late at night outside major venues
  • A visible mix of office workers, students, and tourists
  • Some presence of panhandling or people in need, especially near transit and parks

Typical smart practices include:

  • Staying on well-lit, main streets when walking at night
  • Using the hotel’s main entrance and lobby areas
  • Keeping valuables out of sight in parked cars
  • Using hotel safes for passports and important documents

The Sheraton and similar hotels in downtown Atlanta generally maintain:

  • 24-hour front desk coverage
  • Security presence in or near the lobby
  • Restricted elevator access to guest floors (keycard-based in many cases)

If you have specific concerns, you can always ask the front desk or security staff about:

  • Best walking routes to MARTA or nearby attractions
  • Late-night re-entry procedures
  • Where to be dropped off by rideshare for the safest access

Transportation While You’re Staying Downtown

You do not necessarily need a car if you stay at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, especially if your plans focus on downtown and nearby neighborhoods.

Walking

From the Sheraton, many key spots are walkable:

  • Peachtree Center food court and MARTA
  • Major office buildings and courts
  • Georgia State University
  • Several casual and sit-down restaurants

In summer, keep in mind:

  • Heat and humidity can be intense
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are common

Carrying water, an umbrella, and planning indoor breaks can make walking more comfortable.

MARTA

The Peachtree Center and Five Points MARTA stations are the closest major hubs. MARTA is useful for:

  • Airport trips
  • Reaching Midtown (Piedmont Park, Arts Center, Atlantic Station shuttle points)
  • Some trips to Buckhead (Lenox, Phipps Plaza area)

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are easy to find in downtown Atlanta, especially:

  • During events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Thursday and Friday evenings
  • Weekend nights

If you are attending a game or concert, plan for:

  • Heavier traffic and surge pricing
  • Longer pickup times after events
  • Potential street closures around major venues

Dining Options In and Around the Sheraton

Most large downtown hotels provide:

  • At least one main restaurant (often serving breakfast and dinner)
  • A lobby bar or lounge
  • Some form of grab-and-go market or coffee service

Given the hotel’s location, you’re also close to:

  • Peachtree Center food court – a variety of quick options
  • Casual sit-down spots along Peachtree Street
  • A short rideshare away from Edgewood Avenue, Sweet Auburn, and Midtown for more nightlife and local restaurants

If you’re attending a busy convention or game, consider:

  • Making reservations for dinner when possible
  • Leaving extra time to be seated, especially around Peachtree Street and Centennial Olympic Park

Comparing the Sheraton to Other Downtown Atlanta Hotel Areas

When people look at the Sheraton, they often compare it with other downtown clusters:

Area / ClusterWhat It’s Known ForWho It Suits Best
Sheraton / Courtland StClose to GSU, Peachtree Center, quieter side of downtownConference guests, business travelers, GSU visits
Centennial Olympic ParkNear Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, stadium and arenaFamilies, tourists, event-goers
Peachtree Center CorridorCentral offices, food court, direct MARTA accessBusiness travelers, car-free visitors
Midtown (not downtown)Museums, nightlife, Piedmont ParkLeisure visitors wanting more restaurants/nightlife

If your priority is being central for a conference or easy MARTA access to the airport, the Sheraton location tends to be practical. If you want to step outside into tourist attractions, you might spend more time walking or using rideshare to get to Centennial Olympic Park and the entertainment district.

Tips for Atlanta Locals Using the Sheraton

Many Atlanta-area residents use the Sheraton without actually “vacationing” there. Common local uses include:

1. Conferences and Professional Events

If your company or association is hosting or attending a conference:

  • Ask about day parking rates vs. overnight
  • See if your organizer has arranged discounted room rates
  • Plan transit around rush hour and stadium event times to avoid gridlock

2. Weddings and Family Gatherings

For Atlanta-based families:

  • The central location can be convenient for relatives flying into ATL.
  • You can direct guests from the airport to the hotel using MARTA or rideshare.
  • Many couples book a room block so out-of-town guests stay in one place near the venue.

3. “Staycations” or Event Weekends

Locals sometimes stay downtown for:

  • New Year’s Eve events
  • Major concerts
  • Back-to-back games or festivals

If you live in the metro area, consider:

  • Booking when you know there are no major downtown conventions to avoid heavy crowds
  • Using MARTA from your home station to Peachtree Center to avoid overnight parking costs

Booking, Check-In, and Practical Details

While these details change over time, here’s what to think about when planning a stay:

  • Check-in and check-out times – standard is mid-afternoon check-in and late-morning check-out; early check-in/late check-out may depend on availability.
  • Payment and deposit – many downtown hotels place a temporary hold for incidentals on a credit or debit card.
  • Identification – a government-issued photo ID is almost always required.
  • Special requests – if you need a quiet room, accessible features, or a crib, contact the hotel ahead of time.

When you arrive, it can be helpful to:

  • Ask the front desk for a downtown map and recommended walking routes.
  • Confirm where ride-hailing pickups and drop-offs should occur.
  • Clarify where the fitness center, pool (if available), and restaurants are located and their hours.

Staying at or using the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in downtown can be a convenient choice for conferences, events, or city exploring, especially if you want quick access to MARTA, central business offices, and major venues. With an understanding of the hotel’s location, transportation options, and typical amenities, you can better plan your trip—whether you’re an Atlanta local organizing an event or a visitor trying to make the most of your time in the city.