Good Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay in the City in 2025
Finding good hotels in Atlanta really comes down to one question: What do you want to be close to? The city is spread out, the traffic is real, and each neighborhood has its own personality. This guide walks through the best areas to stay, standout hotels locals often recommend to visitors, and practical tips for choosing the right place for your trip.
Best Areas to Stay in Atlanta (At a Glance)
Here’s a quick overview of the main hotel areas and who they’re best for:
| Area | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | First-time visitors, conventions, attractions | Busy, urban, walkable core |
| Midtown | Arts, dining, nightlife, walkability | Trendy, active, central |
| Buckhead | Upscale stays, shopping, business travelers | Polished, high-end, corporate |
| Old Fourth Ward | Foodies, BeltLine access, more local feel | Hip, young, creative |
| Airport (Hapeville/College Park) | Early flights, quick overnights | Practical, transit-focused |
| Perimeter / Cumberland / Battery | Suburban comfort, longer stays | Family-friendly, quieter |
Downtown Atlanta: Best for Attractions and First-Time Visitors
If you want to be near the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia Aquarium, or World of Coca-Cola, Downtown is usually the easiest choice.
What Downtown Feels Like
- Heavily geared to conventions and big events
- Walkable between most major attractions
- Busy on event days, quieter at night in some pockets
Good Downtown Atlanta Hotels to Consider
These are examples of well-known, centrally located hotels visitors often choose:
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
Attached to the Georgia World Congress Center complex and right by State Farm Arena. Handy if you’re in town for a conference or game.The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
Famous cylindrical glass tower with wide city views. Located on Peachtree Street in the heart of Downtown.Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Large convention-friendly property with easy access to Peachtree Center and MARTA.Hilton Atlanta (Courtland St NE)
Connected to some neighboring hotels via skybridges, useful in bad weather and for large events.Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Smaller, boutique-style option near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park.
Who Downtown Works Best For
- Convention and conference attendees
- Sports and concert trips
- First-time tourists who want main attractions within a short walk or quick ride
👉 Local tip: If you’re here for a big game or concert, book Downtown early—hotels can fill or surge in price quickly around Mercedes-Benz Stadium events.
Midtown Atlanta: Arts, Dining, and Walkability
Midtown is one of the most balanced places to stay in Atlanta. It’s central, more walkable than many areas, and close to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, and major arts institutions.
Why People Like Staying in Midtown
- Easy MARTA access via Midtown Station and Arts Center Station
- Short rides or rail trips to Downtown, Buckhead, and the airport
- Dense cluster of restaurants, bars, and cultural venues
Notable Midtown Hotels
Loews Atlanta Hotel (Peachtree St NE)
Popular with business travelers and visitors who want an upscale feel and central Midtown location.The Georgian Terrace Hotel (Peachtree St NE)
Historic hotel across from the Fox Theatre, often chosen for show nights or classic Atlanta ambience.W Atlanta – Midtown (14th St NE area)
Modern style near Piedmont Park and Midtown nightlife.Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta
Walkable to both Midtown Station and Peachtree dining spots.Moxy Atlanta Midtown
Trendy, youthful vibe near the heart of Midtown’s bar and restaurant scene.
Midtown Is a Good Fit If You:
- Want to visit the High Museum of Art, Woodruff Arts Center, or Fox Theatre
- Plan to spend time in Piedmont Park or on the BeltLine
- Prefer nights out in a lively but not chaotic area
👉 Local tip: Midtown gives you decent access to pretty much everything without choosing strictly “tourist” or strictly “suburb.”
Buckhead: Upscale Hotels and Shopping
Buckhead is Atlanta’s classic “business and luxury” district, known for high-end malls, office towers, and polished hotels.
What to Expect in Buckhead
- Clusters of hotels around Peachtree Road NE, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza
- Plenty of chain and upscale restaurants
- Easy MARTA access via Buckhead, Lenox, and Brookhaven/Oglethorpe (a bit farther north)
Well-Known Buckhead Atlanta Hotels
The St. Regis Atlanta (West Paces Ferry Rd NW)
Known for luxury touches and a quieter, residential Buckhead setting.InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta (Peachtree Rd NE)
Often chosen for high-end business travel and special occasions.Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
Near Buckhead’s business district with convenient access to MARTA.JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
Attached to or steps from Lenox Square, handy for shopping-focused stays.AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza
Modern hotel near Phipps Plaza shops and restaurants.
When Buckhead Makes Sense
- You’re here for business in the Buckhead area
- You want an upscale environment and easy access to shopping
- You prefer a more polished and corporate feel over nightlife-heavy districts
👉 Local tip: If you don’t plan to use MARTA, factor in traffic; Peachtree and GA-400 can get backed up at rush hours.
Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Area: Trendy and More Local
If you’d rather be near locals’ favorite restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops than tourist attractions, look at Old Fourth Ward (O4W) and nearby neighborhoods along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
Why This Area Is Popular
- Direct access to the Eastside Trail for walking, biking, and people-watching
- Easy runs into Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, and Virginia-Highland
- Close to Ponce City Market and a dense cluster of independent eateries
Hotel Options Around Old Fourth Ward
The area has fewer big-name hotels than Midtown or Downtown, but there are several smaller and boutique-style options nearby, including:
- Hotels around Ponce City Market and Highland Ave NE with more modern, design-forward styles
- Additional options a short rideshare away in Midtown or Inman Park if you want a similar feel with more established hotels
(This is one part of town where short-term rentals are common, but if you prefer traditional hotels, check for properties that mention “BeltLine” or “Ponce City Market” proximity.)
Who This Area Suits
- Food and coffee lovers wanting to explore local spots
- Visitors who prioritize walkability to the BeltLine
- People who have visited Atlanta before and want a different, less touristy base
👉 Local tip: Parking can be tight around popular BeltLine entrances, so if you stay nearby, you’ll appreciate being able to walk instead of hunt for a spot.
Atlanta Airport Hotels: Smart for Early Flights and Layovers
Atlanta’s airport, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), is one of the busiest in the world. If you’ve got a very early or late flight, an airport hotel can be more practical than staying intown.
Where Airport Hotels Cluster
Most airport hotels sit in or near:
- College Park
- Hapeville
- The Airport North and Airport South areas
Many offer free shuttles to and from ATL. Some are connected to MARTA’s Airport Station, which can get you to Downtown or Midtown without driving.
Typical Airport Hotel Types
You’ll find:
- Major chains (full-service and limited service)
- A mix of newer and older properties
- Options geared to flight crews, overnight layovers, and budget travelers
Staying by the airport works if you:
- Have a tight connection or overnight layover
- Are flying out early in the morning
- Don’t plan to spend much time exploring Atlanta itself
👉 Local tip: If you have at least one full day to explore the city, consider staying in Downtown or Midtown and only moving to the airport area the night before your flight if needed.
Suburban & Extended-Stay Options: More Space and Quieter Nights
If you’re visiting friends or family, working on a long project, or prefer a quieter base, Atlanta’s suburbs and edge-city districts can be good options.
Popular Non-Central Hotel Clusters
Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs / Dunwoody)
Around Perimeter Mall and Dunwoody/Sandy Springs MARTA stations. Many business hotels and extended-stay properties; convenient to GA-400 and I-285.Cumberland / The Battery Atlanta (near Truist Park)
Good if you’re here for an Atlanta Braves game or working in the northwest office corridors. Mix of mid-range and higher-end hotels.Decatur
Smaller, more walkable city center with a few hotels near downtown Decatur, good for a more laid-back, neighborhood feel.
When a Suburban Hotel Makes Sense
- You’ll spend most of your time outside the core city
- You’re traveling with kids and want more space and parking
- You’re on a longer stay and want kitchenettes or laundry facilities
👉 Local tip: Always factor in Interstate traffic (I‑285, I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400) if you plan to commute into the city from a suburban hotel, especially during rush hours.
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Atlanta
When people in Atlanta help visitors pick a hotel, they usually boil it down to a few practical questions:
1. What’s Your Main Reason for Visiting?
Conferences / Conventions / Games:
Look in Downtown near the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena.Arts, Parks, and Nightlife:
Check out Midtown or nearby Old Fourth Ward/BeltLine.High-End Shopping or Corporate Offices:
Buckhead is typically the first place to look.Flights and Short Layovers:
The airport hotel cluster around ATL is usually best.
2. How Will You Get Around?
Without a car:
Staying near MARTA rail stations (Midtown, Downtown, Buckhead, Airport) makes your trip easier. Hotels that mention walking distance to a station are worth considering.With a car:
Look at parking fees (Downtown and Midtown often charge daily rates). Suburban and airport hotels may include free or lower-cost parking.
3. What Type of Experience Do You Want?
Quiet and polished:
Buckhead, certain Midtown or Perimeter hotels.Lively and central:
Midtown, parts of Downtown, Old Fourth Ward/BeltLine.Local and neighborhood-focused:
Old Fourth Ward, Decatur, or hotels just off the main tourist corridors.
Practical Booking Tips for Atlanta Hotels
A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your stay smoother:
Check event calendars.
Big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center can spike prices and cut availability Downtown and sometimes into Midtown.Look at transit access.
If you plan to use MARTA, search for hotels near:- Airport Station
- Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center (Downtown core)
- Midtown or Arts Center
- Buckhead, Lenox, Dunwoody in the north
Factor in traffic realistically.
A hotel that’s “only 10 miles away” can still be a long trip at rush hour, especially along I‑75/85 through the city or the Perimeter (I‑285).Consider safety by block, not just by neighborhood name.
Like most big cities, Atlanta has blocks that feel different just a few streets apart. Reading recent guest feedback and checking how busy an area is at night can help you choose a spot that matches your comfort level.Ask locals if you’re visiting friends or family.
People who live in Atlanta often have clear opinions about which areas are easiest to get to from their neighborhood and where visitors tend to enjoy staying.
Key Takeaways for Finding a Good Hotel in Atlanta
- Downtown = best for major attractions, big events, and first-timers
- Midtown = central, walkable, strong arts and dining scene
- Buckhead = upscale, business-focused, and shopping-heavy
- Old Fourth Ward/BeltLine = trendy, local, food and nightlife
- Airport area = practical for flights and quick overnights
- Suburban clusters (Perimeter, Cumberland, Decatur) = quieter, often better for long or family stays
If you start with the neighborhood that fits your plans, then narrow down by budget, transit access, and the kind of atmosphere you prefer, you’ll have a much easier time finding a good hotel in Atlanta that actually works for how you want to spend your time in the city.