Historic Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay With a Story

Atlanta is a modern, fast-growing city, but if you know where to look, you can sleep inside its history. From Gilded Age mansions to jazz-era skyscrapers, historic hotels in Atlanta offer more than just a bed—they’re a way to experience the city’s past up close.

This guide walks you through some of the most notable historic hotels in Atlanta, what makes them special, how they differ from newer properties, and how to choose the right one for your visit or staycation.

Why Choose a Historic Hotel in Atlanta?

Staying in a historic Atlanta hotel can be appealing if you:

• Want architecture and character instead of a standard boxy room
• Enjoy walkable neighborhoods near major attractions, theaters, and restaurants
• Like the idea of connecting with local history, from Civil War rebuilding to the civil rights era
• Are planning a special occasion (anniversary, proposal, milestone birthday, or a themed staycation)

You’ll typically get:

• Unique design details: marble lobbies, original woodwork, high ceilings, vintage fixtures
• Prime locations: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead—all close to MARTA, museums, and dining
• A sense of place: Many properties have hosted famous guests or played a role in Atlanta’s cultural life

Trade-offs can include smaller rooms, quirky layouts, or some noise from busy urban locations. For many guests, the charm outweighs these issues, especially for short stays.

Snapshot: Notable Historic Hotels in Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of some of the best-known historic-style or legacy properties around the city. Always confirm current branding, rates, and amenities directly with the hotel before booking.

Midtown: The Georgian Terrace and Classic Theater District Charm

The Georgian Terrace Hotel

Location: Near the Fox Theatre, Peachtree Street NE, Midtown Atlanta

The Georgian Terrace is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable historic hotels. Opened in the early 20th century, it’s known for:

• Beaux-Arts architecture with grand staircases, chandeliers, and tall windows
• A long-standing connection to the Fox Theatre across the street—perfect for show nights
• Spacious rooms, including suite-style layouts that feel more like city apartments

Why locals and visitors choose it:

• Ideal for a Fox Theatre night out; you can walk to and from the show
• A favorite for weddings, galas, and photo shoots thanks to its dramatic lobby and ballrooms
• Convenient to Midtown highlights: the North Avenue MARTA station, Tech Square, and a short rideshare to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and the Midtown dining corridor

Considerations:

• Some rooms are older-layout suites, which can feel different from standard hotel rooms (great if you like extra space, less so if you prefer a very modern style).
• Since it’s at a busy Peachtree intersection near major events, expect some street noise and event traffic on show nights.

Downtown: Skyscraper History and Walkable City Stays

Downtown is where Atlanta’s early skyscrapers went up, and several hotels here blend historic architecture with updated interiors.

The Candler Hotel Atlanta

Location: Peachtree Street NE, Downtown Atlanta

Set in a 1906 Beaux-Arts building that was one of Atlanta’s earliest skyscrapers, The Candler stands out for:

• A highly decorated lobby with intricate stonework, marble, and historic details
• A strong sense of old Atlanta business-district history, with modern guest rooms above
• Easy walking access to Woodruff Park, Georgia State University’s downtown campus, and the Peachtree Center area

Why it’s appealing:

• Great for travelers who want to stay in a historic building but sleep in updated rooms
• Well-positioned for business trips, downtown meetings, or conventions at the nearby Georgia World Congress Center (short rideshare or longer walk)
• Close to attractions like the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, museums, and the Atlanta Streetcar route for additional exploring

Considerations:

• Downtown tends to be quieter at night and on weekends compared to Midtown, which some guests love and some find a bit empty.
• As in most urban cores, you’ll want to plan parking (valet vs. nearby garages) and be aware of your surroundings late at night, as you would in any major city center.

The Ellis Hotel

Location: Peachtree Street NW, Downtown Atlanta

The Ellis Hotel sits in a historic building that dates back to the early 1900s. Today, it operates as a boutique-style hotel with:

• A smaller, more intimate footprint compared to the larger convention hotels
• Design that blends historic roots with updated furnishings
• Easy access to Peachtree Center MARTA station, city offices, and downtown attractions

Why some guests seek it out:

• Good fit if you prefer boutique hotels over big chains, but still want a central Atlanta location
• Convenient for walking to meetings, the courthouse area, or grabbing a quick MARTA ride to the airport
• A solid option for solo travelers or couples looking for a cozy, city-centered base

Considerations:

• Rooms can be more compact than in sprawling new-build hotels.
• It’s a better match for guests who value location and style over resort-like amenities.

Buckhead: Grand Luxury and “Neo-Historic” Style

Buckhead’s most talked-about luxury properties aren’t historic by age in the same way as Downtown’s early skyscrapers, but many are designed with classic European or grand-hotel styling that feels timeless.

The St. Regis Atlanta

Location: Buckhead, near West Paces Ferry Road NW

The St. Regis Atlanta is a prominent Buckhead hotel that feels like a classic European grand hotel dropped into a modern Atlanta neighborhood. While not a century-old structure, it has:

• Formal architecture and interiors with sweeping staircases, chandeliers, and high ceilings
• An emphasis on traditional luxury service, with polished common areas and a residential feel
• A location in Buckhead’s high-end district, close to luxury shopping, dining, and some of Atlanta’s most prestigious residential streets

Who it’s best for:

• Guests looking for a “historic-feeling” luxury stay without sacrificing modern comforts
• Residents planning staycations, weddings, and high-end events
• Visitors who prefer Buckhead over Downtown or Midtown, especially for shopping and dining

Considerations:

• Buckhead is more car-oriented; MARTA access is farther than in Midtown/Downtown. Rideshares are easy, but this isn’t the most walkable spot if you want to explore citywide on foot.
• This style of hotel typically comes with higher nightly rates and upscale dining pricing.

Edgy & Retro: Reimagined Historic Properties

Atlanta has also transformed some older properties into playful, modern hotels that retain their history in more casual, creative ways.

Hotel Clermont

Location: Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, between Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward

Hotel Clermont occupies a building dating back to the 1920s, once a motor hotel and later home to the famously quirky Clermont Lounge in the basement. Today, it offers:

• A retro-inspired interior that leans into mid-century and vintage touches
• A rooftop bar with skyline views that’s popular with locals and visitors
• Proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market, and plenty of independent restaurants and bars

Why people love it:

• Great for younger travelers or anyone who enjoys boutique, non-corporate-feeling hotels
• Ideal if you want to experience one of Atlanta’s trendiest corridors, with easy access to walkable nightlife and casual dining
• Combines a sense of Atlanta lore (the Clermont name) with updated rooms and social spaces

Considerations:

• The area can be lively at night, which is a plus for nightlife but may mean more ambient noise.
• The style is intentionally quirky; if you prefer traditional luxury, a classic Midtown or Buckhead hotel may suit you better.

What to Expect When You Book a Historic Hotel in Atlanta

Historic and heritage-style hotels can differ from standard new builds in several ways. If you’re staying in or near Atlanta, it helps to set expectations.

Room Size and Layout

• Older floorplans often mean rooms may be smaller or shaped irregularly.
• Some historic hotels offer large suites or former apartment-style units, especially in Midtown and certain renovated properties.
• Bathrooms are usually renovated, but in some buildings, they may be more compact due to structural limits.

Noise and Urban Setting

• Many historic hotels sit on major corridors like Peachtree Street or Ponce de Leon Avenue, where traffic and nightlife are part of the experience.
• Light sleepers may want to request higher floors or rooms away from the main street when booking.

Accessibility

• Most established historic hotels in Atlanta have been renovated to support elevators and accessible rooms, but hallway widths, bathroom layouts, and step-ups can vary.
• If mobility or accessibility is a concern, it’s important to call the hotel directly and ask specific questions about room types, bathroom setups, and entryways.

Parking and Transportation

• Expect valet parking or paid self-parking garages at most historic or central-city hotels.
• Midtown and Downtown properties often sit near MARTA rail stations, making it realistic to arrive from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport without renting a car.
• Some guests prefer to stay along MARTA’s Red/Gold lines to avoid driving, especially during big events or rush hour.

How to Choose the Right Historic Hotel in Atlanta

When comparing options, think about the kind of Atlanta experience you want:

1. Neighborhood Fit

• Midtown: Best for theater, arts, and walkability. Consider the Georgian Terrace if you’re planning a Fox Theatre night or want classic “Atlanta city” vibes.
• Downtown: Good for conventions, business, and central access to major attractions. Look at The Candler or The Ellis for historic character in the heart of the city.
• Buckhead: Ideal for upscale shopping, dining, and a quieter, residential-feeling base. The St. Regis serves guests who prioritize luxury over being in the thick of the urban core.
• Poncey-Highland / Old Fourth Ward: Trendy, artsy, and connected to the BeltLine. Hotel Clermont is great if you want nightlife, food halls, and local flavor.

2. Purpose of Your Stay

• Romantic weekends or anniversaries: Try Midtown for theater + dinner, or Buckhead for a more secluded, luxury feel.
• Business trips and conferences: Downtown historic hotels offer easy access to office towers and the Georgia World Congress Center.
• Staycations: Locals often enjoy mixing a room with a view, local restaurants, and either the BeltLine or theater district to feel like they’re “away” without leaving the city.

3. Budget and Amenities

• Historic-style hotels may range from moderate to high-end depending on brand and location.
• Consider which amenities matter most:
  • On-site restaurant and bar
  • Rooftop or lounge spaces
  • Pool or spa
  • In-room workspace if you’re planning to work remotely

Tips for Getting the Most From a Historic Hotel Stay in Atlanta

A few practical pointers can help your experience go more smoothly:

• Call ahead about specific rooms:
  Ask about corner rooms, higher floors, or suites in older buildings if you want more space or quieter nights.

• Ask about event nights 🎭:
  In Midtown, major shows at the Fox Theatre or large conventions downtown can affect crowd levels, pricing, and parking.

• Use MARTA when it makes sense:
  If you’re near a rail station (such as North Avenue, Peachtree Center, or Buckhead), riding MARTA can save time and parking costs, especially from the airport.

• Reserve dining early:
  Many historic or “grand-feel” hotels have popular on-site restaurants or bars. For weekend nights and special occasions, it’s wise to secure a reservation.

• Consider a weekday stay:
  Rates at central historic hotels can sometimes be more manageable midweek, depending on convention schedules and tourism seasons.

Atlanta’s historic and heritage-style hotels let you experience the city’s layers—its rebuilding after the Civil War, its boom as a transportation and business hub, and its evolution into a modern, diverse metropolis. Whether you’re a local planning a special night or a visitor who prefers character over cookie-cutter, there’s a historic Atlanta hotel that can match the kind of story you want your stay to tell.