Best Hotels in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Stay, What to Expect, and How to Choose

Looking for a hotel in downtown Atlanta and not sure where to start? Downtown is one of the city’s most convenient places to stay, whether you’re here for a convention, a Falcons game, or a quick weekend exploring the city.

This guide breaks down where to stay, what different parts of downtown feel like, typical price ranges, parking options, safety tips, and how to pick the right hotel for your trip.

Why Stay in Downtown Atlanta?

Staying in downtown Atlanta puts you close to many of the city’s biggest attractions and major employers. It’s especially practical if you:

• Are attending an event at the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena
• Want to walk to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, or World of Coca-Cola
• Prefer not to rent a car and want access to MARTA rail and bus lines
• Need easy access to government buildings, courts, or corporate offices

Downtown tends to be busy on weekdays and during events, a bit quieter on some evenings and weekends, and more lively around big games, festivals, and conventions.

Key Downtown Atlanta Areas for Hotels

Not every “downtown” hotel feels the same. Here are the main lodging clusters and what they’re like.

1. Centennial Park District

This is the tourist-friendly core of downtown.

You’re typically within walking distance of:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Good for:

• First-time visitors
• Families with kids
• Travelers who want to walk to major attractions

Things to know:

• Rates are often higher on event days and weekends.
• You may pay extra for parking (often daily garage rates).
• Expect more foot traffic and street activity, especially around big events.

2. Convention & Business District (Peachtree Corridor)

This stretches along Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks near:

• Georgia World Congress Center
• Corporate offices and commercial towers
• A mix of business and leisure travelers

Good for:

• Conferences and trade shows
• Business trips
• Short stays where convenience matters most

Things to know:

• Weekday mornings and evenings may feel more “business district” than touristy.
• Some hotels here connect to skywalks or indoor corridors, useful in bad weather.
• Restaurants can be busy at lunch but quieter at night; you may walk a bit for dinner options.

3. Government & Civic Center Area

Near City Hall, the Capitol, and Fulton County offices, this part of downtown attracts:

• People with court dates or legal appointments
• State and local government visitors
• Travelers who want proximity to government buildings

Good for:

• Short administrative or legal trips
• Budget-conscious stays slightly off the busiest tourist strip

Things to know:

• Nightlife is limited here; it’s more practical than scenic.
• You’ll often rely more on MARTA, rideshare, or walking to get to attractions.

4. Edge of Downtown: Connector & University Area

Near the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) and campuses like Georgia State University, you’ll find:

• A mix of mid-range, extended-stay, and limited-service hotels
• Easier highway access if you plan to drive around the metro area

Good for:

• Drivers who want to hop on the interstate quickly
• Visits to Georgia State University or nearby offices
• Longer stays where kitchenettes or laundry matter

Things to know:

• Street layout can be confusing; build in a few extra minutes for navigation.
• Walkability to major attractions varies by exact location.

How Much Do Hotels in Downtown Atlanta Typically Cost?

Prices change based on season, events, and lead time, but you can expect something like this:

Prices can climb sharply when:

• The Falcons, Hawks, or major touring artists are in town
• There’s a large convention or national event at Georgia World Congress Center
• You’re booking last minute on a busy weekend

If your schedule is flexible, you can sometimes save by:

• Arriving Sunday–Wednesday when there are no major conventions
• Avoiding weekends with big sports games or festivals

Parking and Transportation at Downtown Atlanta Hotels

Parking

Many downtown hotels charge daily parking fees, which can be a surprise if you’re used to free parking in the suburbs.

Common setups include:

• Self-parking garages: You park your own car and walk in; usually cheaper than valet.
• Valet parking: More convenient, especially with luggage, but often the most expensive option.
• No on-site parking: Some hotels use nearby public garages or lots and validate tickets.

To avoid surprises:

• Check whether parking is included, discounted, or separate from your room rate.
• If you don’t need a car, compare the total cost of rental + parking against using MARTA and rideshare.

Getting Around Without a Car

Downtown Atlanta is well-served by transit:

• MARTA Rail
  Key downtown stations include Peachtree Center, Five Points, and GWCC/CNN Center. Many hotels are a short walk from at least one station.

• MARTA from the Airport
  Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects directly to downtown via the Red and Gold Lines. This is often faster during rush hour than driving.

• Streetcar & Buses
  The Atlanta Streetcar (when operating) loops around parts of downtown and the Old Fourth Ward. Some bus routes connect downtown hotels with neighborhoods like Midtown, West End, and Grant Park.

• Walking & Rideshare
  For short distances, most visitors walk between hotels and attractions, then use rideshare or taxis at night or for longer trips.

Safety and Practical Tips for Staying Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is a busy urban area. Many visitors and residents use simple, common-sense precautions:

• Stick to well-lit, populated streets at night, especially when walking back from events.
• Be aware of your surroundings around transit stations and late-night food spots.
• Keep belongings close and avoid leaving valuables visible in parked vehicles.
• Use your hotel’s front desk for guidance on which routes are best to walk, especially after dark.
• If you’re unsure about walking late, use rideshare or a taxi from your hotel entrance.

Choosing the Right Downtown Atlanta Hotel for Your Trip

To narrow down your options, start with location, purpose, and budget.

1. If You’re Visiting for Attractions and Sightseeing

Look for hotels:

• Within walking distance of:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • Centennial Olympic Park
• Near Peachtree Center or GWCC/CNN Center MARTA stations

Key features to consider:

• Free or discounted breakfast if you’re traveling with family
• Pool or fitness center for downtime between activities
• Rooms that comfortably sleep 3–4 people if traveling as a group

2. If You’re Attending a Convention or Business Meeting

Focus on:

• Walking distance or easy access to:
  • Georgia World Congress Center
  • Corporate offices along the Peachtree Corridor
• Availability of:
  • Meeting rooms or business centers
  • Reliable Wi‑Fi and workspace in the room
  • Early check-in or luggage storage if you arrive before standard check-in time

Being able to walk to your event can save time and reduce stress in morning traffic.

3. If You’re in Town for a Game or Concert

If you’re going to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena

Look at hotels that:

• Are within a 10–15 minute walk to the venue, or
• Are close to GWCC/CNN Center station for a quick ride on MARTA

Helpful features:

• Flexible check-out times or luggage storage for day-of events
• Lobby or nearby spots where you can grab food before or after the game

Keep in mind that rates and crowds spike on big game days, so booking early is wise.

4. If You’re on a Budget

To keep costs lower:

• Consider hotels on the edge of downtown, still within a short ride or MARTA trip to major attractions.
• Look for:
  • Limited-service hotels with fewer extras but lower base rates
  • Rooms with microwaves or mini-fridges to cut down on eating out
• Check whether parking fees and taxes still keep the total cost under your target budget.

5. If You Need Extended-Stay or Apartment-Style Comfort

For longer stays in downtown Atlanta:

• Look for extended-stay hotels that offer:
  • Kitchenettes or full kitchens
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Weekly rates or discounts for multi-night stays

These can be especially helpful for:

• Work assignments that last several weeks
• Families relocating to Atlanta who need a temporary base downtown
• Visitors supporting loved ones in nearby hospitals or facilities and needing added comfort

What to Ask Before You Book a Downtown Atlanta Hotel

To avoid surprises, consider calling or checking directly with the hotel and asking:

• Parking:

  • “Is parking on-site? Is it self-park or valet?”
  • “What are the daily rates and any additional fees?”

• Proximity:

  • “How far is the hotel from [Georgia Aquarium / State Farm Arena / GWCC] on foot?”
  • “Is there a safe, well-lit route to walk back in the evening?”

• Transit Access:

  • “Which MARTA station is closest, and how long is the walk?”

• Noise & Events:

  • “Are there often events or late-night noise on weekends?”
  • “Which room locations are usually the quietest?”

• Room Features:

  • “Does my room include a mini-fridge, microwave, or workspace?”
  • “Do you have connecting rooms or suites for families?”

These practical questions help you match the hotel to your actual needs in Atlanta, not just what looks good on a map.

Using Downtown Atlanta as a Base to Explore the City

Staying downtown makes it easy to reach other parts of Atlanta:

• Midtown
  A short MARTA ride or quick drive north; home to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and plenty of restaurants.

• Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine
  East of downtown; reachable by rideshare or bus. Popular for Krog Street Market, murals, and walking or biking the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.

• Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta
  Just southeast; an easy drive or rideshare for families.

• Westside & West Midtown
  A bit further but accessible from downtown for food halls, breweries, and shopping.

If you don’t want to change hotels every few days, staying in downtown Atlanta can work well as a central home base, especially with good MARTA and highway access.

A hotel in downtown Atlanta can be anything from a simple place to sleep between meetings to a full-featured home base for exploring the city. By focusing on location, parking and transit options, type of trip, and your budget, you can choose a spot that fits how you actually plan to use your time in Atlanta.