Finding the Right Hotel in Downtown Atlanta: A Local Guide

Looking for a hotel in Atlanta Downtown puts you right in the center of the city’s business, entertainment, and cultural life. Whether you’re in town for a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or a weekend of food and museums, staying downtown can make getting around much easier.

This guide walks through where to stay, what to expect, how prices tend to work, and how to choose the best downtown Atlanta hotel for your needs.

Why Choose a Hotel in Downtown Atlanta?

Staying in Downtown Atlanta is mostly about convenience and walkability.

You’re close to:

• Major attractions

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Sports & events

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

• Transit connections

  • MARTA rail stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, and Georgia State
  • Quick access to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport via MARTA

Downtown is also a hub for business travelers, with many offices, government buildings, and corporate headquarters nearby. If you want to minimize rideshares and maximize time on foot or on MARTA, a downtown hotel is often the most practical choice.

Key Areas Within Downtown Atlanta

Not every “downtown” hotel feels the same. These are the main pockets to know:

1. Peachtree Center & Core Business District

This is what most people picture when they say “hotel in Atlanta Downtown.”

• High-rise hotels, office towers, food courts, and indoor walkways
• Very convenient to Peachtree Center MARTA Station
• Good if you’re attending business meetings, conventions, or downtown offices
• Short walk to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and many attractions

Best for: Business travelers, convention attendees, first-time visitors who want central location.

2. Centennial Olympic Park & Entertainment District

Centered around Centennial Olympic Park, this area is ideal if your top priority is tourism and events.

• Walkable to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame
• Close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Often busy on weekends, game days, and during large events

Best for: Families, tourists, and sports fans who want to walk to most attractions.

3. Government & Historic District (Around Five Points & Georgia State)

This area includes parts near Five Points, Underground Atlanta, and Georgia State University.

• Very central transit access via Five Points MARTA
• Mix of older office buildings, student life, and some hotels
• Good for access to courts, government offices, and GSU

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, students, and people with business at nearby courts or public offices.

Types of Hotels You’ll Find in Downtown Atlanta

When you search for a hotel in downtown Atlanta, you’ll typically see a few broad categories:

Full-Service Hotels

These are larger properties with:

• On-site restaurants and bars
• Room service (in many cases)
• Fitness centers and business services
• Meeting and event space

They often sit right in Peachtree Center or near Centennial Olympic Park. These work well if you want everything on-site and don’t mind paying more for convenience.

Limited-Service & Select-Service Hotels

These offer:

• Fewer on-site amenities
• Often complimentary or simple breakfast
• Lower nightly rates than many full-service hotels

You’ll find them scattered throughout downtown, especially slightly off the main tourist corridors.

Extended-Stay Hotels

If you’re in Atlanta for a week or more, consider an extended-stay option:

• Kitchenettes or full kitchens
• Laundry facilities
• More apartment-style layouts

Good for relocations, long business projects, or family stays.

Typical Price Ranges and What Affects Them

Hotel prices in downtown Atlanta can vary widely depending on:

• Season: Spring and fall, plus major event weeks, tend to be higher.
• Events: Large conventions, concerts, big college or professional games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena can drive rates up significantly.
• Weekday vs. weekend:
  • Weeknights: Often more expensive for business-heavy weeks.
  • Weekends: Sometimes cheaper, except during events and game days.

You’ll generally see:

• Budget-conscious stays: Often available slightly off the busiest streets, or in more basic properties.
• Mid-range: Common around Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the main business corridors.
• Higher-end: Typically in the tallest towers or properties with large meeting spaces and upscale dining.

💡 Tip: If your dates are flexible, check prices across a few different weekends and weekdays. Downtown rates can swing sharply around big conventions and sporting events.

Transportation: Getting To and From Your Downtown Hotel

From the Airport to Downtown

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is south of downtown and well-connected.

MARTA Rail

• Take the Red or Gold Line north from the Airport Station (inside the airport).
• Main downtown stops:
  • Garnett (southern edge of downtown)
  • Five Points (central transfer hub)
  • Peachtree Center (closest to many core downtown hotels)
  • Civic Center (for some nearby properties)

Using MARTA is usually one of the fastest and most direct ways to reach a downtown Atlanta hotel during rush hour.

Taxi & Rideshare

• Taxi stands and rideshare pickup areas are clearly marked at the airport.
• Travel time to downtown often ranges around 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting Around Downtown Without a Car

If your hotel is truly in downtown Atlanta, you can often:

• Walk to main attractions like the aquarium, park, and stadium.
• Use MARTA:
  • Peachtree Center Station for many Peachtree corridor hotels
  • GWCC/CNN Center station (on the Blue/Green line) for Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Georgia World Congress Center.
• Take the Atlanta Streetcar:
  • Links parts of downtown, including stops near Peachtree Center, Sweet Auburn, and King Historic District.

Parking at downtown hotels can be expensive, so many visitors skip renting a car unless they plan to explore far beyond the city core.

Safety, Noise, and Comfort Considerations

Like many busy urban centers, Downtown Atlanta has:

• Heavier foot traffic during business hours, events, and evenings near arenas.
• Quieter stretches late at night, especially away from the main tourist areas.

To improve your experience:

• Ask about noise exposure if you’re sensitive—rooms near highways, event venues, or train tracks may be louder.
• Check parking details ahead of time if you’re driving:
  • Some hotels only offer valet.
  • Self-parking garages may be in a separate structure.
• Plan for crowds on nights with major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena:
  • Elevators, lobbies, and nearby streets can become very busy.
  • Restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park often fill up quickly.

Amenities to Look For in a Downtown Atlanta Hotel

Depending on why you’re visiting, certain features may matter more than others.

For Business Travelers

Look for:

• Business centers or reliable in-room workspaces
• High-speed Wi-Fi included in the rate or clearly disclosed
• Meeting and conference facilities
• Easy access to Peachtree Center, Georgia World Congress Center, or nearby office towers
• Proximity to MARTA if you need to commute to Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport

For Families and Tourists

Helpful features include:

• Breakfast options (on-site or very close by)
• Suites or connecting rooms
• Walking distance to:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Indoor pool if you’re traveling with kids
• Fridge or microwave for snacks and leftovers

For Event and Game-Day Visitors

If you’re coming for:

• Football, soccer, or concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Basketball, concerts, or shows at State Farm Arena

Then you may want:

• Short walking distance to the stadium/arena or direct MARTA access
• Late-night food options nearby or on-site
• Clear policies and fees for early check-in or late check-out when scheduling around event times

Quick Comparison: What Matters Most When Choosing

Use this simplified overview to match a downtown Atlanta hotel to your priorities:

Practical Tips for Booking a Downtown Atlanta Hotel

• Check your event calendar
  Look up whether major conventions, festivals, or games are scheduled during your stay. Rates can rise and availability can tighten quickly.

• Ask about fees
  Many downtown hotels may charge:

  • Parking fees (valet and/or self-park)
  • Amenity or destination fees that cover Wi-Fi, gym use, or local discounts

• Look at transit access, not just distance
  A hotel that’s a short walk to a MARTA station can save time and money on rideshares, especially to and from the airport.

• Consider late arrivals
  If you’re landing late at ATL, verify:

  • 24-hour front desk service
  • Clear instructions for late check-in

When a Downtown Hotel Might Not Be the Best Fit

If you:

• Prefer a quieter, more residential feel
• Want to focus on nightlife, arts, and dining more than big attractions
• Are visiting Georgia Tech, Midtown offices, or Buckhead businesses

You might compare Midtown or Buckhead hotels to see if those areas align better with your plans. Many locals and frequent visitors choose to stay in Midtown when their activities are split between downtown and other neighborhoods, then ride MARTA back and forth.

How Locals Use Downtown Hotels

Even people who live in the Atlanta area sometimes book a hotel in downtown Atlanta for:

• Staycations centered around the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and nearby restaurants
• Special events like New Year’s celebrations, concerts, or sports weekends
• Hosting out-of-town visitors who want to be close to core attractions

If you’re local, think about parking logistics, especially if you’ll be leaving and returning multiple times; daily parking fees can add up quickly.

Choosing a hotel in Atlanta Downtown is mostly about matching your location, budget, and transit preferences to the type of trip you’re planning. Once you decide which part of downtown works best—Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, or closer to Five Points—you can narrow your search to hotels that offer the right mix of convenience, comfort, and cost for your stay in the heart of Atlanta.