Finding the Best Hotel Rooms in Downtown Atlanta: A Local Guide

Looking for hotel rooms in downtown Atlanta means choosing between walkable convenience, conference-ready properties, and skyline views—all in the heart of the city. Whether you’re attending a convention, catching a game, visiting family, or planning a staycation, it helps to understand how downtown Atlanta hotels are laid out, what areas feel different, and how to pick the right place for your plans.

This guide focuses specifically on downtown Atlanta, Georgia—not Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport area—so you can narrow your search quickly and confidently.

Key Areas for Hotel Rooms in Downtown Atlanta

“Downtown” covers several distinct pockets. Knowing which one fits your trip can save you time and stress.

1. Centennial Olympic Park & Attractions Area

Best for: First-time visitors, families, and event-goers

This is the area around Centennial Olympic Park and major attractions like:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center area
• State Farm Arena (for NBA games and concerts)

Hotels here are popular because you can walk to most major sights and many conference venues.

What to expect:

• Larger, full-service hotels with meeting spaces
• Quick walk to attractions and park events
• Plenty of casual dining and fast options nearby
• Heavier foot traffic on game days and concert nights

If you’re in Atlanta for a short visit, or traveling with kids and want to avoid driving, this is often the most convenient spot for downtown hotel rooms.

2. Peachtree Street Core (Business & Convention Zone)

Best for: Business travelers, convention attendees, and transit users

The stretch of Peachtree Street through downtown is lined with office towers, hotels, and conference spaces. It’s especially convenient if you’re:

• Attending an event at Georgia World Congress Center
• Doing business near Peachtree Center offices
• Using MARTA for airport and city-wide travel

Here you’ll find:

• High-rise hotels connected or close to Peachtree Center
• Easy access to MARTA’s Peachtree Center and Five Points stations
• Indoor walkways in some complexes that help in bad weather

This area is ideal if you want fast access to transit and meetings, and don’t mind a more business-focused atmosphere, especially on weekdays.

3. Government & Historic District (Around Georgia State Capitol)

Best for: Government, legal, and academic visits

Near the Georgia State Capitol, Fulton County Courthouse, and Atlanta City Hall, you’ll find hotels that cater more to:

• Legislative and government visitors
• Legal professionals and court-related stays
• People visiting Georgia State University in the eastern part of downtown

Expect:

• Quieter evenings compared with the attractions area
• Short walks to government buildings and university facilities
• Fewer tourist-focused shops, more everyday services and quick eateries

If your main reason for being downtown is court, legislative work, or Georgia State University, it may be worth choosing this part of downtown to minimize commuting time.

4. Stadium & Event Area (Mercedes-Benz Stadium Vicinity)

Best for: Sports fans and concert-goers

Around Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hotel demand spikes on:

• Atlanta Falcons home game days
• Atlanta United matches
• Large concerts and special events

Staying near the stadium can mean:

• A short walk to events, avoiding post-game traffic
• Heavier crowds before and after events
• Higher room rates and stricter booking policies on event weekends

If your primary goal is a game or stadium event, booking a room in this area or within walking distance via pedestrian pathways from the Centennial Park side can be highly convenient.

Types of Hotel Rooms You’ll Find in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown offers a wide range of room types. Knowing what’s typical can help you search smarter.

Standard Rooms

Most downtown hotels offer standard amenities such as:

• One king bed or two double/queen beds
• Private bathroom with shower or shower/tub combo
• Wi-Fi (sometimes included, sometimes with a fee)
• Desk or small work area and TV
• In-room coffee maker and safe in many properties

These are usually best for short stays, business trips, or overnight event visits.

Suites and Extended-Stay Options

If you’re staying longer or traveling with a group, look for:

• Junior suites – larger open-plan rooms with extra seating
• One-bedroom suites – separate bedroom and living room, sometimes with a pull-out sofa
• Extended-stay style rooms – may include a kitchenette or full kitchen, geared toward longer visits

These can be especially helpful if you:

• Plan to stay more than a few days
• Prefer to prepare some meals in your room
• Are visiting Atlanta for a conference or multi-day event

Accessible Rooms

Downtown hotels commonly offer ADA-accessible rooms, which may include:

• Wider doors and roll-in showers
• Grab bars in bathrooms
• Visual door and phone alerts in some rooms

If you need specific features—such as a roll-in shower, lower bed height, or accessible parking—it’s best to call the hotel directly after booking to confirm details.

How to Choose the Right Downtown Atlanta Hotel for Your Trip

When comparing hotel rooms in downtown Atlanta, focus on your primary reason for visiting and day-to-day needs.

1. Location vs. Transit

Consider what you must reach daily:

• Conventions and events – Look near Georgia World Congress Center, Peachtree Center, or the main attractions area.
• Airport access – Staying near a MARTA station (like Peachtree Center or Five Points) makes it easy to ride directly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport without a car.
• Walking needs – Many downtown streets are walkable, but check the distance to your key venues on a map to avoid long walks in extreme heat or during late hours.

2. Parking and Driving

Parking in downtown Atlanta can impact your budget and plans:

• Hotel parking is often valet or self-parking in attached garages and may involve daily fees.
• If you plan to drive around metro Atlanta frequently, check:
  • Daily parking costs
  • In/out privileges
  • Height limits for larger vehicles

If you mainly plan to stay downtown and use MARTA or rideshares, you may be able to skip renting a car and rely on walkability and rail.

3. Budget and Timing

Room prices in downtown Atlanta can change quickly based on:

• Major conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
• Home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Large festivals and downtown events around Centennial Olympic Park

To manage costs:

• Check your travel dates against major event calendars.
• Consider slightly shifting your stay by a day or two if possible.
• Look at multiple parts of downtown (Peachtree core vs. attractions area) if rates in one zone are high.

4. Amenities That Matter in Downtown

Some amenities are especially useful for a downtown Atlanta stay:

• On-site or nearby dining for late arrivals or quick breakfasts
• Fitness centers if you’re spending long days in meetings or at events
• Business centers or in-room desks for work trips
• Pool access (indoor or outdoor, seasonal) for families or warm-weather stays
• Pet-friendly policies if you’re traveling with animals

If you’re local and planning a staycation, you may prioritize amenities like:

• City or stadium views
• Proximity to your favorite restaurants or bars
• Easy walk to shows, performances, or sporting events

Neighborhood Feel and Safety Considerations

Like most major downtowns, downtown Atlanta can feel different block to block.

Common patterns visitors and locals keep in mind:

• Busy, well-lit streets near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Peachtree Street usually have consistent foot traffic, especially around events.
• Some areas become quieter late at night, particularly near government buildings and office-heavy zones once workers leave.
• People commonly use:
  • Rideshare services for late-night returns
  • MARTA for early-morning or evening trips along main routes

General tips:

• Stick to main streets and well-lit paths when walking at night.
• If you’re unfamiliar with downtown, ask hotel staff for the best walking routes to nearby attractions or transit stations.
• If using MARTA, stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, and GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center are central for downtown access.

Getting To and Around Downtown Hotels

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Two main options are commonly used:

1. MARTA (Rail):

   • Take the Red or Gold Line north from the airport station.
   • Peachtree Center and Five Points stations put you in the heart of downtown.
   • This can be one of the fastest and most direct options for solo travelers or light packers.

2. Car or Rideshare:

   • Follow I‑85/I‑75 North into downtown.
   • Allow extra time during rush hours, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons.

Getting Around Once You’re Downtown

Common ways visitors and locals move around downtown:

• Walking between nearby hotels, attractions, restaurants, and offices
• MARTA rail for Midtown, Buckhead, airport, or East/West connections
• Street-level buses for certain routes, if you’re comfortable with local transit
• Rideshare/taxis for late-night trips or if you’re heading beyond MARTA coverage

If you’re staying several days and want to explore nearby neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Old Fourth Ward, being close to a MARTA station or main rideshare pick-up area can be especially useful.

Quick Comparison: Common Priorities for Downtown Atlanta Hotel Rooms

Practical Tips Before You Book

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make your downtown hotel experience smoother:

• Check event calendars for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Georgia World Congress Center if your travel dates are flexible.
• If you’re local and doing a staycation, ask about:
  • Local resident discounts (if offered)
  • Parking options if you’re driving in for the weekend
• Clarify fees beyond the base rate, such as:
  • Parking
  • Wi-Fi (if not included)
  • Early check-in or late checkout
• If you plan to explore beyond downtown, decide:
  • Whether proximity to MARTA is more important than a particular view
  • How often you’ll use rideshare vs. driving yourself

When Downtown Atlanta Hotel Rooms Make the Most Sense

Staying in downtown Atlanta is usually the right choice if you:

• Want to walk to major attractions, stadiums, and arenas
• Are attending conferences, conventions, or government-related business
• Prefer a central hub with quick transit or driving access to other Atlanta neighborhoods

By focusing on the part of downtown that best matches your plans—Centennial Park for attractions, Peachtree Street for business and transit, government district for court or university visits, or stadium area for games—you can narrow down hotel rooms that fit both your budget and your Atlanta itinerary.