Best Hotels in Atlanta, GA Near the Georgia Aquarium

Looking for hotels in Atlanta, GA near the Georgia Aquarium? You’re in a great spot. The Georgia Aquarium sits in Downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Park District, so you’ll find everything from budget-friendly hotels to luxury high-rises within easy walking distance.

Below is a practical guide to the main hotel options near the aquarium, what it’s like to stay in this part of Atlanta, and how to pick the right place for your visit.

Getting Oriented: Where the Georgia Aquarium Is

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s right by:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Staying “near the aquarium” usually means Downtown Atlanta, especially the blocks around Baker St NW, Marietta St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW. Many hotels in this area are 5–10 minutes on foot from the aquarium.

Quick Overview: Popular Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium

Below is a simple comparison of common hotel types and what to expect when you stay near the aquarium.

Walking distance is a key factor here—if you plan to spend a day at the aquarium, staying within a 10-minute walk is a major convenience.

Hotels Within a Short Walk of the Aquarium

1. Downtown Hotels Right by Centennial Olympic Park

These are some of the closest options to the Georgia Aquarium and the neighboring attractions.

What this micro-area is like:

• Very busy during events (concerts, games, conventions)
• Walkable to aquarium, World of Coke, College Football Hall of Fame
• Surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual spots
• Heavy traffic on game nights near State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

You’ll typically find:

• High-rise hotels with views of the park and skyline
• On-site or nearby parking garages (usually paid)
• Quick access to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations

This area is ideal if your main goal is aquarium + downtown attractions and you don’t want to deal with a car.

2. Hotels Along Baker St NW and Luckie St NW

If you want to be as close as possible to the aquarium entrance, focus on hotels around:

• Baker St NW
• Luckie St NW
• Marietta St NW

Why this matters:

• You can walk to the aquarium in a few minutes, even with kids or strollers.
• Easy to return to your room mid-day if someone gets tired.
• Good option if you’re planning back-to-back days at nearby attractions.

These hotels typically appeal to:

• Families who want to limit walking
• Visitors without a car
• Conference attendees at the Georgia World Congress Center who also want to visit the aquarium

What It’s Like to Stay in Downtown Atlanta Near the Aquarium

Safety and Atmosphere

Downtown Atlanta around the aquarium is a busy urban district. During the day, it’s full of:

• Families heading to the aquarium
• Tour groups
• Office workers and convention traffic

In the evening, it depends heavily on events:

• On game or concert nights, streets stay lively around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• On quieter nights, you’ll see fewer people, especially on side streets.

General tips:

• Stick to well-lit main streets (like Baker St, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, Marietta St).
• If you’ll be out late, many hotel guests choose rideshare back instead of walking farther distances.
• Use hotel parking garages or valet rather than leaving valuables in cars on the street.

Noise and Crowds

Staying this close to major venues means you may experience:

• More street noise on event nights
• Heavier traffic near check-in/check-out times and around big events

If you’re sensitive to noise:

• Request a higher floor and a room facing away from major streets if possible.
• Ask at check-in whether there are any large events scheduled nearby that evening.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the Aquarium

1. Decide How Important Walking Distance Is

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to walk to the aquarium in 5–10 minutes?
• Are you visiting with young kids, strollers, or older adults?
• Will you be visiting multiple downtown attractions on foot?

If the answer is yes, focus on hotels within about 0.5 miles of 225 Baker St NW.

If you’re comfortable with a short ride:

• You can open up more budget and extended-stay options a bit farther in Downtown, Midtown, or along Peachtree St.
• Consider hotels near MARTA stations so you can avoid downtown parking altogether.

2. Consider Parking and Transportation

Driving in? Downtown hotels near the aquarium often have:

• Valet parking or self-parking in attached garages
• Daily parking fees that can be significant compared to suburban areas

To manage costs:

• Compare parking rates when you compare nightly prices.
• If you only plan to visit the aquarium and maybe one or two nearby attractions, consider parking once and walking everywhere for the day.

Using MARTA?

Close stations include:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line) – Convenient if you’re coming in from the west or east.
• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line) – Walkable to many downtown hotels and the aquarium, though it’s a bit longer walk.

From these stations, most aquarium-area hotels are 10–15 minutes on foot or a short rideshare away.

3. Pick the Right Hotel Type for Your Trip

For families planning a full day at the aquarium:

• Look for:
  • Walking distance (under 10 minutes)
  • Breakfast included or easy access to kid-friendly food
  • Options for connecting rooms or suites
• Nice-to-haves:
  • Microwave and mini-fridge in the room
  • Indoor or outdoor pool for post-aquarium downtime

For business travelers and convention attendees:

• Look for:
  • Easy access to Georgia World Congress Center
  • Reliable Wi-Fi and business amenities
  • On-site fitness center and quiet workspaces
• Being near both the aquarium and GWCC can be useful if you’re mixing work and leisure.

For budget-conscious visitors:

• Consider hotels:
  • Slightly farther from the aquarium but still in Downtown or Midtown
  • With flexible cancellation and no surprise fees
• Weigh whether cheaper nightly rates are offset by:
  • Rideshare or parking costs
  • Longer walks to attractions

Local Tips for Visiting the Aquarium From Your Hotel

Walking Routes

Most hotels near Centennial Olympic Park have simple walking routes to the aquarium:

• Follow Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Baker St NW, or Luckie St NW toward the large glass aquarium building.
• There is clear wayfinding signage around the park area, especially where tourism is concentrated.

If you’re unsure, hotel front desks are used to this question and can point you to the safest and most direct path.

Timing Your Visit

To make the most of your hotel stay and aquarium visit:

• Aim for morning entry if possible—lines tend to be shorter early in the day.
• If you’re staying across the street or a few blocks away, you can:
  • Walk over early to beat crowds
  • Return to your room mid-day to rest or drop off souvenirs
  • Head back out in the afternoon or evening if you’re combining other attractions

Buying Tickets and Planning Your Day

You don’t need to stay at a specific hotel to visit the aquarium, but staying nearby makes it easier to:

• Coordinate timed-entry tickets
• Combine the aquarium with World of Coca-Cola or Centennial Olympic Park in one day
• Avoid worrying about driving and re-parking multiple times

If you’re visiting with children, consider:

• Packing a small bag with snacks, water, and a light jacket (the aquarium can be cool inside)
• Planning a mid-day break back at your hotel if you’re right nearby

Other Nearby Neighborhoods to Consider

If you don’t mind a short ride, you can expand your search beyond the immediate blocks around the aquarium.

Midtown Atlanta

Pros:

• Still close—usually 5–10 minutes by car to the aquarium.
• More options for dining, nightlife, and walkable neighborhoods.
• Easy access to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, and arts venues.

Cons:

• Not usually within a short walk to the aquarium.
• You’ll likely rely on rideshare, MARTA, or driving and parking downtown.

Atlantic Station / West Midtown

These are a bit farther but can be appealing if you:

• Prefer a shopping-and-restaurant-focused area.
• Don’t mind a 10–15 minute drive to Downtown attractions.

Practical Contact and Location Details

To anchor your hotel search around the aquarium’s true location:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main Information Line: (404) 581-4000

When searching hotels, use this address as your reference point and check:

• Distance “as the walk,” not just “as the crow flies.”
• Whether the walking route is along major streets or requires cutting through less busy areas.
• Proximity to Centennial Olympic Park, which is the main landmark many hotels reference.

How to Narrow Your Options Quickly

Here’s a step-by-step way to filter hotels in Atlanta, GA near the aquarium:

1. Set your radius:

   • Start with hotels within 0.5 miles of 225 Baker St NW for easy walking.

2. Decide your top priority:

   • Price, walking distance, or room type (e.g., suite vs standard).

3. Check parking or transit:

   • If driving, compare nightly parking fees.
   • If not driving, look at distance to MARTA stations or how easy rideshare pickup is.

4. Look at room details:

   • For families: beds, sofa sleepers, mini-fridge, connecting rooms.
   • For business: desk, Wi-Fi, quiet rooms, on-site food options.

5. Consider event dates:

   • Check for big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena; prices and crowds often increase on those days.

By following this process and using the Georgia Aquarium as your anchor, you can quickly find Atlanta hotels near the aquarium that fit your budget, travel style, and plans—whether you’re a local planning a staycation or visiting the city for the first time.