Best Hotels in Atlanta Near Downtown: Where to Stay and What to Know

If you’re searching for hotels in Atlanta near Downtown, you’re really asking two questions at once:

1. Which areas are closest to the action?
2. Which hotels fit my budget, style, and plans?

This guide walks through the main hotel zones in and around Downtown Atlanta, what each is like, and how to pick the best option for business, sightseeing, or a quick weekend stay.

Key Areas for Hotels Near Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta isn’t huge, but it’s surrounded by distinct neighborhoods that feel very different once you’re on the ground. Most “Downtown-area” hotels fall into one of these zones:

• Core Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park
• Peachtree Center & Business District
• Georgia World Congress Center & Mercedes-Benz Stadium Area
• Sweet Auburn & Edgewood
• Midtown (just north of Downtown)
• Castleberry Hill & Northside Drive Corridor

Here’s a quick snapshot:

*Prices vary widely by event calendar, season, and booking timing.

Staying in Core Downtown: Closest to Major Attractions

If your priority is to walk to Atlanta’s top attractions, core Downtown is the most convenient spot.

What You’ll Be Near

From a hotel in this area, you can usually walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• State Farm Arena
• CNN Center area
• Children’s attractions and museums clustered around Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Baker Street

This area is especially practical if:

• You’re visiting Atlanta for the first time
• You’re traveling with kids and want to minimize transit
• You prefer to walk between sights or use the Atlanta Streetcar

Pros of Core Downtown Hotels

• Shortest walking distance to most major tourist spots
• Lots of food options nearby, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants
• Easy access to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station and Peachtree Center Station
• Good fit for one- or two-night stays focused on sightseeing

Things to Consider

• Streets can be busier during events and at night.
• Parking at Downtown hotels is often valet-only or paid self-parking, which adds to the daily cost.
• If your plans are mostly Midtown or Buckhead, staying directly in Downtown might mean extra transit.

Peachtree Center & the Business District: Ideal for Work Trips

The Peachtree Center area is still Downtown, but it’s heavily oriented toward business travelers and conventions.

Why Business Travelers Like This Area

• Several hotels connect directly to the Peachtree Center pedestrian network, which includes shops and food courts.
• Indoor access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station, so you can ride from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to your hotel with no car.
• Short walks to major office towers along Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and Courtland Street.

Best For

• Work trips where you have meetings in Downtown office buildings
• Conferences at various hotels or nearby facilities
• Travelers who want to avoid renting a car and rely on MARTA, ride share, and walking

What to Pay Attention To

• Weekdays can be lively with commuters; weekends sometimes feel quieter.
• If you’re more interested in nightlife or arts, Midtown might be a better base, but Peachtree Center still keeps you close to attractions.

Near the Georgia World Congress Center & Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If your trip is built around a convention, big concert, or Falcons/United game, being next to the venues is worth a lot.

What’s Nearby

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW
• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr

Hotels near these venues are tailored for large groups, event-goers, and sports fans.

Advantages

• Very short walk to major events, helpful when crowds and traffic are heavy
• Good if you’re in and out of town quickly and want a stress-free walk to your event
• Still close to Centennial Olympic Park and the Atlanta Streetcar loop

Watch For

• Room rates can be significantly higher on event days.
• Restaurants nearby can be crowded before and after games or concerts, so plan for reservations or earlier dining if possible.
• If you’re staying on a non-event night, the immediate area may feel quieter after business hours.

Sweet Auburn & Edgewood: Near Downtown With a Historic Feel

Just east of Downtown, Sweet Auburn and the Edgewood corridor give you a more neighborhood-style experience while staying close to the city center.

Highlights of the Area

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park on Auburn Ave NE
• Historic churches and civil rights landmarks
• Restaurants and nightlife clustered along Edgewood Ave SE
• Access to the Atlanta Streetcar, which links Sweet Auburn and Downtown

Who This Area Fits

• Travelers who want history and culture as part of their stay
• People comfortable with walking a bit farther or mixing walking with streetcar/ride share
• Visitors who care less about a large high-rise hotel and more about being in an interesting local neighborhood

Things to Consider

• Walking to core Downtown attractions is doable, but a bit longer than from Peachtree or Centennial Olympic Park.
• Nightlife on Edgewood can be noisy on weekends; if you prefer quiet nights, double-check the location and room type.

Midtown: Near Downtown, But With a Different Energy

Midtown isn’t technically Downtown, but many visitors looking for “hotels in Atlanta near Downtown” are actually happiest staying in Midtown, just a short ride or one MARTA stop away.

Why Consider Midtown

• One or two MARTA stops from Peachtree Center and Five Points (depending on your exact station)
• Rich dining, bar, and nightlife options, especially along Peachtree St, Crescent Ave, and 10th St
• Easy access to Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, and Midtown’s arts institutions
• A good mix of upscale hotels, boutique properties, and extended-stay options

Best For

• Visitors who want to explore both Downtown attractions and Midtown dining/arts
• Week-long stays where you’ll be in multiple parts of the city
• Travelers who prefer a more residential, walkable feel at night

Getting Between Midtown and Downtown

• MARTA Rail: Red/Gold line runs directly between Midtown/Arts Center Stations and Peachtree Center/Five Points.
• Rideshare: Usually a short ride, but can be affected by rush hour and event traffic.
• Driving: Straight shot down Peachtree St or via the Connector (I-75/85), but parking fees apply at most hotels in both areas.

Castleberry Hill & South of Downtown: Artsy and Close, But Quieter

Castleberry Hill, just southwest of Downtown, is a historic neighborhood with loft buildings, art galleries, and small local businesses.

What Makes It Appealing

• Short drive or modest walk to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GWCC, and the Downtown core
• More low-rise and residential compared to Peachtree Center
• Attractive for travelers who like arts districts and a slightly more offbeat environment

Considerations

• Fewer large hotels; options may skew toward smaller properties or extended-stay styles.
• You’ll likely rely more on rideshare or a personal car to reach Downtown and Midtown, depending on where you stay.
• Nightlife is more low-key compared to Midtown or Edgewood.

How to Choose the Right Downtown-Area Hotel in Atlanta

When you’re comparing hotels near Downtown Atlanta, it helps to set your priorities in advance.

1. Decide What You Need to Be Close To

Ask yourself:

• Are you mainly here for Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola?

  • Look at core Downtown or Centennial Olympic Park area hotels.

• Are you attending an event at GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena?

  • Focus on stadium/GWCC-adjacent properties.

• Are you in town for business meetings in Downtown office towers?

  • Check Peachtree Center and the business district along Peachtree St.

• Do you want easy access to both Downtown and Midtown dining and nightlife?

  • Consider Midtown hotels that are still one train stop from Downtown.

2. Consider Transportation and Parking

🚗 If you’re driving:

• Expect daily parking fees at most Downtown and Midtown hotels.
• Valet is common, and self-parking garages can be attached or just nearby.
• If you plan to park once and walk or ride MARTA, pick a hotel close to a MARTA station such as:
  • Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)
  • Five Points Station (Downtown hub)
  • Midtown Station / Arts Center Station (Midtown)

🚇 If you’re not renting a car:

• A MARTA-accessible hotel can save money and time, especially coming from the airport.
• Trains from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport run directly to Peachtree Center, Five Points, and Midtown.
• The Atlanta Streetcar can help with short hops between Sweet Auburn and Downtown once you’re in the city.

3. Think About Noise and Crowd Levels

• Event days (big games, festivals, conventions) can make certain blocks very busy and loud, especially near stadiums and arenas.
• If you want a quieter stay but still be close:
  • Look slightly east (Sweet Auburn) or north (southern edge of Midtown).
• If you want to be in the middle of the action, choose hotels right off Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree St, or around the stadium.

4. Match Hotel Style to Your Trip

• Short family trip:

  • Consider hotels with breakfast options, pools, and larger rooms, near attractions to cut down on daily transit.

• Work trips or conventions:

  • Look for hotels with business centers, meeting spaces, and reliable Wi‑Fi, connected to or close to your conference venue.

• Longer stays or relocation scouting:

  • Extended-stay style properties in Midtown, Castleberry, or the edges of Downtown can be more comfortable with kitchenettes and laundry access.

Practical Tips for Booking a Hotel Near Downtown Atlanta

To make your planning smoother, keep these local-specific tips in mind:

• Check event calendars for Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and GWCC before you book. A big event can dramatically change pricing and availability across Downtown.
• If you’re sensitive to noise, ask the hotel about:
  • Street-facing vs. interior rooms
  • Proximity to bars, clubs, or major intersections
• In summer, factor in the heat and humidity – walking is convenient, but you may prefer to be closer to the attractions you’ll visit most.
• If you’re relying on MARTA, make sure you know:
  • The closest station name to your hotel
  • Line color (Red/Gold or Blue/Green) you’ll use most frequently
• For families, confirm:
  • Bed configurations, crib availability, and any kids’ policies
  • On-site or nearby options for quick breakfast before heading out for the day

When “Near Downtown” Might Mean Slightly Outside It

Some travelers discover that using Midtown or other nearby neighborhoods as a base gives them better value or a vibe they prefer, while still being only a few minutes away from Downtown by MARTA or rideshare.

You might lean this way if:

• You want more dining and nightlife variety within walking distance in the evening.
• You’re splitting time between Downtown attractions and other neighborhoods, such as Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, or Buckhead.
• You’re staying long enough that hotel atmosphere and neighborhood feel matter more than being directly next to Centennial Olympic Park.

Staying in or near Downtown Atlanta gives you fast access to the city’s biggest attractions, key business areas, and major event venues. Decide first what you want to be closest to, then pick among core Downtown, Peachtree Center, the stadium/GWCC area, nearby historic districts, or Midtown to get the right balance of convenience, cost, and neighborhood feel for your stay.