Where to Stay: A Local Guide to Hotels in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta is where the city’s major attractions, business centers, and transit lines all come together. If you’re trying to figure out the best hotels in downtown Atlanta for a conference, a weekend getaway, or a staycation, it helps to understand the area block by block—plus what you can realistically expect in terms of price, walkability, and noise.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia specifically, and is written for people who either live here, are visiting, or are trying to understand how staying downtown actually works.

Why Choose a Hotel in Downtown Atlanta?

Staying in downtown Atlanta puts you close to:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – major conventions and trade shows
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Falcons games, United matches, concerts
• State Farm Arena – Hawks games and big tours
• Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola – family favorites in Centennial Olympic Park
• Downtown corporate offices and government buildings – for business travelers
• MARTA rail stations – especially Peachtree Center and Five Points

If you want to rely less on rideshares and more on walking and MARTA, downtown is one of the most practical areas to stay.

Key Downtown Atlanta Hotel Areas (And Who They Fit Best)

Downtown isn’t one single vibe. It’s a mix of visitor-heavy blocks, quieter government corridors, and areas that feel more like “event zones.” Here’s how the hotel clusters break down.

1. Centennial Olympic Park & Aquarium Area

Best for: Families, first-time visitors, and event-goers

This area around Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW and Andrew Young International Blvd NW is one of the most hotel-dense parts of downtown. You can walk easily to:

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
• World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW)
• College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta St NW)
• CNN Center area / State Farm Arena

What to expect from hotels here:

• Many mid- to upper-midrange hotels with suites, pools, and breakfast options
• Heavy crowds on weekends and during big events
• Parking can be pricey, and traffic is often slow right around the park

This cluster works well if you’re traveling with kids or want a straightforward “walk to the big attractions” setup.

2. Peachtree Center & Office Core

Best for: Business travelers, conference attendees, travelers without a car

Centered around Peachtree Center Avenue NE, John Portman Blvd, and Peachtree St NE, this part of downtown connects directly to the Peachtree Center MARTA Station (235 Peachtree St NE).

Why this area is convenient:

• Easy indoor access between several hotels, food courts, and office towers via skybridges
• Direct MARTA train access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Walkable to the Georgia World Congress Center (longer walk, or short ride)

Typical hotel features here:

• Large business-focused hotels with meeting rooms and on-site restaurants
• Busy on weekdays, somewhat quieter on some weekends
• Limited “neighborhood” feel, but strong for efficiency and transit access

If you’re in town for a corporate meeting or convention, this area is one of the most practical choices.

3. Stadium & GWCC Area (Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm Arena)

Best for: Sports fans, concert-goers, convention attendees

The blocks around Northside Dr NW, Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, and the Georgia World Congress Center can feel very event-focused.

Pros:

• Short walk to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW) and State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr)
• Close to GWCC convention halls and Centennial Olympic Park

Things to know:

• On event days, crowds, noise, and surge pricing for parking and rideshares are common
• Some hotels operate almost like “event bases,” focused on fans and attendees
• When no events are scheduled, the area can feel quiet and more businesslike

Choose this area if your top priority is walking to a game or concert and you’re comfortable with an event-heavy atmosphere.

4. Government & Historic Core (Around City Hall & Georgia State)

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, students, and legal/government visits

South and east of the main tourist blocks, near Atlanta City Hall (55 Trinity Ave SW) and Georgia State University, you’ll find a mix of:

• More modest hotels and some older properties
• Government buildings, law offices, and student activity
• Closer proximity to Five Points and Georgia State MARTA stations

Expect:

• More variation in hotel age and style
• Fewer tourist crowds, more locals and weekday workers
• A less polished feel, but often better rates, especially during off-peak times

If you’re in town for court, school, or business at government offices, this area can be convenient and more affordable.

Types of Hotels You’ll Find in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta offers a wide range of hotel types, from upscale convention properties to simple limited-service options.

Large Convention & Business Hotels

Common around Peachtree Center and near the GWCC, these hotels typically offer:

• Multiple meeting rooms and ballrooms
• Full-service restaurants and lounges
• Fitness centers and sometimes pools
• Valet or structured self-parking

They’re popular with:

• Conference and trade show attendees
• Corporate groups and government meetings
• Travelers who value amenities over a residential neighborhood feel

Midrange & Family-Friendly Hotels

Often found near Centennial Olympic Park, these hotels usually include:

• Breakfast options (complimentary or available on-site)
• Suites or larger rooms suitable for families
• Pools (indoor or outdoor) and basic fitness facilities

These are good for:

• Family trips to the aquarium and nearby attractions
• Visitors who want walkability and familiar, straightforward accommodations

Budget & Limited-Service Hotels

Closer to the Georgia State area or slightly south/east of the primary tourist blocks, expect:

• Simpler rooms, fewer amenities
• Lower nightly rates, especially midweek
• Mixed surroundings (some areas feel more businesslike, others more transitional)

These work well for:

• Short stays where you just need a place to sleep
• Budget travelers who still want MARTA access and downtown proximity

Quick Comparison: Downtown Hotel Areas at a Glance

*Price ranges vary significantly by event schedule and season.

How to Choose the Right Downtown Atlanta Hotel for You

1. Decide How You’ll Get Around

Your transportation plan can shape where you should stay.

• Using MARTA:

  • Look for hotels near Peachtree Center, Five Points, or GWCC/State Farm Arena stops.
  • This is useful if you want a car-free visit or easy airport access.

• Driving and Parking:

  • Many downtown hotels charge nightly parking fees, sometimes higher near major attractions.
  • If you plan to drive daily (e.g., to other neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or the suburbs), consider your parking budget and in/out privileges.

• Walking:

  • For aquarium / World of Coca-Cola / Centennial Olympic Park, staying within a few blocks makes the trip simple.
  • For conventions at GWCC, note which building you’ll be in—some are a long indoor walk from certain hotels.

2. Consider Noise and Event Schedules

Downtown Atlanta can feel very different depending on the calendar.

• Event days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena mean:
  • More street noise and foot traffic
  • Busier hotel lobbies and elevators
  • Higher rates and more limited availability

If you prefer quieter nights, you may want to:

• Check event schedules for Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena ahead of time
• Choose a hotel a bit farther from the stadium if you’re not attending the event

3. Match Amenities to Your Stay

Think through what you truly need:

• For families:

  • Look for suite-style rooms, on-site breakfast, and a pool.
  • Being close to Centennial Olympic Park simplifies breaks during the day.

• For business travelers:

  • Prioritize reliable Wi-Fi, business centers, and easy access to MARTA.
  • Hotels near Peachtree Center or connected to the GWCC simplify commuting.

• For longer stays:

  • Consider properties with laundry facilities, mini-fridges, or kitchenettes if available.

Safety, Comfort, and Practical Tips for Downtown Stays

Like many large downtowns, downtown Atlanta is a mix of busy visitor zones, office blocks, and areas that feel quieter or more transitional at night.

A few practical guidelines:

• Stick to well-lit, main streets at night, especially when walking between hotels, MARTA, and attractions.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings zipped and close in crowded areas.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area or arriving late at night, many visitors use hotel shuttles (where available), taxis, or rideshares from MARTA or the airport rather than walking long distances with luggage.

If you’d like local guidance while downtown, you can look for:

• Atlanta Police Department – Zone 5 (Downtown)
  200 Alabama St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Non-emergency line: (404) 658-6666

For emergencies, dial 911.

Using MARTA to Reach Your Downtown Atlanta Hotel

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, reaching downtown is straightforward:

• Take the MARTA Red or Gold Line northbound from Airport Station (inside the airport).
• Downtown stops include:
  • Garnett – closer to the south side of downtown
  • Five Points – central hub where all lines intersect
  • Peachtree Center – ideal for many business and convention hotels
  • GWCC / CNN Center / State Farm Arena – convenient for stadium and convention hotels

From there, many hotels are within a short walk, and some are connected via indoor walkways.

If you need assistance navigating MARTA, you can contact:

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  Phone: (404) 848-5000

When Locals Choose to Stay Downtown

People who already live in the Atlanta area also book downtown hotels for:

• Staycations that include a show at the Fox Theatre (a quick ride away in Midtown), a game, or a concert
• Early-morning convention sessions, avoiding a long drive in rush-hour traffic
• Hosting out-of-town guests near major attractions while keeping the rest of the city accessible

If you’re local, compare:

• Parking and resort-style fees downtown vs. what you’d spend on gas and daily commuting
• The convenience of walking everywhere for a weekend vs. driving in and out from the suburbs

How to Get Reliable, Up-to-Date Information

Because hotel details can change (ownership, amenities, parking policies), it’s wise to:

• Contact the hotel directly by phone to confirm:
  • Parking costs
  • Airport shuttle (if any)
  • Pet policies
  • Amenities like pools, breakfast, and Wi-Fi

You can also get visitor-focused guidance through local tourism resources such as:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 521-6600

Staff there can often provide general information about downtown hotel locations, proximity to major venues, and transit options.

Staying in downtown Atlanta means being at the center of the city’s events, attractions, and transit lines. By zeroing in on the right cluster—Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, the stadium area, or the government/Georgia State corridor—and matching it to your transportation, budget, and comfort needs, you can choose a hotel that fits how you actually plan to use the city.