Best Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: Where to Stay and What to Know

Looking for hotels near the Atlanta GA Aquarium so you can walk to the exhibits, avoid stressful parking, and make the most of your time downtown? The Georgia Aquarium, at 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, sits in the heart of downtown’s tourist hub, surrounded by major hotels, restaurants, and attractions like World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park.

This guide walks you through the best areas and types of hotels near the Georgia Aquarium, what to expect in terms of price and experience, and how to choose the right place for your visit to Atlanta.

Key Areas to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium

The aquarium is in Downtown Atlanta, but a few nearby neighborhoods also work well depending on your budget and style.

1. Downtown Atlanta (Closest to the Aquarium)

If walking distance is your top priority, Downtown is where you’ll want to look first. Many hotels here are 5–10 minutes on foot from the Georgia Aquarium.

Who it’s best for:

• Families with kids who want to walk to the aquarium and nearby attractions
• Visitors attending conferences at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Travelers who prefer big-brand hotels and a busy, central location

What to expect:

• High-rise hotels, many with on-site restaurants and valet parking
• Easy access to MARTA (Peachtree Center and GWCC/CNN Center stations)
• Heavier traffic and higher parking fees compared to neighborhoods outside the core

2. Centennial Olympic Park Area

The Centennial Olympic Park area overlaps with downtown but is especially convenient for people planning to visit multiple attractions in a short time.

Walkable attractions from this area include:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• CNN Center / State Farm Arena
• College Football Hall of Fame
• Centennial Olympic Park itself

Many hotels along Baker St NW, Luckie St NW, Marietta St NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW are a comfortable walk from the aquarium—often less than 0.5 miles.

3. Midtown Atlanta (Short Ride Away)

If you want more nightlife, arts, and dining variety while still staying close, Midtown is another strong option. It’s usually a 5–10 minute drive or rideshare to the aquarium, or you can ride MARTA (e.g., from Midtown Station to downtown stations).

Who it’s best for:

• Visitors who plan to explore both the aquarium and Midtown’s restaurants, bars, and arts
• Travelers who prefer a neighborhood feel that’s still urban

Types of Hotels Near the Georgia Aquarium

Hotels around the Georgia Aquarium range from economy options to full-service upscale properties. Knowing the main types will help you narrow your search quickly.

Full-Service Hotels (Great for Comfort and Amenities)

These are the big, often high-rise hotels with:

• On-site restaurants and bars
• Room service
• Fitness centers and often a pool
• Meeting and event spaces

You’ll find many of these within easy walking distance of the aquarium, especially along:

• Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Peachtree St NW
• Marietta St NW

Best for: Families wanting convenience, business travelers, and anyone who prefers a “stay-and-enjoy-the-hotel” style visit.

Limited-Service & Select-Service Hotels (Balanced Price and Convenience)

These hotels typically offer:

• Free or simple breakfast options
• Smaller lobbies and fewer on-site restaurants
• Lower nightly rates than luxury properties, especially on weekends

You can find several within a 10–15 minute walk or a short rideshare from the aquarium, especially:

• Just east of Peachtree St NW
• Around Courtland St NE and Cone St NW
• In nearby Midtown

Best for: Travelers watching their budget who still want name-brand reliability and walkable or short-ride access to downtown attractions.

Extended-Stay Hotels (For Longer Visits)

If you’re staying a week or more, or visiting Atlanta with a larger family group, you might want:

• In-room kitchens or kitchenettes
• On-site laundry facilities
• More spacious suites

Extended-stay hotels are sprinkled throughout Downtown and Midtown, often a short drive or MARTA ride from the aquarium rather than directly across the street. These can significantly reduce food costs if you cook some meals yourself.

At-a-Glance: Comparing Common Hotel Options Near the Aquarium

Below is a simple comparison table to help you think through what type of hotel near the Georgia Aquarium might work best for you:

How Close Is “Close Enough” to the Georgia Aquarium?

When you see “near the Georgia Aquarium” in a hotel description, it can mean different things. In Atlanta, here’s how to interpret it.

Truly Walkable (0–0.3 Miles)

Hotels listed within 0.3 miles of 225 Baker St NW are typically:

• A 5–8 minute walk
• Located near or around Centennial Olympic Park and Baker St NW

This radius is good if you have small kids, strollers, or want to pop back to the room midday.

Easy Walking Distance (0.3–0.7 Miles)

This range usually means:

• A 10–15 minute walk, depending on crosswalks and pedestrian lights
• A path that may include busier streets like Peachtree St NW or Marietta St NW

This is often a comfortable distance for adults and older kids used to city walking.

Short Ride (0.7–2 Miles)

Hotels in this band are a quick rideshare, taxi, or MARTA ride away. Many Midtown hotels fall into this category.

Tip: If you don’t want to deal with downtown parking at the aquarium, staying at a Midtown hotel near a MARTA rail station can be a smart move. You can ride MARTA downtown and walk from there.

Getting From Your Hotel to the Georgia Aquarium

Even if you’re not directly next door, transportation in central Atlanta gives you several options.

1. Walking

If your hotel is downtown, walking is often the fastest way during busy hours. The streets around the aquarium are generally busy with tourists and office workers during the day.

Tips for walking:

• Use well-lit main streets like Baker St NW, Luckie St NW, Marietta St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
• In summer, Atlanta can be hot and humid—plan for water and sunscreen if you’re walking with kids

2. MARTA Rail

MARTA rail can be especially helpful if you’re staying:

• In Midtown (Midtown Station, Arts Center Station)
• Along the North-South (Red/Gold) lines

From MARTA, common routes to the aquarium include:

• Getting off at Peachtree Center Station and walking west toward Centennial Olympic Park
• Getting off at GWCC/CNN Center Station and walking northeast

Both walks are usually 10–15 minutes, depending on your pace.

For current MARTA info, the main public contact point is:

• MARTA Headquarters
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer Information: (404) 848-5000

3. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are widely used in Downtown and Midtown. Expect:

• Short, relatively inexpensive rides if you’re within a couple of miles
• Higher prices and longer times during major events or games around Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena

If your hotel charges high parking fees, factor that into whether it’s better to walk or grab a short rideshare.

4. Driving and Parking at the Aquarium

If you’re staying further out but still want to visit, you can drive to the aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium has paid parking at its main deck, typically accessed from:

• 357 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (parking entrance commonly used by visitors)

Always check current parking details directly before you go, because prices and procedures can change.

What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Near the Georgia Aquarium

1. Who You’re Traveling With

• Families with children
  • Look for suites, mini-fridges, and free breakfast
  • Being able to walk back for rest time can be a big advantage
• Couples
  • May prioritize quieter upper floors, good on-site dining, and easy access to evening activities
• Business travelers
  • Often prefer properties closer to the Georgia World Congress Center, with strong Wi-Fi and business services

2. Your Budget

Downtown and Centennial Olympic Park hotels can be more expensive, particularly during:

• Major conventions
• Sports events (Falcons, Hawks, big concerts)
• Holiday weeks and school breaks

To manage costs:

• Consider Sunday–Thursday vs. weekend pricing
• Look at Midtown or slightly outside the core if downtown rates are high, and factor in MARTA or rideshare costs
• Keep an eye on parking fees, which can add significantly to your total cost per night

3. Parking and Car Use

If you don’t absolutely need a car for other parts of your trip:

• Staying within walking distance of the aquarium can reduce the need for daily parking
• You can often get by with a combination of MARTA, rideshare, and walking

If you do bring a car:

• Expect valet or self-parking fees at many downtown properties
• Some extended-stay or midrange hotels slightly outside central downtown may have lower-cost or free parking, but a longer walk or ride in

4. Safety and Comfort

Downtown Atlanta is like most large city centers: busy in the daytime, quieter at night in some blocks. For most visitors:

• Staying in the main hotel cluster near Centennial Olympic Park provides a steady flow of pedestrians, rideshares, and activity
• Using well-lit streets, traveling in groups at night, and being aware of your surroundings is recommended, as in any major city

If late-night walking isn’t appealing, choose a hotel that’s very close to the aquarium or plan to use rideshare.

Sample Stay Scenarios to Help You Decide

Sometimes it’s easier to choose a hotel area by thinking through common visit types.

Family Weekend Focused on the Aquarium

• Priorities: Walkability, kid-friendly, simple meals
• Likely best bets:
  • A full-service or limited-service hotel within a 5–10 minute walk of the aquarium
  • A room with two beds + sleeper sofa or a suite
• Advantages:
  • Easy midday breaks for naps or downtime
  • Short walks to kid-friendly spots in Centennial Olympic Park

Couple’s Getaway Mixing Aquarium + Nightlife

• Priorities: Dining, bars, and attractions
• Likely best bets:
  • Downtown hotel near the aquarium, or
  • Midtown hotel with good restaurants and nightlife, using MARTA or rideshare
• Advantages:
  • Daytime aquarium visit, evenings in Midtown or Edgewood for food and drinks
  • Flexibility to explore more of the city beyond the tourist core

Business Trip with a Free Afternoon

• Priorities: Easy conference access, quick aquarium visit
• Likely best bets:
  • Hotel close to or connected with the Georgia World Congress Center or key downtown office buildings
• Advantages:
  • You can walk to the aquarium after meetings
  • Options for casual dining nearby, from food courts to sit-down restaurants

Extended Atlanta Stay (7+ Days)

• Priorities: Space, kitchen, cost control
• Likely best bets:
  • Extended-stay or suite-style hotel in Downtown or Midtown
• Advantages:
  • Ability to cook some meals
  • Enough room for families or remote workers
  • Easy access to aquarium plus other Atlanta attractions over the week

Practical Tips Before You Book

A few Atlanta-specific details to keep in mind:

• Event calendars matter: Check if there’s a major convention, Falcons game, Atlanta United match, or concert on your dates. These can drive up both hotel prices and traffic near the aquarium.
• Time of year affects crowds: Spring break, summer, and holiday periods are typically busier at the Georgia Aquarium and at nearby hotels.
• Check check-in timing vs. aquarium tickets: If you’re buying timed-entry tickets to the aquarium, make sure your arrival and hotel check-in plans line up so you’re not rushing across downtown with your luggage.
• Ask about breakfast and Wi-Fi: Many downtown hotels include Wi-Fi, but breakfast policies vary widely. With families, a simple breakfast on-site can save time and money.

Staying near the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta can make your visit simpler, especially if you choose a hotel that fits your travel style, budget, and transportation needs. Whether you opt for a walkable downtown high-rise, a Midtown hotel with easy MARTA access, or a suite-style property for a longer visit, Atlanta offers plenty of hotel options that keep you close to the city’s most famous attraction.