Best Hotels Near Clark Atlanta University: Where to Stay, What to Know

Looking for hotels near Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, Georgia? Whether you’re visiting an AUC student, attending a campus event, or in town for business downtown, there are several convenient places to stay within a short drive of CAU’s campus in the Historic Westside.

This guide breaks down hotel options by distance, neighborhood, price level, and convenience, so you can quickly find what fits your trip.

Getting Oriented: Clark Atlanta University’s Location

Clark Atlanta University is located at:
223 James P. Brawley Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

It sits in the Atlanta University Center (AUC) area, just west of downtown and near:

• Morehouse College
• Spelman College
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Downtown Atlanta business district

There are very few large hotels immediately on CAU’s doorstep, so most visitors stay:

• In Downtown Atlanta (about 5–10 minutes by car)
• Around Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center / State Farm Arena
• Near Midtown or the Georgia World Congress Center and then commute

Parking, MARTA access, and traffic patterns are important to consider, especially on game days or during major events.

Quick Overview: Areas to Stay Near CAU

Closest Hotel Cluster: Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park

If you want to stay as close as possible to Clark Atlanta University while still having plenty of hotel choices, Downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center is your best bet.

These hotels are typically about 1.5–2.5 miles from CAU.

Why Downtown Works Well for CAU Visits

• Short commute: Often under 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic
• Easy routes: Straightforward drive along Northside Dr, MLK Jr Dr, or surface streets leading to campus
• Transit access: Multiple MARTA rail stations nearby (Five Points, CNN/GWCC, Vine City)
• Walkable attractions:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • National Center for Civil and Human Rights
  • State Farm Arena
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If you’re combining a college visit with sightseeing or a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this area is especially convenient.

Other Nearby Hotel Zones

1. Downtown Core (Peachtree Street Area)

This includes the stretch of Peachtree Street around Five Points, Peachtree Center, and the main business district. From here, CAU is usually 8–12 minutes by car.

Who it suits:

• Visitors who want to be near law firms, government buildings, and corporate offices
• People attending conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center who also plan to visit CAU
• Travelers who prioritize walkable dining options and MARTA rail access

You’ll find a mix of mid-range and upscale hotels in this corridor, often inside high-rise buildings with on-site dining and paid parking.

2. Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is not next door to CAU, but still fairly close—about 10–15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This area is better if:

• You prefer a vibrant, artsy neighborhood with lots of restaurants and nightlife
• You want easy access to Piedmont Park, the High Museum of Art, and the Fox Theatre
• You’re comfortable using a mix of MARTA + rideshare to each destination

A typical route:
MARTA to Vine City or Ashby Station, then a short rideshare or campus walk for CAU events.

3. Airport / College Park / Hapeville

Staying near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport is usually the most budget-friendly option, especially if you’re flying in and out quickly.

• CAU is around 15–20 minutes by car from most airport hotels when traffic is light
• Many airport hotels offer shuttle service to the terminals but not directly to CAU, so you’ll likely rely on Uber/Lyft or a rental car

This makes sense if:

• You have a very early or late flight
• You’re only making a brief campus visit
• Price and convenience to the airport matter more than nightlife or walkability

4. Westside & Castleberry Hill

The Westside and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods sit between CAU and some of the downtown attractions. While they don’t have nearly as many large-chain hotels as downtown, you’ll see:

• Smaller inns
• Loft-style accommodations
• Some boutique-style stays

Advantages:

• Short drive to CAU—often 5–10 minutes
• Closer to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and local art galleries
• More of a neighborhood feel compared with Peachtree Street’s business district

This can be a good compromise if you want to be very close to campus without being directly in the busiest part of downtown.

Transportation Tips: Getting Between Your Hotel and CAU

Because Atlanta is spread out and traffic can vary a lot, it’s worth planning how you’ll get from your hotel to Clark Atlanta University each day.

1. Driving and Parking

• Commute time:
  • From Downtown: often 5–10 minutes (longer during rush hour or events)
  • From Midtown: often 10–15 minutes
  • From Airport area: often 15–25 minutes
• Parking on/near campus: CAU typically has designated visitor parking areas and campus parking lots. Check CAU’s official website or contact the university to confirm current visitor parking options and fees.
• On game days or major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or CAU, expect heavier traffic on Northside Drive and surrounding streets. Leave extra time.

2. MARTA (Rail + Bus)

There is no MARTA station directly on campus, but nearby options include:

• Vine City Station (West Line) – close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Ashby Station (West Line) – near westside neighborhoods

From these stations, visitors usually:

• Walk or
• Use a rideshare service for the final portion to campus

If you’re staying Downtown or Midtown, staying near a MARTA rail station can be helpful, especially if you’d prefer not to rent a car.

MARTA Customer Information:
Phone: 404-848-5000
Main website address for info: You can find schedules and maps by searching for MARTA Atlanta online.

3. Rideshare and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and local taxi companies all operate widely in Atlanta. These are commonly used by visitors to travel:

• Between downtown hotels and CAU
• From airport hotels straight to campus
• Between stadiums, arenas, and restaurants during evenings

For hotel selection, it’s helpful to confirm:

• Where the rideshare pickup area is located (some downtown hotels have specific pickup lanes)
• Any hotel parking fees if you’re renting a car

What to Consider When Choosing a Hotel Near CAU

When evaluating your options, focus on these local factors:

1. Distance vs. Traffic

In Atlanta, a short distance doesn’t always mean a short drive, especially during:

• Morning and evening rush hours
• Falcons games or large concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Conventions at Georgia World Congress Center

If your priority is making it to campus events on time, choose an area like Downtown or Westside, and allow extra time on high-traffic days.

2. Safety and Walkability

Downtown, Midtown, and the areas around major attractions are:

• Heavily visited by travelers
• Patrolled by a mix of APD (Atlanta Police Department) and security teams around the big venues

Still, like most major cities:

• Plan to use well-lit streets, especially at night
• Favor rideshare over long walks after dark if you’re unfamiliar with the area
• Check how far your hotel is from restaurants, MARTA, and your main destinations

For non-emergency police assistance in Atlanta, residents and visitors can use the City of Atlanta Police Department non-emergency line at 404-658-6666.

3. Parking Costs and Car Needs

Some downtown hotels charge daily parking fees, and valet can be higher than self-park. If you:

• Plan to leave your car parked most of the time and walk or use MARTA, a downtown or Midtown hotel near a station may be worth the added parking cost.
• Plan to drive frequently between CAU and other parts of metro Atlanta, you might prefer a location with cheaper or free parking, such as the airport area or certain Westside properties.

4. Proximity to Other Attractions

If you’re traveling with family or making a mini-vacation out of a campus visit, it can help to prioritize hotels near:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• College Football Hall of Fame
• State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Most of these are clustered within the Centennial Olympic Park / Downtown area, which also keeps you close to CAU.

Helpful Local Contacts and Addresses

While hotel options change over time, a few stable, official contacts can help you plan your stay around CAU:

Clark Atlanta University (Main Campus)
223 James P. Brawley Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Main University Phone (General Info): You can find the current main phone number by searching “Clark Atlanta University contact” online or visiting CAU’s official website.

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30303
General Info: The ACVB can provide visitor maps and guidance on neighborhoods and attractions.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy
Atlanta, GA 30320
Airport Information: A good resource if you’re coordinating hotel shuttles or flight-related logistics.

How to Narrow Down Your Hotel Choice

To quickly find the right hotel near Clark Atlanta University, use this simple approach:

1. Decide your priority

   • Closest commute to CAU → Downtown / Westside
   • Lower price & airport access → Airport / College Park
   • More restaurants and nightlife → Midtown

2. Check travel time to CAU
   Use a map app to estimate drive time from the hotel to CAU at the same time of day you’ll be traveling.

3. Confirm parking and transit options
   Look at:

   • Hotel parking costs
   • Proximity to a MARTA station (Downtown/Midtown)
   • Availability of rideshare pickup areas

4. Match to your schedule

   • If you’re attending early morning orientation or campus tours, aim for a location with a 10–15 minute max commute.
   • If your trip revolves around games, concerts, or downtown attractions, prioritize being near Centennial Olympic Park or Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

By focusing on distance, traffic patterns, parking, and nearby amenities, you can choose a hotel that fits your budget and makes visiting Clark Atlanta University as smooth as possible.