Best Hotels Near East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA

Looking for hotels near East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA—whether you’re in town for a tournament, a golf getaway, or visiting friends nearby—means balancing proximity, comfort, and Atlanta traffic realities. Because East Lake is in a primarily residential neighborhood, there are no hotels directly on the course, but several convenient options are within a short drive.

This guide focuses on where to stay, how far you’ll be from East Lake Golf Club, what to expect from each area, and local tips that matter specifically in Atlanta.

Understanding the Area Around East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club is located at:

• 2575 Alston Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30317
• In the East Lake / Decatur border area, east of downtown Atlanta

The immediate surroundings are mostly single-family homes, parks, and local streets. That means:

• You’ll be choosing between nearby neighborhoods (like Decatur, Downtown, Midtown) rather than “golf resort” hotels right at the course.
• Your drive time matters more than exact distance because Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially on I-20, I-75/85, and Ponce de Leon Ave.

Most visitors look in three main directions:

1. Decatur area – closest mix of walkable restaurants and hotels
2. Downtown Atlanta – easy highway access, large hotel selection
3. Midtown Atlanta – more nightlife and dining, still reasonable drive

Quick Comparison: Hotel Areas Near East Lake Golf Club

*Drive times assume light-to-moderate traffic; plan extra time during rush hours or major events.

Hotels Near East Lake Golf Club: Best Areas to Focus On

1. Decatur: Closest Cluster of Hotels

Why choose Decatur?
Decatur is one of the most convenient and comfortable bases if you want to be close to East Lake Golf Club but still walk to restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Distance to East Lake Golf Club: About 4–5 miles, typically 10–15 minutes by car.

What to expect in Decatur:

• A compact downtown square with local eateries and patios
• MARTA rail access via Decatur Station (Blue Line)
• A more relaxed, neighborhood feel than busy downtown Atlanta

Decatur-area hotels generally offer:

• Standard business-friendly amenities like Wi‑Fi, fitness rooms, and breakfast options
• Easy access to E. College Ave, Ponce de Leon Ave, and I-285 for getting around the metro area

If you’re coming into town mainly for golf at East Lake, Decatur is usually the most practical combination of close-by and comfortable.

2. Downtown Atlanta: Big Hotel Options and Easy Highway Access

Why choose Downtown?
If you want to pair your East Lake golf plans with Atlanta attractions, Downtown puts you near:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

Distance to East Lake Golf Club: Around 7–9 miles, usually 15–20 minutes by car via I‑20 E or surface streets like Memorial Dr SE, depending on traffic.

What to expect in Downtown:

• Larger full-service hotels and a mix of mid-range and higher-end options
• Walkable access to tourist sites, some dining, and MARTA (Five Points, Peachtree Center, GWCC/CNN Center stations)
• More event traffic on game or concert nights

Downtown is a good fit if:

• You’re splitting time between golf and city attractions
• You prefer bigger properties with more amenities (meeting rooms, room service, etc.)
• You don’t mind driving or taking a rideshare to East Lake in the morning

3. Midtown Atlanta: Lively, Central, Still Reasonably Close

Why choose Midtown?
Midtown is popular with visitors who want culture and nightlife:
You’re close to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine Eastside Trail, the Fox Theatre, and a dense restaurant/bar scene.

Distance to East Lake Golf Club: Typically 20–25 minutes by car, depending on the route and traffic.

What to expect in Midtown:

• A mix of modern high-rise hotels and smaller boutique-style options
• Walkable streets, many dining choices, and access to Midtown and Arts Center MARTA stations
• More of a “city energy” than Decatur, but not as convention-focused as Downtown

Midtown works well if:

• You’re on a longer Atlanta stay and want more to do beyond golf
• You’re comfortable with a slightly longer drive in exchange for nightlife and parks

4. Emory / Druid Hills Area: Quiet, Leafy, and Residential

Why choose Emory / Druid Hills?
Nestled along Ponce de Leon Ave NE and Clifton Rd, this area is green, historic, and quieter, anchored by Emory University.

Distance to East Lake Golf Club: Typically 15–20 minutes by car using Clifton Rd, North Decatur Rd, or Ponce de Leon Ave.

What to expect:

• Hotels here are often oriented around Emory University & Emory University Hospital visitors
• Easy access to Druid Hills, Virginia-Highland, and Decatur dining
• Less nightlife than Midtown, but calmer and more residential

This area is a good middle ground if you want something:

• More peaceful than Downtown or Midtown
• Still reasonably close to both East Lake and other in-town neighborhoods

Transportation Tips for Staying Near East Lake Golf Club

Getting from Your Hotel to the Course

Because public transit to East Lake Golf Club is limited, most visitors rely on:

• 🚗 Rental cars
• 🚕 Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, local taxis)

Things to keep in mind:

• Morning tee times: Build in extra time if you’re driving from Downtown or Midtown—rush hour on I‑20 and Ponce de Leon Ave can be slow.
• Tournament days (like the TOUR Championship): Nearby streets can have restricted access, parking rules, and heavier pedestrian traffic. Many attendees use official parking lots, shuttles, or rideshare drop-off zones designated for the event.

Parking Around East Lake

East Lake Golf Club itself has controlled access and event-specific parking arrangements, particularly during major tournaments. Before you go:

• Check your event or guest information for parking instructions
• Plan for off-site parking with shuttles if you’re attending a larger event
• Consider using rideshare to avoid navigating neighborhood restrictions

How to Choose the Right Hotel Area for Your Trip

When searching for hotels near East Lake Golf Club Atlanta GA, it helps to prioritize based on your main goal:

If Golf is Your Main Focus

• Look first at Decatur and Emory/Druid Hills for the shortest, easiest drives.
• Confirm hotel parking availability and any fees, since you’ll likely have a car.

If You Want Golf + Sightseeing

• Downtown Atlanta offers the best access to major attractions plus a manageable drive to East Lake.
• You can rely on MARTA and walking for most non-golf days, then rent a car for just the golf days or use rideshare.

If You Want Nightlife and Neighborhood Exploring

• Midtown puts you close to nightlife, restaurants, and the BeltLine while still being within a reasonable drive of East Lake.
• Consider traffic patterns if you’ll be coming back from late dinners or events and have early tee times.

Practical Booking Tips for Atlanta Stays Near East Lake

Here are a few Atlanta-specific details to keep in mind when booking:

• Traffic timing matters more than distance. A 6–8 mile drive can feel very different at 7:30 a.m. on a weekday versus a Sunday afternoon.
• Ask about event surcharges or minimum stays. Large events (like the TOUR Championship, college football games, or conventions) can shift prices and availability across Downtown and Midtown.
• Check for MARTA access if you plan to explore the city without driving. Even if you’re using rideshare for golf days, having a hotel near a MARTA station can simplify getting around the rest of the time.
• Verify parking costs at your hotel. In Downtown and Midtown, overnight parking can add significantly to your nightly rate. In Decatur and Emory/Druid Hills, parking may be easier and sometimes cheaper.
• Consider noise and environment. Downtown and parts of Midtown can be louder at night due to traffic and events; Decatur and Druid Hills are generally quieter.

Nearby Essentials: What’s Around East Lake

While you’ll likely stay in a nearby commercial area, it helps to know what’s around the course itself:

• Neighborhoods: East Lake, Kirkwood, Oakhurst (Decatur side)
• Parks:
  • East Lake Park
  • Nearby smaller neighborhood parks along Memorial Dr and Hosea L Williams Dr
• Everyday needs (short drive from the course):
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies along Memorial Dr SE, Moreland Ave SE, and in Downtown Decatur
  • Local coffee shops and restaurants in Kirkwood, Oakhurst, and Decatur Square

If you’re traveling with family or a group that won’t be on the course all day, staying in Decatur or Midtown gives non-golfers plenty to do without needing a car.

When to Book Hotels Near East Lake Golf Club

Atlanta sees price and availability swings tied to:

• Major sports events (Falcons, United, college football, basketball)
• Conventions and trade shows at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Golf tournaments at East Lake, especially the TOUR Championship

For stays tied to East Lake:

• Book early if your visit overlaps with a known golf event or a big football weekend.
• If your dates are flexible, look outside peak event weekends to find better rates in Downtown and Midtown while still being close enough to East Lake.

Staying near East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA means choosing the right neighborhood base rather than looking for a resort on the course. Focus on Decatur, Downtown, Midtown, or the Emory/Druid Hills area, weigh your drive time against what you want to do off the course, and plan your transportation with Atlanta traffic in mind.