Where to Stay Near Grant Park in Atlanta: A Local Guide to Nearby Hotels

Grant Park is one of Atlanta’s oldest and most walkable neighborhoods, anchored by the 130-acre Grant Park itself and Zoo Atlanta. If you’re looking for hotels near Grant Park in Atlanta, you’re really choosing between three main options:

1. Staying inside or right next to the neighborhood (boutique, smaller-scale places)
2. Booking a hotel near downtown and driving or ridesharing a few minutes
3. Choosing I-20 corridor hotels just south or east of downtown for convenience and value

This guide breaks down what’s nearby, how far it really is from the park, and what type of traveler each area fits best.

Understanding the Area Around Grant Park

Grant Park sits just southeast of Downtown Atlanta, bordered by I-20 and close to neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Summerhill, Reynoldstown, and Ormewood Park.

Key landmarks in and around the park:

• Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Oakland Cemetery – 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail (segments) – accessible from Glenwood Ave SE and Boulevard SE
• Summerhill retail district – along Georgia Ave SE, just south of I-20

There are few large chain hotels directly in Grant Park itself, because the neighborhood is mostly residential with historic homes. Most traditional hotels are clustered:

• In Downtown Atlanta (about 5–10 minutes by car)
• Around I-20 / Capitol Avenue / Turner Field area (Summerhill/Georgia State stadium district)
• Along the I-75/85 connector just north of I-20

So when you search “hotels near Grant Park Atlanta,” what you’ll usually find are downtown and south-downtown hotels that offer easy access to the park rather than properties directly on the park’s edge.

Quick Snapshot: Common Areas to Stay Near Grant Park

Below is a simple overview of where people typically stay when they want to be close to Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta.

Distances assume normal traffic; during rush hours around I-20 and the Downtown Connector, travel times can stretch.

Hotels Very Close to Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta

There are relatively few traditional hotels tucked directly inside Grant Park, but there are places just north and south of the park that put you right in the neighborhood or a short drive away.

What “near” really means here

For most visitors, “near Grant Park” usually means:

• Under 10 minutes by car or rideshare, or
• A quick trip via MARTA bus plus a short walk

The closest, most convenient areas are:

• Summerhill / Georgia State stadium area (just across I-20 from Grant Park)
• South Downtown / Capitol area (northwest of Grant Park)

These locations are especially practical if your main goals are:

• Visiting Zoo Atlanta
• Spending time walking the park
• Exploring nearby Oakland Cemetery and Memorial Drive restaurants

Staying in Downtown Atlanta and Visiting Grant Park

For many people, the most realistic choice is to stay downtown and make Grant Park a short trip rather than your home base.

Why downtown works well for Grant Park visitors

Pros:

• Largest concentration of hotels in the city
• Easy access to other attractions:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Good MARTA rail access to the airport and other parts of Atlanta

Cons:

• You’ll likely drive, rideshare, or take a bus to reach Grant Park
• Parking fees at downtown hotels can add up

Getting from Downtown to Grant Park

• Driving / rideshare:
  • Usually 5–10 minutes, using Hill St SE, Boulevard SE, or Capitol Ave over I-20
• By MARTA bus:
  • Many visitors use a rail + bus combo
  • Common path: rail to King Memorial Station or Five Points, then a short bus or rideshare ride to the park
• Walking or biking:
  • It’s technically walkable from downtown (about 1.5–2 miles) but expect hills and busy intersections
  • Biking via Memorial Drive or side streets can be more pleasant, especially in daylight

If you want big-hotel amenities and nightlife while still being close enough for an easy morning at Zoo Atlanta, the downtown cluster is often the best fit.

South of Downtown: Capitol, Stadium, and I-20 Area Hotels

Just north and west of Grant Park you’ll find hotels serving the State Capitol, Georgia State University, and the stadium area. These can be very convenient if your trip revolves around:

• State government or court buildings
• Events at Center Parc Stadium (the former Turner Field)
• Visiting family or friends who live in Grant Park, Summerhill, or Peoplestown

What to expect in this zone

• Very short drive to Grant Park (often 3–7 minutes)
• Fast access to I-20 and the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
• Surroundings that are more utilitarian than scenic—you’re near office buildings, stadiums, and main roads, not leafy residential streets

Parking can be more straightforward here than in the core of downtown, though it varies by property.

Eastside Neighborhoods: Trendy Stays a Short Drive from Grant Park

If you like the idea of staying in a walkable, restaurant-heavy part of intown Atlanta, consider neighborhoods just east and northeast of Grant Park:

• Cabbagetown & Reynoldstown – historic mill houses, street art, and access to the Eastside and Southside BeltLine trails
• Inman Park – tree-lined streets, Victorian homes, and plenty of restaurants along Euclid Ave and near Krog Street Market
• Old Fourth Ward – home to a major BeltLine section and Ponce City Market

Hotels and lodging options there put you:

• Roughly 8–12 minutes by car from Grant Park
• Quick access to Memorial Drive SE or Boulevard SE, which lead straight to the park
• Within walking or biking distance of some of Atlanta’s most popular in-town dining and nightlife areas

This setup works well if:

• You plan to visit Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta once or twice
• You want to spend most of your time exploring BeltLine-adjacent neighborhoods

Airport Hotels as a Base for Visiting Grant Park

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and looking for:

• Low nightly rates
• Extended-stay options
• Easy airport shuttle service

You can stay near the airport and still reach Grant Park in 15–20 minutes (traffic permitting).

Driving from the airport to Grant Park

• Take I-85 North to the Downtown Connector (I-75/85)
• Then head east on I-20 and exit toward Grant Park (common exits: Boulevard SE or Hill St SE)

This option trades being in the middle of the action for simplicity and budget, but it’s practical if:

• You have early or late flights
• You’re splitting time between airport business and a single day at the park or Zoo Atlanta

Getting Around: Transportation Tips for Grant Park Visitors

Whether your hotel is in downtown, near I-20, or on the eastside, it helps to know how to reach Grant Park and navigate the area.

By Car

Most visitors end up driving or using rideshare:

• Typical drive times:
  • Downtown ➝ Grant Park: about 5–10 minutes
  • Eastside neighborhoods ➝ Grant Park: about 8–12 minutes
  • Airport ➝ Grant Park: about 15–20 minutes

🅿️ Parking near Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta

• Parking is usually available around Zoo Atlanta’s entrance and along certain streets surrounding the park
• Be sure to read street signs carefully; some sections are residential permit zones or have time limits
• For big weekend events (like festivals or races), arrive early, as spots fill quickly

By MARTA

Rail:

• The closest MARTA rail stations are generally King Memorial Station and Georgia State Station
• From there, you’ll likely connect via bus, rideshare, or a longer walk

Bus routes:

• Several MARTA bus lines serve the Grant Park area and Boulevard SE corridor
• Specific routes and schedules change over time, so check MARTA’s official tools or customer service line before you head out:
  • MARTA Customer Information Center: 404-848-5000

Buses can be a good fit if you’re staying downtown or midtown and want to avoid parking near the park.

How to Choose the Best Area for Your Stay Near Grant Park

When deciding where to book a hotel near Grant Park, think about what matters most during your trip.

1. Proximity vs. Variety

• If you want to be as close as possible to Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta:
  • Look at hotels in the Capitol / Summerhill / south-downtown area
• If you want nightlife, dining, and multiple attractions within a short walk:
  • Consider Downtown or Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park and drive or rideshare to the park

2. Car vs. Car-Free Travel

• If you’re renting a car or driving in:
  • You’ll have the most flexibility and can comfortably stay in any nearby district
• If you’re trying to avoid driving:
  • Downtown hotels are most convenient for MARTA rail and bus connections
  • Use rideshare for the last leg to and from Grant Park

3. Budget and Stay Length

• Short city stays (1–3 nights):
  • Downtown or south-downtown locations make it easy to squeeze in Grant Park plus other attractions
• Longer visits or tighter budgets:
  • Airport-area hotels or hotels near I-20 can offer better nightly rates, with a simple commute to the park when needed

Practical Tips for Booking Hotels Near Grant Park

To make your stay smoother and more Atlanta-specific, keep the following in mind:

• Check traffic patterns:
  • Rush hour near I-20 and the Downtown Connector can be intense; plan your Grant Park visit for late morning or mid-afternoon if possible.
• Look at parking policies before you book:
  • Many downtown hotels charge separate daily parking fees; some hotels closer to I-20 may include or discount parking.
• Confirm how you’ll reach Zoo Atlanta:
  • If the zoo is your main focus, verify drive times, typical rideshare costs at your travel times, or MARTA bus routes from your hotel’s cross streets.
• Factor in walking comfort:
  • Grant Park itself is very walkable, but sidewalks and crossings are mixed as you move between the park and busy arterial roads, especially near I-20.

Helpful Local Points of Reference Near Grant Park

When reading hotel descriptions or maps, some nearby landmarks help you gauge how close you really are:

• Zoo Atlanta / Grant Park – Center of the area you’re targeting
• Oakland Cemetery – Just northwest of the park; hotels “near Oakland Cemetery” are also generally close to Grant Park
• Georgia State Capitol – North of I-20; hotels here are only a few minutes’ drive from the park
• Center Parc Stadium (Georgia State stadium) – South of I-20; nearby hotels often cater to visitors heading to Grant Park, Summerhill, and Peoplestown

If your hotel mentions being close to any of these, you’re typically within a quick ride of the park and its attractions.

Choosing a hotel near Grant Park in Atlanta mainly comes down to which side of the neighborhood you’d like to be on and how much you value walkability, transit access, and price. With an understanding of how Grant Park sits relative to downtown, the Capitol, and the eastside BeltLine, you can pick a base that makes visiting the park—and the rest of Atlanta—straightforward and enjoyable.