Where to Stay Near Atlanta: Best Hotels Just Outside the City

If you’re looking for hotels outside of Atlanta—maybe to avoid downtown traffic, get more space for your money, or stay closer to the airport or suburbs—you have a lot of good options within a short drive of the city.

This guide focuses on Atlanta-area suburbs and nearby cities that are especially practical for visitors and locals planning staycations, visiting family, or hosting out-of-town guests.

Why Choose a Hotel Outside Atlanta?

Staying just beyond the city limits can offer:

• Lower nightly rates than some Midtown/Buckhead properties
• Easier parking, often free and on-site
• Quieter neighborhoods, especially for families
• Quick highway access back into Atlanta
• Convenient locations near workplaces, event venues, and family-friendly attractions

If you live in Atlanta, booking outside the city can also be useful when you:

• Need a home base during home renovations
• Want a weekend escape without a long drive
• Are hosting wedding guests, reunions, or business visitors who don’t need to be in the middle of the city

Key Areas With Hotels Just Outside Atlanta

Below is a quick overview of popular hotel clusters around Atlanta, all generally within 15–40 minutes of downtown, depending on traffic.

Times are approximate and vary with traffic—rush hour around Atlanta can significantly increase travel times.

South of Atlanta: Airport & Nearby Suburbs

Hotels Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you’re flying in or out, College Park and Hapeville are the main areas just south of the city with dense hotel options.

Why stay here:

• Ideal for early-morning flights or tight connections
• Many hotels offer shuttle service to Hartsfield-Jackson
• Close to I-85 and I-285 for easy access into Atlanta

Common features at airport-area hotels:

• Short-term park-and-fly options
• On-site or nearby quick dining
• 24-hour front desks to match flight schedules

For logistics or questions related to flights, Hartsfield-Jackson’s main address is:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
Main information line: (800) 897-1910

If you live in Atlanta, booking near the airport can be especially helpful before long international trips or when family members have late arrivals.

Fayetteville, Union City, and Peachtree City

Further south, you’ll find a quieter, residential feel with mid-range chain hotels and smaller properties:

• Fayetteville: Convenient if you’re visiting the Pinewood/Trilith studios area or family on the southside.
• Union City / Fairburn: Right off I-85, a practical stopover for road trips and airport-adjacent stays without airport pricing.
• Peachtree City: A master-planned community known for golf cart paths and lakes. Good for longer, peaceful stays or sport tournaments in the area.

These locations are useful if you’re splitting time between Atlanta and southside suburbs or film studios, or if you prefer a slower pace.

North of Atlanta: Business Hubs & Family-Friendly Suburbs

Cumberland / Vinings (Near Truist Park)

Just outside the northwest edge of Atlanta along I-75 and I-285, the Cumberland/Vinings area is packed with hotels.

Best for:

• Attending Atlanta Braves games at Truist Park
• Visiting The Battery Atlanta for dining and entertainment
• Business trips to Cumberland-area offices and corporate parks

Why people choose it:

• Quick interstate access back to Midtown and downtown
• Many full-service hotels plus mid-range choices
• Walkable pockets around The Battery for dining and nightlife

If you live in-town and want a Braves weekend or concert overnight, Cumberland is often more convenient and sometimes more affordable than staying in central Atlanta.

Perimeter Center (Dunwoody / Sandy Springs)

Around Perimeter Mall along I-285 and GA-400, this area is one of the biggest suburban hotel zones.

Ideal if you:

• Have business at Perimeter Center offices or medical centers
• Want quick access to MARTA (Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, or Medical Center stations) into Atlanta
• Prefer a blend of shopping, chain restaurants, and easy parking

What to expect:

• Multiple business-oriented hotels with meeting rooms
• Extended-stay options for longer work assignments or medical visits
• Easy access to Sandy Springs and Dunwoody neighborhoods

This is popular for people who work in the suburbs but want occasional trips into the city without driving the whole way, thanks to MARTA.

Farther North: Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek

Alpharetta

Alpharetta has grown into a destination in its own right, with Avalon, Downtown Alpharetta, and plenty of hotel options.

Why people stay here:

• Family visits to north Fulton suburbs
• Youth sports tournaments and events at nearby fields
• A more suburban, upscale feel with shopping and restaurants

This is a strong choice for Atlanta-area residents planning a low-key weekend away or visitors who don’t need to be in the city every day.

Roswell

Roswell offers a mix of historic charm and suburban convenience.

• Hotels cluster along Holcomb Bridge Road and Mansell Road near GA-400.
• Quick access to Roswell’s historic downtown, the Chattahoochee River, and walking trails.

If you like smaller-town main street vibes but still want to reach Atlanta in under an hour (depending on traffic), Roswell is a good fit.

West and Northwest: Marietta, Kennesaw, and Douglasville

Marietta

Marietta is one of the most popular spots for hotels outside Atlanta, especially along:

• I-75 corridors (Delk Road, Windy Hill Road)
• Near the Marietta Square and local business parks

Good for:

• Visits to Kennesaw State University (KSU) – Marietta Campus
• Access to Truist Park without being directly in the ballpark zone
• Exploring Marietta Square, museums, and restaurants

If you’re in Atlanta and need to host relatives who want a more suburban, less congested environment, Marietta balances access to the city with a local community feel.

Kennesaw

Farther up I-75, Kennesaw has hotels that serve:

• KSU’s main campus
• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
• Youth sports and regional events

Kennesaw is more of a suburban base, less about nightlife and more about space, shopping centers, and family activities.

Douglasville and the Six Flags Area

West along I-20, you’ll find hotels clustered near:

• Six Flags Over Georgia (technically in Austell)
• Douglasville exits along I-20

Best suited for:

• Families visiting Six Flags Over Georgia
• Road trips continuing west into Alabama or beyond
• Lower-cost options compared to some in-town properties

If you’re local in Atlanta planning a theme-park weekend, staying on the west side can shorten the drive and avoid cross-city traffic.

East and Northeast: Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Norcross

Decatur and Northlake

Decatur, just east of Atlanta, has a mix of smaller hotels and inns, particularly:

• Near downtown Decatur (restaurants, bars, festivals)
• Around the Northlake area near I-285 and Lavista Road

Why choose Decatur:

• Easy access to Emory University, Emory Hospital, and CDC
• Walkable downtown core with local shops and dining
• Short MARTA rides into Atlanta from Decatur or Avondale stations

This area works well if you’re visiting Emory/CDC, attending a Decatur event, or prefer a smaller-town feel that’s still close to Atlanta.

Stone Mountain / Tucker

Near Stone Mountain Park, hotels cluster:

• In the Tucker area along Lawrenceville Highway and Mountain Industrial Blvd
• Around the entrances to Stone Mountain Park

Best for:

• Families visiting Stone Mountain Park
• Group trips or church retreats in the area
• Budget-conscious travelers who still want to be within reach of Atlanta

If you’re local, booking near Stone Mountain can be a simple nature-focused getaway with hiking and scenic drives, but still under an hour from home for most in-town residents.

Norcross / Peachtree Corners

Along the I-85 corridor northeast of Atlanta, Norcross and Peachtree Corners have numerous mid-range and budget hotels.

These work well if:

• You have business in Gwinnett County or technology parks around Peachtree Corners
• You’re visiting family in Duluth, Lilburn, Norcross, or Lawrenceville
• You’re looking for lower rates than some in-town or Buckhead locations

You’ll find easy access to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard for driving back into Atlanta.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Outside Atlanta

When comparing hotels just outside the city, focus on practical details that matter in the Atlanta area:

1. Commute and Traffic

• Check distance to your main destinations (downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, airport, specific suburbs).
• Consider rush-hour patterns: morning traffic often heads into the city; evenings, out of the city.
• If you want to avoid driving, look for areas with MARTA access (Perimeter, Decatur, some airport hotels).

2. Parking and Transportation

Many suburban hotels offer:

• Free self-parking
• On-site EV charging in some newer properties
• Airport-area shuttles

If you’re visiting from out of town and don’t want to rent a car, staying:

• By the airport (with shuttles), or
• Near MARTA rail stations (Perimeter, Decatur, Sandy Springs, College Park)

can make it much easier to get around Atlanta without driving.

3. Purpose of Your Trip

Match the area to your main reason for being here:

• Business trip: Perimeter, Cumberland, airport, Norcross/Peachtree Corners
• Family vacation: Stone Mountain, Alpharetta, Douglasville (for Six Flags), Marietta
• Visiting colleges or medical centers: Decatur (Emory), Kennesaw/Marietta (KSU), Perimeter (medical complexes)
• Staycation: Alpharetta (Avalon), Decatur (downtown), Peachtree City, Stone Mountain

4. Length of Stay

For longer stays (a week or more), look for:

• Extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes or suites
• Laundry facilities
• Nearby grocery stores and parks

Suburbs like Alpharetta, Perimeter, and Cumberland tend to have many extended-stay options that can be more comfortable than standard rooms.

Practical Tips for Booking Hotels Outside Atlanta

Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips to keep in mind:

• Check event calendars: Major events (Braves games, concerts, large conventions, holiday events at Stone Mountain) can impact availability and prices well beyond the city limits.
• Factor in toll-free routes: Atlanta doesn’t use toll roads, but you’ll still want to check your typical travel times on common routes like I-75, I-85, I-20, and GA-400.
• Ask about local shuttles: Some suburban hotels offer shuttles to nearby offices, hospitals, or transit stations.
• Verify pet policies if you’re traveling with animals—policies can differ even within the same hotel brand.
• Look at neighborhood maps, not just city names; “Marietta” or “Norcross” can cover large areas with very different traffic patterns and surroundings.

When Staying Outside Atlanta Makes the Most Sense

Choosing a hotel just outside Atlanta is especially helpful when:

• You’re attending an event in a specific suburb and don’t need daily city access.
• You want easier driving and parking than downtown.
• You’re planning a road trip stopover with convenient highway access.
• You’re local and want a simple, nearby change of scenery without flying or driving far.

By focusing on the area that best matches your main activities—whether that’s work in Perimeter, a Braves game in Cumberland, a family visit in Alpharetta, or flights through Hartsfield-Jackson—you can find a hotel outside Atlanta that keeps your trip smooth, predictable, and comfortable.