What Does an Average Hotel Cost in Atlanta, Georgia?
If you’re planning a trip to Atlanta—or hosting friends and family in town—knowing how much the average hotel costs in Atlanta helps you budget realistically. Prices in the city can swing a lot depending on neighborhood, time of year, and type of hotel, but there are some clear patterns you can use to plan.
Below is a practical breakdown of what you can expect to pay across the city, plus tips to help you get the best value for your stay.
Typical Hotel Prices in Atlanta at a Glance
While exact prices change with demand, you can use these rough nightly ranges as a guide for a standard room for two adults:
| Type of Hotel in Atlanta | Typical Price Range (Per Night) | Where You’ll Commonly Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / Economy | $80 – $140 | Near the airport, outskirts, some suburban areas |
| Mid-range (most chain hotels) | $140 – $230 | Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, near major attractions |
| Upscale / Boutique | $230 – $350+ | Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, around major venues |
| Luxury / High-end | $350 – $600+ | Buckhead, Midtown, select Downtown properties |
For many visitors, the “average” Atlanta hotel experience falls in the $150–$250 per night range at a reliable mid-range chain or comparable property in a central area.
How Location Affects Hotel Prices in Atlanta
Atlanta is spread out, and where you stay can be just as important as what you book.
Downtown Atlanta
Downtown is home to:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
What to expect:
- Average range:$160 – $260 per night for standard mid-range hotels.
- Can spike higher during big events, conventions, and Falcons/Hawks games.
- Good if you want to be near major attractions and don’t mind paying a bit more for convenience.
Midtown Atlanta
Midtown includes:
- Piedmont Park
- Fox Theatre
- High Museum of Art
- Midtown’s Peachtree Street business and nightlife corridor
What to expect:
- Average range:$180 – $280 per night for most well-located hotels.
- Trendy boutique and upscale options can go $300+.
- Popular with both business travelers and visitors who want a walkable, urban feel.
Buckhead
Buckhead is Atlanta’s upscale shopping and dining district, home to high-end malls and luxury properties.
What to expect:
- Average range:$190 – $300 per night for mid-range and upscale hotels.
- Luxury brands often start near $350–$400+.
- Good if you want a polished, higher-end environment with easy access to shopping and restaurants.
Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
The area around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)—largely along Interstate 85 and near College Park and Hapeville—has many budget-friendly options.
What to expect:
- Average range:$100 – $170 per night, with some basic options dipping under $100 on slower nights.
- Great for late-night arrivals, early morning departures, or if you don’t mind a short ride into the city.
- Many hotels here offer shuttle service to the terminals.
Suburban & Perimeter Areas
Areas like Perimeter Center (around Perimeter Mall), Cumberland/Vinings (near Truist Park), Sandy Springs, and Decatur often have better value, especially on weekends.
What to expect:
- Average range:$130 – $200 per night for solid, mid-range properties.
- You may need to rely on MARTA or a car, but you often get more space for the money and free parking.
What Drives Hotel Prices Up or Down in Atlanta?
Several local factors strongly affect how much you’ll pay.
1. Time of Year and Season
Atlanta doesn’t have a “closed” season, but some times are clearly busier:
Spring (March–May):
Very popular for events, festivals, and conventions. Rates tend to be higher, especially on weekends.Fall (September–November):
Another busy period, with college football, NFL games, conferences, and comfortable weather. Prices often rise around major sports weekends and big events.Summer (June–August):
Can be busy with families and tourists, but the heat and humidity sometimes keep prices more moderate than spring and fall. Big events still push rates up.Winter (December–February):
Outside of holidays, New Year’s Eve, and specific events, you may find some of the lowest average rates in the city, especially midweek.
2. Major Events and Conventions
Atlanta’s convention and sports schedule can dramatically change nightly rates, especially Downtown and Midtown. Prices often spike when:
- Large conventions are at the Georgia World Congress Center
- Major concerts are at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Big college or NFL games are in town
- Large festivals or citywide events are scheduled
If you live in Atlanta and are booking for visiting friends/family, it’s often worth checking major event calendars to avoid the highest-price weekends when possible.
3. Day of the Week
Patterns vary by area:
Downtown & Midtown:
Business travel pushes weeknight prices up, while some weekend nights can be slightly cheaper—unless there’s a game or event.Airport & Suburban Areas:
Sometimes weekends are cheaper because lower business travel means more vacant rooms.
4. Hotel Type and Amenities
You’ll pay more if you want:
- A rooftop bar or pool (common in some Midtown and Downtown properties)
- On-site parking or valet in dense neighborhoods
- Larger suites or apartment-style hotels
- Premium views (e.g., stadium, skyline, or high floors)
Conversely, you can save by choosing:
- Limited-service hotels with fewer amenities
- Properties slightly farther from MARTA rail stations and main attractions
- Simpler, budget-friendly brands or motels, especially outside the core
What Different Price Levels in Atlanta Usually Get You
Budget / Economy: Around $80–$140 per Night
Common near:
- Hartsfield-Jackson airport
- Outer suburbs
- Some spots along I-285 and I-20
You can typically expect:
- Basic, clean rooms with few extras
- Often free Wi‑Fi and sometimes free breakfast
- Limited or no on-site restaurant/bar
- Varying building age and condition—reading recent reviews is important
Best for:
- Short, no-frills stays
- Travelers prioritizing cost over location or amenities
- Drivers who don’t mind staying farther from central Atlanta
Mid-Range: Around $140–$230 per Night
Found widely in:
- Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead
- Perimeter Center, Cumberland, Sandy Springs, Decatur
You can typically expect:
- Comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and consistent service
- On-site fitness center and often a small bar or restaurant
- More predictable quality with major chain brands
- Frequently an option to add parking or breakfast for a fee
Best for:
- Most first-time visitors to Atlanta
- Business trips
- Families wanting a balance of location, comfort, and price
Upscale / Boutique: $230–$350+ per Night
Common in:
- Midtown and Buckhead
- Prime Downtown locations near major venues
You can typically expect:
- Stylish décor, better finishes, and larger common spaces
- Higher-end dining and bar options
- More personalized service
- Often a more walkable or desirable location
Best for:
- Special occasions (concert weekends, anniversaries, big events)
- Travelers who prioritize style and atmosphere over strict budget
Luxury: $350–$600+ per Night
Mostly in:
- Buckhead’s luxury district
- Select Midtown and Downtown towers
You can typically expect:
- Top-tier service and amenities
- High-end restaurants and lounges on-site
- Spacious rooms or suites, often with city views
- Premium locations near luxury shopping, fine dining, or cultural institutions
Best for:
- High-budget business travel
- Luxury vacations or milestone celebrations
- Guests wanting a “destination hotel” experience within the city
Extra Costs to Factor Into Your Atlanta Hotel Budget
The nightly rate is only part of the true cost. In Atlanta, it’s common to see:
Taxes and Fees
Expect:
- State and local hotel taxes added onto the base rate
- Various city and tourism fees that can add a noticeable percentage
These are typically displayed at checkout when you book online, but make sure to:
- Look at the final total (including estimated taxes)
- Check for “daily resort” or “destination” fees, especially at higher-end hotels
Parking Costs
In dense parts of Atlanta, parking can be a major hidden cost:
Downtown / Midtown / Buckhead:
- Self-parking: often $15–$30 per night
- Valet parking: can reach $40+ per night
Airport and suburban areas:
- More likely to offer free parking, or lower fees
- Great option if you’re driving and want to keep costs down
If you’re staying in town and mostly using MARTA, walking, or rideshares, consider whether you can avoid renting a car to skip parking altogether.
Wi‑Fi, Breakfast, and Other Extras
- Many Atlanta hotels offer free Wi‑Fi, but some full-service and luxury hotels charge for higher speeds.
- Free breakfast is more common in budget and select-service hotels, less common at full-service and luxury properties.
- Late checkout, room service, and mini-bar items can all add to your total bill.
Ways to Save on Hotels in Atlanta
A few targeted strategies can help bring your nightly cost closer to the lower end of the typical range.
1. Be Flexible with Neighborhoods
If you don’t mind a short ride:
- Look just outside the busiest areas (e.g., instead of core Downtown, consider Midtown south of 10th Street, Old Fourth Ward, Cumberland, or Decatur).
- Around major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, consider staying along a MARTA line a few stops away rather than right next to the venue.
2. Adjust Your Travel Dates
When possible:
- Avoid big event weekends and major sports events if your goal is saving money.
- Look at shifting your stay by one or two nights if your dates are flexible; moving from a Saturday to a Sunday night can sometimes drop rates.
3. Consider Airport and Suburban Hotels
If you:
- Have a rental car
- Don’t need to be in the center of the city every day
- Are comfortable relying on MARTA or a mix of transit and driving
Then staying near Hartsfield-Jackson, Perimeter Center, Cumberland/Vinings, or Sandy Springs can noticeably lower the average nightly cost, especially during peak city events.
4. Compare Room Types and Policies
Look at:
- Standard rooms vs. suites: More space can be helpful, but two standard rooms may be cheaper than a large suite for bigger groups.
- Refundable vs. non-refundable rates: Non-refundable or advance-purchase rates are often cheaper, but you lose flexibility.
- Included perks: Sometimes a slightly higher nightly rate that includes breakfast or parking ends up cheaper overall.
Getting Around Atlanta from Your Hotel
Where you choose to stay will affect how you move around the city—and that can also affect your overall costs.
MARTA Rail and Bus
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates:
- Rail lines connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and parts of the northern suburbs
- Bus routes that fill in many gaps
If you want to rely on transit, look for hotels:
- Near MARTA rail stations such as Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, Buckhead, Dunwoody, or airport stations
- In neighborhoods with good sidewalks and lighting, so you can comfortably walk to/from the station
For official route info and maps, MARTA’s main customer service line is:
- MARTA Customer Information: 404-848-5000
Using MARTA can help offset a slightly higher hotel cost in a walkable area by eliminating parking and rental car expenses.
Rideshare and Taxis
Rideshare services are widely used throughout Atlanta. From most central hotels:
- Short rides within Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead are common
- Airport trips from central Atlanta often fall in a consistent range, depending on traffic and time
If you’re planning frequent rideshare trips, factor these into your overall “stay cost” when comparing a cheaper but distant hotel to a pricier central one.
So, How Much Does the Average Hotel Cost in Atlanta?
Putting it all together for a typical visitor:
- A reasonable average for a standard, well-located hotel in Atlanta is around $150–$250 per night before taxes and fees.
- Budget-conscious travelers can sometimes find solid options under $150, especially near the airport or in the suburbs.
- Those seeking upscale or luxury stays in Midtown, Buckhead, or prime Downtown areas should plan for $250–$400+ per night, with higher rates during peak events.
If you keep an eye on location, dates, and added costs like parking and taxes, you can reliably estimate your total stay budget and choose the Atlanta neighborhood that fits both your plans and your wallet.