Imperial Hotel Atlanta: What To Know About This Historic Downtown Landmark
The Imperial Hotel in Atlanta is one of those buildings many people recognize, even if they’re not quite sure what it is today. If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or are planning a trip and searching for “Imperial Hotel Atlanta” hoping to book a room, it’s important to understand how this property works now—and what your options are nearby.
This guide walks through the history of the Imperial Hotel, what it is today, and where you can actually stay in the area if you’re looking for a hotel in downtown Atlanta.
Is the Imperial Hotel Still a Hotel?
The short answer is no: the historic Imperial Hotel building in Atlanta is no longer operating as a traditional hotel.
- It was originally built as a hotel in the early 1900s.
- Over the years, the building went through cycles of use, vacancy, and renovation.
- Today, the property has been converted into affordable and supportive housing, not an overnight lodging option for travelers.
So if you searched for “Imperial Hotel Atlanta reservations” or hoped to book a weekend stay there, you won’t be able to book it like a normal hotel.
Instead, think of the Imperial Hotel as a historic building with a new purpose, not an active hospitality property.
Where Is the Imperial Hotel Located?
The historic Imperial Hotel building is located in downtown Atlanta, within walking distance of several major city landmarks.
While you should always confirm exact addresses and details with current local sources, the Imperial Hotel is generally known to sit near:
- Peachtree Street NE
- Close to Georgia State University areas
- A short distance from MARTA Peachtree Center and Civic Center stations, depending on your route
- Within the broader downtown corridor close to many offices, restaurants, and other hotels
Because it has been adapted for residential and supportive housing, it is not typically open for casual walk‑in tourist visits like a lobby bar or standard hotel would be.
What Is the Building Used for Today?
Today, the former Imperial Hotel functions as affordable / supportive housing, often serving residents with limited income or special needs.
Key points about its current role:
- It operates as residential housing, not short‑term lodging.
- Units are typically leased to long‑term residents, often through income-based or supportive programs.
- Access to the building is controlled, and visitors are usually limited to approved guests of residents or staff.
If you are:
- A tourist or business traveler – This is not a booking option for overnight stays.
- An Atlanta resident looking for housing resources – The property may be part of broader affordable housing efforts in the city, but you’ll typically work through housing organizations or agencies rather than contacting the building like a regular apartment complex.
For housing support in Atlanta, people commonly start with:
Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA)
230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 892-4700City of Atlanta – Housing and Community Development (Mayor’s Office)
55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Hall line: (404) 330-6000
These agencies can guide eligible residents to current affordable housing options across the city, including properties with mixed funding or supportive housing models.
If You Wanted a Hotel: Nearby Places to Actually Stay
If you searched for “Imperial Hotel Atlanta” because you want to stay nearby—for a convention, downtown event, or a visit to Georgia State or the State Capitol—there are several true hotels in the surrounding downtown area.
Below is a general overview of the types of hotels you’ll find near the Imperial Hotel area (actual brand names change over time, so always confirm current operations and reviews):
| Type of Hotel | What to Expect | Typical Location Context in Downtown Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Large conference hotels | Big lobbies, meeting rooms, close to convention sites | Near Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park |
| Mid-range business hotels | Standard rooms, fitness centers, breakfast options | Around Peachtree Center, Courtland, and Ellis streets |
| Boutique / smaller properties | More character, fewer rooms, walkable neighborhoods | Scattered around downtown and nearby Old Fourth Ward |
| Extended-stay hotels | Kitchenettes, longer-term stays | Near offices and university areas |
For someone who thought the Imperial Hotel was still a lodging choice, common alternatives include booking in or around:
- Peachtree Center (good for MARTA and walkability)
- Georgia State University / Courtland Street corridor
- Centennial Olympic Park area (closer to tourist spots like the aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola)
📝 Tip: If your main goal is to stay “near the Imperial Hotel,” use mapping apps to center on that building’s location, then search within a 0.5–1 mile radius for open hotels. This will keep you in roughly the same walkable downtown zone.
Historical Interest: Why the Imperial Hotel Matters in Atlanta
Even though it’s no longer a working hotel, the Imperial Hotel building is part of Atlanta’s architectural and social history.
People in Atlanta often associate it with:
- Early 20th‑century hotel development in the city
- The broader story of downtown decline and revitalization
- Later efforts to preserve historic structures while converting them into useful modern housing
If you’re interested in local history, you might:
- Walk by the building while exploring Peachtree Street and downtown landmarks.
- Pair it with a visit to other notable historic buildings, churches, and theaters nearby.
- Look into walking tours or architectural resources that highlight adaptive reuse projects in Atlanta—buildings that have been saved and repurposed instead of demolished.
Getting Around the Imperial Hotel Area
Even if you are not staying in the Imperial Hotel itself, the surrounding area is a practical base for exploring Atlanta.
Common transportation options downtown include:
- MARTA Rail:
- Nearby stations like Peachtree Center or Civic Center connect you to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Buckhead, Midtown, and beyond.
- Street-level buses:
- Several bus routes cross downtown, helpful if you are heading to neighborhoods not directly on the rail line.
- Walking:
- Many downtown offices, restaurants, attractions, and hotels are within a 10–15 minute walk of the Imperial Hotel’s general area.
- Rideshare / taxis:
- Widely available, especially during business hours and event times.
If you are visiting from out of town, planning your lodging and transit together can help you avoid renting a car, especially if most of your activities are downtown or along the MARTA rail line.
If You Need Housing Help in Atlanta (Not a Hotel Stay)
Because the Imperial Hotel is now used for affordable and supportive housing, some people come across its name while searching for housing help instead of travel lodging.
If you are looking for shelter, supportive housing, or affordable housing resources in Atlanta, you may find it more effective to start with centralized resource organizations rather than specific buildings.
Common starting points in Atlanta include:
United Way of Greater Atlanta – 211
Dial 2-1-1 from most phones in the metro Atlanta area.
They maintain referral information for shelters, housing assistance programs, and social services.Gateway Center (homeless services)
275 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 215-6600Fulton County / City of Atlanta Continuum of Care resources
Often coordinated through city and county agencies to connect people with emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and supportive services.
These organizations can explain which properties are currently accepting applications or referrals, what eligibility looks like, and how waiting lists work.
Key Takeaways for “Imperial Hotel Atlanta”
- The Imperial Hotel in Atlanta is no longer an operating hotel for visitors.
- The historic building is now used for residential, affordable, and supportive housing, not short‑term stays.
- It remains a notable downtown landmark, located near Peachtree Street and within walking distance of major downtown destinations.
- If you want to book a hotel near the Imperial Hotel, look for active hotels in the downtown / Peachtree Center / Georgia State area.
- Atlanta residents seeking housing assistance should work through recognized agencies like the Atlanta Housing Authority, City of Atlanta housing offices, United Way 211, or local service providers, rather than contacting the Imperial Hotel building directly.
Understanding this distinction helps you avoid confusion—whether you’re planning a trip, exploring downtown Atlanta, or navigating local housing resources.