Luxury Hotels in Downtown Atlanta: Where to Stay for an Upscale City Experience
Downtown Atlanta has become a go‑to spot for travelers who want walkable access to major attractions and a high-end hotel experience. Whether you are in town for a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center, a game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, a visit to the Georgia Aquarium, or you live in the metro area planning a staycation, downtown offers several luxury hotel options with distinct personalities.
This guide focuses on luxury hotels specifically in Downtown Atlanta, what makes each area different, and how to match a hotel to your trip.
Why Choose a Luxury Hotel in Downtown Atlanta?
Staying downtown puts you in the center of:
- Major attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Olympic Park
- Sports & events: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center
- Transit access: MARTA rail stations (Peachtree Center, Five Points, GWCC/State Farm Arena), easy ride to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Business & government: Corporate offices, government centers, and courthouses
A luxury hotel downtown typically offers:
- Upscale rooms and suites with better views, bedding, and finishes
- Full-service amenities: valet, bell staff, concierge, room service
- On‑site dining and bars that are destinations in their own right
- Event and meeting spaces for weddings, conferences, and social events
- Enhanced security and service in a busy urban environment
If your priority is comfort, service, and convenience without needing a car, a luxury hotel downtown is often worth the higher nightly rate.
Key Downtown Districts for Luxury Stays
Downtown Atlanta is compact, but the blocks can feel very different. Where you stay can shape your experience.
1. Centennial Park / Entertainment District
Best for: Tourists, families, and event-goers
Close to:
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca‑Cola
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
This area is ideal if you want to walk to attractions and be near event venues. Many luxury and upper‑upscale hotels cluster within a few blocks of Centennial Olympic Park.
2. Peachtree Center / Business Core
Best for: Business travelers and convention attendees
Close to:
- Peachtree Center MARTA Station
- Corporate offices and government buildings
- Numerous restaurants and food courts
- A short walk or quick rideshare to the Georgia World Congress Center
This is the classic high‑rise hotel corridor with skyscraper views and easy access to transit.
3. Government & Historic Corridor
Best for: Legal, government, and history-focused visits
Close to:
- Fulton County Courthouse and federal buildings
- Underground Atlanta area
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (short drive or MARTA ride)
Luxury options are slightly fewer here, but you’re still walkable from many upscale properties closer to Peachtree Center and Centennial Park.
Notable Luxury Hotels in Downtown Atlanta
Below is a general overview of some of the better-known luxury or upper-upscale hotels in and around Downtown Atlanta. Availability, offerings, and star ratings can change, so always confirm details directly with the property before booking.
Centennial Park & Entertainment Area
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
Address: 100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303
Vibe: Large, polished, and event-focused
Why people choose it:
- Directly adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park
- Very convenient for State Farm Arena, College Football Hall of Fame, and Georgia World Congress Center
- High‑rise rooms with city and park views
- Often used for major conventions and group events
Best for: Visitors who want to be steps from attractions and convention spaces.
The Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Address: 110 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Vibe: Boutique historic charm with a modern twist
Why people choose it:
- Smaller, more intimate feel than large convention hotels
- Walkable to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park
- Stylish public spaces and rooftop vibes (offerings can vary seasonally)
Best for: Travelers who like boutique style and walkable access to games and concerts.
Peachtree Center & Business Core
The Ritz‑Carlton, Atlanta
Address: 181 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Vibe: Classic urban luxury with strong service
Why people choose it:
- Known for high-touch service and refined interiors
- Central location near Peachtree Center and Five Points
- Easy MARTA access for airport transfers
- Popular with business travelers, legal professionals, and upscale weekend stays
Best for: Those who prioritize service level, concierge help, and a polished atmosphere over being right next to tourist attractions.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Address: 265 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Vibe: Iconic high‑rise with a large, business-friendly footprint
Why people choose it:
- One of Atlanta’s best-known hotel towers with distinctive architecture
- Close to Peachtree Center MARTA and multiple office buildings
- Numerous meeting and event spaces, frequent host to conventions
- Mix of business and leisure travelers
Best for: Guests attending conferences, or anyone wanting a central, upscale base with easy transit.
Marriott Marquis Atlanta
Address: 265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Vibe: Futuristic atrium design, large convention hotel
Why people choose it:
- Dramatic multi-story atrium that’s a visual landmark
- Directly integrated into the Peachtree Center area
- High room count, making it a hub during large events
- Full range of amenities common to large upper-upscale hotels
Best for: Event attendees and visitors who enjoy big-hotel energy and impressive architecture.
Near Stadiums & Georgia World Congress Center
Many visitors looking for luxury stays around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and the Georgia World Congress Center will choose hotels closer to Centennial Park, such as the Omni or Glenn. These offer a walkable route to stadium entrances while keeping you near restaurants, parks, and attractions.
Quick Comparison: Luxury Hotels in Downtown Atlanta
Use this simple table as a starting point when deciding where to stay:
| Hotel | Area | Best For | Walkable To* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omni Atlanta Hotel | Centennial Park | Families, event-goers, convention guests | Centennial Olympic Park, GWCC, State Farm Arena |
| Glenn Hotel (Autograph) | Centennial / Stadium | Games, concerts, boutique-style stays | Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena |
| The Ritz‑Carlton, Atlanta | Peachtree Center | Business, legal visits, high-touch luxury | Offices, Peachtree Center MARTA, downtown dining |
| Hyatt Regency Atlanta | Peachtree Center | Conventions, business, city explorers | Peachtree Center, downtown attractions |
| Marriott Marquis Atlanta | Peachtree Center | Large events, architecture fans | Peachtree Center, short walk to attractions |
*“Walkable to” assumes typical downtown walking comfort and may vary by personal preference, time of day, and mobility needs.
How to Choose the Right Luxury Hotel in Downtown Atlanta
When comparing luxury hotels downtown, think about location, purpose, and travel style.
1. Match Location to Your Itinerary
Ask yourself:
Are you here mostly for attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or College Football Hall of Fame?
- Consider: Omni Atlanta, Glenn Hotel, or other properties directly bordering Centennial Olympic Park.
Are you attending a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center?
- Omni is particularly convenient, but Peachtree Center hotels (Ritz‑Carlton, Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis) remain a short rideshare or 10–20 minute walk, depending on your route.
Are you in Atlanta for court appearances, government business, or corporate meetings?
- Staying closer to Peachtree Center or the central business district may keep you near offices, MARTA, and government buildings.
2. Consider Transportation & Parking
Downtown Atlanta can be busy and pricey for parking, especially during major events.
Driving:
- Many luxury hotels offer valet parking only, with daily fees that can be significant.
- If you have a car, ask about self‑parking nearby and in/out privileges.
MARTA (Rail & Bus):
- Peachtree Center Station serves many central downtown hotels.
- You can ride MARTA directly from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport to downtown in about 20–25 minutes, then walk or take a quick rideshare to your hotel.
Walking:
- The core of downtown is walkable, but be aware of steep inclines on some streets and allow extra time if you’re heading toward stadiums or the Georgia World Congress Center.
3. Prioritize Amenities That Matter to You
Luxury hotels differ in what they emphasize:
- Rooms & views: Higher floors often have better skyline or park views. Ask about view categories.
- Dining: Some hotels feature well-regarded restaurants and cocktail bars that appeal to both locals and travelers.
- Pools & fitness: Rooftop or outdoor pools are less common in the dense core, so if that’s important, verify before booking.
- Club or lounge access: Some high-end properties offer executive lounges with breakfast, snacks, or workspace options.
If you live in the Atlanta area and are planning a staycation, these extras can be a major part of the experience.
Safety, Noise, and Practical Tips for Downtown Luxury Stays
Downtown is an active business and entertainment district. A few practical considerations can help your stay go smoothly.
Safety & Comfort
- Expect typical urban conditions: heavy foot traffic at events, panhandling in some areas, and busy intersections.
- Most luxury hotels have visible security, key-controlled elevators, and staffed lobbies.
- At night, many visitors prefer using rideshares or taxis for longer walks, especially after events.
Noise and Events
- If you are sensitive to noise, request a higher floor and ask to face away from major streets, construction sites, or nightlife areas.
- Check the calendars for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Major games and concerts can increase:
- Street noise
- Rideshare wait times
- Room demand and rates
Booking Considerations
- For peak weekends, conventions, and major events, book early to secure your preferred property and room type.
- If you’re flexible on dates, compare midweek vs. weekend rates—business-focused hotels can sometimes be more affordable on weekends, while event weekends can be more expensive across the board.
Using Downtown Luxury Hotels as a Base to Explore Atlanta
One advantage of staying in a luxury hotel downtown is that you can easily branch out to other neighborhoods while keeping a comfortable base.
From downtown, you can:
- Take MARTA or a short rideshare to Midtown (for the High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park).
- Ride MARTA south to the airport without dealing with highway traffic.
- Head east toward Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and the BeltLine for local dining and nightlife.
If you live in Atlanta, staying in a downtown luxury hotel can offer a different perspective on the city you know, especially when paired with:
- A walk around Centennial Olympic Park at night
- A visit to a museum or aquarium you haven’t seen in a while
- A show or game you might otherwise drive in and out for
When a Luxury Hotel Downtown Makes the Most Sense
A luxury hotel in Downtown Atlanta is often the best fit if:
- You want to walk to major attractions and event venues
- You prefer full-service amenities, attentive staff, and upgraded rooms
- You’re attending a conference, concert, or game and want a hassle-free base
- You live locally and want an upscale staycation with easy access to dining and entertainment
By matching location, amenities, and transportation to your needs, you can narrow in on the downtown luxury hotel that fits your Atlanta visit—whether you are here for a single night of events or a full week of exploring the city.