The Most Expensive Hotels in Atlanta: Where Luxury Stays in the City
If you’re searching for the most expensive hotel in Atlanta, you’re usually looking for more than just a high room rate. In Atlanta, the priciest properties typically offer prime locations, high-end suites, refined service, and strong privacy for business travelers, celebrities, and special-occasion stays.
Because nightly rates shift with events (think big conventions, concerts, or game days), there isn’t one hotel that’s always the single most expensive. Instead, a small group of luxury hotels regularly competes at the top of the price range.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to:
- Which hotels typically rank as most expensive
- What makes them so costly
- Where they’re located and what neighborhoods feel like
- How to decide which luxury hotel fits your trip best
Atlanta’s Top-Tier Luxury Hotels (Where Prices Peak)
These properties are commonly at or near the highest nightly rates in Atlanta, especially for suites and peak dates.
| Hotel (Typical High-End Option) | Area / Vibe | Why It’s Among the Most Expensive |
|---|---|---|
| The St. Regis Atlanta | Buckhead – upscale, walkable | Mansion-style luxury, butler service, pool plaza |
| Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta | Midtown – arts, dining, central | Classic 5-star service, spa, skyline views |
| The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel | Buckhead – shopping, business | Club level, large suites, near Lenox & Phipps |
| Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead | Buckhead – quiet, exclusive | Garden setting, spa, discreet luxury |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Downtown) | Downtown – business, events | High-floor suites, club lounge, central location |
Depending on the date, any of these can be the most expensive hotel in Atlanta, especially if you’re looking at:
- Top-level suites
- Club or butler floors
- Major event weekends or holidays
The St. Regis Atlanta: Frequently the Priciest Stay
If you had to name one hotel that most often reaches the top of Atlanta’s price spectrum, it would commonly be The St. Regis Atlanta.
What makes The St. Regis so expensive?
Located in Buckhead (a major luxury and business district in north Atlanta), this hotel is known for:
- Large, elegant rooms and suites with a “residential mansion” feel
- A resort-style pool plaza (unusual for an in-city hotel)
- High-touch service, including St. Regis butlers for certain room types
- A lobby and bar area often used for high-end social events and meetings
You’ll often see higher rates here than almost anywhere else in the city, especially for:
- Suites with terraces or multiple rooms
- Holiday seasons, spring weekends, and major event dates in Buckhead or nearby venues
- Weddings, corporate buyouts, or filming activity in the area
Who this hotel fits best
The St. Regis tends to be the “go-to” for:
- Travelers who want Buckhead luxury and plan to stay mostly in that part of town
- High-budget trips (anniversaries, milestone birthdays, weddings)
- Those who value service and setting more than quick access to, say, stadiums or convention centers
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta: Midtown’s Premier Luxury Option
If you want to be close to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, and the arts district, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta in Midtown is one of the most expensive and established choices.
Why it commands high rates
This property frequently prices near the top of the Atlanta market because of:
- Central Midtown location – easy access to both Downtown and Buckhead
- A reputation for steady, polished service appealing to business and leisure guests
- An indoor pool, spa, and fitness facilities suited to year-round stays
- High-floor rooms with city views, especially facing south toward Downtown’s skyline
When it can be the most expensive in the city
Rates here often spike when:
- There are major events at the Fox Theatre, Midtown office towers, or at Georgia Tech
- Atlanta hosts large conventions where Midtown is in high demand
- You’re booking larger suites or club-level style accommodations
It’s a strong choice if you want top-tier comfort while staying close to Atlanta’s cultural core.
Buckhead’s Other High-End Contenders
Buckhead is Atlanta’s main luxury hotel cluster, and aside from The St. Regis, a couple of other hotels often rise into the city’s top price tier.
The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead
Located near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, The Whitley is popular among:
- Business travelers meeting in Buckhead’s office towers
- Shoppers wanting quick access to high-end retail
- Guests who appreciate club-level access and sizable suites
Its rates can be among the highest in Atlanta, especially:
- On weekdays with heavy corporate travel
- During holiday shopping periods in Buckhead
- For premium room categories and event-heavy weekends
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Set slightly off the main Buckhead corridor, this hotel is known for:
- A calmer, more residential feeling compared to busier Buckhead streets
- Garden and terrace spaces, an unusual feature for the area
- A focus on spa and relaxation, attractive for longer or quieter stays
You may see it price at or near the top of Atlanta’s range for:
- Spa-focused weekends
- Guests looking for discreet, low-profile luxury
- High-end suites with more living space and privacy
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Downtown): Central and Often Pricey
In Downtown Atlanta, The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is usually the top-priced full-service luxury hotel.
Why Downtown travelers pay a premium here
- Direct access to major office towers and legal/financial centers
- Proximity to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center
- A style and service level that appeals to business travelers, legal professionals, and VIP guests attending big events
High rates are most likely when:
- Atlanta hosts large conventions, tournaments, or major concerts
- There’s a Falcons or Atlanta United home game alongside another large event
- You book club-level rooms and signature suites
This is often the easiest “high-end splurge” if your trip is focused on meetings, sports, or events in Downtown.
How to Tell Which Hotel Is the “Most Expensive” for Your Dates
Because rates fluctuate daily, the “most expensive hotel in Atlanta” for one traveler might be different for another. To figure it out for your specific trip:
Pick your main area first
- Buckhead: Shopping, wealthier residential areas, business travel.
- Midtown: Arts, nightlife, central location.
- Downtown: Conventions, stadiums, tourism landmarks.
Search top luxury properties in that area
Look at The St. Regis, Four Seasons, The Whitley, Waldorf Astoria, and The Ritz-Carlton as your starting set.Check the highest category rooms
Compare suites, corner rooms, club floors, or butler-level rooms instead of just basic kings.Factor in fees and extras
The true “most expensive” stay may include:- Valet parking
- In-room dining
- Spa services
- Late check-out or event-related surcharges
Consider event dates
If you’re in town during a major conference, festival, game, or concert, prices at some hotels can jump dramatically.
What You Get for Top-Dollar in Atlanta Hotels
When you pay at the very top of the Atlanta market, you’re generally paying for:
Location advantage
- Walking distance to Buckhead’s luxury retail
- Quick rides to Midtown’s arts and dining
- Easy access to Downtown’s stadiums and convention centers
Room size and design
- Bigger suites, sometimes with multiple rooms or half-floor layouts
- Higher floors with skyline views
- More luxurious finishes and furnishings
Service and privacy
- Butler or club-level service in select hotels
- Discreet check-in and assistance with transportation, dining, and security needs
Amenities
- High-end spas, pools, and fitness centers
- Well-regarded on-site dining and cocktail spaces
- Priority for car service or concierge arrangements
Tips for Choosing the Right Expensive Hotel in Atlanta
If you’re willing to pay for the most expensive hotel, you still want the one that best matches your plans:
For luxury shopping and dining in Buckhead
Look first at The St. Regis Atlanta, The Whitley, and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead.For a central location between all major areas
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta in Midtown offers strong access to both north and south parts of the city.For sports, concerts, and conventions
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (Downtown) is often the most convenient luxury option.For maximum prestige and “wow” factor
On many dates, The St. Regis Atlanta is the property that most travelers would identify as Atlanta’s flagship luxury choice, as well as one of the most consistently expensive.
When a Splurge Might Be Worth It in Atlanta
Spending extra on Atlanta’s top hotels makes the most sense when:
- You’re celebrating a major life event (engagement, honeymoon, milestone birthday).
- You need an environment suited to high-level business meetings or client hosting.
- You want to minimize travel stress during a heavy event schedule (for example, staying Downtown for a packed weekend of games and concerts).
- You value quiet, privacy, and service over just having a roof over your head.
For Atlanta specifically, paying for the most expensive hotel generally gets you better neighborhood positioning, higher service levels, and more comfortable space to retreat to after busy days in the city.