The Ellis Hotel Atlanta: What to Know About This Historic Downtown Stay

If you’re considering The Ellis Hotel in Atlanta for a trip or a local staycation, you’re looking at one of the most recognizable boutique-style hotels in downtown Atlanta. Situated on Peachtree Street, it offers easy access to many of the city’s key business, dining, and entertainment spots.

This guide walks through what you can realistically expect, what’s nearby, and how it fits into Atlanta’s broader hotel scene.

Where The Ellis Hotel Atlanta Is Located

The Ellis Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, along the city’s main corridor:

• Address: 176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Area: Downtown Atlanta, near the Fairlie-Poplar district
• Nearby Streets: Peachtree St NW & Ellis St NE

This location puts you within walking distance of:

• Peachtree Center (shopping, food court, office towers)
• Georgia State University’s downtown campus
• Woodruff Park
• Many office buildings and government buildings

If you’re visiting for business, a convention, or a major event, staying at The Ellis Hotel places you in the middle of the action with quick access to MARTA and major interstates.

Getting to The Ellis Hotel: Transportation & Parking

MARTA and Public Transit

For many visitors and local staycationers, transit is a major factor.

• Closest MARTA Station:
  Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold line) is a short walk from the hotel.
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  You can ride the Red or Gold MARTA line directly from the airport station to Peachtree Center, then walk to the hotel without needing a car.

This is often one of the simplest ways to reach a downtown hotel during busy events when traffic and parking can be challenging.

Driving and Parking

Downtown Atlanta is dense, and parking is usually in garages or paid lots.

Common considerations for Ellis Hotel guests:

• Valet or garage parking is typically available in the immediate area, but expect daily fees.
• Street parking on or near Peachtree Street is limited and often time-restricted.
• If you’re coming from outside the city:
  • From I-75/I-85 (Downtown Connector), you’ll usually exit toward downtown (e.g., Courtland St, Williams St, or International Blvd) and navigate to Peachtree St.
  • From I-20, you’ll connect to the Downtown Connector and follow similar routes to the Peachtree corridor.

If you’re local and planning a one- or two-night stay, it may be worth comparing Uber/Lyft or MARTA vs. paying to park a car multiple days.

What Kind of Hotel Is The Ellis?

The Ellis Hotel is known as a boutique-style, historic property rather than a large convention hotel. The building has a long history on Peachtree Street and has been modernized over time while retaining a classic downtown feel.

Typical features include:

• Smaller footprint than high-rise mega hotels
• More intimate lobby and common areas
• A design that blends historic architecture with updated interiors

It is generally geared toward:

• Business travelers working in or near downtown Atlanta
• Travelers attending events at Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Couples or solo travelers wanting a walkable downtown base

Rooms & Amenities: What Guests Usually Expect

While exact offerings can change, downtown Atlanta hotels in this category typically provide:

Room Types

You can expect a mix of:

• Standard guest rooms with one king bed or two double/queen beds
• Possible upgraded or corner rooms with more space or city views
• Accessible rooms compliant with ADA standards

Rooms at a downtown boutique hotel like The Ellis often include:

• Wi‑Fi
• TV with cable/streaming options
• In-room desk or work area
• Coffee maker and basic in-room convenience items
• Private bathroom with shower or shower/tub combo

On-Site Amenities

Amenities at a downtown hotel such as The Ellis usually include:

• Fitness room or small gym
• On-site or adjacent restaurant and/or bar
• Meeting or small event space
• Business services (printing, basic office support)
• Concierge or front desk staff to assist with directions and dining suggestions

Since downtown Atlanta can be busy, many visitors appreciate:

• Secure building access
• 24-hour front desk
• Guidance on neighborhood safety and walking routes for evenings

Who The Ellis Hotel Works Best For

Different Atlanta travelers look for different things. The Ellis tends to be a good fit for:

Business Travelers

If you’re in town for downtown meetings, state offices, or corporate events:

• You can walk to many office buildings, banks, and law firms within a few blocks.
• MARTA from Peachtree Center provides easy access to Midtown, Buckhead, and the airport without driving.
• The boutique setting is appealing if you want to avoid the feel of very large convention hotels.

Event and Sports Visitors

If you’re visiting for:

• A Falcons or Atlanta United game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• A Hawks game or concert at State Farm Arena
• A convention at Georgia World Congress Center

You can usually:

• Walk or take a short ride-share trip to these venues
• Avoid long commutes from suburban hotels

Locals Planning a Staycation

Atlanta residents sometimes choose The Ellis for:

• A quick downtown staycation
• Theater nights in the Fairlie-Poplar or Peachtree corridor
• Access to downtown attractions without driving home late

If you live in the metro area (Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, etc.), this can be an easy way to enjoy downtown restaurants, parks, and events as a “visitor” for a weekend.

Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance

One of the main advantages of staying at The Ellis Hotel is walkability. From the hotel, you can reach many Atlanta landmarks on foot or with a short ride.

Within Roughly a 5–15 Minute Walk

• Woodruff Park – A central downtown green space, often used as a meeting point.
• Georgia State University (GSU) Campus – The downtown campus adds energy and student-focused dining nearby.
• Peachtree Center – Indoor food court, retail, and access to office towers and the MARTA station.
• Fairlie-Poplar Historic District – Older buildings, small theaters, restaurants, and creative spaces.

A Bit Farther, but Easily Reachable

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Many visitors choose to walk during the day and use ride-share services at night, especially if carrying bags or heading to large events.

Dining Options: On-Site and Nearby

On-Site or In-Building Options

Boutique downtown hotels like The Ellis generally include:

• A restaurant and/or bar on the lobby level or mezzanine
• Often a breakfast service and a dinner or small plates menu
• Room service options during certain hours

Offerings may evolve, so it’s common to confirm current hours or menus when you book.

Food and Drink Around the Hotel

Downtown Atlanta offers a wide range of dining options accessible from The Ellis:

• Peachtree Center food court – Quick, casual choices, especially useful for business trips.
• Independent restaurants and coffee shops around Woodruff Park and in the Fairlie-Poplar area.
• Higher-end dining options scattered along Peachtree Street and nearby blocks.

If you’re local, you may already know that downtown’s dining scene can feel busier on weekdays (when offices are full) and quieter on some evenings, so it can be helpful to check hours in advance.

Safety, Noise, and What to Expect in Downtown Atlanta

Staying at The Ellis means you’re in the core of downtown Atlanta, which comes with some typical big-city considerations.

Street Activity and Noise

• Peachtree Street is a major downtown artery, so you can expect:
  • Traffic sounds
  • Sirens from emergency vehicles
  • Event-related noise during large games and concerts
• Higher floors often experience less street noise than lower floors.
• Weekday daytime hours are typically the busiest with office workers and students moving around.

General Safety Tips

Like most downtown areas:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Stick to well-lit, busier streets when walking after dark.
• Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving bags or electronics visible in parked cars.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you can ask hotel staff for recommended walking routes and transportation options.

Many visitors feel comfortable walking to nearby attractions in daylight and rely on ride-share or taxis later in the evening.

How The Ellis Fits Into Atlanta’s Hotel Landscape

Atlanta offers a wide range of accommodations:

• Downtown: Great for conventions, sporting events, and quick access to tourist attractions.
• Midtown: Popular for arts, nightlife, and proximity to places like the Fox Theatre and Piedmont Park.
• Buckhead: Known for upscale shopping and more residential-feeling areas.

The Ellis Hotel is most comparable to other downtown boutique or mid-size hotels. It generally appeals to travelers who want:

• A central location without a massive convention-hotel atmosphere
• Easy access to Peachtree Center MARTA
• Walkability to core downtown attractions

If you’re debating where to stay in Atlanta, think about:

Practical Tips for Staying at The Ellis Hotel in Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your stay smoother:

• Use MARTA when possible 🚆
  From the airport to Peachtree Center Station, then walk — often faster than sitting in traffic, especially during rush hour or major events.

• Check events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
  Game days and concerts can significantly increase traffic and parking demand downtown.

• Plan for parking costs
  If you bring a car, factor daily parking into your budget. Ask in advance about valet or nearby garage options.

• Walk during daylight for sightseeing
  Many of downtown’s top attractions are comfortably walkable from the hotel during the day.

• Ask the front desk for local recommendations
  Staff at downtown hotels regularly help guests navigate restaurants, attractions, and transportation in Atlanta’s core neighborhoods.

Staying at The Ellis Hotel Atlanta places you right on Peachtree Street, in the center of downtown’s business and tourist activity. For travelers who value walkability, quick MARTA access, and a more intimate boutique feel than very large convention hotels, it can be a practical and well-situated base for experiencing Atlanta.