The Glenn Hotel in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

The Glenn Hotel is a boutique hotel in Downtown Atlanta, known for its historic charm, intimate size, and walkable location near many of the city’s biggest attractions. If you live in Atlanta and want a staycation, or you’re visiting and trying to decide where to stay, this guide breaks down what the Glenn offers, what’s nearby, and how it compares to other areas of the city.

Where the Glenn Hotel Is and Why Its Location Matters

The Glenn Hotel is located in Downtown Atlanta, near Centennial Olympic Park and the heart of the central business district.

Typical address and general area:

  • Area: Downtown Atlanta (near Centennial Olympic Park)
  • Nearby streets/landmarks: Around Marietta St NW / Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
  • General vibe: Urban, walkable, busy on game days and event nights

This location is especially helpful if you:

  • Want to be on foot most of the time
  • Are in town for a conference at the Georgia World Congress Center
  • Are attending a concert or game at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • Prefer easy MARTA access from the airport

If you’re local to Atlanta, the Glenn is often chosen for weekend staycations and for guests who want to be right in the middle of downtown activity without a massive convention-style hotel.

What the Glenn Hotel Is Like

Style and Atmosphere

The Glenn is usually described as a boutique, design-focused hotel rather than a large chain-style property. For Atlanta standards, it feels:

  • Smaller and more personal than the big high-rises nearby
  • Historic and character-rich, reflecting older downtown architecture
  • Designed with a lobby that feels more like a lounge or living room than a standard hotel lobby

If you prefer unique spaces over generic rooms, this is part of the Glenn’s appeal.

Typical Room Features

While exact layouts and features can vary by room type and over time, guests at hotels like the Glenn in this category often find:

  • Standard rooms and suites with modern décor
  • Comfortable bedding oriented toward business and leisure travelers
  • Work-friendly desk area, appealing if you’re here for a conference or remote work
  • Wi‑Fi, TV, and typical in-room amenities (safe, coffee, etc.)

Because the hotel is in the dense downtown grid, some rooms may have city views while others may face nearby buildings. For light sleepers, it can be worth requesting a higher floor or a quieter side of the building, especially on nights with big events nearby.

Dining and Drinks: What to Expect On-Site

Boutique properties in this area of downtown typically offer:

  • A lobby bar or lounge with cocktails and light bites
  • Breakfast options on-site or very close by
  • Occasional rooftop or terrace spaces for drinks with a city view

If you’re staying at the Glenn, it’s realistic to:

  • Grab a quick breakfast or coffee before walking to meetings or attractions
  • Enjoy a drink in the evening without leaving the building
  • Use the hotel bar as a meet-up spot before a game or concert

For more variety, you’re within walking distance of other downtown restaurants, plus nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill and Midtown are a short rideshare or MARTA ride away.

The Glenn Hotel and Atlanta’s Major Attractions

One of the main reasons people choose the Glenn Hotel is how close it is to many must-see Atlanta spots. Here’s how it lines up with key attractions:

Nearby AttractionApproximate Experience from the Glenn*
Centennial Olympic ParkShort walk; good for relaxing or events
State Farm ArenaWalkable; popular for Hawks games and concerts
Mercedes-Benz StadiumWalkable; ideal for Falcons, United, big events
Georgia World Congress CenterWalkable; convenient for conferences and expos
CNN Center areaNearby; often visited for events and dining
College Football Hall of FameVery close; easy to combine with downtown day
World of Coca-ColaWalkable through Centennial Olympic Park
Georgia AquariumWalkable; family-friendly and all-day outing

*Travel times and walkability can vary based on event traffic, construction, and mobility needs.

If you’re planning a trip built around aquarium visits, Coca-Cola, and park time, being able to walk from your hotel simplifies things considerably. For locals, it’s a convenient base for multi-stop event days (brunch, game, then a night out).

Getting to and from the Glenn Hotel

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Common ways to reach the Glenn:

  • 🚇 MARTA Rail:

    • Take the Red or Gold line from the airport to Five Points or GWCC/CNN Center station.
    • Downtown hotels like the Glenn are typically a short walk or brief rideshare from those stations.
  • 🚗 Rideshare or Taxi:

    • A direct drive from ATL to Downtown usually takes 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
    • You’ll want to factor in downtown event traffic on evenings with major games or concerts.

For visitors who don’t want to rent a car, downtown hotel stays are usually manageable with a mix of MARTA, walking, and rideshare.

Parking Considerations

Most boutique hotels in Downtown Atlanta, including properties like the Glenn, rely on:

  • Valet parking (often daily rates)
  • Limited nearby garages or lots for self-parking

If you’re a local planning a staycation, you may want to:

  • Compare valet cost vs. nearby garages
  • Decide whether you truly need your car during the stay, given the walkability and transit options

What It’s Like to Stay Downtown vs Other Atlanta Areas

If you’re deciding between the Glenn and other parts of the city, here’s helpful context:

Staying Downtown (Glenn’s Area)

Pros:

  • Walkable to tourist attractions and big venues
  • Great if you’re here for conferences or specific events
  • Easier to use MARTA from the airport without a car

Potential trade-offs:

  • More event-driven crowds and traffic
  • Quieter in some spots on weekends or late nights when there are no events
  • Urban environment—typical big city feel

Midtown or Buckhead Alternatives

  • Midtown Atlanta:

    • More neighborhood restaurants, arts scene, and nightlife
    • Still good MARTA access (Midtown and Arts Center stations)
    • Better if you want a blend of business, arts, and dining
  • Buckhead:

    • Oriented toward shopping and upscale dining
    • Less practical for walking to downtown attractions
    • Better if your plans revolve around Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, or North Atlanta

If your focus is Atlanta’s core attractions and walkable access to the stadiums and the Georgia World Congress Center, Downtown and hotels like the Glenn are some of the most convenient options.

Who the Glenn Hotel Works Best For

The Glenn Hotel in Atlanta is a strong fit if you:

  • Are attending a game, concert, or major event downtown
  • Want a boutique-style hotel instead of a huge convention property
  • Prefer to walk to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park
  • Are a local Atlantan planning a staycation centered on a show or big downtown night out
  • Need a base for a conference at Georgia World Congress Center with minimal commuting

It’s less ideal if you:

  • Want a quieter suburban-style environment
  • Plan to spend most of your time in Buckhead, Decatur, or outer neighborhoods
  • Need extensive on-site resort amenities like large pools or sprawling grounds

Practical Tips for an Atlanta Stay at the Glenn Hotel

Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to get the most out of a stay at the Glenn or any similar downtown hotel:

  • Check the event calendar:
    Look up major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Prices, traffic, and crowds change noticeably on big event days.

  • Plan your transportation strategy:

    • If most of your plans are downtown, consider MARTA from the airport and skip renting a car.
    • If you’ll be exploring Decatur, Westside, or East Atlanta Village, occasional rideshare can be easier than dealing with parking in multiple places.
  • Time your activities:

    • Visit attractions like the Georgia Aquariumearlier in the day to avoid peak crowds.
    • If you’re here during major conventions, restaurants near the park can get busy at lunch and early evening.
  • Think about noise and views:

    • If you’re sensitive to noise, request a higher floor or a room away from the busiest street side.
    • If you care about a skyline view, ask about view-oriented room types when booking.

Staying at the Glenn Hotel in Atlanta places you in the center of Downtown’s action, with easy access to many of the city’s most visited landmarks. For visitors who prioritize walking to attractions and for locals who want an immersive downtown experience, it’s a practical and character-filled base for exploring Atlanta.