Staying at The Westin Hotel in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re considering The Westin in Atlanta, you’re most likely looking at one of two major properties:

• The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta – the cylindrical glass tower in downtown
• The Westin Buckhead Atlanta – in the upscale Buckhead shopping district

Both are well-known in the city, but they offer very different experiences. This guide walks through how each Westin fits into Atlanta life, travel, and neighborhoods, and helps you decide which one works best for your trip or local staycation.

The Two Main Westin Hotels in Atlanta at a Glance

Both typically offer fitness-focused amenities, on-site dining, and meeting space, but your choice should line up with where you plan to spend most of your time in Atlanta.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta (Downtown)

Location & Local Context

• Approximate area: 210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• In the heart of downtown Atlanta, surrounded by office towers, hotels, and major attractions.
• A familiar landmark to locals: the tall, cylindrical mirrored tower visible from many parts of the city.

Downtown is busy during the workweek and on game days, concerts, and convention events. If you’re attending something at the Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena, staying here significantly cuts down on travel time.

Who This Location Works Best For

Good fit if:

• You’re in Atlanta for a conference or convention.
• You want to walk to major attractions like:
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • College Football Hall of Fame
• You’re catching a Falcons, United, or concert event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• You rely heavily on MARTA rail and want a central hub.

May not be ideal if:

• You’re looking for a quiet, residential feel.
• You mainly plan to explore neighborhoods like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or West Midtown and don’t want to commute from downtown each time.

Getting Around from the Peachtree Plaza

• MARTA Rail: Peachtree Center Station is a short walk, connecting you to:
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Midtown, Buckhead, and other rail stops.
• Walking: Downtown’s major attractions are walkable, though you’ll want to plan your route, especially at night.
• Driving & Parking: Downtown can be congested, especially during events. Expect paid parking and allow extra time to navigate one-way streets and event closures.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions

From The Westin Peachtree Plaza, you can typically walk or take a quick ride to:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Underground Atlanta (area under revitalization; check current offerings)
• State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium (walkable for many, short ride for others)

If you’re visiting Atlanta for the first time and want the classic “downtown experience,” this Westin places you right in the middle of it.

The Westin Buckhead Atlanta

Location & Local Context

• Approximate area: Peachtree Road NE near Lenox Road, Atlanta, GA 30326
• In Buckhead, an upscale district known for shopping, dining, and office towers.
• The area feels more like a modern commercial neighborhood than a tourist zone, and many locals commute here for work or shopping.

Who This Location Works Best For

Good fit if:

• You’re in Atlanta for business in Buckhead or north Atlanta.
• You want easy access to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for shopping or dining.
• You prefer a quieter atmosphere than downtown, especially at night.
• You’re meeting local friends or colleagues who live in Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or other northside neighborhoods.

May not be ideal if:

• Most of your plans are downtown or around the stadiums; the commute can add time during rush hour.
• You want to be able to walk to major tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium—those are not in Buckhead.

Getting Around from the Buckhead Westin

• MARTA Rail: Buckhead Station on the Red Line is usually a walkable distance, connecting you to:
  • Midtown and Downtown
  • The Airport (with a line transfer at Lindbergh Center or Five Points, depending on route)
• Driving:
  • Direct access to GA‑400 and close to I‑85.
  • Traffic on Peachtree Road and around Lenox/Lenox Square can be heavy at rush hour and weekends, especially during shopping seasons.
• Walking: Short walks to Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and various restaurants and offices along Peachtree Road.

Nearby Atlanta Attractions & Conveniences

Buckhead is less about big tourist attractions and more about shopping, dining, and lifestyle:

• Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (major malls with national and luxury retailers)
• A wide range of sit-down restaurants, cafes, and quick-service options within a short drive or rideshare
• Quick access by car to:
  • Chastain Park Amphitheatre
  • Path400 Greenway walking/biking path
  • Residential neighborhoods with local dining pockets (e.g., Brookhaven Village)

If you’re a frequent visitor to Atlanta for business in Buckhead or you’re planning a shopping-heavy weekend, this Westin can be more convenient and calmer than staying downtown.

Choosing Between the Westin Peachtree Plaza and Westin Buckhead

When deciding which Atlanta Westin works better for you, think through:

1. What You’re Doing in Atlanta

• Mostly Downtown / Stadium / Aquarium / Conventions?
  ➜ Downtown Westin Peachtree Plaza is usually more efficient.
• Mostly Buckhead / Northside Offices / Shopping?
  ➜ Westin Buckhead likely saves you time and transit stress.

2. How You’re Getting Around

• Without a Car:
  • Both locations are near MARTA stations, but downtown offers easier walking to big attractions.
• With a Car:
  • Downtown means more event traffic and parking challenges.
  • Buckhead has heavy traffic on Peachtree but can be easier for traveling north or outside the city core.

3. Your Preferred Atmosphere

• Lively, urban, and event-driven ➜ Downtown Westin Peachtree Plaza
• More relaxed, business/shopping district ➜ Westin Buckhead

Typical Amenities and What Locals Expect

While specific offerings can change, guests at both Atlanta Westins commonly find:

• Fitness-focused features:
  • On-site fitness centers, sometimes with extended hours
  • Often indoor or outdoor pools (check current status and hours)
• Business and event facilities:
  • Meeting rooms and ballrooms used for corporate events, weddings, and local functions.
• On-site dining options:
  • A restaurant and bar within the hotel, often used by business travelers and conference attendees.
• Room options tailored to different needs:
  • Standard rooms for quick stays
  • Larger or premium rooms with city views (especially at the Peachtree Plaza tower)

If you’re local and planning a meeting, reception, or social event, both properties are commonly used venues. The downtown Westin is often chosen for large conferences and events, while Westin Buckhead is popular for corporate meetings and more contained gatherings.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors and Locals

If You’re Flying In

• Airport to Downtown Westin Peachtree Plaza:

  • MARTA from the Airport Station straight to Peachtree Center Station is usually the simplest rail option.
  • Rideshare and taxis are readily available at the airport; travel time varies with traffic.

• Airport to Westin Buckhead:

  • MARTA from Airport Station on the Red/Gold line, transfer as needed, and exit at Buckhead Station.
  • Rideshare is straightforward but can be slower during rush hour heading north on the interstate.

If You Live in the Atlanta Area

Locals often use the Westin properties for:

• Staycations, especially around big events or holidays.
• Wedding blocks or guest accommodations for out‑of‑town family.
• Business meetings, conferences, and networking events.

If you’re inviting guests to Atlanta and trying to choose where to book their rooms:

• Guests planning to sightsee downtown often appreciate the Peachtree Plaza location.
• Guests likely to shop, dine, and meet friends in North Atlanta may prefer Buckhead.

Safety, Comfort, and Local Considerations

• Downtown:
  • Busy during events and weekday business hours.
  • As in any major city center, people commonly pay attention to where they walk at night, stick to well‑lit routes, and use rideshare when unsure.
• Buckhead:
  • Heavy traffic, especially around Lenox/Peachtree.
  • More of a mixed office–retail area with commuters and shoppers throughout the day.

In both areas, visitors typically follow basic urban safety habits: keep valuables secure, plan transportation ahead of time, and check event calendars if you want to avoid peak crowds.

Quick Decision Guide ✅

Use this as a fast reference:

• Choose The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta (Downtown) if you:

  • Want skyline views and a true downtown Atlanta experience
  • Are attending events at GWCC, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena
  • Prefer to walk or take MARTA to most major attractions

• Choose The Westin Buckhead Atlanta if you:

  • Plan to spend time in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, or North Atlanta
  • Are focused on shopping, dining, and business along Peachtree Road
  • Want a setting that feels a bit less hectic than downtown at night

Understanding how each Westin fits into Atlanta’s layout, traffic patterns, and neighborhoods will help you pick the property that matches your plans—whether you’re here for a conference, a weekend getaway, or day‑to‑day business in the city.