Top-Rated Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay for Every Kind of Trip

Atlanta has no shortage of places to stay, but “top-rated” can mean very different things depending on whether you want skyline views, a walkable neighborhood, family-friendly space, or quick access to the airport. This guide focuses on highly regarded hotels within Atlanta, Georgia, organized by what travelers and locals tend to care about most: location, style, convenience, and overall experience.

How to Choose a Top-Rated Hotel in Atlanta

Before getting into specific hotels, it helps to think about where in Atlanta you want to be and what matters most to you.

Key questions to ask:

• Do you want to be downtown near major attractions and events?
• Prefer Midtown for arts, dining, and nightlife?
• Want a leafy, upscale feel in Buckhead?
• Need to be near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for early or late flights?
• Are you bringing kids, a pet, or a car that needs parking?

Atlanta’s traffic can be heavy, so location is often as important as the hotel itself.

Quick Snapshot: Top-Rated Atlanta Hotel Areas

Top-Rated Hotels in Downtown Atlanta

Downtown is ideal if you want to be close to Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s popular for big events and family trips.

1. Luxury & Upscale Downtown Options

These are often considered when travelers look for top-rated full-service hotels downtown:

• Luxury high-rise hotels around Centennial Olympic Park
  These typically feature:

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with city and park views
  • On-site restaurants and bars
  • Rooftop or elevated lounges
  • Easy walking access to:
    • Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
    • World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
    • Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
      Many guests choose this cluster for major games and concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW) and State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr).

• Convention-focused hotels near the Georgia World Congress Center
  Ideal for:

  • Large conferences and trade shows
  • Business travelers needing meeting spaces and business centers
  • Walkable access to downtown office buildings and government centers
    These hotels typically offer:
  • Extensive ballrooms and meeting rooms
  • On-site dining and coffee shops
  • Valet parking and quick rideshare access

2. Family-Friendly Downtown Stays

Families often look for:

• Suites with separate living areas or kitchenettes
• Indoor pools for year-round use
• Breakfast options on-site or within a short walk

Downtown properties near Baker Street NW, Marietta Street NW, and Luckie Street NW are especially convenient for:

• Day trips to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW)
• Visits to SkyView Atlanta, the large Ferris wheel along Centennial Olympic Park Dr

Top-Rated Hotels in Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is one of Atlanta’s most popular areas for visitors who want to balance walkability, culture, and nightlife. It’s home to the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail access.

1. Boutique & Lifestyle Hotels in Midtown

Midtown’s top-rated boutique-style hotels often appeal to guests who want:

• A modern, design-forward space
• Easy access to:
  • Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE)
  • High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE)
  • Woodruff Arts Center
  • Colony Square
• Walkable dining and nightlife along Peachtree St NE and cross streets like 10th St NE, 14th St NE, and Ponce de Leon Ave NE

Common features in this area:

• Rooftop bars or terraces with Midtown and Downtown skyline views
• In-house restaurants focusing on Southern-inspired or modern American menus
• Stylish lobbies and co-working-friendly common areas

2. Hotels Near Piedmont Park & BeltLine Access

If you’re in Atlanta for outdoor time or a festival, consider hotels:

• Within walking distance of Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE)
• Near access points to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, especially around:
  • Monroe Dr NE
  • 10th St NE
  • Ponce City Market area (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE)

Visitors often value:

• Proximity to the Atlanta Pride Festival, music festivals, and community events at Piedmont Park
• Quick access to jogging, cycling, and casual walks along the BeltLine
• Dog-friendly policies for those bringing pets to the park

Top-Rated Hotels in Buckhead

Buckhead is known for its upscale retail, dining, and quieter, more residential feel compared with Midtown and Downtown. It’s a top pick for travelers who prioritize comfort and a more polished environment.

1. Luxury Hotels Near Buckhead’s Shopping Districts

High-end hotels in Buckhead often cluster around:

• Peachtree Rd NE near:
  • Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE)
  • Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE)

They are popular for:

• Luxury shopping trips
• Business travel to Buckhead office towers
• Special occasions such as anniversaries and milestone celebrations

Typical features:

• Fine-dining restaurants and cocktail lounges on-site
• Full-service spas and well-equipped fitness centers
• High-floor rooms with views over Buckhead’s skyline and tree canopy

2. Quiet, Residential-Feel Stays

Some top-rated Buckhead hotels sit slightly off the main roadways, offering:

• More residential surroundings with trees and quieter streets
• Easy rideshare or quick drives to Buckhead Village, Lenox Square, and Phipps Plaza
• A mix of:
  • Larger rooms and suites
  • Outdoor pools or courtyards
  • On-site parking that may be simpler than dense urban areas

These hotels often appeal to:

• Families wanting a calmer environment
• Extended stays where guests value extra space
• Visitors who plan to drive around Atlanta more than rely on walking or transit

Top-Rated Hotels Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

If you have an early departure, a short layover, or are attending meetings near the airport, staying nearby can be very practical.

1. Full-Service Airport Hotels

Full-service airport hotels typically line:

• Virginia Ave, Riverdale Rd, and the areas just beyond the Domestic Terminal and International Terminal

They often provide:

• Free or frequent airport shuttles to and from:
  • Domestic Terminal (6000 N Terminal Pkwy)
  • International Terminal (2600 Maynard H. Jackson Jr. Blvd)
• On-site restaurants and bars
• Meeting rooms and business centers
• Extended parking or “park and fly” style options (policies vary by property)

These hotels are convenient for:

• Business travelers with quick in-and-out trips
• Families with very early flights
• Travelers who want to avoid potential traffic delays from the city center

2. Budget-Friendly, Short-Stay Options

Around the airport, you’ll also find limited-service and budget hotels that still receive strong reviews for:

• Cleanliness and reliable shuttles
• Basic breakfast offerings
• Simple, efficient stays

Look in areas like College Park and Hapeville for more economical choices that remain close to the terminals.

Neighborhood-Focused & Extended-Stay Hotels in Atlanta

Beyond the main hotel districts, some travelers prefer to stay in neighborhoods that feel more “local” or need more space and kitchen facilities.

1. Extended-Stay Hotels with Kitchens

Top-rated extended-stay properties are often found:

• Around Perimeter Center (northern I-285 area) near major corporate offices and medical centers
• In Buckhead and Midtown for longer work assignments or relocating families

They typically feature:

• In-room kitchenettes or full kitchens
• Laundry facilities
• More apartment-like layouts, sometimes with separate bedrooms and living areas

These can be especially useful if you are:

• In Atlanta for a multi-week project
• Relocating and house-hunting
• Visiting family and want your own space

2. Intown Neighborhood Stays

Some travelers like staying closer to:

• Inman Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• Virginia-Highland
• Grant Park

While these areas are more commonly associated with smaller inns, short-term rentals, or boutique properties, you may find:

• Smaller hotels or inns within short drives of the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and historic neighborhoods
• A more “local” feel with tree-lined streets and independent shops

These options suit guests who want less of a downtown/high-rise experience and more of a neighborhood environment while still being close to central Atlanta.

Practical Tips for Booking a Top-Rated Hotel in Atlanta

To make the most of your stay in Atlanta, consider these local-minded tips:

1. Think about events and game days
Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, and Midtown festivals can:

• Fill hotels quickly
• Increase nightly rates across Downtown and Midtown
• Make Buckhead or Perimeter a better value on those dates

2. Factor in Atlanta traffic
If you’re attending a conference downtown but staying in Buckhead or Perimeter, build in:

• Extra drive time, especially during weekday morning and evening rush hours
• Flexibility for weather-related or construction-related delays

3. Consider MARTA access
Hotels near MARTA rail stations (especially in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and near the Airport) can be valuable if you prefer not to rent a car. MARTA can connect you directly from:

• Airport Station to stations including Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, and Buckhead

4. Check parking details
In central areas:

• Valet and self-parking can be significantly different in price from one property to another
• Some top-rated hotels bundle parking with certain room packages or weekend specials

5. Look at what “resort fee” or “amenity fee” covers
Some upscale properties may charge additional daily fees that can include:

• Fitness center access
• Bottled water, Wi-Fi upgrades, or local transport within a certain radius
  Understanding these in advance helps you compare real costs between hotels.

Finding the Right Top-Rated Hotel for Your Atlanta Stay

If you:

• Want attractions and walkability: Focus on Downtown near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Prefer arts, dining, and nightlife: Look in Midtown near Peachtree St NE, the Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park.
• Value luxury and calm: Consider Buckhead, especially near Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
• Need convenience for flights: Choose an airport-area hotel with a reliable shuttle.
• Are staying longer or relocating: Explore extended-stay options in Midtown, Buckhead, or Perimeter Center.

By starting with the neighborhood that best fits your plans and then comparing amenities like parking, transit access, room size, and on-site dining, you can narrow in on the top-rated Atlanta hotel that matches how you actually want to experience the city.