Staying at a Days Inn in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re searching for “Days Inn Atlanta”, you’re probably trying to figure out which locations work best for your trip, what to expect from a typical stay, and how these inns fit into Atlanta’s neighborhoods, traffic patterns, and attractions. This guide focuses on Days Inn–type inns in and around Atlanta, Georgia, and how to choose one that actually makes sense for your plans.

What Is a “Days Inn”–Style Stay in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, Days Inn–branded properties and similar economy inns are usually:

• Budget-friendly compared with many Midtown or Buckhead hotels
• Geared toward road travelers, quick work trips, and airport overnights
• Located near interstates, major surface roads, and commercial corridors
• Focused on basic essentials rather than luxury amenities

For many visitors and local residents hosting family, these inns are a practical option when you want:

• A simple place to sleep and shower
• Parking close to your room (often free, but always verify)
• Easy access to I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, or I‑20
• A base for driving to downtown, the airport, or suburban offices

Where “Days Inn–Type” Inns Tend to Be in the Atlanta Area

You’ll typically find these properties in or near:

• Airport / College Park / Hapeville – Convenient for early flights at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, airline employee overnights, and quick stays between connections.
• Downtown perimeter corridors – Along or near I‑20, I‑75/85, and some major city streets leading into downtown.
• Northside corridors (I‑75, I‑85, GA‑400) – Serving travelers going to Cobb County, Perimeter Center, or Gwinnett.
• I‑285 exits – Ringing the metro area with easy-on/easy-off access for road trips.

If you already know your main destinations in Atlanta (for example, Georgia World Congress Center, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Emory, or Perimeter Mall), it often works best to:

1. Identify the closest interstate or major arterial road, then
2. Look for inns near those exits rather than just searching generically.

Choosing the Right Area for Your Days Inn Stay

Because Atlanta is spread out and traffic-heavy, location matters as much as price. Here’s how to think about it.

If You’re Flying In or Out

If your priority is the airport:

• Look for Days Inn–type inns around College Park, Hapeville, or the Airport North/South terminals.
• These typically offer:
  • Quick access to Hartsfield–Jackson
  • Shuttle service in some cases (always confirm directly)
  • Proximity to rental car centers and MARTA’s Airport Station

This can be helpful if you:

• Have a very early or very late flight
• Need a one-night stop before continuing to another Georgia city
• Are picking up or dropping off relatives and want a simple, nearby stay

If You Want to Be Near Downtown Atlanta

For events or attractions near:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium

You’ll want to consider drive time to downtown Atlanta:

• Look for properties with fast access to I‑75/85 leading straight into downtown.
• Expect parking fees to be more common the closer you get to the city center, even at budget properties.
• If you prefer not to drive downtown, consider proximity to:
  • A MARTA rail station (such as those along the Red/Gold Line or Blue/Green Line), or
  • Major bus routes that connect to central Atlanta

If You’re Visiting Friends and Family in the Suburbs

Many Atlanta-area residents live outside the city limits in places like Smyrna, Marietta, Decatur, Tucker, Sandy Springs, or Stone Mountain.

For that kind of trip:

• Choose your inn based on their ZIP code or nearest interstate.
• Look for a property:
  • Along I‑75 if you’re headed to Cobb County/Marietta
  • Along I‑85 for Gwinnett and northeast suburbs
  • Along I‑20 for Douglasville (west) or Lithonia (east)
  • Near I‑285 if you need flexibility to drive around the entire metro

What to Expect From a Days Inn–Style Stay in Atlanta

While each property is a little different, most Days Inn–type inns around Atlanta offer:

Typical Features

• Private room and bathroom with basic furnishings
• Heating and air conditioning (important in Atlanta summers)
• Television, often with cable or satellite channels
• Wi‑Fi (commonly complimentary, but speeds and reliability can vary)
• On-site or adjacent parking, frequently at no extra cost
• Front desk service with check-in and check-out during standard hours

Possible Extras (Check Before You Book)

Some locations may also offer:

• Simple breakfast options (continental-style items)
• Outdoor pool (more common in suburban or highway properties)
• Microwave and mini-fridge in the room
• Laundry facilities for longer stays
• Pet‑friendly rooms for an added fee

Because Atlanta attracts both business and leisure travelers, properties can vary from recently refreshed to more basic and heavily used. It’s usually wise to:

• Look at recent photos from guests
• Compare the most recent feedback rather than older impressions
• Check front-desk hours and policies if you plan a late arrival

Comparing Key Factors: Location vs. Convenience vs. Cost

Here’s a simple way to weigh your options when picking a Days Inn–type inn in the Atlanta area:

Practical Tips for Booking an Inn in Atlanta

1. Factor in Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours, especially:

• Along I‑75/85 through downtown
• On I‑285, particularly on the northwest and northeast sides
• Approaches to major event venues during games and concerts

When choosing your inn, consider:

• How long it will actually take to drive where you need to go, not just distance in miles.
• Whether you’d rather add 10–15 minutes of driving but save significantly on the nightly rate.

2. Consider MARTA Access

If you prefer not to drive everywhere, look for an inn reasonably near a MARTA rail station or a major bus corridor.

Key MARTA rail hubs include:

• Airport Station (for the airport area)
• Five Points (downtown, main hub)
• Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Midtown, and North Avenue (central city access)
• Doraville, North Springs, and Indian Creek (end-of-line suburban options)

Being a short drive or shuttle ride from a station can save parking costs and stress when heading into downtown for:

• Conventions and conferences
• Sporting events
• Major concerts and festivals

3. Ask About Parking and Fees

Before you finalize a booking, it’s smart to confirm:

• Is parking free or paid?
• Is parking guaranteed on-site or in a nearby lot or deck?
• Are there extra fees (for pets, early check-in, late check-out, extra vehicles)?

In many suburban and highway-adjacent inns, parking is often complimentary. Closer to central Atlanta, paid parking is more common.

4. Verify Check-In Times and Late Arrivals

If you’re crossing time zones or arriving on a late flight, call ahead to:

• Confirm check-in and check-out times
• Ask about 24‑hour front desk coverage or after-hours procedures
• Provide an estimated arrival time so your room is held properly

This is especially important around big Atlanta events, when area hotels and inns are busier than usual.

Safety and Comfort Considerations in Atlanta

Like many large metro areas, Atlanta has neighborhoods with different safety profiles. When evaluating any inn:

• Review recent guest impressions for comments on lighting, parking lot conditions, and noise levels.
• Look at street-view images or maps to understand what surrounds the property (interstate, commercial area, residential blocks, or industrial zone).
• Consider whether you’re comfortable with:
  • Exterior-corridor rooms (doors open directly to the outdoors) vs.
  • Interior-corridor rooms (doors open to an internal hallway)

If you’re arriving late at night:

• Plan your driving route ahead of time to avoid unnecessary detours.
• Use well‑lit entrances and park close to your building or room when possible.

These are common-sense steps many travelers in Atlanta take, regardless of where they stay.

How Local Atlantans Use Days Inn–Type Inns

People living in or around Atlanta often use these inns for:

• Hosting out-of-town family who want their own space near the suburbs
• Short-term stays during moves, home renovations, or unexpected repairs
• Event weekends when central hotels are sold out or more expensive
• Road-trip stopovers when passing through Atlanta on I‑75, I‑85, or I‑20

If you live in the metro area, it can help to:

• Choose an inn near your home or your workplace, depending on what’s most convenient.
• Look for properties close to major arterials you already know well, like Peachtree Street, Buford Highway, Cobb Parkway, or Moreland Avenue, so navigation is easier.

Using Local Resources for Orientation

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta:

• The City of Atlanta and Fulton County visitor materials (often available at the airport and major visitor centers) can help you understand basic geography and attractions.
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport has informational desks that can provide guidance on:
  • Getting to local inns from the airport
  • Using MARTA or licensed ground transportation
• Many MARTA stations have maps that show where rail and bus lines connect to popular parts of the city, which can inform which area you choose for lodging.

By focusing on location, access routes, and your specific plans in Atlanta, you can narrow down the many “Days Inn Atlanta”–type options to an inn that is practical, reasonably priced, and conveniently situated for how you actually intend to use it.