InterContinental Atlanta: What to Know About This Luxury Hotel in Buckhead

If you’ve heard people mention “InterContinental Atlanta” and wondered what they’re talking about, they almost always mean the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, a well-known luxury hotel in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods.

Whether you live in metro Atlanta and want a staycation spot, you’re visiting the city for the first time, or you’re planning a business event in Buckhead, this guide walks through what the InterContinental offers, how it fits into Atlanta’s layout, and how to make the most of a visit.

Where Is the InterContinental in Atlanta?

The InterContinental hotel most people refer to locally is:

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
3315 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (often available via a quick directory search or hotel website)

It sits right on Peachtree Road in Buckhead, one of Atlanta’s primary north–south corridors. If you’re picturing the area:

  • It’s near Buckhead’s commercial core, with easy access to high-end shopping and dining.
  • Roughly a 15–25 minute drive from Downtown Atlanta (depending heavily on traffic).
  • About 25–35 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in typical conditions.

For most Atlanta residents, this hotel is associated with special occasions, business events, and luxury stays rather than everyday lodging.

Why Someone in Atlanta Might Choose InterContinental Buckhead

People in and around Atlanta usually consider the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta for a few recurring reasons:

  • Staycations and local getaways
    If you live in-town or in the suburbs and want a “travel without flying” weekend, Buckhead offers restaurants, shopping, and nightlife all clustered together.

  • Business travel and conferences
    Many companies hold meetings, trainings, or conferences in Buckhead because it’s convenient to major highways and MARTA.

  • Weddings and formal events
    The hotel is often used for wedding receptions, galas, and corporate banquets, especially for those who want a polished, formal setting.

  • Proximity to Buckhead attractions
    You can be within a short ride of Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and Buckhead’s restaurant scene, which is helpful if you don’t want to drive all over the city.

Getting to the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

You have two realistic options:

1. By car or rideshare

  • Hop on I-85 North, then connect to GA-400 or surface streets near Buckhead.
  • Travel time can range from about 25 minutes (light traffic) to 45+ minutes (rush hour).

2. By MARTA (Rail)
If you prefer not to drive:

  • Board the Red or Gold Line northbound from the airport station.
  • Get off at Buckhead Station (Red Line).
  • From there, it’s a short rideshare or walk, depending on your comfort with walking near Peachtree Road and your luggage.

Many visitors to Atlanta find MARTA a straightforward option when they want to avoid airport traffic and parking.

Neighborhood Overview: What’s Around the Hotel?

The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is located in one of the most commercially dense parts of the city. Nearby:

  • Major malls and shopping

    • Lenox Square
    • Phipps Plaza
      Both are within a quick drive or short rideshare and are popular for high-end shopping, dining, and people-watching.
  • Restaurants and nightlife The Buckhead area along Peachtree Road, Peachtree Street, and side streets like East/West Paces Ferry has everything from casual spots to fine dining. People often stay at the InterContinental when they want to walk or take a short ride to dinner rather than driving across town.

  • Business hubs Buckhead has a high concentration of office towers, law firms, banks, real estate offices, and professional services, which is why business travelers frequently book here.

If you live elsewhere in metro Atlanta and plan an event at the InterContinental, guests from out of town typically appreciate that they can eat, shop, and attend events without needing a rental car.

What the Hotel Typically Offers (from an Atlanta Perspective)

While specific features can change over time, people familiar with the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta usually expect:

Rooms and Suites

  • Standard rooms suitable for business travelers, couples, or small families.
  • Upgraded rooms and suites for those wanting more space, often chosen for wedding weekends or special occasions.

Locals often use it for anniversaries, birthdays, or “we need a quiet night away from home” stays.

Dining and Lounge Spaces

You can usually find:

  • On-site restaurant options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • A bar or lounge where many business travelers and event guests gather in the evenings.

If you’re from Atlanta and meeting someone staying at the hotel, this makes the hotel lobby bar or lounge a convenient waypoint before heading out into Buckhead.

Event and Meeting Space

One of the hotel’s biggest draws locally is its event capacity:

  • Ballrooms and meeting rooms used for:
    • Corporate meetings
    • Conferences
    • Fundraisers and galas
    • Weddings and receptions

Event planners in Atlanta often look at the InterContinental when they need:

  • A Buckhead location
  • Professional event support
  • Easy access for guests from the airport, Midtown, Downtown, and the northern suburbs

Amenities People Commonly Look For

Amenities can shift over time, but guests often consider:

  • Fitness facilities for travelers wanting to maintain routines.
  • Spa or wellness offerings (when available).
  • Valet parking and/or self-parking, which matter a lot in car-heavy Atlanta.
  • Business-friendly services such as meeting support, Wi‑Fi, and workspaces.

If you’re planning a stay, it’s a good idea to confirm current offerings directly with the hotel, especially for spa services or parking arrangements.

Comparing InterContinental Buckhead to Other Atlanta Areas

When people search “Intercontinental Atlanta,” they’re often deciding between staying in Buckhead vs. Downtown vs. Midtown. Here’s a simple comparison from a local layout perspective:

AreaVibe & Use CaseDistance from InterContinental Buckhead
Buckhead (InterContinental’s area)Upscale, mall-adjacent, strong business and shopping presence. Good for conferences, luxury stays, and shopping-focused trips.N/A – You’re already there.
MidtownArts, nightlife, Piedmont Park, more walkable for some visitors.Roughly 15–20 minutes by car in typical traffic.
DowntownClose to major attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center.Roughly 15–25 minutes by car, depending on time of day.

If your trip is conference-heavy and focused on Buckhead businesses, staying at or near the InterContinental makes sense.
If your main goal is tourist attractions around Downtown, you may weigh whether the daily commute is worthwhile.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Using the InterContinental

If you already live in or near Atlanta, here are ways people commonly use the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta:

1. Hosting Out-of-Town Guests

If your friends or relatives:

  • Want to stay somewhere nice, central, and safe-feeling
  • Enjoy shopping, dining, and minimal driving
  • May be attending a wedding or event in Buckhead

…this hotel is a practical recommendation. You can meet them at the hotel, then either walk or take a quick rideshare to nearby spots.

2. Planning a Wedding or Large Event

Many Atlanta couples look at Buckhead hotels like the InterContinental because:

  • Guests can fly in, use MARTA + rideshare, and stay in the same building as the event.
  • Out-of-town guests get an appealing introduction to Atlanta’s upscale side.

If you’re planning locally, consider:

  • Traffic: Build driving time into your schedule, especially if you or vendors are coming from other parts of the metro area.
  • Guest budget: Buckhead pricing is typically higher than some surrounding neighborhoods, so offer a range of lodging options if your guest list is diverse.

3. Staycations and Celebrations

Atlanta residents often choose Buckhead hotels for:

  • Milestone birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Holiday weekends

A realistic routine might be:

  1. Check in at the InterContinental.
  2. Walk or take a quick car ride to a Buckhead restaurant.
  3. Return to the hotel bar or lounge.
  4. Spend the next day shopping at Lenox Square or Phipps Plaza, or exploring nearby neighborhoods.

Practical Considerations: Parking, Traffic, and Transit

Atlanta’s layout shapes how you experience any hotel, including the InterContinental.

Parking

  • Buckhead hotels typically offer valet parking and may also have self-parking options.
  • Rates can vary and may be separate from room rates, so locals attending events often factor parking costs into their plans.

If you’re just visiting for an event:

  • Carpool when possible.
  • Allow extra time for valet lines at peak event start and end times.

Traffic Timing

Traffic intensity near the InterContinental is highly time-dependent:

  • Weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can significantly slow travel along GA‑400, I‑85, and Peachtree Road.
  • Major events in Buckhead or at nearby malls can also create delays, especially around holidays.

Many locals planning events at the hotel schedule:

  • Ceremonies or receptions slightly off-peak when possible.
  • Clear directions and timing notes on invitations so guests know to plan ahead.

Using MARTA

MARTA can be a practical alternative:

  • Connects Airport → Buckhead Station with one train line.
  • You can often walk or rideshare from Buckhead Station to the hotel.

This is particularly handy for:

  • Guests who do not want to rent a car.
  • Attending multi-day conferences where you mostly stay within Buckhead.

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Areas to Explore

If you’re staying at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta and want to see more of the city, a few commonly visited spots include:

  • Midtown Atlanta

    • Piedmont Park
    • Arts and cultural venues
    • A wide range of restaurants and bars
  • Downtown Atlanta

    • Georgia Aquarium
    • World of Coca‑Cola
    • Centennial Olympic Park
    • Georgia World Congress Center (for major conventions)
  • Other popular intown neighborhoods

    • Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, and parts of the BeltLine for a more relaxed, neighborhood-centric feel.
    • These are typically 20–30 minutes by car from Buckhead, depending on traffic.

How to Decide If InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta Fits Your Plans

When you see the phrase “Intercontinental Atlanta”, it nearly always refers to InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta on Peachtree Road. It’s especially well-suited if:

  • Your trip is centered on Buckhead businesses or shopping.
  • You want a luxury or special-occasion environment.
  • You’re hosting or attending a wedding, conference, or gala in the Buckhead area.
  • You’re an Atlanta resident looking for a polished staycation spot without leaving the city.

If your main focus is Downtown attractions or Midtown nightlife, you can still stay here and commute, just be sure to plan around Atlanta’s traffic patterns and consider MARTA when it makes sense.