Atlanta’s Westin Peachtree Plaza: What to Know Before You Go
If you spend any time in Downtown Atlanta, you’ve seen it: the tall, cylindrical glass tower rising over Peachtree Street. That’s The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings and a central hub for visitors, conference-goers, and locals looking for skyline views.
This guide breaks down what Atlantans and visitors actually want to know: how the Westin Peachtree fits into the city, what it’s like inside, how to get there, and how to use it as a base for exploring Atlanta.
Where the Westin Peachtree Fits in Atlanta
Address:
The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
The Westin sits in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, directly on Peachtree Street. From the sidewalk, you’re within a short walk of:
- Georgia World Congress Center (major conventions and trade shows)
- State Farm Arena (NBA games, concerts)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium (NFL, MLS, concerts)
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
For city residents, it’s a familiar landmark. For visitors, it’s a practical home base if you want to be close to business, events, and key attractions instead of driving across the city.
Getting to the Westin Peachtree in Atlanta
By MARTA
If you prefer transit, the Westin is MARTA-friendly:
- Nearest station:Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold lines)
- Once you exit the station, follow signs for Peachtree Street. The hotel is about a 2–5 minute walk, depending on which exit you use.
This is useful if:
- You’re coming from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (same Red/Gold line, no transfers needed).
- You’re staying elsewhere along MARTA (Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs) and heading Downtown for a meeting or dinner.
Driving and Parking
Downtown traffic can be busy, especially during:
- Falcons or United games
- Hawks games or big concerts
- Large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
If you drive:
- Expect hotel valet and nearby garages to be your main parking options.
- Overnight parking can be pricey, so locals sometimes park in a nearby garage and walk if they’re just visiting the property for a few hours.
- Watch out for one-way streets around Peachtree, Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, and Baker Street.
Tip: If you’re an Atlanta resident visiting for dinner, drinks, or an event, check parking options around Peachtree Center, SunTrust Plaza, or Centennial Olympic Park Drive and compare rates first.
What the Westin Peachtree Is Known For in Atlanta
The Iconic Cylindrical Glass Tower
Atlanta’s skyline has a few instantly recognizable buildings, and the Westin Peachtree is one of them. Many locals know it simply as “the Westin on Peachtree” or “that round glass hotel Downtown.”
It stands out for:
- 360-degree glass exterior
- Panoramic city views from higher floors
- Its role as a visual anchor in photos of Downtown Atlanta
If you live in the metro area, you’ve probably used it as a landmark for giving directions or spotting Downtown from the Connector.
A Major Conference and Event Hotel
The Westin Peachtree regularly hosts:
- Business conferences
- Association meetings
- Banquets and galas
- Wedding receptions and social events
For people working in or near Downtown, it’s common to attend at least one professional event there. The hotel is often chosen because it’s:
- Walkable from many corporate offices, especially around Peachtree Center and the Government District
- Close to Georgia World Congress Center for larger conventions
- Accessible by MARTA from the airport for out-of-town attendees
Rooms, Views, and What Staying There Is Like
Types of Stays That Make Sense Here
The Westin Peachtree tends to make the most sense if you:
- Are in town for a conference or trade show
- Want a central base to explore Downtown attractions
- Prefer to use MARTA instead of renting a car
- Need to be near government buildings, law offices, or corporate HQs in Downtown
Families visiting the aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, or World of Coca-Cola often stay here because they can walk to most stops on their itinerary.
Room Features and Views
While specific room layouts and amenities can change, guests commonly notice:
- Floor-to-ceiling windows on upper floors
- City views that differ depending on which side you’re on:
- One side faces Centennial Olympic Park, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Westside
- Another side looks toward Midtown and up Peachtree Street
- Typical large-hotel amenities like:
- In-room workspace
- Fitness-focused touches (often a selling point for the Westin brand)
If you care most about the view, many visitors request a high floor facing west or north for stadium and Midtown views, though this is always subject to availability.
Restaurants, Bars, and Skyline Experiences
The Skyline Draw
One of the main reasons Atlanta residents visit the Westin Peachtree (even if they don’t stay overnight) is for the skyline experience. The upper floors have historically featured a revolving restaurant or lounge and observation-style seating.
Over time, specific restaurant concepts and names can change, but visitors typically go up top for:
- Date nights overlooking the city
- Special occasion dinners with out-of-town guests
- A place to see Atlanta lit up at night without leaving Downtown
Because offerings can shift, it’s a good idea to check:
- Current restaurant hours
- Whether the upper-level bar/dining area is open on the day you plan to go
- Dress expectations if you’re going in the evening
Eating on or Near Peachtree
Downtown’s food scene has a mix of:
- Hotel restaurants (including those inside the Westin and nearby properties)
- Casual spots in and around Peachtree Center
- Quick-grab options for convention attendees
- Restaurants that cater to the pre-game and pre-concert crowd near the stadium and arena
If you’re staying at the Westin Peachtree, you can:
- Eat on-site for convenience, especially for breakfast or late-night bites
- Walk a few blocks toward Peachtree Center or Centennial Olympic Park for more variety
- Take a short rideshare or MARTA trip to Midtown for a broader range of independent restaurants
Using the Westin Peachtree as a Base to Explore Atlanta
Because of its central location on Peachtree Street, the hotel works well as a launch point for exploring:
Walkable Attractions from the Hotel
You can typically walk from the Westin to:
- Centennial Olympic Park – green space, fountains, and city views
- Georgia Aquarium – one of the city’s top family attractions
- World of Coca-Cola – brand museum and interactive exhibits
- College Football Hall of Fame
- SkyView Atlanta – the big Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park
- State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium – walkable for many, though some prefer rideshare for late-night safety or bad weather
These walks are mostly flat and urban, with lots of street crossings and event-related crowds when something big is going on.
Getting to Other Neighborhoods
From the Westin Peachtree, it’s relatively simple to reach:
- Midtown
- By MARTA: One or two stops north from Peachtree Center
- By rideshare: Usually a short trip up Peachtree Street
- Buckhead
- By MARTA: Same Red line northbound from Peachtree Center
- By car: Up Peachtree Road or via GA-400
- Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine Eastside Trail
- By car or rideshare: Typically 10–15 minutes depending on traffic
- Great for dining, walking the BeltLine, and visiting Ponce City Market
This makes the Westin practical if you want to sleep Downtown, but spend your days exploring other parts of the city.
Business, Government, and Professional Uses
For Conferences and Corporate Travel
If you’re coming to Atlanta for work, the Westin Peachtree is frequently used by:
- Corporate teams attending Downtown meetings
- Trade show participants at Georgia World Congress Center
- Legal professionals needing quick access to the Fulton County Courthouse area
- Visitors who want to step off MARTA from the airport and be within walking distance of their hotel
Companies often choose it because it combines:
- Large meeting spaces
- Easy transit access
- Proximity to Downtown office towers and Peachtree Center
Proximity to Government and Civic Buildings
From the Westin Peachtree, you can reach several government-related destinations:
- Atlanta City Hall – generally reachable by short drive, rideshare, or bus
- Fulton County Government Center and nearby courts – close enough for a short drive or a longer walk
- State of Georgia government offices – many are clustered along Capitol Avenue and around the Georgia State Capitol south of the hotel
If you have early courthouse or government meetings, factor in:
- Morning Downtown traffic
- Limited surface parking
- Security screening times at public buildings
Quick Reference: Westin Peachtree at a Glance
| Feature / Topic | What to Expect in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Location | 210 Peachtree St NW, in the core of Downtown Atlanta |
| Transit Access | Short walk to Peachtree Center MARTA station (Red/Gold lines, direct to airport) |
| Best For | Conferences, business trips, Downtown events, skyline views, aquarium/park visits |
| Nearby Attractions | Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, MBS |
| Parking | Hotel valet and nearby garages; Downtown rates can be high |
| Local Appeal | Iconic cylindrical glass tower; popular for views, special occasions, and event hosting |
| Walkability | Strong for major Downtown attractions; urban environment with event-driven crowds |
Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors
Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips if you’re planning to use the Westin Peachtree:
For locals meeting friends or clients
- Use the Westin as a central meet-up spot, especially if one person is coming from the airport via MARTA.
- Agree on a specific lobby area or restaurant time; event traffic can make parking and drop-off slower than expected.
For visitors coming from the airport
- Riding MARTA from the airport to Peachtree Center is usually more predictable than driving during rush hour.
- If you have heavy luggage, note that Peachtree Center Station has multiple exits; look for signs pointing to Peachtree Street and plan for short walks and some escalators or stairs.
For big event days (games, concerts, conventions)
- Build in extra time for check-in, parking, and elevators, as the hotel gets busier.
- If you’re not attending the event, but staying or dining at the hotel, expect more foot traffic around Peachtree Street and Centennial Olympic Park.
For exploring beyond Downtown
- Consider MARTA day passes if you’ll be going back and forth to Midtown or Buckhead.
- Rideshare is usually straightforward from the hotel’s main entrance, but surge pricing can spike after large events.
How the Westin Peachtree Fits into Peachtree Street Overall
Peachtree Street runs through many of Atlanta’s core neighborhoods, but the Westin’s stretch is very specifically:
- Downtown and business-focused
- Surrounded by office towers, hotels, and event venues
- Often filled with convention attendees, sports fans, and tourists
If you’re looking for nightlife-heavy Peachtree or quieter, more residential corners, you’ll find that energy more in Midtown and parts of Buckhead. The Westin Peachtree represents the Downtown, event-centered side of Peachtree, anchored in Atlanta’s business and tourism core.
Whether you live in the Atlanta area and want a city-view evening out, or you’re flying in for a conference and need a central place to stay, understanding the Westin Peachtree’s role in Downtown Atlanta helps you plan your transportation, schedule, and expectations around one of the city’s most recognizable hotels.