Clarion Inn & Suites in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re looking at Clarion Inn & Suites options in Atlanta, you’re probably trying to balance price, location, and comfort while still being close to the city’s major attractions, business districts, or the airport. Atlanta has several mid-range hotels and suite-style properties that use the Clarion or Clarion Inn & Suites branding, and understanding how these typically fit into the local lodging scene can help you decide whether they’re right for your trip.
This guide focuses on how Clarion Inn & Suites–type properties work in Atlanta, what to expect from them, and how to choose a location that fits the way you plan to use the city.
What “Clarion Inn & Suites” Usually Means in Atlanta
In the Atlanta area, a Clarion Inn & Suites or similarly branded property usually fits into the mid-range, limited-service hotel category with:
- Suite-style rooms or larger guestrooms
- A mix of short-term travelers (overnight or weekend stays) and longer-stay guests
- Easy highway access or close proximity to major corridors, such as I‑85, I‑75, I‑285, or near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
You’ll generally find:
- Standard rooms plus suites with a sitting area or partial separation between sleeping and living spaces
- On-site parking, often free or less expensive than in the urban core
- Continental or hot breakfast commonly offered
- Wi‑Fi and basic business amenities such as printing or a small business corner
- A front desk accustomed to both local and out-of-town guests, including flight crews, families, and business travelers
The exact amenities can differ from property to property, but in Atlanta, Clarion-branded Inns & Suites often appeal to:
- Drivers passing through the city on the interstates
- Budget-conscious visitors who want decent access to downtown or Midtown without paying in-core rates
- People visiting family in the metro area who need flexible space and parking
Typical Neighborhood Settings for Clarion Inn & Suites in Atlanta
Because Clarion Inn & Suites properties often cluster near major roads, they may be in or near the following types of areas:
Near the Airport (South Atlanta)
Many travelers searching for suites in Atlanta are really looking for something close to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, especially if they have early flights, layovers, or frequent business travel. In this part of metro Atlanta, properties branded as Clarion or Clarion Inn & Suites are often located in:
- College Park
- Hapeville
- East Point
These areas typically offer:
- Quick access to the terminals via I‑85 or airport connector roads
- Airport shuttle options (check the individual hotel for current availability)
- Proximity to Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and businesses around the airport corridor
This location works well if:
- You’re in Atlanta only for a night before or after a flight
- You’re attending a conference or training near the airport
- You want a suite with parking and easier rates than some in-city hotels
Along the Perimeter (I‑285) and Major Interstates
Clarion-style Inns & Suites in the outer Atlanta metro tend to sit near:
- I‑285 (the Perimeter) around the city
- I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and GA‑400 nodes
These locations often serve:
- Business travelers visiting regional offices in places like Perimeter Center, Cumberland/Vinings, or Norcross/Peachtree Corners
- Families who prefer being outside central Atlanta but still within a moderate drive of Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
Common trade-offs in these areas:
- Pros: Easier parking, often quieter at night, more chain restaurants and shopping nearby (Cumberland Mall, Perimeter Mall, etc.)
- Cons: You’ll likely rely on a car or rideshare to get into the city’s core, and Atlanta traffic along the Perimeter can be heavy at rush hours
Close to Central Atlanta
You may occasionally find Clarion-branded or Clarion Inn & Suites properties within a reasonable drive of:
- Downtown Atlanta (around Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center)
- Midtown Atlanta (High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre)
- Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Peachtree Road corridor)
In these cases, expect:
- Higher demand during major events (Falcons, Hawks, United games, concerts, conventions)
- More pressure on parking availability and cost
- Shorter drives or rideshares to attractions, but sometimes older or more compact properties compared with upscale, brand-new hotels in the same neighborhoods
What Suite-Style Rooms at Clarion Inns & Suites Usually Offer
If you’re specifically after suites in Atlanta, these are some of the features you’re likely looking for—and what Clarion-style properties commonly provide:
Room Layouts
Many Clarion Inns & Suites in and around Atlanta include:
- Standard King or Double Queen Rooms – traditional hotel rooms suitable for one to four guests
- Junior Suites – larger rooms that may have:
- A sofa or sitting area
- A partial divider between the bed and living area
- One-Bedroom Suites (where available) – a separate bedroom plus a living room with:
- A sleeper sofa
- Sometimes a small table or workspace
This can be helpful if you’re:
- A family that wants to put kids to bed in one area while adults watch TV or work in another
- Sharing a room with colleagues and need a bit more privacy and space
- Staying several nights and want more room to unpack and relax
Kitchenettes and In-Room Conveniences
Some but not all suites-style rooms at Clarion-brand properties include:
- Mini-fridge and microwave
- Coffee maker
- Occasional wet bar area with sink or counter space
Full kitchens with stovetops and dishwashers are less common and are usually found in extended-stay brands rather than typical Clarion Inns, so if a full kitchen is critical, double-check the specific Atlanta property you’re considering.
Comparing Areas for Clarion Inn & Suites–Style Stays in Atlanta
Below is a simple overview to help you match your typical Clarion Inn & Suites options to your Atlanta plans:
| Area Type | Good For | Typical Pros | Typical Trade-Offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport / South Atlanta | Early/late flights, short business trips | Quick airport access, shuttles common, value | Less walkable, mainly highway and airport-focused |
| Perimeter / Suburban Nodes | Business parks, visiting family, driving | Easier parking, shopping and dining nearby | Heavier traffic into city core at rush hour |
| Near Central Atlanta | Events, conventions, major attractions | Short rides to Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead | Higher demand, parking can be tighter or costlier |
How to Choose the Right Clarion Inn & Suites Location for Your Atlanta Plans
When looking at Clarion or Clarion Inn & Suites–type properties, focus on how you will use the city, not just nightly rate.
If You’re Flying In or Out
For travelers arriving at or leaving from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a Clarion-style property near the airport can make sense if:
- You want to avoid pre-dawn commutes from Midtown or Buckhead
- You need a simple suite for a night or two with basic amenities
- You’re comfortable using hotel shuttles or rideshares to connect to MARTA or into the city
Check:
- Whether the property runs a shuttle and its hours
- Typical rideshare costs between your terminal and the hotel
- How long it takes to reach Downtown or Midtown during your planned travel times
If You’re Here for Business
If your meetings or training sessions are in:
- Downtown (Georgia World Congress Center, government buildings, corporate offices)
- Midtown (tech, healthcare, and arts district)
- Buckhead (financial and professional services corridor)
- Perimeter Center, Cumberland, or Galleria business districts
Then choose a Clarion Inn & Suites or suite-style property:
- Near your main office or venue, or
- Near a MARTA rail station if you prefer public transit between work sites and your hotel
🔹 Tip: Commuting by car from the outer Perimeter into central Atlanta at 7–9 a.m. or 4–6:30 p.m. often adds significant time, so what looks close on a map may feel far in rush-hour traffic.
If You’re Visiting for Events or Sightseeing
For events at:
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- State Farm Arena
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola
- Fox Theatre in Midtown
You’ll likely want:
- A Clarion or similar suites property that offers a short drive or transit ride into these areas
- Reliable parking if you intend to drive to the venues
- Rooms that can comfortably fit small groups or families
In these cases, look for Clarion Inn & Suites–style options:
- Within a 15–25 minute drive of Downtown
- That mention suites or family-friendly room types
- With clear information on parking arrangements
Transportation and Getting Around from Clarion Inns & Suites
Because many Clarion Inn & Suites properties in Atlanta are outside the most walkable core, it helps to think through transportation before you book.
Driving and Parking
Atlanta is a car-centric city, and most Clarion-style properties are built around that reality:
- On-site parking is often included or moderately priced
- Many locations are near interstate exits, making it easier to visit:
- Downtown / Midtown
- Buckhead
- Atlanta BeltLine Eastside or Westside Trails (via surface streets)
- Popular neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, or Grant Park
If you plan a lot of in-city sightseeing, consider:
- Hotel location relative to I‑75/85 connector and major corridors like Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon Avenue, and Northside Drive
- Whether you’d rather park at a MARTA station and ride the train into dense areas during busy times
MARTA and Public Transit
Some Clarion-branded or similar mid-range hotels in metro Atlanta are within a short drive of a MARTA rail station, such as:
- Airport Station (for airport-area hotels)
- College Park, East Point, or Lakewood/Fort McPherson on the South Line
- Lindbergh Center, Buckhead, or Arts Center for northside access
- Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, or Medical Center for Perimeter Center-area offices
Even if your hotel isn’t walking distance to MARTA, you might:
- Drive to the nearest station
- Park at MARTA’s long-term lots (fees vary by station)
- Use the train to reach Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport without parking hassles at your destination
Practical Tips for Booking a Clarion Inn & Suites in Atlanta
When you’re about to book, it helps to confirm a few Atlanta-specific details:
Check event calendars.
Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Georgia World Congress Center can drive up hotel rates or reduce availability across the city, including mid-range suites-type properties.Confirm the exact property location.
“Atlanta” in a hotel name can sometimes refer to properties in nearby cities such as College Park, Forest Park, East Point, or Smyrna. Look carefully at:- The city name in the address
- Distance and drive times to where you plan to spend most of your stay
Review room types in detail.
Not every room is a suite, even at an Inn & Suites. Check:- Whether you’re selecting a standard room vs. a suite
- Whether suites include a sofa bed, separate bedroom, or just extra space
Ask about renovations and noise.
Some Atlanta-area hotels undergo periodic upgrades, especially near major corridors. It can be helpful to call ahead and ask:- Whether there are current renovations
- If your room will face a busy highway or quieter side of the building
Verify airport shuttle and parking policies.
If your plans hinge on a shuttle or free parking, confirm:- Shuttle schedule and pickup point if near Hartsfield–Jackson
- Whether there are parking fees or limits on oversized vehicles
When a Clarion Inn & Suites–Type Stay Makes Sense in Atlanta
For many visitors and some locals, Clarion Inn & Suites–style hotels can be a practical fit when you want:
- More space than a standard room, but not necessarily a luxury suite
- Reasonable rates compared with upscale Downtown or Buckhead properties
- Easy driving access to interstates and the airport
- A straightforward place to stay during family visits, regional meetings, or quick city trips
If you map out where you’ll spend most of your time in Atlanta—whether that’s the airport, Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead, Perimeter Center, or one of the suburban business nodes—and then look for Clarion Inn & Suites or similar properties along your main routes, you can usually find an option that balances space, price, and location for your specific plans in the city.
