Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown: What to Know Before You Book
If you want to stay in the heart of downtown Atlanta without splurging on a luxury hotel, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown is one of the more accessible, budget-friendly options in the city center.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what this hotel offers, what’s nearby, and how to decide if it fits your plans.
Key Facts at a Glance
Hotel name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown
Typical category: Budget / limited-service hotel
Location: Central downtown Atlanta, walkable to major attractions
| Feature | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Price level | Budget to mid-range (varies by season, events, and availability) |
| Style | Older high-rise, simple and functional rather than upscale |
| Best for | Travelers who want to walk to downtown sights and use MARTA |
| Parking | Typically off-site or valet options nearby; expect extra daily cost |
| Free breakfast | Yes, usually a basic hot buffet-style breakfast |
| Wi‑Fi | Typically included at no extra charge |
| Room types | Standard rooms and suites (suites have extra space and usually sofa beds) |
| Audience | Families, budget-conscious tourists, business travelers, event attendees |
Always confirm current amenities, fees, and policies directly with the hotel before booking, as they can change.
Where It Sits in Atlanta (And Why That Matters)
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown is located in central downtown, in the grid of streets between:
- Peachtree Street SW/NE
- Marietta Street NW
- Cone Street NW
- Broad Street NW
From this area, you’re in easy reach of:
- MARTA Peachtree Center Station – walkable for airport and citywide transit
- State Farm Arena – for Hawks games and concerts
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – for Falcons, Atlanta United, and major events
- Georgia World Congress Center – conventions and trade shows
- Centennial Olympic Park – green space and major attractions
Being downtown, you can often skip renting a car if your plans are primarily in the city core and along MARTA rail lines.
Who This Hotel Works Best For
1. Visitors Focused on Downtown Attractions
If your trip centers on the big-name Atlanta sights, staying near them saves time and rideshare costs. From the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, you can walk (or take a short ride) to:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca‑Cola
- College Football Hall of Fame
- CNN Center area
- SkyView Atlanta (Ferris wheel near Centennial Olympic Park)
For a family or small group trying to keep lodging costs in check, being able to walk to these attractions is often a major plus.
2. Business Travelers and Conference Attendees
If you’re attending an event at or near:
- Georgia World Congress Center
- Offices in Peachtree Center or around Five Points
- Government buildings near Atlanta City Hall or Fulton County Courthouse
this location helps you avoid long commutes. The typical tradeoff is fewer luxury amenities compared to high-end business hotels nearby, but the essentials—Wi‑Fi, breakfast, and central access—are usually covered.
3. Budget-Conscious Travelers Who Prioritize Location Over Luxury
The property is generally positioned as a no-frills, central base:
- Good for sleeping, showering, and heading out
- Not ideal if you want resort-style features like a large pool, spa, or multiple on-site restaurants
If your Atlanta plans are mostly outside the hotel—events, museums, restaurants, nightlife—this tradeoff often makes sense.
Rooms, Suites, and What to Expect Inside
While specific layouts can vary, you’ll typically find:
Standard Rooms
Common features often include:
- One king or two double/queen beds
- Desk or work area
- TV, small fridge, coffee maker
- Basic storage (closet or wardrobe)
These work well for:
- Solo travelers or couples
- Short stays where you don’t need much extra space
Suites
Suites usually add:
- Separate sitting area or partially divided space
- Sofa bed for additional guests
- More room to spread out
This can help families or groups save by sharing one larger room instead of booking two standard rooms.
Noise & Urban Setting
Because the hotel is in downtown Atlanta, it’s realistic to expect:
- Some street noise, especially on lower floors or during events
- Busier sidewalks during weekday business hours and weekend events
If you’re sensitive to noise, it can help to:
- Request a higher floor, when available
- Pack earplugs or use a white noise app for sleeping 😴
Breakfast, Dining, and Food Options Nearby
On-Site Breakfast
As a Holiday Inn Express & Suites, this property generally offers:
- Complimentary breakfast—often a mix of:
- Eggs or breakfast sandwiches
- Sausage or bacon
- Breads, pastries, cereal
- Fruit and yogurt
- Coffee, tea, juice
This is convenient if you:
- Want to avoid extra breakfast cost
- Have an early meeting or plan to hit attractions right when they open
Nearby Food Options
Downtown Atlanta provides a range of dining choices within walking distance, including:
- Fast-casual spots along Peachtree Street and around Peachtree Center
- Broad Street and surrounding blocks, with small restaurants and cafes that often cater to office workers on weekdays
- Chain restaurants and quick bites around Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena
Many offices and restaurants close or reduce hours on weekends, so if you’re staying Saturday–Sunday, planning ahead for dinner and late-night options can be helpful.
Getting Around: MARTA, Walking, and Parking
Taking MARTA
If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, this is one of the more transit-friendly parts of the city.
- Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line from the airport to Peachtree Center Station.
- From there, it’s typically a short walk to the hotel area.
This route lets you:
- Avoid airport parking fees
- Skip downtown driving and traffic
- Arrive at your hotel using predictable, fixed-fare transit
Walking
From this downtown hotel location, you can reasonably walk to:
- Centennial Olympic Park & nearby attractions – often 5–15 minutes depending on your pace and exact route
- State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium – walkable, though many people prefer rideshare at night or in bad weather
- Peachtree Center – for food courts, small shops, and access to the MARTA station
Sidewalk infrastructure in downtown Atlanta is generally decent, though the area can be quieter at night compared to daytime office hours.
Parking
Parking in downtown Atlanta is almost always extra, and this hotel is no exception. Expect:
- Valet or nearby garage parking, charged per day
- Limited or no free self-parking on-site
- Higher rates on big event days (games, concerts, conventions)
If you plan to drive:
- Factor daily parking into your overall budget
- Consider whether you’ll actually use your car often or if MARTA and rideshare could be more efficient
Safety and Practical Tips for Downtown Atlanta Stays
Like many city centers, downtown Atlanta has busy, highly trafficked blocks mixed with quieter stretches, especially at night and on weekends.
Practical steps many visitors take:
- Stick to well-lit, main streets such as Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and the immediate areas around major attractions.
- Use MARTA stations, rideshare pick-ups, and drop-offs in visible, busy spots.
- Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars; garage and street break-ins can occur in dense downtown areas.
- During large events, plan for heavier foot traffic and longer waits for rideshare or MARTA.
These are common-sense steps in any major city and can help you feel more comfortable navigating downtown.
Nearby Atlanta Attractions and Walkable Highlights
If you stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown, you’re well positioned to explore central Atlanta on foot. Popular options include:
Within Rough Walking Distance
- Georgia Aquarium – One of the city’s most-visited attractions
- World of Coca‑Cola – Museum and brand experience
- Centennial Olympic Park – Fountains, green space, and events
- College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive exhibits and memorabilia
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Museum focused on civil rights and global human rights
- State Farm Arena – Sports and major concerts
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Home to the Falcons and Atlanta United, plus large-scale events
Short Rideshare or MARTA Trips
- Midtown Atlanta – For the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Hall, and more dining options
- Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – Access to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Krog Street Market, and neighborhood restaurants
- Buckhead – Shopping districts and offices
The central location makes it relatively easy to sample multiple Atlanta neighborhoods in a single trip.
How It Compares Within Atlanta’s Budget Hotel Scene
Within the “Budget Hotels” slice of Atlanta’s “Stay” options, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown generally offers:
Pros:
- Prime location for downtown activities
- Free breakfast, which can be a budget-saver for families
- Typically included Wi‑Fi
- Access to MARTA rail and walkable attractions
Tradeoffs:
- Fewer amenities than full-service or luxury hotels
- Likely smaller rooms than resorts or suburban properties
- Parking costs can narrow the savings if you bring a car
- The building and rooms may feel more functional than stylish
If your main goal is to be downtown at a reasonable rate, and you’re comfortable with straightforward, limited-service accommodations, it can be a practical fit.
When This Hotel Might Not Be the Best Fit
You might want to look at other parts of Atlanta if:
- You want a quieter, more residential feel – Neighborhoods like Virginia‑Highland, Inman Park, or parts of Midtown might appeal more, though many do not have large hotels.
- You’re planning a long stay with a car – Some suburban or Midtown hotels offer easier, sometimes cheaper parking and larger rooms.
- You prefer resort-style amenities – Pools, spas, multiple restaurants, or extensive outdoor space are more common at larger full-service properties or hotels near the Perimeter or in Buckhead.
Still, if you plan to spend most of your time exploring downtown sights and events, the convenience of a central location can outweigh these drawbacks.
Practical Steps Before You Book
To make an informed decision, consider:
List your key priorities
- Walking distance to certain venues?
- Free breakfast?
- Easy MARTA access?
Check your dates against Atlanta’s event calendar
- Large conventions, major games, and concerts can affect rates, availability, and downtown traffic.
Estimate your “true” daily cost
- Room rate
- Taxes and fees
- Parking (if driving)
- Any extras you expect to pay for (late checkout, additional guests, etc.)
Think about your daily routine
- Will you be out most of the day at attractions or meetings?
- Do you need a quiet place for work calls or long stretches in the room?
Clarifying these points helps you see whether a budget-focused, centrally located hotel like Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown matches how you plan to experience Atlanta.