Emory Conference Center Hotel: A Wooded Retreat in the Heart of Atlanta

The Emory Conference Center Hotel is a bit different from the typical “things to do in Atlanta” spot. It’s a hotel, conference venue, and local hangout all wrapped into one, tucked into the trees near Emory University and Druid Hills.

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning a trip, it’s worth knowing what makes this property stand out — not just as a place to stay, but as an attraction and gathering spot in its own right.

Where the Emory Conference Center Hotel Fits into Atlanta

The Emory Conference Center Hotel sits in a quiet pocket of northeast Atlanta, surrounded by woods and close to:

• Emory University and Emory Healthcare facilities
• The historic Druid Hills neighborhood
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters
• The South Peachtree Creek Trail and nearby nature areas

Address (commonly listed):
Emory Conference Center Hotel
1615 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329

This location makes it especially convenient if you:

• Have business or conferences at Emory or the CDC
• Want a quieter, nature-heavy base while visiting Atlanta
• Live in metro Atlanta and need a nearby spot for meetings, retreats, or special events

Even if you’re not staying overnight, the property is often used by locals as a gathering place for events, banquets, and meetings.

Why Locals Consider It an “Attraction”

Although it’s not a tourist attraction in the theme-park sense, the Emory Conference Center Hotel has several features that draw people who already live in Atlanta:

1. Nature-Focused, Lodge-Style Atmosphere

Unlike downtown or Midtown hotels, this property emphasizes green space and quiet:

• Surrounded by wooded areas and walking paths
• Architecture and interior design inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright–style elements
• Common spaces with large windows, natural light, and views of trees

For many Atlanta residents, this feels like a retreat without leaving the city, especially compared to the busier streets around Peachtree, Downtown, or Buckhead.

2. Conference and Meeting Hub

The Emory Conference Center Hotel is a major conference facility in the city, commonly used by:

• Universities and academic groups
• Healthcare and public health organizations
• Local businesses planning off-site meetings or retreats
• Nonprofits scheduling training sessions, workshops, or board meetings

If you work in or around Atlanta, there’s a good chance you’ll attend a meeting, conference, or seminar here at some point.

3. Social Events and Special Occasions

Many Atlanta families and organizations use the hotel as an event venue for:

• Weddings and receptions
• Rehearsal dinners and celebration brunches
• Holiday parties and banquets
• Family reunions or alumni gatherings

If you’re looking for a more secluded, greenery-filled setting than a downtown ballroom, this property frequently comes up as an option.

What to Expect if You Stay There

Rooms and General Experience

Guest rooms typically offer:

• A quieter environment than most central-city hotels
• Standard hotel amenities (private bath, work area, Wi‑Fi, TV, etc.)
• Easy access to conference spaces, dining, and walking areas

People who choose this hotel usually prioritize:

• Proximity to Emory or the CDC
• A calmer, campus-adjacent atmosphere
• Access to nearby trails and green space

If you’re visiting Atlanta for Emory University events, medical appointments, or campus tours, this is one of the most convenient lodging options.

Amenities That Matter for Atlanta Visitors

While offerings may change over time, the property is commonly known for having:

• On-site dining (restaurant and bar/lounge areas)
• Indoor pool and fitness facilities
• Business center and extensive conference space
• Access to walking paths and nearby trails

Because Atlanta traffic can be intense, many visitors appreciate being able to stay, meet, and dine in one place without constantly driving across town.

Location, Transportation, and Getting Around

Driving and Parking

The hotel sits just off Clifton Road NE, a key corridor for Emory and the CDC. From there, you can reach:

• Downtown Atlanta: roughly a 15–25 minute drive in light traffic
• Midtown: about 15–20 minutes depending on conditions
• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport: commonly 25–40 minutes by car, depending on traffic

Parking availability and fees can vary, so locals and visitors often check ahead for current parking policies, especially if attending a large conference or event.

Public Transit Options

The area is served by MARTA bus routes that connect to:

• Nearby MARTA rail stations (such as Lindbergh Center or Decatur)
• Emory campus and surrounding medical facilities

If you don’t plan to rent a car:

• You can often combine MARTA rail + bus + short walk to reach the hotel.
• Rideshare services are commonly used from rail stations to the property for convenience.

Nearby Things to Do Around the Hotel

One of the advantages of this location is how quickly you can access Atlanta neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites. Here are a few nearby attractions that pair well with a stay or visit to the Emory Conference Center Hotel:

Nature and Outdoor Activities

• Lullwater Preserve (Emory)
  A wooded preserve with trails, a lake, and views of historic structures on Emory’s campus. Many people use it for walking, running, or peaceful outdoor time.

• South Peachtree Creek Trail
  A multi-use path with boardwalk sections through wooded areas, connecting nearby neighborhoods and parks. Good for biking or leisurely walks.

• Fernbank Forest & Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  Just a short drive away, Fernbank offers:

  • A large protected old-growth forest (Fernbank Forest)
  • Exhibits focused on natural history, dinosaurs, and science
  • An outdoor nature adventure area

Culture, Shopping, and Neighborhoods

• Emory Village & Emory Point
  Small commercial areas near campus with casual dining, coffee shops, and services. Good for quick meals or a stroll if you’re staying nearby.

• Virginia-Highland, Decatur, and Morningside
  These neighborhoods are within a reasonable drive and offer:

  • Local restaurants and bars
  • Boutiques and small shops
  • Walkable, neighborhood-focused streets

If you’re in town for a conference at the hotel, these areas can make good evening or off-hours destinations.

Using the Hotel for Meetings and Events

If you’re based in Atlanta and considering the Emory Conference Center Hotel for work or personal events, here’s what to think about:

For Business and Conferences

The property is designed as a full-scale conference center, often offering:

• Multiple meeting rooms of different sizes
• Larger ballrooms or plenary spaces
• On-site catering options
• A setting that encourages attendees to stay on-site

Organizers frequently choose this venue when:

• A large number of attendees are from Emory, CDC, or healthcare organizations
• They want a more focused, retreat-like feel compared to downtown
• Attendees may be traveling from out of state and need lodging next to the meeting site

For Weddings and Social Events

Couples and families in Atlanta often consider this hotel if they want:

• A venue surrounded by trees rather than skyscrapers
• A location that’s central to many sides of metro Atlanta, but not in heavy nightlife blocks
• On-site lodging for out-of-town guests

When comparing venues, locals often look at:

• Capacity (how many guests can comfortably be hosted)
• Indoor vs. outdoor spaces
• On-site catering options and menus
• Parking arrangements and transportation access for older guests or visitors unfamiliar with Atlanta

Quick At-a-Glance Overview

When the Emory Conference Center Hotel Makes the Most Sense

For Atlanta residents and visitors, the Emory Conference Center Hotel is especially practical if you:

• Need to be close to Emory University or Emory Healthcare
• Are attending or organizing a conference, workshop, or training in the Clifton Road corridor
• Prefer a quieter, wooded setting rather than a busy downtown area
• Want convenient access to Fernbank, Decatur, Virginia-Highland, and nearby intown neighborhoods

If your plans center around Emory, Druid Hills, or eastside Atlanta, this hotel often ends up being one of the most convenient and context-appropriate places to stay, meet, or host an event.