Where is the best area to stay in Atlanta?
By Jamie Uria. January 19, 2023
Everything you love - Atlanta does it the biggest and the best. As the home of Hip-Hop, or the hub of History - the capital of Georgia is a vibrant city with non-stop action and an infinite amount of activities. The birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement leader, Martin Luther King Jr., makes Atlanta a symbol for freedom, producing a diverse, welcoming community that encapsulates all that the United States has been striving towards for centuries. This city possesses the world’s largest aquarium, a rich deep history, the busiest airport, the original Coca-Cola factory, superior shopping, trendy restaurants and wonderful nightlife. There’s something here for everyone.
Wander the various roads inspired by street art, surrounded by magnificent trees and indulging in an authentic, contemporary Southern experience. Midtown comprises all of this! With something for everyone, the best area to stay is Midtown. This neighborhood is partly a suburban haven with an unmissable city-scene as well. Not only does this buzzing, dynamic area host the most iconic Atlantan landmarks, it also encompasses the best nightlife, popular new restaurants, and easy access to all of the other areas that are a must whilst visiting this epic city!On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Atlanta, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Atlanta, you may also be interested in where to stay in Savannah and where to stay in New Orleans.
Midtown, the best area to stay in Atlanta
Best for: History Enthusiasts / Food & Drink / Art-Lovers & Nightlife
Midtown Atlanta is considered the best area to stay in the city because of its central location and abundance of amenities. It is home to many popular attractions such as the High Museum of Art, the Fox Theatre, and Piedmont Park, which offers a green space for outdoor activities and events. Midtown is also known for its diverse dining and nightlife options, with a range of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from.
Additionally, Midtown is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy for visitors to explore other parts of the city. Furthermore, it offers a good mix of accommodation options from budget to luxury. It is important to note that it is also, by far, the safest area to stay in Atlanta due to its general affluence and desirability. Overall, Midtown’s central location, variety of amenities, and easy accessibility make it the ideal place to stay for visitors looking to experience the best of Atlanta.
Other areas to stay in Atlanta
Downtown
Best for: Young Trendy People / Shopping / Dining / Activities
If you’re looking for the authentic, urban experience - Downtown Atlanta is the place for you! As an up-and-coming area, an abundance of unique, brand new shops and restaurants are popping up all over the place. To get there, all you need is 20 minutes and for a minimal price the Atlanta subway will drop you right in the mix of things. Located at a convenient distance from the highly-popular areas Midtown as well as Little Five Points, is this beating heart of Atlanta.
Downtown is home to the “Old Fourth Ward” area which obtains versatile activities from escape rooms to parks to museums - including the spot in which Martin Luther King Jr. was born! Additionally, this is voted one of the best dining districts in the city as it gave birth to the highly-recommended, “Two Urban Licks” as well as Southern-comfort faves such as “Harold’s Chicken” & “Waffle House”.
Buckhead
Best for: Luxury Shopping / Fine Dining / Nature
Just North of Midtown is the eminently ostentatious area of ATL, a quick 15 minute cab ride will escort you to a fine location. Buckhead is a fantastic Atlanta neighborhood to stay in because of its premium environment and wealth of services. It is noted for its high-end shopping, featuring prominent attractions such as Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Buckhead also has a number of fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels, making it an excellent alternative for visitors seeking a more upmarket experience.
In addition, there are various parks and green areas in the vicinity, including Chastain Park, which provides a range of leisure activities. Furthermore, Buckhead is well-connected by public transit making it easier for guests to explore other sections of the city. Overall, Buckhead’s elite environment, luxurious amenities, and easy accessibility make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a more upscale Atlanta experience.
Perimeter Center Area
Best for: Shopping / Dining and Families
Some of the best hotels Atlanta presents are located around the second largest shopping center in Georgia, Perimeter Mall. Stay in fabulous hotels for amazing prices, most of which include breakfast, parking and swimming pools! Just North of Midtown is this beautiful piece of architecture with thousands of famous North American stores inclusive of massive department stores that cater to fashion, beauty, accessories, gadgets and home decor.
Keep the kids stimulated in the fun bookstores, exciting arcade and gigantic food court with infinite options. Outside of the mall, this area generally has a lot of wonderful features on offer such as the famous Centennial Olympic Park which has great water displays that are lovely to watch in winter and enjoyable to play in during the warmer seasons. Additionally, some of Atlanta’s best restaurants are dotted around the region.
Hotels in Perimeter Center Area
Cobb Galleria Area
Best for: Activities / Shows / Sports / Arts / Business
If you’re looking to get super touristy - the Cobb Galleria area is a great location to conveniently access many major famous Atlantan experiences. 10 miles from midtown lives this exciting area that can be accessed quite easily by bus or cab. These are the recommended modes of transport as parking in this area is limited due! Staying here is a good call as accommodation costs are much lower than in the city center but it is still a safe and affluent area.
In the Cobb Galleria Centre, there are constantly interesting conventions and conferences that can contribute nicely to your stay. Catch some incredible shows at the performing arts center and fill your days up with epic activities like indoor skydiving, bowling and schmoozing Cumberland Mall. Indulge in food that the South is known best for - fast food! The hotels in this area are well renowned and will grace you with true Southern hospitality!
College Park
Best for: Airport / Business / History-Lovers and Nightlife
Placed just 6 miles away from the airport and a 25 minute metro from Downtown is a diverse, safe and buzzing location known as College Park. For very reasonable prices per night, you can stay in one of the many hotels College Park has to offer. From boutique hotels to large chains, they are all superb options. Easily accessed by metro, are the 900 historic sites that have put this district on the map. Here, you can explore the streets encountering tasteful street art and beautiful parks - perfect for kids of all ages.
Experience the neighborhood lifestyle whilst simultaneously embracing all of the benefits of a large city. Get active by utilizing the various golf courses, basketball courts and trails College Park has to offer. Feel at home in some of the unique small stays or get spoilt at an acclaimed inn.
Duluth
Best for: Families / Relaxation / Nature and Art Lovers
If you’re looking for a tranquil, suburban getaway outside of the bustling city - Duluth is the place for you! Ideally for folk traveling with a vehicle, this country-like staycation venue is only a 35-minute drive from Midtown and offers endless accommodation options. Downtown Duluth has a thriving and culturally diverse community that projects a warm “doors-always-open” attitude.
You can curate your stay so it’s tailored to your desires by renting awesome AirBnB’s like lake-houses or staying at popular lodge-hotels such as the ‘Marriott Courtyard’, either way you will arrive feeling welcomed and leave feeling rejuvenated. Staying in Duluth can be cheaper than a typical Atlanta stay and gives you the option to travel into the city for a day and tick off all of the major, necessary landmarks. Enjoy the Southern comfort food and pleasant hospitality offered by the community.
Marietta
Best for: Museum-Lovers / Outdoorsy People and Families
Seeking a low-key environment with quick routes into the heart of Atlanta? Select the small-town go-to location of Marietta. Marietta, Georgia is a historic city located in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. In 30 minutes, a cab can get you to Perimeter Mall and there are also public transport options available. It offers a variety of attractions and amenities, such as the Marietta Square, the Marietta Museum of History, and the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum.
Additionally, Marietta is home to several parks, including the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which offers hiking and outdoor activities. The city also has a strong education system and is home to a number of colleges and universities which are interesting to tour. Sleeping outside of the hustle and bustle has many perks including quiet evenings and it permits you to stay in some of the nicest hotels in the area at a great cost. Marietta is also a convenient location for commuting to Atlanta for work or entertainment.
Our recommended hotels in Atlanta
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in AtlantaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
