Where to Stay in Atlanta - The Definitive Guide

Wondering where to stay in Atlanta? 

Atlanta at Sunset Photo Credit: Christopher Alvarenga on Unsplash

It can be stressful trying to decide where to stay when you visit Atlanta. 

What if you pick the wrong neighborhood and it's too loud/far/icky/boring?

What if you pick a place to stay only to find out the breakfast is horrible or the staff is less than friendly?

I not only live in Atlanta, I often help friends and family find the right place to stay. Atlanta is home to virtually every kind of accommodation - from luxurious, glittering hotels to quaint bed & breakfasts, to everything in between. 

Where to stay in Atlanta - Everything you need to know

On this page, we'll talk about the different Atlanta's neighborhoods and I'll give you some suggestions for different accommodations in each area. 

Where to stay in Atlanta - which neighborhood is best? 

Atlanta is known as a "city of neighborhoods" and every neighborhood has its own unique character - and the accommodations in each area reflect that. 

Downtown atlanta

Bustling Downtown Atlanta Photo Credit: Jessica Furtney on Unsplash

Downtown Atlanta is one of the most popular areas and easiest to get to by public transportation. It's closest to the convention center, major tourist attractions and sports arenas so it's very popular for visitors.

That said, it's not the most interesting area of Atlanta - it's pretty quiet after hours and there are not a lot of restaurants to choose from.

However, there are a couple of great hotels that I love - The Ritz Carlton and the Glenn Hotel. The Glenn Hotel, in particular, has one of my favorite rooftop bars in the city.

What's more, downtown Atlanta is very close to the Westside neighborhood - which has some of the best dining in the city. 

Here are a few options for places to stay in Downtown Atlanta

• The Ritz Carlton - Luxury
• The Candler Hotel - Luxury Boutique
• The Glenn Hotel - Boutique
• 2 Bedroom loft apartment on VRBO - Apartment
• Hyatt Place Centennial Park - Moderate

Click here to read about Luxury Hotels in Atlanta. 

MIdtown atlanta

The Fabulous Fox Theatre Photo Credit: Daniel Mayer on Wikimedia

Atlanta's Westside, or West Midtown, is quickly becoming the "coolest" area of Atlanta. It features amazing restaurants, shopping and nightlife - most of which are in rehabbed warehouses.

However, there are NO hotels on the Westside. There are, however, numerous private rentals through VRBO and Airbnb - search for both Westside and Midtown West for a variety of listings

The "proper" area of Midtown Atlanta spreads from Georgia Tech University on the East side to Piedmont Park on the West side.

Along the way is virtually every type of accommodation, from VRBOs to bed & breakfasts to budget or luxury hotels.

My favorite hotel is the Four Seasons. Yes, it's swanky. But the Bar Margot is one of the best lobby bars - ever. And the breakfast is phenomenal. What's more, the Four Seasons is within walking distance of some wonderful restaurants and cultural activities. 

My favorite less expensive hotel is the Residence Inn. For one thing, it is RIGHT on Peachtree Street - across the street from the amazing Woodruff Arts Center (with the High Museum, Alliance Theatre) and the Arts Center MARTA Station. You can very easily walk to Piedmont Park and other Midtown attractions. And rooms come with free breakfast. 

Here are a few options for places to stay in Midtown Atlanta:

• Four Seasons - Luxury
• Georgian Terrace - High End
• Residence Inn - Moderate
• Twelve Midtown - High End Boutique
• Stonehurst Place - Bed & Breakfast  
• Skyline View in West Midtown on VRBO - Apartment/

Buckhead

The historic Swan House Mansion at the Atlanta History Center Photo Credit: Daniel Di Palma on Wikimedia

Buckhead is the neighborhood most people think of when they think of Atlanta. It is full of estates (including the Governor's Mansion), shopping destinations (more on that here), top restaurants and an active nightlife scene.

Not surprisingly, the hotels here tend toward luxury - and that is really an understatement. My favorite is the St. Regis. It is the ultimate in elegance - from the lobby bar to the newly opened and amazing Garden Room bar to the spectacular Atlas restaurant. It's also smack dab in the MIDDLE of Buckhead so you can really walk to some other exceptional restaurants.

Other high end options include the Intercontinental, the Waldorf Astoria and the Whitley. But there are some more modestly priced options, including another Residence Inn - which also features an outdoor pool and is really close to a few of my favorite restaurants: Aria, Antica Posta and Price. 

What's really interesting is that you can also stay in some great VRBOs and Airbnbs in Buckhead. In fact, one of Airbnb's most popular listings IN THE WORLD is a treehouse in someone's back yard. Just know that due to its popularity, it is not usually available for last-minute bookings so if you want to stay here, plan far ahead. 

Here are a few options for places to stay in Buckhead:

• The St. Regis - Ultra Luxury
• InterContinental Buckhead - Luxury
• Embassy Suites Buckhead - High End
• Residence Inn Buckhead - Moderate
• Treehouse in Buckhead - Unique Airbnb Property

Virginia-Highland/Inman Park/Old Fourth Ward

Ponce City Market, the heart of the BeltLine Photo Credit: Jamestown Properties

I'm lumping these neighborhoods together for a few reasons. They are all on the main part of the BeltLine so they are really popular. They are really fun to visit and walk around and have some great restaurants and bars - and some of the best attractions in Atlanta.

And there are basically no hotels here. 

There is ONE hotel I can recommend - the Hotel Clermont. For decades this hotel was the absolute definition of seedy - it was both famous and infamous. But it recently underwent a massive renovation and it is now really fun and charming. The restaurant Tiny Lou's is fantastic and the rooftop bar is spectacular.  

Motto by Hilton is being built on the BeltLine in Old Fourth Ward and looks like it will be a great addition to the area. I'll update when it opens.

Other than that, if you want to stay in this part of town, I suggest looking into the many apartments and other options through VRBO and the like. 

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