Where to Stay in Atlanta (9 Best Places, By a Local)

9 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Atlanta

Here is a deep dive into the best neighborhoods for those traveling to Atlanta for the first time.

Midtown

👉 Best Area For First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best Midtown Hotels: Loews Atlanta Hotel • Kimpton Shane Atlanta • Hotel Granada • Moxy Atlanta Midtown • Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta

Midtown offers the best of Atlanta as it’s centrally located and convenient to just about everything. You can walk to attractions like the Fox Theatre, High Museum, Woodruff Arts Center, MODA, Colony Square, and Piedmont Park. 

The best hotel for first-timers is Loews Atlanta Hotel, right on Peachtree Street in the “Midtown Mile.” This lively district is lined with modern skyscrapers full of restaurants, shops, and museums. Piedmont Park is a short walk as well, making this an ideal location for all kinds of visitors.

There are so many other excellent hotels in Midtown, but I have a few favorites for different kinds of travelers:

Kimpton Shane Atlanta is perfect for foodies and pet lovers as it is a wonderful boutique hotel with no pet fee, an excellent bar & restaurant, and a complimentary daily happy hour from 5 to 6 pm. 

Moxy Atlanta Midtown is perfect for young adults seeking a trendy nightlife atmosphere. Hotel Granada is a hidden gem as it offers a smaller, more intimate feel in an historic building with a warmer, boutique vibe. 

Luxury travelers will love the Four Seasons for its impeccable reputation for excellence.

Outstanding restaurants, shopping, and nightlife define Midtown as a highly desirable area. Public transportation is accessible from Midtown, making it easy to hop on MARTA and quickly head to other areas like Downtown or Buckhead.

Pros of Staying in Midtown Neighborhood:

• Fun, walkable area
• Lots of restaurants & bars
• Museums and attractions
• Close to public transportation
• LGBTQ+ friendly 

Cons of Staying in Midtown Neighborhood:

• Street parking is limited
• Can be expensive

Downtown

👉 Best Area For Attractions, Events, & Business | ✨ Best Downtown Hotels: Westin Peachtree Plaza • The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton • W Atlanta Downtown • Reverb by Hard Rock Atlanta Downtown • The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta

Downtown is Atlanta’s main business district, where you will find most of the major tourist attractions, along with some of the best hotels. 

Centennial Olympic Park acts as the glue that binds it all together, making it enjoyable and easy to get from one major attraction to the next through the beautifully manicured green space. 

Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, and the Ferris wheel all surround the park, which includes a fountain of Olympic Rings for cooling off on hot summer days. 

The best overall place to stay in Downtown, especially for first-timers, is the Westin Peachtree Plaza. The circular glass tower is an attraction itself featuring the Sundial Restaurant, Bar, and View on the 72nd & 73rd floors where you can see 360º panoramic views of the entire city, all the way to Stone Mountain. The hotel is family and pet-friendly, so all are welcome for a memorable stay at the Westin. 

Those seeking a more historic aesthetic while enjoying a central location should book a stay at The Candler Hotel Atlanta. It’s a wonderfully renovated, historically important building in the city. Completed in 1906, the building was designed in the Beaux Arts style to include the most opulent sculptural details. The restaurant, By George, on the main floor, is a highlight in the Downtown Atlanta dining scene. 

Other notable Downtown hotels include: The W Hotel Downtown, a bit closer to Midtown, featuring a beautiful rooftop pool with stunning city views. Reverb by Hard Rock is the perfect choice for those wanting to stay close to the action at Mercedes Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. 

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, closer to Peachtree Center, is a reliable go-to for luxury travelers.

Pros of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Close to major attractions
• Lots of hotels to choose from
• Great access to public transportation

Cons of Staying in Downtown Neighborhood:

• Things may be closed on weekends 
• Street parking is limited, decks can be expensive
• Homeless presence 
• Some may feel unsafe walking at night

Buckhead

👉 Best Area For Luxury & Shopping | ✨ Best Buckhead Hotels: Kimpton Sylvan Hotel Buckhead Atlanta • Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead • AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza

Located north of Midtown and Downtown, Buckhead is a bit removed from the main tourism attractions. But it has its own appeal and reputation for luxury and status, as it is commonly referred to as the “Beverly Hills of the South.” 

You will find luxury shopping, dining, and accommodations, and a more upscale vibe. Between Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza, you will find high-end retail brands like Jimmy Choo, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Rolex, Saint Laurent… the list goes on.

Buckhead offers some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in the city. Some highlights are Tomo for the best sushi, Delbar for Middle Eastern, and Le Bilboquet has classic French cuisine. The Garden Room is a perfect date night – dripping with flowers, it’s stupidly romantic. 

Looking for longtime local staples? Try Atlanta Fishmarket for its fresh seafood and huge, iconic copper fish sculpture outside the building. Bones is a traditional, high-end steakhouse that never disappoints. 

Music fans will love catching a show at the Buckhead Theatre, just be sure to dress to impress. Havana Nightclub is a great spot for dancing, or, you can escape to the 1980s at Johnny’s Hideaway.

My top hotel choice in Buckhead is Kimpton Sylvan Hotel for its boutique charm, rooftop bar with sweeping city views, lush garden patio, and unique outdoor pool that has a tropical resort feel. The restaurant is wonderful and they offer a complimentary happy hour daily and pets stay for free. 

For over-the-top opulence and luxury, especially for romantic couples, I recommend Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. 

Meanwhile, families will enjoy the more moderately priced, sleek modern design of AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza, which is perfect for kids since it’s close to the Lego Discovery Center and Sloomoo, as well as the movie theater and other shops and restaurants at Phipps.

There are two MARTA Stations in Buckhead. Lenox on the Gold Line and Buckhead on the Red Line, both run North/South with direct service to the airport.

Pros of Staying in Buckhead Neighborhood:

• Close to luxury shopping & dining
• Upscale, beautiful area of the city
• Accessible to MARTA Red & Gold Lines

Cons of Staying in Buckhead Neighborhood:

• Not as close to main attractions
• Can be expensive

Old Fourth Ward

👉 Best Area For Local Vibes & Foodies | ✨ Best Old Fourth Ward Hotels: Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver • FORTH Hotel Atlanta • voco The Darwin – Atlanta Midtown by IHG

Old Fourth Ward (also known as “O4W”) is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a more local experience while remaining close to main attractions. Just east of Downtown, O4W is one of Atlanta’s most sought-after neighborhoods for its close proximity to Downtown, Midtown, and other popular neighborhoods.

O4W is most known for being the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the site of the King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Sweet Auburn. Other popular attractions include the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Tunnel, Krog Market, Edgewood Ave bar district, and Historic Fourth Ward Park and Skatepark.

My top choice for living like a local in O4W is Hotel Clermont Atlanta, by Oliver, for its savvy-chic boutique vibe and rooftop deck with city views. It’s home to the Michelin restaurant, Tiny Lou’s, and the infamous Clermont Lounge, a dive bar/strip club around back in the basement. Plus, you can walk to some of the best and most affordable local food in the city. 

For those who want to get closer to the new shiny things along the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, FORTH Hotel Atlanta is an oasis wedged between the Beltline and Historic Old Fourth Ward Park. This sleek, modern hotel has a beautiful pool, elegant rooftop lounge with city views, and luxury dining at Il Premio. Plus, all that urban grittiness of Ponce de Leon Ave is just minutes away.

For a different experience, try voco The Darwin – Atlanta Midtown. It’s closer to Boulevard & North Ave., which isn’t as nice of a walking area. However, it’s not far from many local favorite restaurants.

Old Fourth Ward is also a great area to stay in a vacation rental if you are looking for a more local experience and sense of community. 

Pros of Staying in Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood:

• Lots of local restaurants, bars, and shops
• More casual, local neighborhood vibe
• Convenient to many connecting neighborhoods via The Atlanta Beltline
• Close to main attractions via public transit or a quick Uber/Lyft

Cons of Staying in Old Fourth Ward  Neighborhood:

• Not as many hotel options, as it’s more residential

Atlantic Station

👉 Best Area For Families & Proximity to Attractions | ✨ Best Atlantic Station Hotels: Twelve Midtown, Autograph Collection • Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown • Kimpton Shane Hotel

Atlantic Station is a family-friendly shopping district just west of Midtown. You’ll find an AMC Theatre, various sweets shops and kid-approved retail, along with a walkable, nicely paved streetscape and plenty of restaurants. It’s not as connected to main public transit, but there is a complimentary shuttle to Atlantic Station from MARTA Arts Center Station that runs from 5 am to 12 am daily. 

The park here hosts seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, including outdoor film screenings called “Screen on the Green” and an ice skating rink in the winter. When in town, Cirque du Soleil performs in Atlantic Station, and the Center for Puppetry Arts is a short walk away. 

Twelve Midtown, Autograph Collection is a luxury boutique hotel and the best choice for families. It’s located at the heart of Atlantic Station and offers one or two bedroom suites for a more comfortable stay, along with sweeping panoramic skyline views of the city. 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown is a bit more budget-friendly and has free breakfast. Kimpton Shane Hotel is just across the 17th Street bridge in Midtown and is another great choice for close proximity to Atlantic Station as well as attractions in Midtown like the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center.

Pros of Staying in Atlantic Station Neighborhood:

• Clean, safe, and walkable streetscapes
• Close to attractions
• Lots of dining and shopping options
• Concierge service at Atlantic Station has lots of amenities 

Cons of Staying in Atlantic Station Neighborhood:

• Not as convenient to public transit
• Can be expensive

Decatur

👉 Best Area For Families, Healthcare Workers, Students, & Patients | ✨ Best Decatur Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta Decatur/Emory • Courtyard Atlanta Decatur Downtown/Emory • Residence Inn by Marriott Decatur Emory Area

Technically, Decatur is a city, not a neighborhood. But its close proximity to Downtown Atlanta makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a quieter, small-town feel while still being somewhat close to Atlanta’s attractions and easily accessible via public transportation. 

Decatur is also close to Emory Healthcare, Emory University, and the CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This makes it a good choice for traveling healthcare professionals, students, or patients. Although Decatur is farther from most main attractions, Fernbank Museum is close by and is fun for the whole family.

Decatur Square in Downtown Decatur is the center of all the action. It’s where the courthouse sits among a nicely manicured green space and gazebo that often hosts community festivals and events. There are also restaurants, bars, and shops that make this a family-friendly place to explore and unwind. 

You will find Eddie’s Attic on the far side of the Square, a small and intimate music venue that draws musicians and fans from all over the world to experience its incredible acoustics. Notable dining includes White Bull, Leon’s, and Cafe Alsace. There’s also the family-friendly Brick Store Pub with its insane list of imported beers from all over the world. Further down Ponce de Ave are local favorites like Farm Burger, Chai Pani Indian Street Food, and Dancing Goats Coffee.

MARTA, the city’s main public transit system, has a station right in Decatur Square so it’s perfectly convenient to come and go from Five Points MARTA Station in Downtown Atlanta on the Blue Line (West/East). Traveling to and from the Airport, you would switch trains at Five Points MARTA Station to/from the Red or Gold Lines (North/South).

Hampton Inn & Suites is my top choice for families here because of its excellent location close to the Square and complimentary hot breakfast, which will save you on dining. Courtyard Atlanta Decatur is just next door and comparably similar, but you will pay for breakfast in their restaurant. 

Residence Inn by Marriott Decatur Emory Area is not as close to the Square but it’s a nice, new hotel with a modern, upscale vibe. It’s also convenient to Suburban Plaza Shopping Center for shopping and dining, as well as Whole Foods and Wal-Mart.

Pros of Staying in Decatur Neighborhood:

• Quieter, small town feel
• Close to Fernbank Museum
• Close to Emory and CDC
• Lots of beautiful parks, trails and greenspaces 
• Public transit is convenient to Downtown Decatur

Cons of Staying in Decatur Neighborhood:

• Not as close to main attractions
• You may need a car to get around beyond Downtown Decatur

Cumberland

👉 Best Area For Sports Fans, Families, & Outdoor Adventurers | ✨ Best Cumberland Hotels: Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta • Doubletree Suites by Hilton at The Battery Atlanta • Aloft Atlanta at The Battery Atlanta • Even Hotel Atlanta – Cobb Galleria by IHG

Cumberland is located in Cobb County, about 10 miles northwest of Atlanta. This is the best area for those traveling to Atlanta to see a Braves game, or families looking for a more laid back, suburban setting. Outdoor adventurers will also appreciate the nearby Chattahoochee River for tubing and kayaking. 

Truist Park & The Battery is the largest attraction in Cumberland. Home to the Atlanta Braves, this enormous entertainment hub has shopping, dining, nightlife, concerts, and events. 

Sports fans will want to stay at the Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta. It’s the official hotel of the Atlanta Braves, offering luxury accommodations and behind-the-scenes stadium tours. 

Families may find a more affordable stay at Doubletree Suites by Hilton at The Battery Atlanta, which still remains close to the action. Meanwhile, Aloft Atlanta at The Battery Atlanta is perfect for couples or young adults looking for a modern, trendy nightclub-like atmosphere. 

For outdoors adventures and health conscious travelers, I suggest Even Hotel Atlanta – Cobb Galleria by IHG. The hotel features fitness amenities and healthy food options, and the Chattahoochee River is close by. 

Lastly, I have a local restaurant recommendation: Rays on the River. It’s a local standout for its upscale outdoor dining that is perfect for romantic dates and special occasions. Expect an elegant take on Southern seafood and views of the Chattahoochee River.

Pros of Staying in Cumberland Neighborhood:

• Close to Truist Park & The Battery
• Family friendly
• Plenty of shopping and restaurants
• Close to Chattahoochee River and outdoor activities

Cons of Staying in Cumberland Neighborhood:

• Far from main attractions
• You will need a car to get around
• Not as accessible for public transportation

Dunwoody

👉 Best Area For Business Travelers | ✨ Best Dunwoody Hotels: Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia by IHG • Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center • Hyatt Place Atlanta / Perimeter Center

Technically, Dunwoody is a city just north of Atlanta. However, it’s a popular area and major business district, as many corporations have established headquarters here. It’s the perfect location for business travelers who are looking to stay close to the office and aren’t as concerned with being near attractions. This area is quite residential, so families and those traveling with kids will feel right at home.

My top hotel choice for business travelers is Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia by IHG for its close proximity to MARTA and Perimeter Mall. Plus, it has a laid-back atmosphere, quality dining and drinks, and a beautiful outdoor patio with lush greenery. And, there are walking trails for some much needed decompression after a long day at the office. 

Book a stay at Hyatt Place Atlanta / Perimeter Center if you’re looking for modern flair. They offer free breakfast, which is a bonus for families. Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center is another excellent choice in a great location. 

Perimeter Mall is the go-to destination for shopping and dining in Dunwoody. Café Intermezzo, The Capital Grille, and Eclipse di Luna are all great dining choices. 

There are lots of parks and green spaces in the area and some pretty cool outdoor attractions. Check out Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for tubing and kayaking, or Treetop Quest Dunwoody at Brook Run Park for aerial obstacle courses.

Dunwoody MARTA Station is on the red line that runs north/south from the airport, but you will likely want to rent a car to get around.

Local Tip: Food & Wine magazine named the NFA Burger “the best burger in Georgia.” Discreetly located in a gas station, this unassuming casual burger joint is worth checking out if you’re in the area. 

Pros of Staying in Dunwoody Neighborhood:

• Close to businesses
• Safe, clean, and affordable
• Family-friendly
• Accessible to public transit on the Red Line

Cons of Staying in Dunwoody Neighborhood:

• Far from main attractions
• You may need to rent a car to get around more easily

Hapeville

👉 Best Area Close to the Airport | ✨ Best Hapeville Hotels: Kimpton Overland Hotel – Atlanta Airport by IHG • Hilton Atlanta Airport • Embassy Suites By Hilton Atlanta Airport North • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Airport NE – Hapeville by IHG

Looking to stay close to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? Hapeville is an adorable little town with a quiet, historic Main Street that is lined with local businesses, shops, and restaurants. And, it has a strong arts community. 

Attractions include the Porsche Experience Center, The Original Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House, Delta Flight Museum, and Hapeville Depot Museum. 

Fans of Guy Fieri should check out the local restaurant, FokArt, which was featured on Season 23, Episode 3 of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Another Atlanta favorite is Corner Tavern for its neighborhood bar vibe with better than average bar food. It has multiple locations around the city. 

The best place to stay in Hapeville is Kimpton Overland Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel with a quality restaurant and bar, and daily complimentary happy hour from 5 – 6 pm. Plus, you can bring your pets at no extra charge. It’s just next door to Porsche Experience Center, so you can get a front row seat to all the high-velocity action on the tracks, as airplanes wiz by overhead. 

Embassy Suites and Hilton Atlanta Airport are great options with similar amenities, without being as close to the Porsche Experience Center. Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a more mainstream, affordable option for those on a budget.

Pros of Staying in Hapeville Neighborhood:

• Close to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
• Walkable, pedestrian-friendly streetscape

Cons of Staying in Hapeville Neighborhood:

• Far from main attractions
• Lots of noise due to airplane traffic overhead

Tips for Staying in Atlanta

Take Notice of Which Peachtree Street You’re Actually on

There are over 70 streets in Atlanta including the name “Peachtree.” This can be a bit confusing for locals and tourists alike. 

The important thing to know is the main drag that connects Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead — the 3 biggest areas for tourism and attractions in the city — is Peachtree Street. Once you enter Buckhead, it changes to Peachtree Road (which isn’t confusing at all, LOL). 

Anyway, just pay close attention to where you are and where you’re going, and notice the subtle difference between Peachtree Street, West Peachtree Street, and Peachtree Center Ave. 

Get to Know MARTA, Atlanta’s Imperfect Public Transit System 

I’ll be honest: MARTA has its problems and needs some major upgrades to serve metro area residents better in daily life. But it’s actually pretty efficient for getting to major attractions. And it’s simple in comparison to other train systems which have much more complicated lines. 

The main thing to know about MARTA is the lines run North/South (Red & Gold) and East/West (Blue & Green). They intersect in the heart of Downtown at Five Points Station, which is where you would need to go to change lines from North/South to East/West. Once you’re going in the right direction, you want to look at the map to see what color line you need to take or if it even matters. But for the most part, it’s pretty basic. 

The biggest drawback to MARTA is the wait times, as the trains don’t run as frequently as in other major cities. So, compare that to the traffic you would encounter by car (or the hurdles of walking/biking/whatever) and decide which is less of a hassle. 

The Atlanta Streetcar was Designed for Tourism

If you are visiting Atlanta’s main attractions in the Downtown area, the Atlanta Streetcar is an excellent way to get around quickly. The fares are really affordable, too, only $1 for one-way and $3 for 24 hours, so you can ride as many times as you want all day for only $3! 

Getting around via the Atlanta Streetcar is especially easy if you want to venture out from the core area near Centennial Olympic Park into the Sweet Auburn, Edgewood Ave, and Historic King District on the east side. 

You could leave from Centennial Olympic Park (or another stop in Downtown) and head to Municipal Market in Sweet Auburn for lunch. Then, hop back on to the bar district in Edgewood Ave or at the King Center (which is a short walk to Jackson Street Bridge), explore that area and head back Downtown anytime. 

It’s a short loop that many Atlantans don’t appreciate ( I personally ride it often), but it’s designed for connecting the main tourist attractions, so it’s perfect for visitors!

Get CityPASS, it’s an Awesome Bargain!

If you plan on visiting more than one of Atlanta’s major attractions, costs can add up quickly. 

Atlanta CityPASS combines six main attractions into one affordable price for significant overall savings. Attractions include the World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, College Football Hall of Fame, and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

FAQs about Atlanta

What are the best areas to stay in Atlanta for first-timers?

Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead are the best areas in Atlanta to stay in because they are close to attractions and have lots of options for dining, nightlife, and shopping, and are convenient to public transportation.

What are safe areas to stay in Atlanta?

Buckhead, Atlantic Station, Cumberland, Dunwoody, and Decatur are all considered safe areas to stay in Atlanta, but they may not be as close to attractions and public transportation. 

What are the best parts of Atlanta to stay on a budget? 

The best areas to stay on a budget would be near the Airport in Hapeville, or further from the city center in areas like Dunwoody or some parts of Decatur or Cumberland.

What are the best parts of Atlanta to stay for a weekend? 

Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, or Downtown are the best areas of Atlanta to stay for a weekend because they are fun, walkable, and close to restaurants, shopping, and attractions.

What are the best parts of Atlanta to stay for a long stay? 

Old Fourth Ward or Midtown are the best areas of Atlanta for a longer stay because they are fun, walkable, and close to restaurants, shopping, and attractions and have a more local, neighborhood feel.

What are the best parts of Atlanta to stay with kids? 

Buckhead, Atlantic Station, Cumberland, and Decatur are the best areas to stay with kids because they are close to attractions that appeal to families and kids, and further from Downtown.  

***

Thanks for reading! I hope you found this guide to staying in Atlanta helpful for your travels. If there is something I didn’t cover, drop a comment below, and I will be happy to answer any questions about visiting Atlanta.