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Atlanta is a vibrant city that’s made up of distinct neighborhoods that each have their own personality. Where you stay in Atlanta has a big impact on how you’ll spend your time in the city and what top attractions you will explore. So, here’s a neighborhood guide to Atlanta and an overview of the best places to stay.
Buckhead
Why Stay Here: Lots of shopping with a comfortable suburban vibe and great restaurants.
Top Hotels: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead | The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel Atlanta Buckhead
Buckhead is an affluent part of Atlanta that is a popular local neighborhood to live and shop in. It is north of downtown and accessible to the rest of the city by public transportation. The Atlanta History Center is located here, as well as the popular Shops at Buckhead shopping center. You’ll find many familiar brand-name hotels here for a comfortable and accommodating stay in the city.
Old Fourth Ward
Why Stay Here: Awesome places to eat and then work off your meals on the BeltLine trail.
Top Hotels: Hotel Clermont | Country Inn & Suites By Radisson Atlanta/Galleria Ballpark
If you’re looking for a hip place to stay in Atlanta with amazing eats, plan to get a hotel in the Old Fourth Ward. This newly revitalized district is a hipster haven, largely thanks to the popular Ponce City Market. Foodies love staying here because of the top restaurants, such as Two Urban Licks. The Old Fourth Ward also gives you easy access to the BeltLine, which is perfect for jogging, walking, and biking.
Little Five Points
Why Stay Here: Unique hippie vibe, thrift shops, and great beer.
Top Hotels: Inn at the Peachtrees | Sheraton Atlanta Hotel
Little Five Points is the most unique neighborhood in all of Atlanta because it is eclectic, liberal, artsy, and unlike anywhere else in town. Plan to stay near the intersection of Euclid and Moreland to be close to a dazzling array of shops that sell everything from costumes to incense, vintage tees, and thrift store treasures. You’ll often find street performers on the corners performing and there are some great local spots to grab a drink. The Porter Beer Bar has an amazing selection of beers from around the world, and the Wrecking Bar Brewpub is in a late-Victorian building that is a cornerstone of the neighborhood for food and beer.
Downtown
Why Stay Here: Easy accessibility to the major cultural and historic attractions.
Top Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta – at Centennial Olympic Park | Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
Many travelers choose to stay in the downtown part of Atlanta to be in the heart of the city and have easy access to lots of attractions. This is also a great place to stay if you’re traveling to Atlanta for business because it’s in the central business district. If you don’t have much time to spent in town, consider staying downtown for easy accessibility. There are lots of museums in the area to check out, nice parks to get outdoors, and civil rights historic sites to learn about. Top attractions are the World of Coca-Cola and the CNN Studio, which offer public tours.
Midtown
Why Stay Here: Local, residential area with easy access to arts, Piedmont Park, and culinary experiences.
Top Hotels: Artmore Hotel | The Georgian Terrace Hotel
Midtown is next to downtown but has a bit more of a laid-back vibe. This is a more residential area, rather than a commercial one, but it still makes getting around Atlanta easy and convenient. Midtown has an artsy culture thanks to the local High Museum of Arts and Woodruff Arts Center. Foodies also enjoy staying here because of all the great local restaurants. Piedmont Park is a big draw to stay in Midtown, especially for families.
Inman Park
Why Stay Here: Green spaces and an authentic local experience.
Top Hotels: Hilton Atlanta | The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta
For a local stay in Atlanta, consider booking a hotel room around the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta. Inman Park has some excellent park spaces and trails to help you have an active and authentic vacation. Head to the Eastside BeltLine Trail for your morning exercise before going to one of the patio brunch spots. It has access to the MARTA train and the streetcar to get to other parts of town as well, such as the Old Fourth Ward.
Sweet Auburn
Why Stay Here: Historic attractions highlighting Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement in America.
Top Hotels: Hyatt Regency Atlanta | W Atlanta – Downtown
To immerse yourself into the history of the city and the Civil Rights Movement in America, plan your stay for the Sweet Auburn neighborhood of Atlanta. This is where Martin Luther King, Jr. lived as a young boy and where the Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park and King Centre are located. The historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and historic Fire Station 6 are here too, while nearby Edgewood Avenue is a local hot spot in the area for bars and street art.
Virginia Highlands
Why Stay Here: Upscale shops and restaurants in a walkable, residential environment.
Top Hotels: Loews Atlanta Hotel | Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Virginia Highlands is one of the most coveted neighborhoods to live in Atlanta and lies at the intersection of North Highland Avenue and Virginia Avenue. It is a residential area with a local commercial district and a very walkable area. When you stay here, you’ll have easy access to the amazing restaurants, boutique shops, coffee shops, and bars that local residents love to frequent.
Grant Park
Why Stay Here: Victorian mansions in an affluent neighborhood and easy access to the zoo for families.
Top Hotels: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Atlanta Downtown South at Turner Field | The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
If you want to splurge, then consider staying in the Grant Park area of Atlanta for your upcoming family trip. This is an affluent area with Victorian mansions that is historic and very peaceful to walk around. The park itself is also home to Zoo Atlanta, making the Grant Park area a nice place to stay for families with young children. The park has playgrounds and athletic facilities that families can use as well.
