Advice for an hotel in Atlanta

Question

Hello friends

My husband and I are planning a trip to Atlanta by car. It's 600 miles and I was thinking of going directly without stops if possible.

We don't have much time ( 3 days) and there we plan to make a general visit through the hop-on hop-off city tours system. (I don't plan to drive because they tell me that traffic is chaotic)

We would like the hotel to be in an area of shops and restaurants so we can walk around, which we really like. What is the best area Downtown, Midtown or Buckhead? We are looking for a clean hotel, with reasonable prices and where the price of parking is not outrageous. Could Midtown be better for our average budget??

Any suggestions?

Thank you very much already.

I am 74 years old and my husband is 81 but we are in good health and with youthful spirits.

Susani

Answer

Hello Susani, it’s wonderful that you and your husband are planning a trip to Atlanta! With only three days to explore the city, staying in a location with easy access to both shopping, restaurants, and the hop-on hop-off city tours is a great idea. Let me guide you through some options based on your preferences and needs.

Regarding the areas you mentioned — Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead — all offer unique experiences. Here’s a breakdown of each neighborhood, considering your desire to stay in a walkable area with reasonable prices for hotels and parking:

Midtown Atlanta:
- Midtown is a great choice for its balance of walkability, convenience, and relatively affordable hotel options compared to Buckhead. It's a vibrant area with lots of parks (like Piedmont Park), museums (such as the High Museum of Art), and restaurants. You'll have plenty of shops and dining options within walking distance.
- The area is well-connected with public transit, and you'll have easy access to the hop-on hop-off tour buses. Midtown also tends to have more reasonable hotel prices and parking fees compared to Buckhead, making it a good choice for a more budget-conscious stay.
- Some good hotel options in Midtown include the Hyatt Centric Midtown Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown, and Hotel Midtown, all of which are well-rated and situated near shops and restaurants. Parking fees here are typically more reasonable than in Buckhead.
Downtown Atlanta:
- Downtown Atlanta offers the advantage of being right next to major attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. It's also where you'll find many of the hop-on hop-off city tour stops.
- However, Downtown tends to have higher hotel prices and parking fees, especially around major attractions. It can also feel a bit more crowded, so it may not be as relaxed a neighborhood for walking around in the evenings.
- If you choose Downtown, hotels like Omni Hotel at CNN Center and Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown are solid options. But parking here can be pricier, and the area can be quite busy at times.
Buckhead:
- Buckhead is known for its upscale shopping and dining, making it a great place to explore if you enjoy high-end experiences. The area is home to the famous Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza, offering plenty of luxury stores and fine dining.
- While Buckhead offers more luxurious accommodations, the price for hotels and parking here can be higher compared to Midtown. Additionally, traffic in Buckhead can be heavy, and parking rates tend to be more expensive at the hotels and shopping areas.
- Some excellent hotels in Buckhead include The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta. However, if you're looking to save a little on parking and hotel rates, Midtown might be the better option.

Best Choice for Your Budget: Based on your budget and preference for walkability, Midtown is likely your best option. It provides a good mix of proximity to attractions, restaurants, and shopping, along with more reasonable pricing for hotels and parking. You’ll be able to easily access public transport and the hop-on hop-off tours from Midtown without the chaos of heavy traffic.

Suggestions for Your Visit: Since you have only a few days, you might also want to consider visiting these nearby attractions:

Piedmont Park: This large, beautiful park in Midtown is great for a stroll or picnic. It’s an easy and relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
The High Museum of Art: If you enjoy art, this museum in Midtown is a must-see.
Centennial Olympic Park: Located Downtown, this park is a good spot for a walk and offers easy access to attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: Located near Piedmont Park, this is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit if you’re looking to relax in nature.

Given your preference for a walkable area with access to good food and shopping, Midtown Atlanta seems like the ideal place for you and your husband to stay during your trip. Enjoy your visit to Atlanta, and I hope you have a fantastic time!