Driving through Atlanta - where to stay en route

Question

Hi! We are planning to drive from New Orleans to Gatlinburg (via Munroeville) in early November. We are planning to travel on the 85 towards Atlanta and then the 23. We want to stay over somewhere on the way probably around Atlanta but we are thinking that it might be easier to avoid Atlanta itself and stay in a smaller (and perhaps cheaper) place maybe about 30 mins-1hr south (or possibly North) of the city. We are a middle-aged couple and just need somewhere clean and safe for a stop over. We are then planning to stop on the drive out of Atlanta towards Gatlinburg to do some hiking so would probably set off fairly early the next day. Thanks

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a convenient and comfortable stopover on your drive from New Orleans to Gatlinburg, while avoiding the busy city of Atlanta. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay around 30 minutes to 1 hour south or north of Atlanta that offer a good balance of safety, cleanliness, and affordability:

South of Atlanta (towards Macon or Peachtree City)

Peachtree City, GA: About 30 minutes south of Atlanta, Peachtree City is a lovely, quiet town with good hotels and dining options. It’s known for its network of golf cart paths and outdoor activities. Hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott or Hilton Garden Inn provide convenient, comfortable stays with easy access to I-85.
Newnan, GA: Located roughly 40-45 minutes south of Atlanta, Newnan is a charming small town with a historic downtown and several hotels. You’ll find affordable options like the Holiday Inn Express or La Quinta Inn that offer clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere. It’s a quieter option than staying right in Atlanta.
Macon, GA: If you’re willing to drive a bit further (around 1 hour south), Macon is a larger city with a variety of hotel options. It offers plenty of restaurants, and you can find more affordable lodging such as Fairfield Inn & Suites or Hampton Inn.

North of Atlanta (towards Marietta or Kennesaw)

Marietta, GA: About 20-30 minutes north of Atlanta, Marietta is a larger suburb with a historic downtown and a variety of lodging options. You’ll find hotels like the Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, and Best Western. It’s close to I-75, which makes it easy to get back on the road the next day.
Kennesaw, GA: Around 30-40 minutes north of Atlanta, Kennesaw is another suburban town that offers quiet, affordable accommodations. Options like the Comfort Inn or Hampton Inn are often rated well and provide good service for a one-night stopover.

Things to Consider:

Location Convenience: Whether you choose a hotel north or south of Atlanta, you’ll be within a short drive of the major highways (I-85 or I-75), making it easy to continue your journey the next day. If you plan on hiking, staying north of Atlanta (around Marietta or Kennesaw) could give you quicker access to the northern Georgia mountains.
Hotel Amenities: Make sure to choose a hotel with essential amenities like free breakfast, clean rooms, and easy parking. Checking recent reviews can help ensure a comfortable stay.
Time of Arrival: Depending on your arrival time, you might want to pick a stop where you can easily grab a meal or take a short walk after driving. Both Peachtree City and Newnan have decent dining options.

Final Thoughts: Staying in a smaller town south or north of Atlanta is a great way to avoid the city’s traffic and still enjoy a restful overnight stop. Depending on your pace and interests, both Peachtree City and Marietta are excellent options, with good hotels and convenient access to your next day's adventures.

Driving through Atlanta - where to stay en route

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