Stay downtown or midtown?

Question

We (family of four - two adults and two teens) will be in Atlanta for four nights in June for an event at MB Stadium. Right now, I have reservations for a two-room suite at The Candler Hotel but I've been reading about how desolate downtown Atlanta can be, especially at night. Thus, I looked around and found that we can book two standard rooms at The Hampton Inn in midtown for 25% less than the one suite at The Candler (although my AmEx and Hilton status are both giving us some dining credits with The Candler so it may kind of even out). Besides the game at MB Stadium, we also plan to visit the aquarium and MLK Historical Site but we also want to do the Botanical Gardens, which I know is in midtown. I figured we can just get four-day MARTA passes if we stay in midtown but wasn't sure how convenient that would be to get to / from Centennial Park. It looks pretty easy on the MARTA map. I do like midtown for the variety of dining options and the fact that it seems more walkable, but I also like historic buildings / hotels like The Candler. We don't plan to stay out super late each day - probably back at the hotel by 9-9.30 pm each night - and are fine doing lots of steps each day. We are flying in and won't be renting a car. Any suggestions / thoughts would be much appreciated!

Answer

Both staying in downtown and midtown Atlanta have their advantages, but considering your plans and preferences, here's a breakdown of each area to help you make an informed decision:

Staying in Downtown Atlanta (The Candler Hotel)

Downtown Atlanta, particularly around the MB Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, has historically been less busy at night compared to midtown. However, it’s a more centralized location for big events like the one at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and you’ll be close to major attractions like Centennial Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. The Candler Hotel is a great historic property and offers a lot of character with its vintage charm, but it’s true that downtown can feel desolate in the evenings.

Pros:
- Close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium – walking distance for your event.
- Short distance to Centennial Park, the aquarium, and other downtown attractions.
- Historic charm of The Candler Hotel.
Cons:
- Downtown can feel quiet and less vibrant in the evenings.
- Fewer dining options in walking distance compared to midtown.

Staying in Midtown Atlanta (The Hampton Inn)

Midtown offers a livelier atmosphere, especially in the evenings. There are numerous dining options, coffee shops, and attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art, and Piedmont Park. While it’s a little further from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it’s still accessible by MARTA (about a 15-minute ride), which makes it an excellent option if you want to experience a more bustling part of the city.

Pros:
- More walkable and vibrant, especially at night.
- Close to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
- Midtown is generally considered a safe and family-friendly area.
Cons:
- Not as close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, though MARTA makes it very accessible.
- You'll need to take MARTA or a short drive to reach downtown attractions like the aquarium and Centennial Park.

About MARTA: Staying in Midtown and using MARTA to get to Centennial Park, the aquarium, and other downtown attractions is very convenient. The MARTA station at Midtown is well connected, and you can get to downtown in just a few stops (typically one transfer, depending on the line). This makes it easy to get around without a car, though you’ll be looking at around a 15-20 minute commute to the stadium, and slightly longer to other attractions.

Suggestions: If your main focus is proximity to the event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and you don’t mind walking around a quieter downtown at night, The Candler Hotel could be the right choice, especially since it offers a historic atmosphere that you enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer a livelier atmosphere with easy access to dining, nightlife, and attractions, Midtown offers a great balance of convenience and energy, especially for your family’s needs. Since you’re not planning on staying out too late, staying in Midtown could offer a more enjoyable overall experience while still being close enough to all the attractions and events you want to visit.

Ultimately, both areas have their merits, but given your preferences for walkability, variety in dining, and proximity to the Botanical Garden, midtown might be the better choice for you.

Stay downtown or midtown?

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