Atlanta airport

Question

Our flight arrives in Atlanta from UK around 8.30pm so as I’ve no idea how long it will take to clear immigration thought we’d stay near the airport. We could stay 2 nights in the hotel and get the Marta to midtown for some sightseeing next day before picking up a rental car to head for South Carolina. Whereabouts near the airport should we stay (for ease of getting to Marta/airport car rental location) will just get a taxi from airport to hotel, as it looks like hotel shuttles only pick up from the domestic terminal.

Answer

If you're arriving in Atlanta from the UK at around 8:30 PM, staying near the airport for the night is a great idea to avoid any stress after a long flight, especially if you're planning to use MARTA the next day. There are several hotel options near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) that offer convenient access to MARTA and the airport car rental facilities. Here's a breakdown of your best options:

1. Airport Hotel Areas for MARTA Access:

College Park: This area is very close to the airport and has several good hotel options, including the Holiday Inn Express, the Atlanta Airport Marriott, and the Hilton Garden Inn. College Park is just one MARTA stop away from the airport, so you can easily hop on the MARTA train to Midtown the next day. The area is also close to the airport rental car center, so you'll have an easy time picking up your car before heading to South Carolina.
East Point: This neighborhood is another nearby option, offering good value hotels like the Hampton Inn Atlanta Airport. It is just a few minutes by MARTA from the airport and is located near a station for easy access to the city. East Point is known for being quieter compared to other airport areas, making it a peaceful place to rest after a long flight.
Downtown Atlanta (Airport Shuttle to MARTA): If you're willing to take a short ride on the airport shuttle to a MARTA station (like Peachtree Center or Five Points), there are plenty of hotel options downtown. However, keep in mind that this may take a little longer, especially if you're tired after your flight. Hotels like the Omni Atlanta and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta are well located downtown, but the shuttle ride will take around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

2. Getting to MARTA from Your Hotel:

Most hotels in College Park and East Point are very close to MARTA stations, so you can easily walk to a station the next day. The airport MARTA station (which is accessible from the airport terminal) is only one stop from College Park and East Point, so it will be very quick and convenient.
If you're staying in downtown Atlanta, you'll need to take a shuttle or a short taxi ride to a MARTA station, but MARTA itself is fairly easy to navigate. The trip into Midtown via MARTA from the airport takes around 20 minutes.

3. Taxi and Hotel Shuttle Considerations:

As you mentioned, hotel shuttles only pick up from the domestic terminal, so if you arrive at the international terminal (which is likely for your flight from the UK), you'll need to take a taxi to your hotel. Taxis from the airport to nearby hotels are usually reasonably priced (around $15-$25, depending on the distance).
If you choose to stay in College Park or East Point, you can easily take a taxi from the airport without worrying about shuttle services.

Suggestions: Given that you plan to explore Midtown and pick up a rental car for your trip to South Carolina, staying in College Park or East Point would be the most convenient option. These areas are close to the airport, offer a variety of hotels, and have easy access to MARTA. If you're looking for more of a downtown experience, staying closer to downtown is an option, but it may add a little more travel time for both the shuttle and MARTA. Either way, staying near the airport for your first night will make your journey the next day much smoother.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Atlanta!

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