Domestic airport, shuttles and Coke queries.

Question

Hi Y’all, my partner and I are making an overnight visit to especially visit the World of Coke and the Aquarium in Atlanta, my partner is a lifelong avid Coke collector and this is a lifelong dream of hers. As far as the Coke visit is concerned we will be visiting on a weekday which we hope might work to our advantage as far as crowds are concerned, is it possible to just visit the shop side of things instead of doing the whole site or are we missing out by just visiting the shop?

We’ll be flying into the domestic airport from Memphis and staying for just the one night. We’re interested to hear about a decent hotel to stay in which is close to the airport, our budget for this is around the $150 to $200 per night, which also has access to some sort of shuttle service that can get us into the attractions we’re keen to visit without too much hassle.

Answer

It sounds like you and your partner are in for a wonderful time in Atlanta! The World of Coca-Cola is a fun, interactive experience, especially for Coke enthusiasts. Regarding your question about just visiting the shop: while you can visit the Coca-Cola Store without going through the full World of Coke experience, you would miss out on the exhibits and the immersive experiences that make the visit so special. The museum part of the World of Coke features tons of exhibits about the history of Coca-Cola, interactive displays, and even a chance to taste Coke from around the world. If your partner is a true Coke collector, I would highly recommend doing the full tour. However, if time or budget is a concern, the shop itself is still worth a visit for some exclusive Coke merchandise!

For your stay in Atlanta, since you're flying into the domestic terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want to stay in a hotel that's close to the airport with easy access to downtown attractions, here are some hotel options in your budget range that also provide shuttle service to the airport and other locations:

Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway: Located about 1 mile from the airport, this hotel offers free airport shuttle service and has a variety of amenities, including an indoor pool and a great restaurant. It's also connected to the Gateway Center, which has a variety of dining options. This hotel is a great choice for a comfortable stay with easy access to the airport and downtown Atlanta.
Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel: Another highly rated hotel near the airport with shuttle service. The Renaissance offers modern amenities, a great restaurant, and a beautiful view of the airport runway. It's a solid choice for those who want a comfortable and convenient stay without venturing too far from the airport.
Holiday Inn Atlanta Airport South: This is a more budget-friendly option, but it offers a clean, comfortable stay and free airport shuttle service. It’s located near the airport with easy access to downtown Atlanta via shuttle or ride-sharing services. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to stay within your budget while still being close to the attractions.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport North: Located just a short distance from the airport, La Quinta offers complimentary shuttle service to both the airport and nearby areas. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a budget-friendly choice with a variety of amenities, including a free breakfast.
The Westin Atlanta Airport: This upscale option is just 1 mile from the airport and offers a 24-hour shuttle service. It's a bit more expensive, but if you can stretch your budget a bit, it offers great comfort, a pool, and an onsite restaurant. It’s also not far from the major downtown attractions.

For getting to the World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium, while these hotels are near the airport, they may not provide direct shuttles to the downtown attractions. In this case, you can either take a short Uber/Lyft ride (around $15-$25 depending on traffic), or some hotels may offer shuttle service to nearby public transit stations like the MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). From there, you can easily take MARTA's Red or Gold Line to the Peachtree Center station, which is close to both attractions.

Given that you’re only staying for one night, I would suggest planning your transportation in advance to ensure you can maximize your time at the attractions. If you prefer a more relaxed schedule, consider using a taxi or ride-sharing service to get to and from the attractions directly. That way, you won’t have to worry about navigating public transit or coordinating shuttle times.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope your partner has a fantastic time at the World of Coca-Cola!