Lodging in atlanta – neighborhoods & surroundings

Atlanta, Georgia, is a city that offers a rich history and a heap of modern cultural charms. Located in the heart of the southeastern United States of America, there is much for travelers to discover in Atlanta.

A city often overlooked by international visitors should not be missed. If only for a few days, you can immerse yourself in one of the most authentic cities in the U.S. With a strong sports community, a thriving music scene and an evolving food culture, Atlanta is just waiting to be explored.

Atlanta wears its history proudly, but also lives in the moment. There's always something funny going on in Atlanta – you just have to look in the right places. From the 1996 Olympic Park or an Atlanta Falcons game to the celebration of the 4. July at Turner Field – the possibilities are endless.

As a diverse city, Atlanta changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. It is a real eclectic mix. Will you feel at home in Downtown Atlanta or Inman Park? You may want to live like a local in Sweet Auburn?

Let's take a look at where to live in Atlanta.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is the heart and soul of the city. The central business district as well as the most important tourist hotspots are located here. Downtown is a great place if you are in Atlanta for the first time. But even if you're just taking a quick tour of Georgia, downtown is a great neighborhood to base yourself in.

Downtown is surprisingly green for an inner-city area. There are a number of parks that are for the general public to enjoy. In the heart of the city is Centennial Olympic Park. It's rare to find such an impressive Olympic Park in a central business district, but the 1996 Olympic legacy lives on strong in the heart of Downtown.

There are a large number of must-visit museums in downtown Atlanta, namely the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Atlanta played an important role in the civil rights movement of the 1940s to 1960s.

Good for: Active travelers, business travelers, travelers with big budgets, budding historians, city travelers, culture vultures, sports lovers, short vacationers

Neighborhood highlights: Center for Civil and Human Rights, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia International Plaza, CNN Studio Tours, SkyView Atlanta Georgia, World of Coca-Cola, Agatha's A Taste of Mystery, Apex Museum

  • Sheraton Atlanta Hotel – The Sheraton Atlanta is located in the heart of downtown. With an incredible selection of amenities, guests' every need is met. Guests can take advantage of the free WiFi, the hot tub, and the gym, which is open around the clock. Coffee-making facilities are available in all rooms.
  • Aloft Atlanta Downtown – Modern, bright and super stylish, the Aloft is one of the coolest places to stay downtown. The rooms are colorful and have trendy, urban decor. Many rooms offer great views of the city and WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Guests can relax at the on-site bar, W XYZ.
  • Hyatt Regency Atlanta – Opulent and regal, the Hyatt Regency is a fantastic place to stay downtown. There are three different dining venues within the hotel, including a rotating restaurant. There is an outdoor pool as well as a well-equipped fitness center. All rooms have private baths, and suites are also available.

Midtown

If you want to be in the middle of the action but don't necessarily want the rush-hour hustle and bustle twice a day, check out Midtown. Located just north of Downtown, Midtown is a little bit commercial, a little bit artsy, and a little bit residential. These three aspects combine to create a vibrant and thriving neighborhood that is a joy to explore.

The High Museum of Arts is one of the most visited museums in Atlanta and is located at the northern tip of Midtown. This museum houses a truly diverse curation of modern art in one of Atlanta's most distinctive buildings. Within close proximity to the High Museum of Arts, you'll find other incredible art venues, including the Woodruff Arts Center.

For art lovers, culture vultures and urbanites who like a slower pace of exploration, Midtown is a fantastic place to stay in Atlanta.

Good for: Art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, budget backpackers, urbanites, culture vultures, foodies, like a local travelers, party people, young travelers.

Neighborhood highlights: High Museum of Arts, Museum of Design Atlanta, Woodruff Arts Center, Opera Nightclub, Lava Lounge, Botanical Garden of Atlanta, Center for Puppetry Arts, Winn Park, Yonah Park

  • Renaissance Atlanta Midtown – With neutral tones and modern furnishings, the Renaissance Atlanta is a great place to stay in Midtown. Many rooms offer impressive views of the downtown skyscrapers. Both rooms and spacious suites are available. There's a rooftop bar that serves craft beer, cocktails, and light snacks and is open seasonally.
  • W Atlanta – The W Atlanta is a wonderful place to stay in Midtown. Rooms are modern and minimalist, and many feature luxurious bathtubs. The suites are huge, feature ultra-modern furnishings and incredible views of the city. Each room features a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and extensive media library.
  • Hilton Garden Inn – For affordable luxury in Midtown, the Hilton Garden Inn is a great place to stay. This Hilton hotel offers both classic and modern design elements. There's a business center where guests can work throughout the day. There's also an outdoor pool and fitness center.

Old Fourth Ward

Once an industrial area of Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, like so many neighborhoods, has undergone rapid renewal. Old Fourth Ward is a hotspot for hipsters, yuppies and travelers looking for a local-like experience.

Just minutes from downtown, Old Fourth Ward is home to Atlanta's burgeoning food culture. Urban coffee bars abound, as well as trendy restaurants and markets. Die-hard foodies should take a trip to Irwin Street Market. You will find refined restaurants and artisan foods from around the world. Fashionistas should head to Ponce City Market to grab some vintage bargains.

Historically, there is much to explore in the Old Fourth Ward; no visit to Atlanta would be complete without a visit to the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. on Auburn Avenue.

Good for: Budget backpackers, budding historians, city slickers, culture vultures, foodies, trendy travelers, like a local travelers, party people, young travelers

Neighborhood highlights: Irwin Street Market, Ponce City Market, Martin Luther King Jr's birthplace, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, TWO urban licks live music bar, Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse

  • Staybridge Suites – Staybridge Suites is located on the border of the Old Fourth Ward and Midtown, just 400 meters from the FOX Theatre. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor pool and fitness center. Each suite features a fully equipped kitchen, work area, private bath and comfortable living area.
  • Hotel Clermont – With a wonderfully homey atmosphere, Hotel Clermont is a wonderful place to stay in Old Fourth Ward. With king-size rooms, four-bed rooms and a range of executive suites, Hotel Clermont has something for every type of traveler. There is an in-house bar and restaurant.
  • Crowne Plaza – The Crowne Plaza is a modern hotel with appealing decor. There is an in-house bar with a lounge and a restaurant. Guests can swim in the rooftop pool or simply enjoy the city view. A breakfast buffet is served daily and is complimentary with some room rates.

Inman Park

Lodging in Atlanta - Neighborhoods & Surroundings

A small town all its own, nestled in the inner sphere of Atlanta, Inman Park is a wonderful neighborhood in Georgia's state capital. Ideal for travelers looking for the local experience but also want to enjoy the nightlife, green spaces and amazing museums.

It's easy to get from one neighborhood to the next in Atlanta. The MARTA rapid transit system and the Atlanta Streetcar make it very easy and affordable to explore the city. Staying in Inman Park gives you easy access to fashionable Old Fourth Ward and multicultural Sweet Auburn.

There are plenty of green spaces to explore at Inman Park. The neighborhood transitions into Freedom Park, where the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located. If you follow the Freedom Park Connector Trail, you'll cross the neighborhood and reach the Inman Park-Reynoldstown Transit Station, ready to head downtown.

Good for: Active travelers, budding historians, couples, culture vultures, families, foodies, travelers like a local, travelers on a budget.

Neighborhood highlights: Inman Park, Freedom Park, Springvale Park, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Horizon Theatre Company, 7 Stages Theatre Company, The Porter Beer Bar, Ladybird Grove& Mess Hall, Wrecking Bar Brewpub.

  • Urban Oasis – Cozy, homey and equipped with an open fireplace, the Urban Oasis is a true home away from home. Guests can relax in the manicured garden or cozy up in the living room. There is free WiFi throughout the house and central heating is also available. Urban Oasis is just a short walk from Inman Park.
  • Traveler's Nook – With a cottage-like feel and bright color scheme, Traveler's Nook is a bit of a gem. With room for one guest, this is the perfect place for solo travelers on a budget. Guests can use the communal kitchen to prepare their own meals and hot drinks.
  • Hip Historic Loft – In keeping with the trendy character of the neighborhood, the Hip Historic Loft is an urban paradise. Furnished with vintage wood furniture and modern decor, this is a hipster home away from home. There's a 50" TV with Netflix, Hulu and other cable channels. Guests are invited to chill out on the terrace.

Grant Park

Home to lush Victorian mansions and some of Atlanta's wealthier residents, Grant Park is a wonderful place to stay for any type of traveler. With easy access to downtown transportation and walking trails, Grant Park truly offers the best of both worlds.

Outside the park, there's something very calming about a walk through the Grant Park neighborhood. Take a peek at the Victorian mansions and dream about which one you would buy if you had all the money in the world.

There's a massive boom in craft breweries throughout the United States of America, and Atlanta is no exception. Although many of the local craft beers are produced in the suburbs, where innovators have access to cheap rent, there are a number of ultra-trendy brew bars in Grant Park. Eventide Brewing and The Brass Tap are a good place to start.

Good for: Active travelers, couples, culture vultures, families, foodies, travelers like a local, mid-budget travelers, luxury travelers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Grant Park Georgia Hill Neighborhood Center, Erskine Memorial Fountain, Eventide Brewing, The Brass Tap

  • The Grant – Whitewashed with a few splashes of yellow, The Grant is a wonderful place to call your own while in Atlanta. This micro-studio sleeps up to two people and is located in a 120-year-old Victorian home. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate, as is WiFi.
  • Sanctuary in the City – Sanctuary in the City is just that, a sanctuary. This beautifully decorated apartment offers guests the opportunity to live like a local and relax at the end of a long day of exploring Atlanta. There is a refrigerator and microwave to prepare simple meals. Coffee and nibbles are provided.
  • The Buchanan House – Like something out of a lifestyle magazine, the Buchanan House is located in the heart of the Grant Park neighborhood and was built in the 1890s. Guests have their own entrance, living room and small kitchen as well. The bedroom is bright and furnished with beautiful, high-quality bedding. Breakfast is offered.

Sweet Auburn

Lodging in Atlanta - Neighborhoods & Surroundings

This historic neighborhood has played a significant role in modern America. Sweet Auburn was a hive of activity during the civil rights movement and remains a bustling and thriving neighborhood today. Depending on who you talk to, you may notice the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. in either Old Fourth Ward or Sweet Auburn. The two neighborhoods are inextricably linked by their shared history.

Located in the heart of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the King Centre. Both locations commemorate the pioneering work and courage Atlanta citizens showed in the face of adversity. This neighborhood is an essential part of modern America and should not be missed during any stay in the city.

After the humbling experience of learning about the civil rights movement, travelers can head to Edgewood Avenue to hang out at the hipster bars and admire the impressive street art.

Good for: Active travelers, budget-conscious backpackers, budding historians, couples, city travelers, culture vultures, foodies, families, trendy travelers, travelers who feel like a local.

Neighborhood Highlights: Martin Luther King Jr National Historical Park, The King Centre, Martin Luther King Jr's Birth Home, Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Historic Fire Station 6, Escape Room Atlanta, Selena S. Butler Park, the Sound Table, Cafe Circa, Georgia Beer Garden,

  • Chic and Central Oasis – Chic and Central Oasis is an open apartment that has a fully equipped kitchen and a large L-shaped sofa. As a true home away from home, the apartment can sleep up to three guests. Guests have their own entrance and off-street parking is available.
  • The Krog – The Krog is an oversized Victorian bungalow that can sleep up to four guests. The Krog has a cottage-like feel and the decor is chic and modern. There is a fully equipped kitchen with dining room. There are laundry facilities, free WiFi and cable TV.
  • Atlanta Loft – Located in the heart of Sweet Auburn, the Atlanta Loft is an open, modern space. The apartment has an artistic flair and plenty of room to spread out – it sleeps up to seven people. There is a fully equipped kitchen that includes an oven and a nice dining area.

Buckhead

For travelers looking to stay a little off the beaten path in Atlanta, Buckhead is the place to go. This collection of affluent uptown neighborhoods is a great place to stay if you want to experience the most authentic side of Atlanta.

The great thing about Buckhead is that travelers can be in the heart of Downton within a 10-minute drive or just 40 minutes by public transportation. Regardless of how travelers arrive and depart, exploring an under-the-radar Atlanta neighborhood can do wonders for an intrepid downtown explorer's street credit.

In the heart of the Buckhead neighborhood is the Atlanta History Centre. The center features exhibits about the antebellum South. Located on an 1845 farm that once also served as a blacksmith shop and smokehouse. A visit to the Atlanta History Center, which spans 33 acres, is the perfect complement to a day exploring Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn.

Good for: Active travelers, budding historians, couples, culture vultures, families, travelers like locals, mid-to-luxury travelers, road trippers.

Neighborhood highlights: Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Memorial Park, The Punchline Comedy Club, The Painted Pin, Brookwood Hills Historic District, Chastain Park Golf Course, Phipps Plaza, The Shops at Buckhead, The Meredith House

  • Windgate by Wyndham – With an outdoor pool, a luxurious hot tub and an excellent fitness center, the Windgate by Wyndham is a great hotel in Buckhead. The hotel offers airport shuttle service upon request and the staff is happy to advise on how to best explore Atlanta using Buckhead as a base of operations.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton – Homewood Suites by Hilton offers guests the opportunity to stay in a beautiful, airy space while in Buckhead. Guest suites all have fully furnished living rooms with flat-screen TVs. There is a simple kitchen in each suite in addition to a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
  • Hampton Inn – With a modern and high-end feel, Hampton Inn reflects the upscale feel of Buckhead throughout the property. Guests have access to the outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. The Hampton Inn offers every morning a good breakfast buffet, which is free with some room rates. There is free on-site parking.