In this guide · 4 sections
Midtown is your best bet for a gay visit to Atlanta. From here, you can walk to the main bar strip, Piedmont Park, and the MARTA station. That train line connects to the rest of the city and the airport. Hotels range from big chains to small boutiques, and you'll generally pay less than for similar spots in New York or San Francisco.
Downtown Atlanta works if you're mixing leisure with a convention center business trip, or if Midtown is full during big events. An Uber or MARTA ride from downtown to Midtown takes 10-15 minutes. North of that is Buckhead, more upscale and residential; it's smart if you have a car and want things quieter.
When to Book Early
Atlanta Pride in October fills Midtown hotels weeks, sometimes months, ahead. Black Gay Pride over Labor Day weekend in September does the same. If you're traveling then, book as early as possible. Otherwise, expect peak rates for a room further from Midtown. The rest of the year, finding a last-minute room is usually fine.
The city also gets big conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center, which can spike hotel prices citywide. If prices seem high, check what's happening during your dates.
Hotels
- Georgian Terrace Hotel — Across from the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace is a Midtown classic. Rooms and suites are big, with comfy beds, flat-screen TVs, and wifi.
- Grand Hyatt — The Grand Hyatt has big, quiet rooms. It's close to good shopping, the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Museum, and Six Flags.
- Mandarin Oriental — The Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta has free Wi-Fi, a private garden, and large meeting spaces. Guests can use the indoor pool, concierge, and even personal trainers. The Cafe and Bar serves modern American food on-site, while Taipan pours specialty cocktails and light meals. Lots of other restaurants are walkable. It's near the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and Georgia Aquarium.
- The Ritz-Carlton — The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta has two places to eat: the Atlanta Grill, a romantic spot for steaks, seafood, and Southern food with live jazz Wednesday through Saturday nights. Jittery Joe's Coffee Bar has coffee and pastries. Later, grab a cocktail and listen to live music at the lobby bar, Lumen. The hotel makes it easy to get to the city's museums, sporting events, and cultural spots. The World of Coca-Cola is a big draw nearby.
- W Atlanta - Midtown — W Atlanta Midtown sits between Piedmont Park and Midtown Mile. It's right in the middle of the city's commercial and cultural scene, and near the best nightlife.
Self-Catering and Longer Stays
For a week or more, short-term rentals in Midtown or nearby neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward) give you more space and better value than hotels. Virginia-Highland is particularly walkable, gay-friendly, and full of good restaurants. It's a 15-minute walk to the main Midtown bar strip, or a quick Uber.
Practical Notes
Atlanta adds about 15% in hotel tax to your room rate, so plan for that. Parking in Midtown is usually available at hotels, but it's an extra $25-40 a night. If you're not renting a car, skip the parking fee and take MARTA from the airport.
For the full Atlanta picture: Gay Atlanta Guide.