Midtown is the right base for a gay visit to Atlanta. The neighborhood puts you walking distance from the main bar strip, Piedmont Park, and the MARTA station that connects to the rest of the city and the airport. Hotels here range from large chain properties to smaller boutique options, and rates are generally more reasonable than comparable central-neighborhood hotels in New York or San Francisco.


Downtown Atlanta is a workable alternative if you are combining a leisure trip with business at the convention center, or if Midtown is fully booked during major events. The Uber or MARTA ride from downtown to Midtown takes 10-15 minutes. Buckhead, to the north, is more upscale and residential; it makes sense if you have a car and prefer quieter surroundings.

When to Book Early

Atlanta Pride in October fills hotels in Midtown weeks or months in advance. Black Gay Pride over Labor Day weekend in September does the same. If you are traveling during either of those periods, book as early as possible or expect to pay peak rates for a room further from Midtown. The rest of the year, last-minute availability is generally fine.

The city also hosts major conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center that periodically spike hotel prices citywide. Check what is happening during your travel dates if prices seem unusually high.

Hotels

    • Georgian Terrace Hotel — Located across from the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace is a Midtown icon. Spacious rooms and suites with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and wifi.
    • Grand Hyatt — The Grand Hyatt offers spacious, quiet rooms located near great shopping centers, the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Museum, and Six Flags.
    • Mandarin Oriental — The Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta features free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a private garden and large meeting spaces. Guests can also take advantage of the indoor pool, concierge services and even personal trainers upon request. The Cafe and Bar offers modern American cuisine and is located on-site, while Taipan serves specialty cocktails and light meals. There are many other restaurants in the area within walking distance. This hotel is close to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Georgia Aquarium and
    • The Ritz-Carlton — The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta is home to two onsite eateries – the romantic Atlanta Grill serves steaks, seafood and Southern-style cuisine with live jazz Wednesday through Saturday nights, while Jittery Joe's Coffee Bar offers coffee and delectable pastries. After dinner, enjoy a cocktail and a variety of live musical performances at the lobby bar Lumen. The hotel affords easy access to the city's abundant museums, sporting events and cultural destinations. Notable attractions include The World of
    • W Atlanta - Midtown — W Atlanta Midtown is located between Piedmont Park and Midtown Mile, placing it at the center of the Hotlanta's commercial and cultural attractions, as well as near the zone's best nightlife.

Self-Catering and Longer Stays

For stays of a week or more, short-term rentals in Midtown or the adjacent neighborhoods (Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward) offer more space and better value than hotels. Virginia-Highland in particular is walkable, gay-friendly, and full of good restaurants. It is a 15-minute walk from the main Midtown bar strip or a short Uber.

Practical Notes

Atlanta has a hotel tax that adds around 15% on top of the room rate — factor this into budget planning. Parking in Midtown is available at most hotels but adds $25-40 per night to the cost. If you are not renting a car, save the parking cost and use MARTA from the airport.

For the full Atlanta picture: Gay Atlanta Guide.