Phoebe_Bird

Hi all,

My 9 year old daughter and I will be attending a concert at the Philips Arena in December, and will be accompanied at our hotel by my husband and two young sons. We are looking for a hotel either very near the arena, or in Buckhead convenient to Marta (assuming those who know these things think Marta is safe at night for a woman and child alone). We're looking for something under $200 a night, with relatively inexpensive (or free) parking-- valet or self, we don't care. Any suggestions? My husband and sons will probably be hanging out at or near the hotel while my daughter and I are at the concert, so if there's anything fun or interesting to do nearby, that'd be a plus. Thanks in advance!

iceeu2

The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is connected to Philips Arena.

Personally, I would not ride Marta late at night to Buckhead. But, that's me.

What concert?

Phoebe_Bird

The Omni's sold out, unfortunately. I kind of figured that about Marta.

We're seeing the Dixie Chicks.

Thanks for your help!

GoTravel

There are a bunch of other hotels right there.

I also would not ride Marta alone at night.

mrsd2fan

There's a Holidy Inn within walking distance and also a Hampton Inn. We usually stay at the Marriott when we go in ATL. for a hockey game, it's about a half a mile walk.(maybe a little more)We usually book throgh Priceline and name our price.

Phoebe_Bird

I just went ahead and booked the Westin Peachtree Center. Anyone know anything about it?

GoTravel

It is a great hotel! A stones throw from Peachtree Center which is the Marta stop as well as indoor shopping and dining.

Phoebe_Bird

Sounds terrific! Thanks for your help!

lvk

My then-11 year old daughter and I stayed at the Westin a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Ask for a high room with a view of Centenniel Park. We didn't walk around at night, though. She was competing near the Arena (at the Georgia World CC) and we walked there during the day and cabbed it at night.

There is a revolving restaurant at the top of the Westin. Dinner is expensive for mediocre food. I'm not sure if kids are allowed in the lounge, but if they are, they might enjoy a Shirley Temple while taking in the view.

The breakfast buffet at the Westin was reasonable and had very good selections.

Across the street is a Hard Rock Cafe, which the kids might also enjoy. We also took the MARTA to the Atlanta Underground Mall, and World of Coke. Neither were worth the time, IMO.

Phoebe_Bird

lvk,

Is it pretty easy to catch at cab in Atlanta? Did you have to call for one, or can you wave one down in the street? I'm giving some thought to what you did-- walking during the day and cab at night.

starrsville

The easiest way to get a cab in downtown is to go to a hotel. They are always lined up there. That is true in Atlanta as well as almost any city I've visited.

Phoebe_Bird

Good to know-- thanks!

sk84fungirl

My two cents are that there is nothing wrong with riding MARTA at night. As an evening grad student, I did it all the time until I graduated. I am female and was always alone.

You should use the same precautions as anywhere else. If you are leaving a venue like Phillips after a large event, you will not be alone on the train. There will be hundreds of folks riding the train from that Phillips Arena station as well. If your hotel is several blocks away from the MARTA station, I would then catch a taxi. They are always lined up at MARTA.

Westin is a great choice. You can walk to Phillips Arena if don't want to catch the train. You would walk right through Centennial Park to get there. I would then ride the train back unless there are a few others with you. The areas is extremely well lit and there is always a strong police presence in the area.

Enjoy your visit to ATL!

lvk

Phoebe Bird,

I just wanted to let you know that the rooms at the Westin are pretty small. Are all 5 of you staying in the same room? If so, it will be very, very cramped.

If it is not too late, you could try the Embassy Suites near Centenniel Park. They tend to be roomier and suited for larger families. They also offer free breakfast.

padams421

I also think the Embassey Suites across the street from Centennial Park, and 1/2 block from Phillips Arena would be the best choice with kids.

starrsville

Embassy Suites is a GREAT idea!

iceeu2

Embassy Suites is a WONDERFUL idea!

padams421

The Aquarium and the Children's Museum are close to the Embassy Suites and Phillips Arena. Your 9 year old will probably find the Children's Museum boring but preschoolers usually think it's great.

DixieChick

I am also going to the Dixie Chicks concert with my daughter.

I have taken Marta from an event at Phillips Arena and felt very safe. Of course, there were a zillion other people trying to get on the same trains but there were plenty of police around.

I guess we better get our hotel reservations. I hadn't even thought about it.