mma

Hello everyone,
We are doing some college visits with our son in April. We will be visiting Auburn and then flying home from Atlanta. Since we have never been in this area, we certainly need your advice on a clean hotel for one night before flying out the next morning. We have no idea of good vs. bad areas around the airport. Also, in your opinion, would we be better ditching the rental car the night before and taking shuttle service to the airport in the morning? Oh, the hotel does not have to be fancy...just clean. Thanks for any and all advice!

bigbomoho

the Skytrain goes from the AP to the Georgia Intl Covention Center and car rental center.There are hotels at the convention center,I think Marriiott is there,and maybe Sumner Suites--dont recall--someone else may post,but search a little and im sure youll find a hotel along the Skytrain route--plus you could use the car rental stop as well

stumpworks73

The chain hotels around the airport are all clean and safe indoors. If you choose a hotel on or around Virginia Ave, do not walk anywhere. The neighborhood is not safe.

Returning the car the night before saves you time in the morning, but might limit you to eating supper at the hotel. Most mod rate to economy hotels do not serve in the evenings.

starrs

The Atlanta airport area is a great place to use Priceline or Hotwire. It sounds like there's 3 of you so Priceline won't work (it only guarantees a room for 2 and that means you may be sharing one full bed). So, take a look at Hotwire rates. Go to www.betterbidding.com to see the list of possible hotels that you'll get on the Hotwire list.

The last one I "won" on Hotwire was the Hilton Garden Inn and I just love that chain. If you want to book directly, check here -
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en...tyhocn=ATLGIGI

It's near the Embassy Suites and that seems to be the hotel of choice when my bosses fly in.

As big said above, all rental car companies ae at the same complex accessed by the new Sky Train.
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/s...7/story10.html

The SpringHill Suites would be very convenient if you want to return the car early. Restaurant options would be limited, but you could always eat at the Houlihan's in the atrium of the airport. Go upstairs to the second floor and hopefully someone will be playing the grand piano.

There are some new restaurants in College Park now which is a very short drive from the aiport. I've introduced one of them to two friends (boss and friend) and they loved the Brake Pad.
http://www.brakepadatlanta.com/

It's a very casual place for beer, wings, burgers, etc. One of a group that has very popular restaurants in the area -
http://www.brakepadatlanta.com/sister.html

Their hummus appetizer with olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, and diced tomatoes served with pita was fabulous! I've enjoyed their shrimp tacos and the Mediterranean with chicken instead of a burger. All the food served there has been VERY good. My boss travels weekly on an expense account and eats at all kinds of places across the country. The Brake Pad is one of his new favorites. It's very casual (in an old service station) but very good.

There are fancier options in College Park. Let me know if you want names.

If you are carless, you can always jump on MARTA at the airport and head north to Midtown. Lots of options of places to eat near the MARTA stations.

Hope that helps.

mma

Thank you all so much for your replies. Our college visit plans have changed and we will not be visiting Auburn at this time. I will keep all of your recommendations in mind in case we visit in the future. Who knows! Thanks again!