We've never been to Atlanta but will be flying there and connecting to a flight to Europe. We decided to come in one day early (from SoCal) to break up the trip. We could stay at an airport hotel but since we have most of the following day before a 6:00pm flight, we might as well stay somewhere where we can walk around. Any suggestions, walking to restaurants is important. No need to sight-see, just need to be in a central walkable part of town that is accessible to the airport for the following afternoon. Appreciate suggestions.

Can we leave our luggage in a locker at the airport overnight? Thank you!

Could stay downtown and visit the new aquarium and Centennial Olympic Park.

Could stay in Midtown and check out Piedmont Park, Atlantic Station (IKEA!), maybe take a cab to Little 5 Points and/or the Virginia Highlands.

Could stay in Buckhead and peruse the clubs, restaurants and bars.

You can take MARTA to those 3 neighborhoods, or cabs.

You want to stay near Midtown or Virginia-Highland where there is a very active night life and great restaurants and some clubs, too.
Wyndham has a hotel on 10th street that is close but I think there's a B&B in the area, too. Go to trip advisor and put in both of these locations to check for other hotel ideas. If you like blues, check out Blind Willies on Highland Avenue and Eclipse de Sol is a nice cafe for any time day or night. Let me know if you need more food suggestions. Annealex

I'd stay at the Sheraton Colony Square if you want to walk around Piedmont Park and to some restaurants. The High Museum of Art is nearby as well.

Another option would be a hotel near Lenox Square - JW Marriott, Ritz Buckhead or other. BIG mall with great stores right there and plenty of restaurants to walk to.

For both of these you can take MARTA to and from the airport.

Decatur is a neat small town with courthouse square - lots of restaurants and often free events in town. Also a MARTA station.

Here's a link to special events in Decatur - http://www.decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_ced_events.aspx

Starrs is right, Decatur is very cute, but half their downtown square is under construction, and it's less convenient via MARTA, imho.

Yep, there is unslightly rail station construction, but all the restaurants are still open - AND they need our business. I was just there on Thursday night and all the Decaturites are out and about strolling around. Okay, maybe not "all" - but many that I know!

Decatur would required a transfer from the N/S MARTA train to an eastbound train...but it's not difficult.

brandie, have you strolled in the old Decatur cemetary? It's a nice walk and an interesting place to visit - especially if you are familiar with Atlanta/ Decatur names.

I have not. I'm not much of a cemetary person, even when I lived in New Orleans. In fact, on my walking tour of Paris I didn't even stop in the cemetary - too many other things to see!

Well, (read between the lines here), lots of Decaturites walking their dogs there.

Um... I don't have a dog?

Never mind.

Sorry, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer!

I mean reallly, don't you remember the whole Hotel Mosser/Hotel Rex fiasco?

LOL!

Mosser is a GREAT hotel, eh!?!?!

email me at starrsvillega at yahoo if you want more explanation off the board

Thank you for the great ideas. Can we store our luggage in a locker overnight at the airport? We really are hoping not to have to schlep this around especially traveling on MARTA. We really would like to stay somewhere about 15 minutes (no more than 30) from the airport.

Also, as for hotels I understand that the Marriotts are all becoming non-smoking so this chain will not work for us. Thanks again!

Well, if you want to take MARTA to Midtown, it's gonna take more than 15 minutes. A taxi can get you there in that time, though. Doesn't take me more than 20 to get to the airport from my house.

In Midtown, there's a Wyndham that my dad stayed at last year, he liked it a lot, good location. Also, the Shellmont B&B, if it's available, would be a fun place to try.

I don't know about lockers in the airport; I would try the airport website.

I got the Midtown Wyndham on Priceline for a great rate. If you want to be within a 15 minute ride of the airport, stay at the airport.

brandie, I tried to 'splain, but both replies were returned as undeliverable.

Ok, so if we go approximately 30 minutes away from the airport can we be in Midtown? Are there hotels very near the MARTA stop or will we take a taxi once we arrive in Midtown? We will not be renting a car so able to walk to places around the hotel location is key. Does the Wyndham fit the bill? We'll just be in the area for one evening and 1/2 day the next day. Thanks again for all your help!!

The Wyndham is perfect for you, a 2-3 block walk from the Midtown MARTA station (30 minute ride from airport terminal). Could be a pain with lots of luggage (but no big deal with a couple rollerbags.

Lots of bars/restaurants/clubs within walking distance. Piedmont Park is a couple blocks away.

The Sheraton nearby is also a decent choice, but I like the location of the Wyndham better.

Starrs, I sent you another email, from a different addy.