My husband and I are planning a trip to Atlanta to attend the Paul McCartney concert. We have reservations at the Marriot Atlanta Downtown on Piedmont Street. Is this an okay area to walk about...could we walk to the concert? Is there a closer, reasonable, hotel to Philips Arena where the concert is being held? Any info would be appreciated ! Thanks!

ttt

Thanks for topping See, I didn't see this!

Lnchldy--
We too are going to see McCartney but live here in Atlanta. My husband wants me to tell you that the area around the Marriott is not a the best area to be walking around at night. He would definately not recommend you walking to Philips Arena from the hotel.

Our suggestion would be to stay in Midtown or Buckhead as there are good restaurants, areas to sightsee and walk, and MARTA can take you to the concert. There have been several Fodorites who have pricelined hotels in Buckhead for $65-85/nt and have gotten $* hotels (ie Intercontinental and Grand Hyatt).

OWJ

Us again--Did you mean you're staying at the Marriott Marquis on Peachtree Center,or either the Residence Inn or Courtyard--both on Piedmont Rd?

Actually, we wouldn't recommend you walking to Philips from any of the 3 hotels but certainly not the 2 at Ptree Center at night. During the day, it's ok but it's still a decent walk!

The closest hotel to Philips is Omni Hotel, right next door in CNN Center.

Okay, so this is not the best area...oh boy, not good for us Tennesseeans! My husband has a co-worker that got held up in Buckhead, so we thought we would avoid that area.What about hotels closer to Philips Arena ? I had wanted to maybe see all of the trucks roll in and get some pictures ? Any more you can tell me? Thanks!

I see you are also on here...we have reservations at the Courtyard Mariott Atlanta downtown @ 175 Piedmont. Thanks again!

Lnchldy--To be honest, in any city, something could happen and I'm sorry your friend had a bad experience. The reason we've cautioned you away from downtown is because it clears out at night and is not an area I would choose to walk around even with my 6ft tall and strong husband.

Buckhead is a very affluent part of Atlanta and if it were me, I'd try to stay there or in Midtown. There's also more during the day to do in both parts of town v downtown...As for trying to see the trucks roll in, I don't think I could advise you on that. We'll be rushing from work just to make it on time

What about going on McCartney's website and checking out the BB there??

Hi, Lnchldy396

OWJ has given you some really good alternatives if you are planning to spend a couple of nights or more, but if you will only be in town for the night of the concert, it would probably be much less hassle to choose a hotel nearby. In addition to the Omni at CNN Center there are several other hotels in walking distance.

The Embassy Suites (Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in the hotel) is adjacent to CNN Center and Centenial Olympic Park on Marietta Street.

Holiday Inn is on International in the block just beyond Centenial Park.

The Wyndham Downtown fronts onto Spring Street, but it's back corner is adjacent to the above mentioned Holiday Inn.

Also on Spring Street @ International and across from the Wyndham is the Westin Peachtree Plaza. This is about as far as I would choose to walk after the concert (roughly 4 to 6 blocks from inside Philips depending on route), but mostly because I wouldn't want to climb the hill to Peachtree.

As to the issue of safety, I say this as someone who (except for last year's lockout) spends +/- 40 evenings every year in Philips Arena during hockey season. I doubt you will feel unsafe in this area. It will still be daylight when you enter the CNN Center/Philips Arena complex, and the area is well lit at night. There will be very visible police presence before and after the concert - mostly directing traffic (including lots of pedestrian traffic) even beyond the Westin which is the farthest hotel I've mentioned.

You'll have lots of dining choices as well. Everything in CNN Center will be slammed because of the concert, but there's McCormick & Schmick's (seafood w/earlybird specials before 6pm), Jocks & Jills sportsbar (get there early to avoid a long wait - even to eat at the bar) and a mexican cantina which I can't remember the name of. There's also a large and varied food court for "fast food". On Spring Street (@ Luckie St. I think?) walking from the Westin or Wyndham toward CNN is Ted's Montana Grill if you want to try Bison. And, the food inside Philips (if expensive) is not bad. Depending on where your seats are (club side), there are some really good options available.

Enjoy the concert and Philips Arena - it is a unique setup with all the luxury boxes stacked up on one side rather than surrounding on one separate level.

Rookie--Glad you chimed in b/c I really haven't paid attention to the various hotels downtown and their location. I've been downtown lots to go to a specific event, ie concerts or taking MARTA to meet my husband at CNN b/c he scored some Thrashers tickets. (He's beyond himself w/happiness now that the lockout is finally over, bet you are too!)

Thanks to you both,OWJ and Rookie! You have both given us lots to consider...we are going one day before the concert because the last McCartney concert in Raleigh, we felt too rushed getting there just a few hours before the concert. I think I will be changing our hotel reservations. I will keep checking this post for all of you local folks thoughts. Can't wait to see McCartney ! Thanks again!!

Hope you guys all have a great time at the Macca concert. I was at his Atlanta concert in the early 90s, the first held at Phillips Arena, for his "Off the Ground" tour. It was fantastic! Wish I could be there for this one.

Totally non-travel related, but I think his "Flaming Pie" album is one of his best.

Isn't the concert on a Tuesday? If that's the case, and you are coming a day early anyway.....why not come over on Saturday...that way you can be a part of the Atlanta GTG?

Where are you coming from anyway?

You know, you might also get lucky and priceline and get the Omni....but then again you might end up with the Marriott Marquis or Peachtree Plaza...