I don't think downtown is unsafe. It is just not as much fun as Midtown.

I know most of you prefer Midtown, but my favorite ATL hotel is the Buckhead Doubletree. Quiet. They have a free shuttle and are eager to take you anywhere within two miles. There is a lot to do within two miles!

pp, I hate the traffic in Buckhead and hate it is so car-centric. I recommend Midtown when people want a part of the city that is very walkable. And yes, I really like it too. For visitors, I like that there are three MARTA stations so no matter which hotel you choose, you'll be within a few blocks of MARTA and can easily get to the airport, downtown, Buckhead and/or Decatur. But for shopping? Definitely Buckhead.

I do agree about taking the shuttle from Underground to the "Ted"--the shuttle is not convenient and the way back to downtown is NOT a good walk and I would not recommend it. The city is currently building a streetcar to run from the King Center to Centennial Olympic Park. They should send a branch to the "Ted." It would fill a real need and possibly lead to development of the Capitol Avenue corridor, which was the reason for putting the "Ted" (previously the Olympic Stadium) there. Now it is a sea of parking lots. We Atlantans do love our cars! Midtown is by far the best area in the ATL for walking and for nightlife (such as it is).

Precisely my point!

Precisely. ;)