South - ATL Airport Hotel recommendation?

Probably going to have to do a overnighter at ATL as part of an international itinerary on DL later this year. What do you guys recommend in terms of a hotel?

Looking for something in the mainline Westin/Hilton/Marriott quality range - or would consider a Res Inn/Homewood if it is new, bright, and clean. Could use MR/SPG points, Priceline, or a regular paid stay. Needs to have a free and frequent shuttle, of course. (I assume there are no hotels physically attached to the airport, or are there?)

I know all airport hotels the world over are dark and depressing places. I guess I'm looking for something slightly less dark and depressing than the others.

My gut instinct is to start with the Westin since it has ridiculously high rates but is available as a Cat 2 with points. If somebody is paying $189 for it on the same night that the Sheraton is $77, it must be a decent joint, right?

pinniped,

I can't speak to the Westin, but I stayed at the Sheraton a few weeks back and was thoroughly impressed.

The public areas are very nice as is the staff. While the hallways are a flashback to the 80s, I upgraded to the Club Level. The room was completely renovated to reflect the new Sheraton look.

Despite what others have erroneously reported, you can get a room overlooking the runways (if that's important). The Club Lounge, while small, puts on really delicious displays both at breakfast and in the evening (no alcohol, though). Caution: the evening service is limited to the hours of 5 to 7 (I believe -- possibly 8).

Pretty well most every hotel near ATL has a shuttle. I guess the big question is how long an evening will you have there. No reason to pay a ton (in points or miles) for a stay that is basically just to sleep. I have had good suceess with both the Westin and the Hilton, but I usually stay at the HGI just b/c it's afforsable and I am just sleeping.

I've stayed at most of the mainline ATL hoteld over the past fifteen years, and like the Renaissance, Hilton, Sheraton and Marriott in that order.

The Ren sits on the land where the old terminal building used to sit (before the current airport structures were built). Therefore, rooms on the runway side have unparalled views of airplane, runway and taxiway activities. The soundproofing is very very good (you could always get a room on the other side if desired).

My last stay there, a couple of years ago, was a Priceline stay for about $42 or so (I don't know if thise rates still prevail, also, the same zone has the Westin at the 4* level, and I've heard bad things about it, so bidder beware).

Have only used the Hilton. Decent lounge and appropriate treatment for elites, nice view of the airport from top floors. Restaurants are not impressive and too expensive. There are pool tables in the basement bar/grill, however, to help you while away the evening. Nothing close by that I would walk to. Great deals on park & stay - 10 days of parking and a room for 4 with continental breakfast in the lounge cost me $99 last summer.

Spent last night at the Best Western Atl airport east.
Get a room on the south side of the property for great views of arrivals/departures from the north parallel. Great views if you don't mind a bit of noise.

I have stayed several times each at the Embassy Suites, Marriott and Renaissance in the Airport area. MY recommendations would be in the order above. The Renaissance may have the best looking building but the service from the staff varies from OK to downright snotty. I have had much better experiences at the other 2. I also have stayed at the Doubletree Club in the area one time, and will never be back. I should have know when it took 3 calls and over an hour to get their shuttle, which actually never did appear, but a Marriott driver took pity on us and picked us up after having seen us sitting there waiting on 3 of his previous trips. It was downhill from there.
If you can get a weekend rate at the ES, its a definite winner.
Cindi