Please help:

I won a free flight from my home city to Atlanta. It will be my first time ever in the Peach state. I will be there the first weekend in April, 2008. I'd like to take in a couple of Atlanta Brave games and some local culture: parks, galleries, museums, etc.
I will not have a car, and I want to stay in the hipper, cooler, trendier, and safer area that is accessible to the tourist attractions and Turner Field by either public transportation or a short taxi ride.
Am I better off in downtown or midtown? Which is the best Marriott property for me? Any sightseeing suggestions for a first time visitor would be appreciated.
Also, any recommended hotels have its concierge lounge open on weekends?
Thanks.

Newman

I prefer midtown and would recommend the Marriott Suites on 14th Street beside the Four Seasons....train is close by but they do not have a concierge lounge...they do offer breakfast coupons or at least they did a year ago.

ditto on everything IrieDame said.

There is a JW Marriott near Lenox Square that might also fit the bill for being close to transport.

If you are young/single, you'll probably want to spend time in Buckhead which is near to the JW. Also, the Highlands is a popular area for restaurants/bars, etc.

Sounds like you'll be dependent on MARTA, the rail system which runs north/south through atlanta and would be easily accessible from the JW, the Suites location on 14th as mentioned, and the Renaissance in midtown (not a great hotel).

The Lenox/Buckhead area is no where near the "happenings" in Atlanta. They shut down all the bars/clubs in Buckhead and now everyone goes out in Midtown and the Highlands.

If you're closer to college age try the Highlands, otherwise try Midtown. If you really wanna check out a "hipster" place as about MJQ, it's an underground club off Ponce where you'll see some of the coolest dancing and hottest ladies in town. And if you're up for something "different" check out Blondie at the Claremont Lounge, it's where strippers go to die. She crushes cans of PBR with her boobs.

I would stay in Midtown near 10th street or 14th street. Avoid what is truly downtown as there is nothing to do there and it's unsafe at night. You might also look around Centennial Park, that where the new aquarium and world of coke are. Can't remember off the top of my head if there are Marriott properties there.

Thanks for the suggestions. The "downtown" Renaissance seems to be the most conveniently located. It is right in between downtown and midtown and one block from the MARTA and near most tourist attractions. I called the Hotel and unfortunately the Concierge lounge is closed on weekends. No breakfast coupons for Gold or Plats

..would love to hear from someone that has stayed at the "downtown" Renaissance recently.

Newman

Go reread post #5.

I haven't stayed there but I do live near there and the "downtown" Renaissance is best avoided for what you are looking for. The immediate area gets pretty creepy at night.

I will third the recommendation for the Marriott Suites on 14th St. There is also a Residence Inn in Midtown on Peachtree St. that is a good location.

Without a car, I would stick to the Midtown area for walking access to both restaurants and nightlife. The Arts Center Marta station can get you to the shuttle that goes to the stadium and the airport.

I hope you enjoy your visit. The Atlanta weather in April can be changeable, but if it is a nice day in April, it will be a d@mn nice day.

On the other hand, it's near the Varsity. Pass the mustard and Alka Seltzer. .

The Suites on 14th is definitely your best bet, but comes at a cost. If the Renaissance is significantly cheaper, as it often is, it's a reasonable place as well. Yes, it's a bit sketchy at night, but that hasn't stopped me from staying there and making quick trips to the Varsity and elsewhere. If you're going out in the highlands, you're taking a cab anyway, so no big difference. Post-renovations, the Ren ain't bad. You won't get breakfast on weekends at any of these properties, as far as I'm aware (never stayed at the Buckhead JW though).

If you can afford it, go Suites, but don't discount the Ren if it's a good deal.

Incredibly, The Marriott Suites is already SOLD OUT for 2 of the 4 nights I will be in Atlanta (April 2 - 4). I cannot understand how it can be sold out over six months in advance, but it is.
Okay, so the consensus for a first time visitor that wants to be in a safe area near the tourist attractions is to stay in midtown, not downtown. Got it. I will stay in the Marriott Suites on Aprit 4 - 6. But for the first 2 nights (April 2 -4), when the Marriott Suites is sold out, what is my best bet for a Marriott property in Midtown?: The Residence Inn/MidtownHistoric. The Residence Inn/Midtown17th St. or the Courtyard By Marriott? I'm looking for the nicest and best located of the three?

Please help.....

Newman

The hotel is horrible and is right next to the metra tracks which means if you get a room overlooking the tracks you'll barely get any sleep. Also they really have no true acknowledgement of your Plat status (I guess there are too many Plats staying there that they dont really care) and front desk staff can be almost rude at times.
The concierge lounge is kinda ok and the concierge was pretty nice though.

never stayed at any of those three, but have driven past them all. I would avoid the courtyard. I think one of the RIs is pretty new?

as long as you're moving anyway, you might consider a couple of nights at the marquis... it's a pretty impressive place, especially after renovations. you can cover all the downtown attractions while you're there. downtown isn't *unsafe* at night, it's just not really desirable.

Avoid the Courtyard. It is on the "other" side of I-75/85 and not really convenient to anything in Midtown - especially on foot.

The two Residence Inn properties are equidistant from the Marriott Suites - The "Historic" property is at 11th St. and the other is at 17th St. The 11th St. property will be closer to the action in Midtown, while the other will be a little quieter.

Another possibility would be the JW Marriott at Lenox in Buckhead - a lot of nearby shopping/restaurants and it is right next to a Marta station.

Whatever room you reserve, I would keep checking with the Suites property. It could be that there is one or more conventions that have held a block of rooms of which the unsold ones will be released at a later date. If the Suites become available, you can always cancel the other reservation.

Stayed at the Airport Ren for the Final Four this year. It was very easy to get to and from airport via shuttle and from there take MARTA into the attractions.