The Business Traveler’s Guide to Atlanta

 Visitors can find a full range of amenities like business-friendly lodging, conference space, and fine dining with private meeting rooms. If you're a business traveler looking for the best tips for visiting Atlanta, this guide has everything you need to ensure you have a comfortable, productive stay.

Where to Stay in Atlanta

Although your business could take you anywhere within the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, most of the city's industries are found in three neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead. If your business is near any of these neighborhoods, then you have a variety of lodging options nearby.

Downtown

The city's business center is downtown, and that's where you can find plenty of convention hotels. If you're looking for a large meeting space, consider the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown, which ranks as one of America's top meeting hotels. Other top picks in the downtown area include the W Atlanta Downtown and the Hilton Atlanta. These hotels all offer fine dining options onsite, making it easy to conduct meetings and host meals without leaving the premises.

Midtown

If you're headed to Midtown, this destination is well suited for both business and pleasure. This Atlanta neighborhood offers pedestrian-friendly streets and a nice mix of businesses, restaurants, and nightlife. If you need conference space, choose the Georgia Tech Hotel and Convention Center or the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Midtown. If you're looking for something other than a big brand, then try a boutique hotel like Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown, or opt for a trendy spot like Twelve Atlantic Station.

Buckhead

When you want to impress business clients or just enjoy a luxury stay, try Buckhead. Considered one of the more sophisticated sections of Atlanta, Buckhead boasts myriad five-star luxury hotels, primed and ready to cater to the discerning business traveler. For a luxury stay, choose the JW Marriott Buckhead, Grand Hyatt, or the recently revamped Whitley Hotel.

Getting Around Atlanta

If your business travels won't take you far from your hotel, then you may want to use MARTA public transportation to get around. Many hotels and business centers in Downtown, Buckhead, and Midtown are close to MARTA rail stations. To help you decide, review the list of major businesses located near MARTA stations. MARTA also offers a direct connection to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which might allow you to avoid traffic altogether for the duration of your trip.

Although MARTA is an excellent option, it may not be useful for everyone. Atlanta is a sprawling city that is best explored by car if you intend to venture far. With a vehicle, you can also easily meet clients at their convenience and use your personal down time to explore the city. Hertz offers convenient rental car locations throughout the city, so you can get where you need to go without the hassle of operating on a timetable other than your own.

Client-Worthy Eats

Whether you need to seal a deal over lunch, host a swanky dinner, or reward your team for a job well done, there are plenty of choices in the Atlanta area. When you need to take a working lunch, reserve a private dining room at Ray's on the River. The rooms have televisions and projector capabilities as well as numerous power outlets, so you can give a presentation or have a meeting while enjoying a delicious meal.

When the time comes to impress a client, choose a high-end restaurant with a good reputation. In Buckhead, Aria offers elegant and upscale dining, while Chops Lobster Bar consistently ranks as one of the top ten steakhouses in the country. Midtown's STK Atlanta offers top-notch food, while Dantanna's is a good downtown choice for fine dining.

Of course, you might not need food for every meeting. For drinks and a chat, get coffee at one of Octane Coffee Bar's four Atlanta locations. Buteco and Watchman's Seafood are two other great options for a quick bite and huddle.

Entertainment and Leisure in Atlanta

After a long day of conferences and meetings, it's important to take some time to unwind. With a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene, Atlanta has a lot to offer when you're done working for the day. Whether you want to relax and have a good meal, see a show, or enjoy the nightlife, there's plenty to see and do after the sun goes down.

Downtown

Because it's a business hub, downtown tends to mellow after 5 p.m., but there are still things to do in the area, especially if you want to see the city. Get a birds-eye view atop Skyview Atlanta, or head to The Sun Dial Restaurant to see the panorama from the 723-foot tall observation window while enjoying dinner or dessert.

Midtown

Midtown is home to some of Atlanta's best nightlife. See a show at Fox Theatre, get tickets for a performance of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, or wind down at The Lawrence. Afterward, visit the area between Crescent Avenue and Piedmont Avenue to explore the city's nightlife.

Buckhead

If your business takes you to Buckhead, you don't have to venture far for a chance to unwind. See a show at Buckhead Theatre or visit The Punchline Comedy Club. Buckhead is also home to some of Atlanta's best shopping, which you can find at Lenox Square Mall, Phipps Plaza, Andrews Square, and The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

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