According to forum posts, travelers often recommend staying in Midtown Atlanta due to its accessibility to MARTA stations and proximity to popular attractions like Piedmont Park and the Botanical Gardens. The Hampton Inn Midtown and the Hilton Garden Inn are frequently suggested for their convenient locations and good amenities.

Some travelers have also highlighted Decatur as a desirable location, noting its walkability and compact nature. The Marriott Courtyard and a new Hampton Inn near the Decatur MARTA station are popular choices among visitors who prefer a quieter, more suburban atmosphere while still having access to Atlanta's main attractions via public transit.

Travelers have mentioned that hotels like the Hampton Inn offer perks such as free breakfast and fair pricing, making them attractive options for families and budget-conscious tourists. For those looking to stay close to MARTA for ease of transportation, hotels near the Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stations in Midtown are highly recommended.

According to forum posts, some travelers prefer driving straight through Atlanta using I-75, especially if they can time their travel to avoid rush hours. This is often seen as a direct and efficient route.

For those looking to avoid the busy traffic of downtown Atlanta, alternative routes such as taking US-27 to bypass the city have been suggested, though it is noted that this might add as much time to the journey as going through Atlanta itself. Others have recommended using I-285, the perimeter route around Atlanta, to avoid downtown congestion.

Travelers have called out specific timing strategies to mitigate traffic issues, such as driving through Atlanta during non-peak hours. For instance, driving through downtown between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or after rush hours in the evening are suggested times to minimize traffic delays.

Some users have shared that since the onset of COVID-19, the traffic in Atlanta has been less problematic, except when accidents occur. They also mention the utility of using toll lanes and checking real-time traffic conditions to adjust routes on the go, enhancing the driving experience through or around Atlanta.

According to forum posts, travelers looking for accommodation near ATL airport have varied preferences, with some prioritizing budget-friendly options while others prioritize proximity and specific amenities like shuttle services. Prices mentioned range from $100 to $200 per night.

Some travelers have recommended the Hilton Airport hotel for its good shuttle service and on-property dining. Others have suggested the Renaissance Conference, noted for its views of the airport runway, though it is more expensive, often exceeding $200 with taxes. The Quality Inn Atlanta Airport-Central was mentioned as an option for around $100 per night.

For many users, staying very close to the airport is less important than other factors such as price or specific amenities. The Radisson Hotel, approximately 6-7 miles from the airport, was also mentioned as a practical choice, particularly for its ease of access to car rental return facilities.

Travelers have called out specific hotels for their park and fly arrangements, which include parking for the duration of a trip. The Westin was highlighted for offering 10 nights of parking included with a stay, although it does not offer free breakfast.

According to forum posts, travelers have options to rent cars at both airport and downtown locations in Atlanta. The Hertz lot, approximately 2 blocks from Peachtree station, offers a cheaper alternative to airport rentals. Some other major rental services are available in various hotel locations in Midtown.

Travelers have called out limited after-hours drop-off options for car rentals downtown. Only specific locations like Thrifty at the 221 Peachtree Center Parking Garage might offer this service, but confirmation is necessary. Most other downtown rental locations follow standard business hours, generally closing around 5 PM.

For many users, renting downtown can be cheaper as it avoids airport rental fees. However, daily rates at non-airport sites might be higher to offset the lack of concession fees. It's advisable to compare the total cost including potential transport to and from rental locations when planning your rental.

Some travelers suggested considering other forms of transportation such as MARTA, taxis, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, especially if the car is not needed for the entire stay in Atlanta.

According to forum posts, some must-see attractions in Atlanta include the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. These attractions are often highlighted for their educational and interactive experiences.

Travelers have called out the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library as significant cultural and historical sites. These venues offer deep dives into the lives and impacts of these important figures.

For those interested in outdoor activities, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Stone Mountain Park are frequently recommended. The Botanical Garden is noted for its beautiful plant displays and art installations, while Stone Mountain offers recreational activities and historical exhibits.

Some users suggest exploring local neighborhoods like Decatur for its vibrant food scene and quirky shops. Additionally, the Atlanta BeltLine is recommended for a scenic walk or bike ride, connecting visitors to various parts of the city with trails and parks.

Some travelers noted that navigating between concourses at Atlanta Airport involves using an underground train system. The train takes about 5 to 8 minutes to travel from one concourse to another, with gates A to T accessible via this train that runs below ground level.

According to forum posts, it's important for travelers to check their gate information frequently as gate assignments can change daily. Travelers are advised to use the airport's official website, www.atl.com, for the most up-to-date information.

For international arrivals, travelers have mentioned that it is crucial to allow sufficient time for customs and immigration procedures, which can take a significant amount of time, potentially affecting onward connections.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning ahead, especially for tight connections. They recommend downloading the airport or airline’s app to check real-time updates for gate information and to map out the fastest route from arrival to departure gates.

According to forum posts, a minimum of 90 minutes is generally recommended for domestic connections at ATL airport. For international to domestic connections, travelers have called out a preference for at least 3-4 hours. This allows for immigration, customs procedures, and transferring between terminals or concourses.

Some travelers said that connection times less than an hour are very risky and often not feasible. Instances were mentioned where a 53-minute layover was considered too tight and stressful. There is a general consensus that anything under an hour for a domestic connection is not advisable.

For many users, considering an overnight stay or choosing a longer layover is suggested to avoid missing connecting flights, especially when the original travel plan involves tight connections. This approach provides a buffer against potential flight delays or long processing times at customs and immigration.

Some travelers recommended the Marriott, SpringHill Suites, and Renaissance Gateway hotels as the closest options with good shuttle services. These hotels are easily accessible via the SkyTrain from the airport. The Renaissance Concourse and Hilton were also favored for their reliable shuttle services, frequently used by business travelers.

According to forum posts, it's advisable to book these hotels early to secure the best deals, although last-minute availability is often good, especially on weekends. Some users have cautioned against using third-party websites for booking, suggesting direct reservations instead for groups such as five ladies to ensure safety and reliability.

Travelers have mentioned other hotels like the Homewood Suites off Virginia Ave and the Hotel Indigo as less expensive alternatives with good shuttle services. The SpringHill Suites was highlighted for its large rooms and complimentary breakfast, although it lacks an in-house restaurant.