Coming to Atlanta this Sept to visit need tips (Sandy Springs: budget, hotels)

[hsmomof2]

my husband is going to be attending a conference at the
Marriott Atlanta Marquis 265 Peachtree Center Avenue. I really don't want to stay at that hotel, would prefer something a little more kid friendly w/ a microwave and fridge for snacks. Does anyone have any hotels that would be easy to get to from the conference center- I really don't want to take him back and forth each day. ALso, how is the Marta system? It looks like it's only 3 block away from the Marquis and that may be the best mode of transportation... please help- we've never been to Atlanta before and we look forward to coming, but just need something that all of us can enjoy.

Thanks so much
Meredyth

[George Chong]

Is the conference at the Marriott Marquis or some other place like the World Congress Center?

Did you check out the website for MARTA? www.itsmarta.com

If the conference is at the World Congress Center, try the Embassy Suites Hotel as your husband can walk to his meetings. Downtown Atlanta Hotel - Atlanta Hotel - Centennial Olympic Park Hotel - Embassy Suites Atlanta Hotel

You can then hang out at Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, the Aquarium, The Children's Museum and CNN Center.

[hsmomof2]

anything good or bad with that hotel- or can you recommend something better w/ kids?
thanks

[pinetreelover]

Marta is simple to figure out - easy maps and a fairly helpful website. It is also safe if you take reasonable city precautions. It would definitely be the best way for you and the kids to get around downtown.

[martarider]

I would also recommend Imagine-It Children's Museum. It's near Centennial park and other attractions. If your kids are like mine, you could spend most of a day there.

[masonbarge]

I don't know your budget, but there are Residence Inns downtown and also on Piedmont Road in the Buckhead area (which would be cheaper but less convenient).

[masonbarge]

Originally Posted by hsmomof2

ALso, how is the Marta system? It looks like it's only 3 block away from the Marquis and that may be the best mode of transportation... please help- we've never been to Atlanta before and we look forward to coming, but just need something that all of us can enjoy.

Thanks so much
Meredyth

MARTA trains are fine, rather clean and safe compared to a lot of cities. (If you go outside the main station, Five Points, it can be a bit iffy, especially later at night if there's not a big event nearby.) The big downside is that stops are limited.

There's also a new "Peach Bus" that runs up and down Peachtree Street. Bus service is a bit iffy during business hours, due to traffic conditions. You can transfer free to/from a train.

[CityFan]

Twelve Hotel, downtown--http://www.twelvehotels.com/Home.do. It's a new hotel with a kitchen and of course a fridge and cook top. It's a very confortable place to stay with kids. Marriort Marquis is in walking distance.

[hsmomof2]

I also looked at embassy suites, but now may expand to further out for a bit less $$, I am thinking DH can take marta in to the conference... if he decides to drive- how's the parking? what does it cost for 8hours.
thanks so much
you've been very helpful for a first time Atlanta visitor)

[rackensack]

If you're looking for a less expensive option, there's an Embassy Suites in the Perimeter Mall area that's in easy walking distance of the Sandy Springs MARTA station. It'd be easy enough for your husband to take the train down to Peachtree Center station for the conference, and for you and the kid(s) to either take MARTA into Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, or to drive to other attractions. There's also a Staybridge Suites near there that would have a fridge and microwave, as well as a Residence Inn in the same general area, though not walking distance. There's lots of restaurants and shopping in the area immediately around the station also.