The 10 best cheap hotels in Atlanta

The ideal stopover for the urbanite, the Renaissance Atlanta Gateway has all you need for a short stay, from stylish rooms to a two-minute airport shuttle. Along with all the modern amenities you would expect like a flatscreen TV, a mini fridge and complimentary toiletries, you'll also find an on-site gym, convenience store and an on-site restaurant and bar.  

What’s nearby? Close-ish by, and great for a family day out is Zoo Atlanta. For beautiful greenery and panoramic city views of Midtown head to Piedmont Park. 

How cheap is cheap? So not dirt cheap, but pretty decent for the amenities and the comfort. 

Time Out tip: Travelling for business? Stock up your mini fridge with fresh salads, sandwiches and snacks from on-site convenience store Diesel Market. 

As far as budget accommodation goes, La Quinta Inn & Suites is pretty neat. You're hardly slumming it with an outdoor swimming pool, continental breakfast, fitness centre and launderette. The modern rooms offer guests more than enough space to roam around and store luggage, with the added comfort and entertainment of a flatscreen TV. 

What’s nearby? Situated just off Interstate 285, a short drive to popular square Marrietta, surrounded by parks, museums, theatres and more. 

How cheap is cheap? You can't go wrong with $98 a night. 

Time Out tip: If you're headed to Truist Park stadium from the inn, there's a shuttle service available on request. 

Ideal for those who want "luxury" on a budget, rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton start from $133 per night and feature cool extras like a microwave and a mini fridge. In case you need to get back to business, the hotel has meeting and conference rooms available on-site. But if like us, you'd rather ditch the suitpants for some trunks, there's a decent-sized outdoor pool. And just to sweeten the deal a little more, there's also a 24-hour fitness center and concierge. You're all set. 

What’s nearby? Situated near Emory University, making it an ideal location for relatives visiting from out of town. 

How cheap is cheap? Not ridiculously cheap, but still great value for money. 

Time Out tip: While you're in town, catch the Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature exhibition at the High Museum of Art, about 4 miles away. Even if art's not your thing, you'll be stunned by the architecture of this place. 

This newly renovated inn is pretty neat, that is, once you get past the dizzying carpet patterns. While amenities are limited, the inn offers meeting rooms and free parking, which always comes in handy. The standard rooms are in pretty good shape too with nice touches like a mini-fridge and flatscreen, you know, the essentials. 

What’s nearby? We hear Buckhead is a great base for exploring Atlanta's nightlife and shops.

How cheap is cheap? Reasonably priced for a two-night stay relatively close to Downtown Atlanta.  

Time Out tip: Cheers to Buckhead's gorgeous skyline with cocktails at Mediterranean restaurant and bar Spaceman.

Centrally located in Downtown, Motel 6 puts you in one of the best spots for exploring Atlanta's main attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, CNN Centre and the High Museum of Art. The vibe here? It's a no-thrills kind of lodging, though we doubt you'll be spending much time here. Each room has a TV and a desk, and if you're feeling slightly more adventurous, some even have a mini-fridge and a microwave. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for in price that's for sure. So, if you only want the bare necessities, Motel 6 is where it's at.

What’s nearby? Along with so many cultural attractions on your doorstep, there's also great food over at The hub at Peachtree Centre where you find lots of decent eateries including Chick-fil-A and Beni's Cubano if you're looking for some good old comfort food.

How cheap is cheap? You can find a room for as little as $87 per night. 

Time Out tip: If you're heading to the World of Coca-Cola, you've got to check out the new kid on the block (launching November 6th), the Beverage Lab.

Besides the lobby feeling a tad outdated, the inn is pretty clutch for a weekend trip to ATL, especially if you're in town to watch the baseball. Rooms are modern, spacious and clean with free breakfast thrown in too which is definitely a score. When you're not exploring Downtown, you can Kick back in the lounge by the fireplace, take a dip in the indoor pool, or if you need to make up for all those hearty southern meals, you can head to the on-site gym. 

What’s nearby? For baseball lovers, it's a three-minute drive to Truist Park Stadium, and for shoppers, there's The Battery Atlanta a five-minute drive away.

How cheap is cheap? Rooms start at $150 depending on when you book. 

Time Out tip: Grab a bite and a blanket and catch a free movie on the Plaza Green from 7 p.m. 

Talk about the ultimate glow-up, what was formally known as The Ponce Hotel is now a very cozy hipster's crashpad. The urban interiors make you feel right at home with impressive wall art in almost every inch of this place, cool beanbag chairs and a stunning courtyard with built-in firepits. That's right, get ready to curl up with your kombucha. It's safe to say, while it might not be the cheapest option on this list, it may well be the trendiest. 

What’s nearby? Situated in Midtown where you'll find lots to do including a visit to Folk Art Park, Jackson Street Bridge, and Piedmont Park – all great places for a photo op. 

How cheap is cheap? A little more on the upmarket side than the cheap side, but still decent for a couple of nights. 

Time Out tip: If you're looking for a good time in ATL, head to Revery: VR Bar, a mix of cocktails, music and virtual reality. There's even karaoke. We're sold. 

If budget is what you're looking for, then Ramada Plaza pretty much fits the bill. Besides having a convenient shuttle service to the airport and being a short distance from Georgia International Convention Centre, this one is firmly in the league of packet ramen where stays are concerned. But we can't knock it too much, especially when rooms start from as little as $84 per night.

What’s nearby? Close to the hotel, you'll find a Waffle House - great if you're after a decent breakfast. 

How cheap is cheap? Pretty darn cheap. Another upside is that the rooms are large. 

Time Out tip: We've heard that the shuttle can be a little hit-and-miss, so it's well worth leaving extra early just in case you need to book a taxi. 

Free WiFi, free coffee, pet-friendly and smoke-free? Pretty swell then, if you're in need of a decent base that's clean and inviting while you're in town. Red Roof Inn Plus Atlanta is in a prime spot too for exploring all that ATL has to offer in a short amount of time.

What’s nearby? Along with a bunch of green spaces, you're a stone's throw from the Atlanta History Centre and Lenox Station which makes heading Downtown quick and easy. 

How cheap is cheap? Rooms start from just over $100, so it's pretty much on the money for something low-budget.

Time Out tip: If you're looking for a local bite, the nearby Havana Sandwich Shop will hook you up with the best cheap Cuban sandwiches. The black beans are a hit too. 

The Staybridge Suites Atlanta is a safe bet whether you're in town for a few days with the family or here for biz. The rooms give off a miniature home away from home vibe, kitted out with a full kitchen, a workspace, and a bathroom – a great option for extended stays. You'll also find an outdoor pool and fitness facilities and a business centre. If it were us we'd complete that Excel by the pool. 

What’s nearby? A short distance from Fox Theatre, World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium, all great spots for a nice day out. 

Budget range: Rooms start from around $200, but you're paying a little extra for the perks of that impressive pool. 

Time Out tip: While in Atlanta you've got to check out the Buckhead area for a taste of the best shops, nightlife and galleries. Hop on at Marta Station for a few dollars one way.