Atlanta Travel Forum

Hi,
We're traveling to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and Stone Mountain. We would like to find a hotel that is at the mid point to both of these locations. Ideally we would like something in the way of a suite since we are a family of four traveling together. Any suggestions would be great.

Also does anyone know how what area of Atlanta Buford Hwy is in? Thanks much!

Atlanta is a great city. The aquarium is in the center of the city. Stone Mountain is about 30 miles outside of the city. RexVaughan and Balfor are VT members who live in Atlanta. They would be good sources of information.

larry

Buford Highway starts near where Interstates 75 and 85 split and then runs parallel to Hwy. 85 going Northeast. Lots of good hole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants on that road furhter out towards I-285.

Midway between Downtown and Stone Mountain would in the Decatur area. I've never stayed in any of the hotels in that area so can't give a recommendation. Hotel oppupancy in the Atlanta area in general may be affected by the tornadoes that struck downtown and the surrounding area this past weekend, as several of the large convention-type hotels were hit hard.

The only major hotels that were greatly affected by the tornado were in the heart of the downtown area. There were a number of other buildings damaged in the path of the storm but it primarily hit residential areas after it blew through downtown.

Decatur would be a good area to look for a hotel that is midway between the two. There are a number of hotels around that area but as was mentioned, I've not stayed in them either. The LaVista road exit on I-285 has a number of hotels as well as a few good restaurants nearby. it has easy access to the highway or you can take LaVista from I-285 to I-85 if you'd rather see a bit of the city. During rush hour, that probably wouldn't be a good idea as it can back up a bit, but it takes you through a few nice areas and past a couple of shopping and dining areas.

LaVista Rd is two exits north (on I-285) from the highway to Stone Mountain (78). To get to the aquarium, you could follow LaVista to I-85 and then south to the International Blvd exit, which will take you the Aquarium area. There is another street that is a bit closer but I don't remember the name of it off the top of my head. I THINK it is Luckie St, but there are signs for the Aquarium off of that street. This is when coming from the north toward downtown. International is the one to take if you are coming from the south side of town.

If you decide to check out Decatur, it has a lovely downtown area with quite a few places to eat and would be a nice drive to get to both locations.