Athens hotels

This modern hotel is located within walking distance of the University of Georgia and all the hottest downtown attractions. You’ll find a range of fun guestrooms and suites to pick from – I love their King Bed option with sweeping views of Piedmont Valley.

I spent a lot of time in the lobby at the hotel’s bar, The Placery. It has a curated menu with classic comfort food like burgers with extra crispy fries. The bar is connected to The Classic Center, which is a great venue for plays and concerts.

This is one of the best hotels in Athens if you’re buzzing in for a convention – don’t miss the free self-parking and daily breakfast. I also love that you can walk just a few minutes and be right in the heart of North Oconee River Park or Memorial Park. I also highly recommend taking a bike ride on the greenbelt or nearby Firefly Trail.

This is the quintessential chic hotel in Athens. A one-of-a-kind Georgian home right at the tip of the Five Points neighborhood, this glorious lodging is one of the best hotels in Athens if you want an intimate and extra special place to rest your head.

The unique suites are carefully curated with plush fabrics, gorgeous color schemes and exquisite art. Try the Ranger Suite in deep blues and admire that grand chandelier. It feels like staying in a grand home, and they even serve breakfast in the morning with a menu that changes its fresh ingredients daily.

From this little gem you can walk the leafy streets and experience Southern small-town charm. If you’re staying here you might want to get yourself to nearby Sandy Creek Nature Center – it’s absolutely worth your time and if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate all their conservation efforts.

They call this a ‘modern farmstead architectural style’ hotel, and it’s just as new and shiny as you’d expect. This is one of the best hotels in Athens for architecture fans. The hotel has gorgeous hardwood floors and warm wood furnishings that won’t fail to impress.

The expansive guestrooms and spacious suites are hard to beat – I recommend booking a suite with a balcony since the weather is so great here you can step right out.

In terms of practical needs, the hotel has electric car chargers and welcomes pets. Plus, the location is ideal, letting you walk downtown or to campus easily. Another unmissable nearby attraction is the “Tree That Owns Itself” – a quirky spot that’s exactly what it sounds like.

This newly done hotel adjoins the University of Georgia. There’s a wide array of suites and guestrooms to choose from (though note that you have to be 21 years old to book here.) A two-bedroom suite is perfect if you’re traveling with friends.

In terms of dining, there’s the on-site 1918 Lounge (with big TVs and live sports playing), where you can meet fellow travelers coming into town over some local beers.

This is one of the best hotels in Athens if you want to be able to walk across to a University of Georgia football game at Sanford Stadium. If you’re spending time at the hotel itself, try the fitness center or park yourself by the outside fire pits on the patio. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the farmers’ market at Bishop Park.

Located just two minutes from the University, this is one of the best hotels in Athens for those traveling on a budget. You’ll find a range of simple standard rooms and a few suites, all with a little fridge and microwave. I thought the Dove amenities in the bathrooms were a nice touch. And if pillows are important to you, ask to see their pillow menu.

The hotel also offers a free basic breakfast, and I appreciated the rower machine in the fitness center. Don’t miss the Georgia State Botanical Gardens, just a quick 10-minute drive from the hotel.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you want to be lounging by the outdoor pool, which offers guests a little respite from the Southern heat. Note that the hotel also offers self-parking for a daily rate.

If you’re looking for a chic but affordable place to stay downtown, this is one of the best places to book. With smartly designed guestrooms and suites, you can stay for less at a prime property.

Suites come with a small separate area for hanging on the sofa or to work from. As well as the free coffee in the lobby and a shared lounge where you might make some new friends, the hotel also offers a pet-friendly stay (for a small fee) and a well-equipped gym.

Art lovers are in luck too, as you can easily explore local exhibits as the hotel is really near the fantastic Georgia Museum of Art. I also highly recommend booking an Athens Music History walking tour with historian Paul Butchart (ask the front desk about it). If you don’t fancy seeing the city on foot, hop on one of the hotel’s free bikes.

Located right downtown in the sporty University area, the Homewood Suites by Hilton is one of the best hotels in Athens for all-suite seekers. The lovely spacious suites at this property – decked out in plaid and collegiate colors – come with full kitchens for all your foodie needs. I recommend checking out the hotel bar, as it's open late and attracts an interesting crowd of visitors to town.

This is also a popular choice for extended stays. From the hotel you can easily walk to the famed Athens Warehouse district and enjoy the dining the city is known for downtown (ask the front desk about the latest openings).

Speaking of walking, you’re also just an eight-minute walk from The Georgia Theatre, where you’ll find a host of live shows year-round. The Rooftop at the theater is a great spot to get a stiff drink and meet locals.

If you want to be located on the western side of town, this is one of the best hotels in Athens to go for. The all-suite property features plush rooms with a nice extra well-lit space for working.

When I travel, I appreciate hotels like Springhill Suites that invest in a little pantry area with a small refrigerator, a deep enough sink and a microwave. Also note that this property requires you to be over 21 to check in. Since the weather is usually great here, I recommend spending plenty of time by the hotel’s outdoor pool.

As it’s set in a quiet, out-of-town location there’s not much to walk to from the hotel, but it’s not too far to drive downtown where all the action is. Speaking of which, since you’re already driving, pop in to Bear Hollow Zoo, a small zoo and rehabilitation center for native Georgia species.

This elegant spot makes the most of its chic industrial aesthetic. Set in a transformed denim manufacturing factory, this is one of the best hotels in Athens for a boutique retreat. Rooms have high-quality linens, fabulous decor and all the luxury amenities you could want. I recommend booking a Premier King, which feels like a light-soaked sanctuary.

The hotel also offers some of the best dining in town at its on-site restaurant, Osteria Olio, which serves southern Italian cuisine. For something more casual head to the Rivet House Bistro in the lobby for a quick coffee.

The spa here is also not to be missed. Book in for a Superfood Facial – trust me, you and your skin won’t regret it.

If you’re in the market for some real quirk, this is one of the best hotels in Athens to book. You’ll find serious bulldog nostalgia all over, and the hotel is a quick walk from the vibrant college district.

There’s a range of fun rooms and grand suites to choose from – try a King Suite complete with old-school arcade games and a few vinyl records. I also love the Malin + Goetz amenities in the bathrooms.

But my favorite spot has to be the historical on-site restaurant, The Foundry, where you can play trivia games over classic Southern drinks. They even have local musicians come in to play, so stay tuned – you never know who might walk through the doors. You can also hit the bar scene nearby – I highly recommend both WonderBar and Nowhere bar for strong drinks.