Showing support comes at a price. According to a new survey from AtlantaHotels.org, average hotel rates in Atlanta are up 167 percent this weekend compared to regular prices. Sports fans who are planning to stay in Atlanta April 6 through April 9 for the Men’s NCAA tournament should be prepared to spend a minimum of $300 per night for a room anywhere near the Georgia Dome where games will be played. That is, if they can still find a room available.
The best option seems to be staying out of the city. Of course there are still one, two, and even three-star hotels available for unbeatable prices, but they may also lack the comforts and space desired after long days of sitting in crowds. I have found that if you are willing to go the extra distance, there are still a number of quality 3.5 star hotels for under $300.
The Hilton Atlanta Northeast Hotel, the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnet Place, and the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta are all located between 19 and 28 miles from the Georgia Dome. The estimated time to make the drive into the city is approximately a half hour, but an hour is recommended to accommodate traffic on this busy weekend. According to my own search on AtlantaHotels.org, the lowest nightly rates for one room with a double occupancy, and a choice of a king size bed or two double beds are as follows: $149 at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast Hotel, $194 at the Atlanta Marriott Gwinnet Place, $202 at the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, and $267 per night at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta.
For just a bit more, the best deal in terms of price, quality and location may be the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel. This 3.5 star hotel is just 8.8 miles from the Georgia Dome (approximately 16 minute drive without traffic), with a standard room rate from $278.
For more details from the AtlantaHotels.org survey, click here.