Athens, GA
Search the best hotels in Athens, GA
About Athens, GA
An artsy college town brimming with a vibrant music culture and warm Southern hospitality, Athens is a fantastic choice for a city break or as part of an extensive Georgia road trip. With everything from simple B&Bs to stylish city hotels, this is a fun and funky destination for couples, groups of friends or families — especially those dropping students off at the University of Georgia. Our pick of the best places to stay in Athens are clustered around the heart of the city, perfect for soaking up all the action.
Just under 1.5 hours by road from Atlanta, Athens has a laid-back, youthful vibe; in large part due to the thriving student population. Founded in 1781, the University of Georgia (UGA) is now famed for its talented football team — the Bulldogs — and its hip, friendly feel. Do catch a game at Sanford Stadium if you can!
The city’s attractions include the Georgia Museum of Art and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Both are well worth visiting, but Athens’ real charm lies in its burgeoning café, bar and foodie scene, with quirky little places lining the streets of the appealingly walkable downtown area. Hop from one bar to another, take in some live music or a theatrical performance and allow yourself to be swept up in the city’s fun-loving energy. Delve into Athens’ past with a guided walking tour through lanes dominated by imposing buildings, and chart the city’s history from tiny eighteenth-century settlement, through the Civil War to the buzzing city which is has become today.
There’s stacks to see and do in the Blue Ridge Mountains, too, with adventurous hiking, cycling and horse riding trails, as well as kayaking and fishing in spectacular North Georgia surroundings. The best places to stay in Athens fill up fast when there are big events at UGA, so book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out!
The Best Places to Stay in Athens
For Live Music
- Graduate Athens offers glamorous rooms and suites with a charming retro feel, just a short walk from the UGA campus. This is a vibrant pick for a sociable city break complete with live music at trendy venue The Foundry, great food, a refreshing plunge pool and heaps of Southern hospitality. Fun & funky.
For City Chic
- Hotel Indigo Athens is a sophisticated city hotel with slick, stylish rooms and suites, fabulous farm-to-table breakfasts and a swanky bistro-bar for hip evenings in. Well-placed for exploring Athens, the property is also a brilliant business and events venue. For well-heeled travellers.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE
- If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
- Fly to Atlanta International Airport, and take a 2-hour bus or drive the 1 hour and 20 minutes to Athens.
- Georgia is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
- Travel during the summer months (June to August) for the warmest weather, but do be aware that this is peak season. Come in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for fewer crowds. Do note that hotels will be especially busy around the beginning of the UGA academic year and at graduation.
STILL NOT SURE?
- Browse our list of the best places to stay in Atlanta.
- Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Georgia.
- Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
Best Hotels in Athens, GA
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Graduate Athens Athens, GA (Georgia) 122 rooms from €118
City Style - Feel like you're in the heart of the action in this bustling university town, from a stylish and happening baseSights nearby - It's a stroll to Downtown Athens Historic District. Alternatively, drive out of town to the State Botanical Garden of GeorgiaRestaurant - The snack bar serves great coffee & small bites. The Foundry offers Southern comfort food, cocktails & live music sceneSwimming Pool - The outdoor plunge pool is open all year. Sit back and relax on the outdoor deck's colourful lounge chairsRecommended by - TabletHappening boutique hotel with equal parts style and substance. Colourful rooms mix mid-century furniture, playful artworks and lively mismatched prints. Heavenly suites suit long-stays & there's an outdoor pool. Perfect for music lovers/socialites; the vibey bar & restaurant is also a music venue. See More
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Hotel Indigo Athens Athens, GA (Georgia) 130 rooms from €120
Local exploring - Brilliant base for access to the university or local sightseeing; there's a multitude of sites within easy walking distanceLearning - 5-min walk to University of Georgia campus. Parents of university students qualify for 15% discountsCity Style - Stylish and luxurious, but very much on the pulse of youthful and lively AthensRestaurant - Madison Bar & Bistro offers farm-to-table dining in relaxed, sociable setting with wonderful outdoor terraceOn-trend boutique-style hotel near downtown and the university campus. Decorated in contemporary 'farmstead' style, public spaces and rooms feel fresh and of the moment. There is an art gallery, gym and cool restaurant, with a terrace and firepit, as well as upscale meeting rooms. Deluxe city chic. See More