Walking between hotels

Question

Hi. I will be attending a conference at the Omni Hotel Downtown Atlanta Centennial Park. They are booked for my dates and I will be staying at the Embassy Suites Downtown Atlanta. Google maps says the two hotels are .12 miles apart (or 700 feet). I am a woman who will be traveling alone. My husband is concerned that even this short distance might not be safe for me to walk alone. Can you advise if this is a safe area? Thank you.

Answer

Both the Omni Hotel Downtown Atlanta Centennial Park and the Embassy Suites Downtown Atlanta are located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, a bustling area with lots of activity during the day and evening, especially due to the proximity to major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. In general, this is a busy, tourist-friendly area, and the walk between the two hotels (just 700 feet, or about a 3-5 minute walk) is typically safe, even for a woman walking alone.

That said, like any downtown area, there are factors to consider for personal safety. While it’s a relatively short walk, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Street Traffic and Visibility: The area between the two hotels is well-trafficked, with tourists, locals, and conference attendees walking around, especially during business hours. The streets are well-lit at night, and there are usually people around. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Public Spaces: Centennial Park is a large, open area with good pedestrian traffic, so it's a safer route for walking. The streets leading from the Omni to the Embassy Suites are generally busy with hotels, restaurants, and shops, so it's a common route for other conference attendees and visitors.
Personal Awareness: As with any urban area, it's always wise to stay alert, especially when walking alone in the evening or late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets, and avoid shortcuts through alleys or less populated areas. If you’re walking after dark, consider taking a taxi, ride-share service (like Uber or Lyft), or asking the hotel concierge for a safer route or advice.

For additional peace of mind, you could also consider these safety tips:

Hotel Concierge Assistance: You can ask the concierge at either hotel about the safety of walking between the properties and inquire about any areas to avoid. They can also recommend any other transportation options, such as ride-sharing or taxis, if you prefer not to walk alone.
Transportation Options: If you feel uncomfortable walking, both hotels are very close, and a short taxi or ride-share service can take you between them in under 5 minutes for a very small fee.

In general, the area around Centennial Park is one of the safer and more frequented parts of downtown Atlanta, particularly during daylight hours and early evening. However, if you're concerned about walking alone after dark, it’s always okay to take advantage of alternative transportation options like a quick ride-share or taxi. Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose what makes you feel most comfortable. Safe travels and enjoy your conference!