I believe you mean 'Hotlanta'.
it's not a good neighborhood at all. Trust me, I'm an Atlantan and haven't had anyone actually stay within walking distance of Turner field.
You want to stay downtown and take the MARTA to the stadium for the game.
There'sa bunch of hotels on Peachtree that are within walking distance of the MARTA. Marriott, Westin, Ritz are the ones that come to mind.
I've never been to Turner Field but I've been to Atlanta quite a bit and we always stay on Peachtree St. up near Buckhead and then take the Marta around town. If I remember correctly, there really isn't much around Turner Field as far as quality areas. I could be wrong though.
it is very nice and has a wow factor that the kids will always remember. It is also close to Centennial Olympic Park, the Aquarium and Wold of Coca Cola, if you are so inclined.
I will say that the Georgia Aquarium is pretty impressive...
Might be tough to get a room there.
I think the Hilton Garden Inn is the closest hotel to Pemberton Place (Aquarium, World of Coke, Centennial Olympic Park) and while I have not been in that specific HGI, every one I have stayed in elsewhere has been really nice.
Like a lot of others have mentioned, midtown is a good spot and there are a ton of hotels. Loews and Palomar are new and trendy and in great spots, but might not be completely suitable for a family getaway. On the other end of the age spectrum, there's the Georgian Terrace, right across from the Fox Theatre (NTFT). If you want to support my alma mater then you can try the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center. All of those are great location-wise but probably pretty pricey.
One step down from those, but still in a good location, is the Artmore (it used to be a La Quinta or something). Right next to the High museum and the Arts Center MARTA station.
You will definitely want to take MARTA to the game(s), but be aware that it doesn't take you to the stadium...you have to get off at Five Points/Underground ATL and then hit a shuttle over to the stadium. Undergound sucks, by the way, but you'll figure that out when you walk through it to get to the shuttle.
Anyways, enjoy the city and go Tigers!
Lots of better restaurants (both high end chain, and independant), great shopping, etc. Make time to see either the Georgia Aquarium or the Coke Museum. Both worthwhile, Aquarium is amazing.
I stayed in midtown Atlanta once for a music festival. You can either take the MARTA or grab a cab to Turner. But man, they shut the place down at night. All the bars closed at 11. Of course though that won't apply to your family outing. There is a great restaurant there called the Southern Grill. Their boneless buttermilk fried chicken is amazing.
Unless you have a real need for a rental car, (i.e. you're headed somewhere outside the MARTA system) then don't bother getting one. You can now take MARTA right from the airport to the downtown area, and to most popular spots, including the ballpark.
I would also suggest Underground Atlanta as a place to go for good-to-great shops, restaurants, events, things-to-do, and so on. You can see what's there at http:www.underground-atlanta.com.
Depending upon how long you are staying in Georgia, and if you're driving there in your own car, consider taking a side trip up to Stone Mountain, just east of Atlanta, about 30 min drive time from downtown. Its the highest point in Georgia (I believe) and the view of the Atlanta skyline is sensational.
Have a great time. Atlanta is one of my favorite cities.
I lived there for 3 years....just got transferred back to Michigan last month.
MIDTOWN Stay at the "W" hotel in midtown. Walking distance from many restaurants/piedmont park (pedestrian/walking friendly) & the MARTA station is close.
Downtown: I would not recommend staying downtown...to many pan-handlers & it can get a little uncomfortable walking around there at night time.
Buckhead: Is another nice option, but pretty far from the ballpark, and its not real pedestrian friendly....everything is pretty spread out.....I would only stay up here if your renting a car.
Hotel is like all Ws (a bit too hip for my tastes), but nice rooms, and a block away from Piedmont Park, if you have time to walk around - really nice.
Just to be clear...MARTA does not actually go directly to the ball park. The closest MARTA stop is many, many blocks away and is quite a hike (about a 1 mile walk). But, many of the downtown hotels/bars have shuttles that will drop you off and pick you up right at the stadium gate -worth looking in to.
There are several great hotels right around the CNN entertainment area that are very nice with lots of bars, restaurants, entertainment right there (right next to the Georgia Dome). In particular, the Omni is very nice and very convenient. This area is adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium - a must see for your kids, trust me (my kids have been like 10 times).
Also, just to contradict someone above, there are tons of bars and restaurants in Midtown and around CNN that are open way past 11 pm. Many now consider Midtown to be THE clubbing spot in Atlanta. Of course, if you are with your family that might not matter.
And to echo everyone else...DO NOT stay right next to Turner field. There is one crappy hotel there and the rest is all single family neighborhoods (not nice) - think Tiger Stadium (the old Tiger Stadium).
for all of the info. MGOBLOG rules.
For a family environment, midtown is the way to go. Walking around downtown at night is sketchy, so any of the midtown area hotels will be better off. And MARTA to the game is cheaper and easier.
If you want some good restaurants in the area (midtown/buckhead) I would recommend..
South City Kitchen
Ecco
Top Flr
Bones
Fox Bros
Stayed in the Hyatt Regency once. It was pretty neat, not far from the Olympic Park area which was nice.