If you are staying high on the hog then one of
the major hotels downtown is certainly the best choice. If you have targeted
a specific attraction you want to visit you can almost certainly find a
quality chain somewhere nearby.
If you're coming to Atlanta to take in a little shopping, you might want to stay in Buckhead. This section of Atlanta offers many unique stores and a variety of excellent restaurants and entertainment options.
If Atlanta has a cultural center it would be Midtown. Midtown is home to the High Museum of Art, the Woodruff Arts Center as well as the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Piedmont Park. The area has an arty charm, and while it is undergoing a renaissance it is best to stay close to your hotel at night.