If you’re heading to a convention, concert, or trade show in downtown Atlanta, staying at a Marriott hotel near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) can make your trip much easier. This guide breaks down the best options, how close they really are, and what to consider if you’re local, commuting in, or flying into ATL for an event.
When people say “Atlanta Convention Center,” they usually mean one of two major venues:
Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – downtown Atlanta
Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) – College Park, near the airport
Most visitors looking for “Marriott hotels near Atlanta Convention Center” are staying for an event at GWCC downtown or the GICC near the airport. The best hotel choice depends on which convention center your event is using and how you plan to get around.
| Area / Convention Center | Nearby Marriott Brand Options* | Typical Distance to Venue | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GWCC – Downtown | Full-service & upscale Marriott brands in downtown core | Often within 5–15 minutes walking | Major conferences, concerts, downtown sightseeing |
| GICC – Airport/College Park | Airport-focused Marriott hotels around ATL & College Park | Usually 2–10 minutes by shuttle or SkyTrain | Fly-in trade shows, quick overnight trips |
| Midtown Atlanta | Variety of Marriott brands in Midtown | 5–10 minutes drive or MARTA ride | Those wanting nightlife/dining with short commute |
| Buckhead | Higher-end Marriott options in Buckhead | 15–25 minutes drive off-peak | Longer stays, shopping, more residential feel |
*Specific properties and branding can change over time. It’s always wise to verify exact locations and names when you book.
If your event is at GWCC, you’ll want to focus on downtown Atlanta hotels, especially those near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Peachtree Street. From most downtown Marriott properties, you can usually walk or take a very short ride to the convention center.
Many visitors prefer to stay close enough to walk to the Georgia World Congress Center, especially for multi-day events. From downtown Marriott hotels, you can expect:
If you’re staying near Centennial Olympic Park or along Peachtree Street NW in the central downtown area, you’re usually a short walk or rideshare away from GWCC.
If your Marriott hotel is in downtown but not right next to GWCC, you still have easy transportation:
MARTA Rail:
Rideshare / Taxi:
If your event is at the Georgia International Convention Center near Atlanta Airport, your best bet is staying at a Marriott near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or in College Park.
The GICC is directly connected to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport by the ATL SkyTrain:
Many Marriott-branded hotels around the airport either:
If you stay at a Marriott near the airport:
Locals from the Atlanta area who attend events at the GICC sometimes still choose to stay overnight at a nearby hotel—especially for multi-day expos, very early flight times, or late evening events.
Not everyone wants to stay right at the convention center. Some visitors and locals choose areas like Midtown or Buckhead and commute to their event.
Midtown sits just north of downtown and is a popular choice for those who want:
From Midtown Marriott hotels:
To GWCC (downtown):
To GICC (airport area):
Midtown works well for travelers who want more nightlife, dining, and walkable neighborhoods, and don’t mind a modest commute to the convention center.
Buckhead is a major business and shopping district further north on Peachtree Road, known for:
From Buckhead Marriott hotels:
To GWCC (downtown):
To GICC (airport):
Buckhead is better suited to visitors who are staying several days, mixing business and leisure, or who prefer a quieter, more residential environment.
When you’re deciding where to stay, it helps to think about location first, then amenities.
Ask: Is my event at GWCC (downtown) or GICC (airport/College Park)?
If GWCC:
If GICC:
Think about whether you’ll rely on:
Locals who already deal with Atlanta traffic often prefer to park once and walk, especially for multi-day shows.
If your convention schedule is packed from early morning to late evening, staying closer usually pays off:
If your event is only part of your trip and you’re also visiting friends, exploring neighborhoods, or shopping, then Midtown or Buckhead could be worth the commute.
A few local-minded tips can help your stay go more smoothly:
Event names sometimes mention “Atlanta Convention Center” without being specific. Before booking:
This one detail can completely change which hotel location makes sense.
When booking a Marriott property:
Properties near the airport especially may offer scheduled shuttle runs to both ATL and GICC.
Traffic patterns in Atlanta vary a lot by time of day. When you check directions online, adjust the departure time to match your actual schedule:
If your sessions begin or end during those windows, account for added time if you’re staying outside walking distance.
Your ideal location may depend on what you’ll do after the event:
Downtown near GWCC:
Midtown:
Airport / College Park near GICC:
A few more Atlanta-specific considerations:
By starting with the right convention center (GWCC vs. GICC) and then choosing a Marriott hotel in the closest suitable neighborhood—downtown, airport/College Park, Midtown, or Buckhead—you can match your stay to your schedule, budget, and comfort level navigating Atlanta.
