Atlanta Hotels Near the Convention Center: How to Pick the Right Place to Stay

Searching for an Atlanta hotel near the convention center usually means one thing: you want to be close to the action and avoid long commutes, traffic, and parking headaches. In Atlanta, that almost always points to the Georgia World Congress Center and the surrounding downtown area.

This guide walks you through how convention centers work in Atlanta, where to stay nearby, what neighborhoods to consider, and how to think about cost, safety, and transportation—whether you live here, are visiting, or are planning a big event.

Understanding “The Convention Center” in Atlanta

When people say “the convention center” in Atlanta, they’re usually talking about:

Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

• Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Location: Downtown, in the heart of the entertainment and business district
• Nearby landmarks: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center (former complex area), College Football Hall of Fame

The GWCC is one of the largest convention centers in the country, so many major conferences, trade shows, and sporting events base themselves here.

If your event is at the Georgia World Congress Center, your best choice is usually a hotel in:

• Downtown Atlanta (Centennial Park/GWCC area)
• Fairlie-Poplar/Peachtree Center
• Midtown Atlanta (slightly farther but easy by MARTA or rideshare)

Before you book, confirm whether your event is at:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Cobb Galleria Centre (near Truist Park in Cobb County, not downtown)
• Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) near the airport in College Park

The location will change which “hotel near the convention center” is actually convenient.

Key Areas to Look for a Hotel Near GWCC

Here’s a quick overview of the main areas people consider when they want a hotel near Atlanta’s primary convention center.

1. Centennial Olympic Park / GWCC Immediate Area

This is the closest and most walkable zone to the GWCC.

What to expect:

• Short walking distance to the convention halls
• Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Surrounded by tourist attractions like the World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium
• Good for people who don’t want to rely on a car or MARTA

Best for:

• Early morning conference sessions
• Events that run late into the evening
• First-time visitors who want a simple, walkable experience

2. Peachtree Center / Fairlie-Poplar (Downtown Core)

A few blocks from the GWCC, this is Atlanta’s classic business district.

What to expect:

• Mix of business hotels, office towers, and restaurants
• Peachtree Center MARTA Station gives easy transit to the airport and Midtown
• About a 10–20 minute walk to the GWCC depending on your exact hotel
• Lots of weekday activity; evenings and weekends can be quieter

Best for:

• Business travelers who want to stay in the central business district
• People who want direct access to MARTA while still being close to the convention center

3. Midtown Atlanta

Midtown is not directly next to the GWCC, but it’s a strong option if you:

• Prefer a more lively, neighborhood feel
• Value walkable access to restaurants, bars, and arts venues
• Don’t mind a short MARTA ride or rideshare to the convention center

From Midtown:

• Use the North–South (Red/Gold) MARTA line to reach Five Points or CNN Center/ GWCC area (via a short walk or connecting bus/tram depending on station access)
• Typical rideshare time: about 10–15 minutes to the GWCC in normal traffic

Best for:

• Travelers who want more to do after conference hours
• Locals attending a multi-day event who still want their “regular city life” nearby

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Hotel Near the Convention Center

When you’re narrowing down your options, keep these factors in mind.

Distance and Walkability

For conference-goers, walking time often matters more than miles.

Ask yourself:

• Can I walk from my hotel lobby to my convention building in under 15 minutes?
• Are there safe, well-lit sidewalks the whole way?
• Will I feel comfortable walking early in the morning or later in the evening, especially during big events?

In the GWCC area, roads like Andrew Young International Blvd NW and Marietta St NW are common walking routes between hotels and the convention halls.

Access to MARTA and Transit

If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, staying near MARTA can make your trip much easier.

Key stations related to the convention center area:

• GWCC / CNN Center area: Accessible via the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/ CNN Center station on MARTA’s Blue/Green line (station naming has evolved, but locals still use this combo name).
• Peachtree Center Station: Good for many downtown hotels; about a 10–20 minute walk to GWCC.
• Five Points Station: Central hub where you can transfer between North–South and East–West lines; also walkable to parts of downtown.

If you’re attending a big convention, trains can be crowded, but they usually move faster than cars in heavy downtown traffic.

Parking and Driving

If you’re local or renting a car:

• GWCC has multiple parking decks and surface lots around Andrew Young International Blvd, Marietta St, and Northside Dr.
• Event pricing can apply, especially during Falcons games, Hawks games, or major concerts.

Many downtown hotels:

• Charge daily parking fees (often separate from your room rate)
• May offer valet only, particularly in dense areas
• Sometimes fill up fast during large events, so booking ahead is wise

If you’re driving in daily from the suburbs, compare:

• Hotel parking + GWCC parking vs.
• Staying farther out with free parking and commuting in each morning

Quick Comparison: Main Areas for GWCC Visitors

Safety, Timing, and Event Crowds

Like most large cities, downtown Atlanta can change character by time of day and by event size.

Things to consider:

• During big conventions and sporting events, the GWCC area is usually busy and well-patrolled.
• Outside peak hours, some streets can feel quiet; stick to well-lit main routes like Marietta St, Andrew Young International Blvd, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive.
• If you don’t know the area well, many visitors prefer to walk in groups at night or use rideshare for late returns.

If you’re local and just commuting in, you may be more comfortable parking in:

• Official GWCC decks or major nearby garages
• Lots associated with well-known venues (like Mercedes-Benz Stadium parking areas during non-game days, when allowed)

Eating and Things To Do Near the Convention Center

One of the advantages of staying next to the convention center in Atlanta is easy access to food and entertainment.

Food Options Within Walking Distance

Around GWCC and Centennial Olympic Park, you’ll find:

• Casual spots for quick lunches between sessions
• Sit-down restaurants around Marietta St NW, Luckie St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive
• Food halls and food-court style options in downtown complexes (for example, near Peachtree Center)

If you stay in Midtown, you’ll have a denser cluster of restaurants and bars, including:

• Trendy bistros and cocktail bars
• Quick-service chains and local favorites
• Late-night options, especially around Peachtree St and Piedmont Ave

Attractions Near GWCC

When you have downtime between sessions:

• Centennial Olympic Park – public green space for a quick walk or outdoor break
• Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world
• World of Coca-Cola – museum dedicated to the Coca-Cola brand
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – powerful, educational museum
• College Football Hall of Fame – popular for sports fans

These are all within walking distance of most convention-area hotels.

Special Situations: Other “Convention Centers” Around Atlanta

Not every Atlanta event is at the GWCC. If your ticket or registration lists another venue, your “best nearby hotel” will shift.

Cobb Galleria Centre (Northwest Atlanta / Cobb County)

• Address: 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland area)
• Next to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta
• No direct MARTA rail; transit is mostly by car, rideshare, or bus

If your event is here, you may want a hotel in the Cumberland/Galleria area rather than downtown.

Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) – Airport Area

• Address: 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
• Adjacent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Connected via the SkyTrain from the airport and nearby airport hotels

If your event is at the GICC, look for:

• Airport hotels in College Park or near the domestic terminal
• Properties that mention SkyTrain or GICC access

This is not walkable to GWCC downtown, so be sure you’re booking in the right area for your event.

Practical Booking Tips for an Atlanta Convention Stay

A few Atlanta-specific tips that can save you time, money, and stress:

1. Check Event Calendars

Before choosing your dates and hotel:

• Look up what’s happening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the GWCC around your event dates.
• Huge concerts, football games, or overlapping conventions can fill up hotels and raise nightly rates.

2. Balance Price vs. Proximity

In Atlanta, even a 5–10 minute difference in walking distance can change price significantly.

• If you’re on a tight budget, consider a slightly farther downtown or Midtown hotel and use MARTA or rideshare.
• If you’re presenting, working long exhibit hours, or attending back-to-back sessions, paying more for a short walk can be worth it.

3. Factor in Transportation Costs

When comparing hotels, think about:

• Nightly room rate
• Parking fees (hotel + GWCC, if applicable)
• Transit or rideshare costs

Sometimes a hotel that looks cheaper per night ends up costing more once you add daily parking and transportation.

4. For Locals: Decide Whether to Commute or Stay

If you live in metro Atlanta, you may be deciding whether to:

• Commute in daily from your home (often by car)
• Or book a downtown hotel for a few nights

A hotel near the convention center might be worth it if:

• Your event has very early mornings or late-night networking
• You don’t want to deal with rush-hour traffic in and out of downtown
• You’re combining the event with a “staycation” to enjoy attractions and restaurants

Useful Local Contacts and Services

When planning your stay around the Atlanta convention center, these official resources can help:

• Georgia World Congress Center Authority

  • Address: 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • General Information: Often listed at their main phone line (verify current number before calling)
  • Can provide event-specific details, parking guidance, and maps.

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Customer Service: 404-848-5000
  • Can help you plan rail and bus trips from the airport, Midtown, Buckhead, or other areas to downtown convention venues.

• ATL Airport General Info (Hartsfield-Jackson)

  • Main Number: 800-897-1910 (information line)
  • Useful if you’re coordinating late arrivals, early departures, or airport hotel stays tied to a convention.

When someone in Atlanta searches for an “Atlanta hotel near convention center,” they’re usually trying to solve a simple problem: how to stay close enough to walk or ride quickly to their event without complicating everything else. By confirming which convention center your event uses, choosing the right neighborhood (GWCC area, downtown core, Midtown, or airport), and balancing transit, cost, and safety, you can pick a hotel that actually fits how you plan to spend your time in the city.