Where to Stay Near the AmericasMart / Congress Center Area in Downtown Atlanta

Looking for hotels near the Congress Center in Atlanta usually means you want to be close to downtown convention and event venues like the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and AmericasMart Atlanta. These major centers sit in the heart of downtown, surrounded by business towers, attractions, and a wide range of hotels at different price points.

This guide focuses on practical, Atlanta-specific advice so you can quickly choose the right place to stay near the Congress Center area—whether you’re in town for a trade show, a conference, a sports event, or a quick business trip.

Understanding the “Congress Center” Area in Atlanta

Most visitors searching for “Congress Center Atlanta” are trying to stay close to one (or more) of these:

  • Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
    285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    A huge convention complex next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.

  • AmericasMart Atlanta (often called the Atlanta Congress Center by visitors)
    240–250 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
    A massive wholesale market and trade show hub right in downtown.

Luckily, both facilities are walkable from many of the same hotels. The “core zone” for hotels near the Congress Center is basically:

  • Around Peachtree Street between Andrew Young International Blvd and Ellis St
  • Around Baker St, John Portman Blvd, and Spring St NW
  • Extending west toward GWCC and east toward the Peachtree Center area

Staying in this zone makes it much easier to walk to events, MARTA stations, restaurants, and major attractions.

Key Areas to Consider for Hotels Near the Congress Center

1. Directly Around AmericasMart & Peachtree Street

This is the most central and walkable zone for trade shows and conferences.

What this area is like:

  • Busy during market and convention days
  • Walkable access to AmericasMart, GWCC, and Peachtree Center
  • Connected to MARTA Peachtree Center Station (underground rail)

Good for you if you:

  • Want to walk to AmericasMart in 5–10 minutes
  • Prefer not to rent a car
  • Plan to use MARTA from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

2. Next to Georgia World Congress Center & Mercedes-Benz Stadium

If your priority is GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena, you may want to be closer to the west side of downtown.

What this area is like:

  • Very event-driven: busy on game days or big conferences
  • Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park
  • Short walks to downtown attractions

Good for you if you:

  • Are attending a large convention, concert, or game
  • Don’t mind a slightly longer walk or short rideshare to restaurants in other parts of downtown

3. Peachtree Center & Surrounding Blocks

This is a popular business-traveler hub.

What this area is like:

  • Heavily used by conference and corporate travelers
  • Direct access to Peachtree Center MARTA Station
  • Elevated walkways in some buildings (helpful in bad weather)

Good for you if you:

  • Want easy train access to airport and other neighborhoods
  • Want plenty of restaurants and coffee options within a short walk
  • Care about having multiple hotel choices in one compact area

At-a-Glance: Hotel Zones Near the Congress Center

Area / ZoneWalking Distance to AmericasMartWalking Distance to GWCCVibe & Typical Use
Peachtree St / AmericasMart Core2–8 minutes10–18 minutesTrade shows, business, quick downtown trips
GWCC / Mercedes-Benz Stadium Side10–18 minutes3–8 minutesConventions, sports, concerts
Peachtree Center Cluster4–10 minutes12–20 minutesCorporate travel, transit-friendly stays

Distances are approximate and depend on the specific hotel and entrance you use.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the Congress Center

Decide What You Need to Be Closest To

Ask yourself:

  • Is your main event at the Georgia World Congress Center, AmericasMart, or another downtown site?
  • Do you need fast access to MARTA or the airport?
  • Are you walking with luggage or displays for a trade show?

For GWCC-heavy schedules, a hotel west of Peachtree (closer to Centennial Olympic Park and the stadium) usually means shorter walks.

For AmericasMart trade shows, most attendees prefer Peachtree Street and Spring Street hotels to cut down daily walking time.

Consider Transportation Options

Being downtown, you have several options:

  • 🚇 MARTA Rail

    • Peachtree Center Station is the key stop for Congress Center visitors.
    • One train ride from Hartsfield–Jackson Airport (no transfers if you stay near Peachtree Center/Peachtree Street).
  • 🚶 Walking

    • Many hotels sit within a 10–15 minute walk of both AmericasMart and GWCC.
    • Sidewalks are generally good, but check event maps if you’re carrying materials.
  • 🚗 Driving / Parking

    • Downtown parking can add a noticeable daily cost.
    • Many downtown hotels offer valet parking; some have limited self-parking.
    • Consider whether you’ll really use a car. For most trade shows and conferences, MARTA + walking + rideshare is enough.

Think About Your Schedule and Hours

If you’ll be:

  • Starting very early or coming back late from events
  • Attending multi-day shows where you’re on your feet all day

…it may be worth paying slightly more for a hotel that’s within an easy, well-lit walk of your main venue. The streets around Peachtree Street, Andrew Young International Blvd, and Centennial Olympic Park are commonly used by visitors before and after events.

What to Expect from Hotels Near the Congress Center

Price Ranges and Busy Periods

Rates in this area shift widely based on:

  • Big furniture, gift, or apparel markets at AmericasMart
  • Major conventions at GWCC
  • Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, and concerts at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • NBA or WNBA games at State Farm Arena

During peak times:

  • Prices increase and hotels fill up faster
  • Booking well in advance is strongly recommended
  • Flexible travelers sometimes look at options just outside downtown (e.g., Midtown or near the airport) and commute in via MARTA

Amenities Common in Downtown Atlanta Hotels

Near the Congress Center, you’ll often find:

  • Business-friendly amenities: Wi‑Fi, desk space, meeting rooms
  • Fitness centers and sometimes pools
  • On-site restaurants or lobby bars, especially in larger towers
  • Event shuttles during major markets (varies by event and hotel)

If you’re traveling for a market or convention, it can help to:

  • Check whether the event organizer partners with specific hotels for shuttles or special rates
  • Clarify checkout times if you have late sessions on your last day

Navigating Between Hotels and the Congress Center

Walking Routes

Typical walking routes include:

  • Peachtree Street to AmericasMart
    Most hotels along Peachtree are just a few blocks from AmericasMart buildings. You’ll often follow Peachtree or Spring Street north/south and cut over on streets like John Portman Blvd or Andrew Young International Blvd.

  • Peachtree / Spring St to GWCC
    You’ll usually walk west, passing Centennial Olympic Park, then into the GWCC campus area.

If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta:

  • Plan for a few extra minutes your first morning, just to get oriented.
  • Keep an eye on event signage; both GWCC and AmericasMart often use clear wayfinding banners during major shows.

Using MARTA

Key details:

  • Peachtree Center Station is the most convenient for many Congress Center–area hotels.
  • From the airport, follow signs to MARTA and take the Red or Gold line north.
  • Exit at Peachtree Center for most Peachtree Street and AmericasMart hotels, or at GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center (now often labeled for State Farm Arena) if you’re staying more toward the GWCC side.

MARTA is widely used by visitors and locals commuting to downtown events, especially when parking is tight.

Safety, Noise, and Comfort Tips

The downtown Congress Center area is a busy urban environment. Experiences can vary, but common considerations include:

  • Event crowds and noise:
    On big game or concert nights, expect heavier foot traffic and more street noise, especially near the stadium and Centennial Olympic Park.

  • Walking at night:
    Many visitors walk between hotels, venues, and restaurants in the evening, particularly around Peachtree Street, Centennial Olympic Park, and the main hotel corridors. As in most large cities, people are often advised to:

    • Stick to well-lit streets with other pedestrians
    • Be aware of belongings and surroundings
    • Use a rideshare or taxi late at night if you feel uncertain about walking
  • Downtown services nearby:
    You’ll find convenience stores, pharmacies, and quick food options scattered around Peachtree and adjacent streets, which is helpful during long convention days.

When It Makes Sense to Stay Outside Downtown

Sometimes, staying a bit away from the Congress Center makes more sense:

  • Budget-sensitive trips:
    If downtown rates are very high due to a major event, consider:

    • Midtown Atlanta (take MARTA or short rideshare downtown)
    • Airport area hotels (easy MARTA connection or hotel shuttles, then MARTA downtown)
  • Combining business with sightseeing elsewhere:
    If your meetings are downtown but you plan to spend most evenings in Midtown, Buckhead, or along the BeltLine, you might split your stay or pick a rail-accessible area and commute in.

Just remember to factor in:

  • MARTA ride times (often 10–20 minutes into downtown from nearby neighborhoods)
  • Parking costs if you drive in each day for your event
  • Your tolerance for morning and evening crowds on trains during big events

Practical Planning Checklist for Hotels Near the Congress Center

Use this quick list before booking:

  1. Confirm your primary venue

    • Georgia World Congress Center or AmericasMart? Or both?
    • Look up which building and entrance you’ll use most.
  2. Decide on transportation

    • Will you rely on MARTA, walking, rideshare, or a personal vehicle?
    • Do you need easy access to the airport?
  3. Set priorities

    • Shortest walk to events
    • Lower nightly cost
    • Access to restaurants and nightlife
    • Quiet room vs. central location
  4. Check event dates

    • Look up whether your dates align with major conventions or game days; expect higher demand.
  5. Verify hotel details

    • Distance to Peachtree Center Station or to your venue
    • Parking options and daily rates
    • On-site dining hours if you’ll be at the Congress Center all day

By focusing on the downtown core around Peachtree Street, AmericasMart, and the Georgia World Congress Center, you’ll stay within easy reach of Atlanta’s main convention and “Congress Center”–style facilities—and make getting to your event substantially simpler.