Where To Stay: Hotels Near the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA

If you’re searching for hotels near the convention center in Atlanta, GA, you’re almost always talking about places close to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Downtown. This massive complex sits next to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena and anchors a whole cluster of hotels, restaurants, and transit options.

Whether you’re attending a trade show, a fan convention, a corporate conference, or a concert, staying nearby can save you time, hassle, and rideshare costs. This guide walks you through the best areas to stay, common hotel types and price levels, and local tips that make navigating Atlanta around the convention center much easier.

Key Things To Know About Hotels Near the Convention Center

Georgia World Congress Center address
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

When people look for “hotels near convention center in Atlanta GA”, they usually care about:

• Walking distance to GWCC
• Easy access to MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system)
• Parking options for those driving in
• Safety and walkability in Downtown
• Proximity to restaurants, bars, and attractions

Most convention visitors choose one of three main areas:

1. Centennial Olympic Park / Downtown (closest and most walkable)
2. CNN Center / State Farm Arena area (right next door to GWCC)
3. Midtown Atlanta (not walking distance, but a quick MARTA ride)

The Closest Areas to Stay Near Georgia World Congress Center

1. Centennial Olympic Park & Downtown Core

This is the primary hotel zone for convention attendees. It’s directly east of GWCC and is built for visitors.

Why this area works well:

• Walkable to GWCC: Depending on your hotel, the walk is often 5–15 minutes.
• Near major attractions:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • College Football Hall of Fame
• Transit access: Easy walk to MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station or Peachtree Center Station, depending on where you stay.

Common guest experiences in this zone:

• Ideal if you want to minimize transportation once you arrive.
• Popular for families who are combining a convention with sightseeing.
• Streets are busier during large events; sidewalks and crosswalks are designed for big crowds.

2. CNN Center / State Farm Arena Side (Right Next to GWCC)

On the west side of Centennial Olympic Park and right against GWCC, you’ll find hotels in and around the former CNN Center area and near State Farm Arena.

Benefits of staying here:

• Shortest walk to GWCC – in some cases just through a connected concourse or a short outdoor walk.
• Great for tight schedules when you’re moving between sessions, networking events, and evening activities.
• You’re close to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, which is helpful if your event includes concerts or sports.

Things to consider:

• During Falcons games, big concerts, or playoffs, prices can rise, and the whole area can feel very crowded.
• Noise levels can be higher on event nights.

3. Midtown Atlanta (A Short MARTA Ride Away)

Midtown is not walking distance to the Georgia World Congress Center for most people, but it’s one of the most popular alternatives if:

• You want a neighborhood feel with more bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
• You’re mixing business with nightlife or arts (Midtown has the Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, and many local spots).
• You don’t mind a quick MARTA ride to your event.

How the commute works:

• Stay near Midtown Station, Arts Center Station, or North Avenue Station.
• Ride MARTA’s Red or Gold line south to Five Points and transfer to the Blue or Green line westbound.
• Exit at Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station.

This option is appealing if you’re:

• Staying multiple nights
• Wanting more to do after sessions end
• Looking for a balance between convention convenience and city life

Quick Comparison: Main Areas Near the Convention Center

How Close Is “Close Enough” to the Atlanta Convention Center?

When you’re evaluating hotels near the convention center in Atlanta, these are realistic distance categories:

• Directly adjacent (2–7 minute walk)

  • Typically on or just off Andrew Young International Blvd NW, near State Farm Arena.
  • Great if you have early sessions or late receptions.

• Comfortable walking distance (8–15 minute walk)

  • East of Centennial Olympic Park or near Peachtree Street in Downtown.
  • Suitable for most visitors without mobility concerns.

• Transit‑convenient (one short train ride away)

  • Hotels near MARTA stations like Peachtree Center, Five Points, Midtown, or Arts Center.
  • Often a better value during big events when “right next door” hotels are expensive.

Getting to Georgia World Congress Center From Your Hotel

MARTA (Rail)

For many visitors, MARTA is the simplest way to move between the airport, your hotel, and the convention center.

Key stations for GWCC:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station (Blue/Green lines)
  This is the closest station to the convention center.

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

1. Take the Red or Gold line northbound from the airport station.
2. Transfer at Five Points to the Blue or Green line heading west.
3. Get off at Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/College Football Hall of Fame Station.

This route also works if you’re staying in Midtown or Buckhead and commuting in for events.

Walking Routes

If you’re staying near Centennial Olympic Park or the Downtown core, your most common walking routes will:

• Use Andrew Young International Blvd NW or Marietta St NW.
• Pass recognizable landmarks like:
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • State Farm Arena

📝 Tip: Atlanta weather can be hot and humid in summer and unpredictable in winter. Pack comfortable shoes and consider a light jacket or umbrella, especially if you’re walking between hotels and the convention center multiple times a day.

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving in from the suburbs or staying outside Downtown:

• GWCC and the stadium area have multiple surface lots and garages.
• Parking costs can vary, especially during Falcons games, United matches, or major conventions.
• Traffic on the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85) can be heavy during rush hours.

For the most reliable, up‑to‑date parking information, visitors typically check the Georgia World Congress Center Authority’s official parking resources shortly before their event.

Types of Hotels You’ll Find Near the Convention Center

Around the Georgia World Congress Center, you’ll see three broad categories of hotels:

1. Large Full‑Service Hotels

These are the big, high‑rise properties you see around Peachtree Street, Marietta St NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW.

Common features:

• On‑site restaurants and bars
• Ballrooms and meeting space
• Concierge and business services
• Fitness centers, sometimes pools

Who they’re best for:

• Corporate travelers
• Attendees of large conventions or trade shows
• Groups needing room blocks and meeting rooms

2. Mid‑Range & Business Hotels

These hotels are common around Downtown, Midtown, and near major highways.

What to expect:

• More budget‑conscious than big convention hotels
• Often include breakfast, Wi‑Fi, and standard business amenities
• Slightly longer walk or quick MARTA ride to GWCC

They work well for:

• Solo business travelers
• Small teams attending a conference
• Visitors who prioritize value over being directly attached to the venue

3. Extended‑Stay and Suite‑Style Hotels

If you’re in town for a multi‑day or multi‑week event, an extended‑stay option can be attractive.

Typical features:

• Kitchenette or full kitchen
• On‑site laundry or access to laundry facilities
• More apartment‑style layout

These are popular with:

• Exhibitors who need to prep materials or equipment
• Families staying beyond the event dates
• Travelers wanting to cook some meals instead of dining out for every meal

Price Considerations Around the Atlanta Convention Center

Hotel rates near the Georgia World Congress Center can vary widely. People commonly notice:

• Higher prices when:

  • A major convention is in town
  • There’s a big game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • There are concerts at State Farm Arena

• More availability and better rates when:

  • You book mid‑week during non‑event weeks
  • You consider Midtown or slightly farther neighborhoods and use MARTA
  • Your dates are flexible, allowing you to avoid overlapping with huge events

💡 Local tip: If you live in the Atlanta metro area and are commuting daily, sometimes staying just one or two nights near GWCC during peak conference days can save you significant drive time and parking stress.

Safety and Comfort Around the Convention Center Area

Downtown Atlanta and the GWCC campus are designed to handle large crowds. Attendees often report that:

• The convention center campus itself is well staffed and actively managed during events.
• The area around Centennial Olympic Park, the aquarium, and World of Coca‑Cola sees regular visitor traffic.
• Like most major cities, it’s smart to:
  • Stay in well‑lit, busier streets, especially at night.
  • Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.
  • Use reputable rideshare services or taxis if walking late at night doesn’t feel comfortable.

If safety is a high priority for you, many visitors prefer:

• Hotels directly adjacent to GWCC or in the Centennial Olympic Park area.
• Using MARTA or rideshare to get back to their hotel, especially after late events or dinners.

Practical Planning Tips for Your Atlanta Convention Stay

To make your trip smoother, consider the following as you choose a hotel near the convention center:

1. Check your convention schedule first

   • Early mornings or late‑night events? Being closer can be worth the extra cost.

2. Look at MARTA access

   • If you’re not staying within an easy walk, being near a MARTA station can save both time and money.

3. Ask about event‑week policies

   • Some hotels in the convention area may have minimum night stays or stricter cancellation policies during big events.

4. Think about what you want to do after hours

   • If your evenings are free and you want restaurants, bars, and entertainment, Midtown or parts of Downtown around Peachtree Street can be appealing.

5. Plan for Atlanta traffic if you’re driving

   • Give yourself extra time if you’re using the Downtown Connector or arriving right before your sessions start.

Useful Local Contacts and Landmarks

While you’ll likely book your specific hotel online or by phone, it helps to have a sense of nearby official points of reference.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (central office numbers may vary, but this location remains the hub for events and directions.)

MARTA Customer Information
Information booths are available at major stations such as Five Points, Airport, Peachtree Center, and Midtown, where staff can help you plan your route to GWCC.

Nearby Atlanta visitor resources
Visitor information desks are commonly found around:

• Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Major Downtown attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium often have maps and staff who can explain walking routes between hotels and the convention center.

If you focus on Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN/arena side, or MARTA‑accessible Midtown, you’ll find a wide range of hotels near the convention center in Atlanta, GA that fit different budgets and travel styles, while keeping you close to the events that brought you to the city.