Best Hotels Near Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA

Looking for hotels near Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA for a game, concert, or convention? Because the arena sits right by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in College Park, you have a wide mix of airport hotels, walkable options, and quick-shuttle properties to choose from.

This guide focuses on where to stay close to Gateway Center Arena, how to get back and forth easily, and what Atlanta visitors and locals should know about the area.

Understanding the Area Around Gateway Center Arena

Gateway Center Arena
– Address: 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
– Near: Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) and the ATL SkyTrain station
– Area: “Airport/Gateway Center” district in College Park, on the south side of metro Atlanta

The arena is part of the Gateway Center campus, which also includes the convention center, a cluster of hotels, parking decks, and easy access to the airport SkyTrain. When you search for “hotels near Gateway Center Arena,” you’re really looking at:

• On-campus / walking-distance hotels
• Airport hotels with shuttles or quick rideshares
• Nearby College Park and downtown Atlanta options if you want more dining or nightlife

For most events, staying in the airport–Gateway Center area is the most convenient choice.

Top Hotel Options Within Walking Distance

If you want to walk to Gateway Center Arena and avoid parking hassles, focus on the hotels located directly around the GICC and Gateway Center campus near the Convention Center Concourse.

Below is a simple overview of what to expect from hotels closest to the arena (names are examples that commonly serve the area; specific branding can change over time, so confirm details when you book):

Because the Gateway Center area was designed as a meetings and events district, these hotels typically offer:

• Easy wayfinding between hotel, arena, and convention center
• Business-friendly amenities (Wi‑Fi, workspaces, meeting rooms)
• On-site or nearby restaurants and bars
• Access to the ATL SkyTrain, which connects to the airport and the rental car center

Airport Hotels Very Close to Gateway Center Arena

If you don’t mind a 2–8 minute drive to the arena, you can open up many more options around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These are especially useful if:

• You have an early or late flight
• You’re combining an event at Gateway Center Arena with other travel
• You want more brand or price choices

What Airport Hotels Typically Offer

Most Atlanta airport hotels near Gateway Center Arena will have:

• Free airport shuttle service (check hours; some are 24/7, others not)
• Quick rideshare access (Lyft/Uber) to Gateway Center Arena, often under 10 minutes
• On-site dining or at least a lobby bar and grab-and-go market
• Park-and-fly packages in some cases, which can be useful if you’re traveling after the event

To get from many of these hotels to Gateway Center Arena, you’ll usually:

1. Take the hotel shuttle to the airport (Domestic Terminal).
2. Walk to the ATL SkyTrain station.
3. Ride the SkyTrain one stop to the Gateway Center/GICC station.
4. Follow the signs to Gateway Center Arena.

This can be convenient if you prefer to avoid driving and parking.

Using the ATL SkyTrain to Reach Gateway Center Arena

One of the big advantages of staying near the Atlanta airport is the ATL SkyTrain, a free automated train that connects:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Domestic Terminal
• Rental Car Center (RCC)
• Gateway Center / GICC station (for the arena and nearby hotels)

How Locals and Visitors Use It

• If you’re flying in, you can go straight from your plane to the Gateway Center area without getting in a car.
• If you’re staying at an on-campus hotel, you can walk to the arena from the Gateway Center station.
• If you’re renting a car, you’ll pass through the Rental Car Center, which is just one stop from Gateway Center on the same SkyTrain.

The SkyTrain runs frequently and is designed for airport travelers and event guests, which makes it one of the easiest ways to move between your hotel, the airport, and the arena.

Driving, Parking, and Getting Around

Driving to Gateway Center Arena

From most of the nearby airport hotels, the drive to Gateway Center Arena is usually:

• About 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic
• Primarily along Camp Creek Parkway, Interstate 85, or local roads in College Park

If you’re staying elsewhere in Atlanta:

• From Downtown Atlanta: Typically 15–25 minutes via I‑75/85 South
• From Midtown: Often 20–30 minutes, also via I‑75/85 South
• From Buckhead: Commonly 30–40 minutes, using GA‑400 to I‑85 or surface streets to I‑75/85

Traffic around the airport can be heavy during rush hours and when there are major events, so building in extra travel time is wise.

Parking Near the Arena

Parking near Gateway Center Arena is generally available in:

• GICC / Gateway Center parking decks and surface lots
• Designated event parking areas surrounding the arena and convention center

Visitors typically:

• Follow electronic or event signage to the correct deck or lot
• Pay on entry or exit, depending on event setup
• Walk a short distance along marked, lighted paths to the arena

If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, check whether you can leave your car at the hotel and walk or rideshare to the arena, which can be easier than navigating event parking.

Choosing the Right Hotel Style for Your Trip

The best hotel near Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA depends on how you’re traveling and what you value most: proximity, price, amenities, or access to other neighborhoods.

1. For Walkability and Zero-Car Convenience

Look for hotels:

• Located on or right off Convention Center Concourse
• Marketed toward convention and business travel
• Described as part of the Gateway Center or GICC complex

These are ideal if:

• You don’t want to deal with parking at the arena
• You prefer to walk back to your room after a late event
• You’re in town for both an event and meetings at the Georgia International Convention Center

2. For Budget-Conscious Travelers

Consider:

• Airport-adjacent hotels a bit farther from the arena (1–3 miles)
• College Park–area hotels around Main Street or along Virginia Avenue

Pros:

• Often lower nightly rates than the on-campus convention hotels
• Quick Lyft/Uber rides or short drives to the arena
• Access to more casual, local dining, especially in historic downtown College Park

3. For a “City + Event” Experience

If you want to pair your event with a more traditional Atlanta city experience, you might stay farther away and commute:

• Downtown Atlanta: Close to attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia Aquarium.
• Midtown: Lively nightlife, dining, and arts scene (Fox Theatre, High Museum area).

From these neighborhoods, you can:

• Drive or rideshare to Gateway Center Arena for your event
• Spend the rest of your time exploring central Atlanta

This approach works well for visitors planning a weekend in Atlanta with just one night at the arena.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

The airport/Gateway Center zone is a busy, mixed-use area that serves:

• Airline passengers and crews
• Convention and arena guests
• Local College Park residents and workers

To stay comfortable and prepared:

• Confirm transportation: Check your hotel’s shuttle schedule and have a backup rideshare plan.
• Verify walking routes: Ask the front desk which path they recommend to the arena, especially at night.
• Plan your timing: Aim to arrive at the arena early for large events to avoid last-minute crowds and traffic.

As in any major metro area, it helps to:

• Stay in well-lit, populated areas
• Be mindful of your belongings
• Follow posted arena and hotel security guidelines

How Locals Use the Area

Even if you live in Atlanta, staying near Gateway Center Arena can make sense when:

• You’re catching a late-night concert and don’t want to drive home afterward
• You have an early morning flight the next day
• You’re attending a multi-day convention at the GICC and the arena

Many Atlanta residents will:

• Drive to an airport hotel, park there, and walk or shuttle to the arena
• Use the SkyTrain to get between the airport terminal, rental car center, and Gateway Center
• Combine a staycation with time exploring College Park’s Main Street or grabbing food around the airport corridor

Practical Tips for Booking a Hotel Near Gateway Center Arena

Here are quick pointers to make your search smoother:

• 🔍 Use “Gateway Center” or “GICC” as keywords alongside “Atlanta airport hotel” or “College Park, GA” when searching.
• 📍 Check actual distance to “2330 Convention Center Concourse” in your map app, not just “near airport.”
• 🚉 Ask about SkyTrain access: Some hotels offer directions that make transferring to the SkyTrain easier.
• 🕒 Confirm event-day logistics with your hotel: best drop-off point, walking route, and timing to reach the arena.
• 🍽️ Look at dining options either on-site or nearby if you plan to eat before or after the event.

Staying in the right spot near Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA can turn a rushed in-and-out trip into a manageable, even enjoyable, experience—especially when you factor in Atlanta traffic, airport logistics, and late-night event schedules.