Marriott Hotels in Atlanta, GA Near the Georgia World Congress Center: A Practical Guide
If you’re attending a convention, trade show, concert, or big game at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta, choosing the right Marriott hotel nearby can make your trip much easier. Parking, traffic, and long days on your feet all feel more manageable when your hotel is close, comfortable, and easy to get to.
Below is a city-focused guide to Marriott options near the Georgia World Congress Center, plus what each area is like, how to get around, and how locals typically navigate big event days in this part of Atlanta.
Understanding the Area Around the Georgia World Congress Center
The Georgia World Congress Center sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, at:
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
It’s next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, the CNN Center area, and multiple MARTA transit stops. When you look for Marriott hotels in Atlanta near the GWCC, you’ll mostly be choosing among:
- Walkable downtown hotels (ideal if you want to walk to events)
- Hotels along Peachtree Street (still close, more “city feel”)
- Hotels one quick MARTA ride away (often a bit quieter or less event-heavy)
The closer you are to Centennial Olympic Park and Andrew Young International Boulevard, the easier it typically is to walk to the GWCC.
Major Marriott-Branded Hotels Within Walking Distance
Atlanta’s downtown core has multiple Marriott-family properties. Below is a simple overview of commonly used Marriott-branded hotels that people consider when they want to stay near the Georgia World Congress Center.
| Hotel Area / Type | Approx. Walk to GWCC | What It’s Like / Why People Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Large downtown convention hotels | 10–20 minutes | Big hotels designed for conferences, busy but very convenient |
| Boutique or select-service hotels | 10–25 minutes | Smaller, more straightforward stays, often easier check-in/out |
| Hotels 1–2 MARTA stops away | ~10–15 minutes total | Short train ride plus a brief walk, good if you want to be slightly away from event congestion |
When you search, focus on “Downtown Atlanta Marriott” and zoom in on the streets around Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, and CNN Center. These areas are what most visitors mean by “near the Georgia World Congress Center.”
How to Judge Whether a Marriott Hotel Is “Near” the GWCC
Because downtown Atlanta is compact, a hotel can be less than a mile away and still feel very convenient. To decide if a specific Marriott property works for you, look at:
1. Actual Walking Distance
On a map, check the route to:
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Things to consider:
- Under 0.5 miles: Usually a comfortable walk for most guests.
- 0.5–1 mile: Still walkable, but factor in weather, footwear, and late-night returns.
- Over 1 mile: Often better to plan on MARTA, rideshare, or hotel shuttles.
Many convention-goers staying in downtown Marriotts walk through or around Centennial Olympic Park as a pleasant route to the GWCC.
2. Transit Access (MARTA)
If you don’t want to walk the whole way, look at hotels with easy access to MARTA:
- GWCC vicinity MARTA access:
- Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line)
- Vine City Station (nearer Mercedes-Benz Stadium side)
If a Marriott is within a few blocks of a MARTA station on downtown’s north–south spine (like Peachtree Center), you can ride one or two stops and then walk a few minutes to the GWCC.
3. Event Day Logistics
For big events (like football games, major conventions, or concerts), locals know that:
- Traffic and road closures around the GWCC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be heavy.
- Walking or MARTA often becomes faster than driving right up to the venues.
So even if your Marriott hotel is not directly across the street from the GWCC, if it’s well connected to MARTA or in the Centennial Park / Peachtree Center area, it’s still considered “near” in practical Atlanta terms.
Transportation Tips Between Marriott Hotels and the GWCC
Walking Routes Locals Commonly Use
From most downtown Marriott properties, guests typically:
- Head toward Centennial Olympic Park
- Follow signs or streets leading to Andrew Young International Blvd NW or Marietta St NW
- Enter the GWCC grounds following posted wayfinding signs
On event days, there’s usually a steady flow of pedestrians, which makes it easier to follow the crowd if you’re unsure of the route.
Using MARTA
If your Marriott is close to a MARTA station, your basic steps are:
- Walk to the nearest MARTA station (for downtown Marriotts, this is often Peachtree Center or Five Points).
- Ride westbound to the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station.
- Follow signs inside the station toward the Georgia World Congress Center exits.
This can be especially useful if:
- You’re traveling with luggage and don’t want a long walk.
- The weather is bad.
- It’s late and you’d rather avoid a long walk through downtown.
Rideshare and Taxi Considerations
For Marriott hotels that aren’t a comfortable walking distance:
- Plan for pick-up and drop-off either at your hotel entrance or at designated rideshare areas near the GWCC.
- Allow extra time on high-traffic event days, especially if your event coincides with a big Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena event.
Many local attendees choose a hotel slightly farther away and use rideshare early or late, when traffic is lighter.
What Type of Marriott Stay Works Best Near the GWCC?
Different travelers look for different things from a nearby Marriott hotel. When you’re choosing, think about:
For Convention Attendees
You may want:
- Short, predictable walk to early-morning sessions
- Business-friendly rooms (desk, strong Wi‑Fi, quiet spaces)
- Onsite or nearby grab-and-go breakfast options for early starts
Convention attendees often prefer large downtown Marriotts because they’re set up to handle groups, offer meeting spaces, and are used to heavy check-in/check-out patterns tied to event schedules.
For Families Visiting Attractions
If you’re combining GWCC events with Atlanta sightseeing, look for a Marriott that gives easy access to:
- Georgia Aquarium
- World of Coca-Cola
- College Football Hall of Fame
- Centennial Olympic Park playground and greenspace
A hotel that is walkable to both the GWCC and these attractions can reduce the need to hop in and out of the car all day.
For Atlanta-Area Residents Staying Overnight
Many locals book a Marriott downtown for:
- Late-night concerts or games, to avoid the drive back to the suburbs
- Early-morning trade shows or expos, especially multiple days in a row
If you live in the Atlanta area, look for:
- Parking options (garage vs. valet, overnight rates)
- Easy access to I‑20, I‑75/85, or the Downtown Connector for your route home
- A location where you can walk to both your event and dinner spots in downtown or nearby neighborhoods
Parking, Safety, and Practical Details
Parking Near Marriott Hotels and the GWCC
Downtown Atlanta has:
- Hotel garages (often directly attached or very close to major Marriotts)
- Public decks and surface lots around the GWCC, CNN Center, and Centennial Park
Things many visitors consider:
- Hotel parking fees can be higher but are usually more convenient if you’re going in and out.
- For all-day conventions, some people compare hotel parking costs to GWCC-area public parking and choose whichever is easier for their schedule.
If you’re driving in from outside Atlanta, it’s common to park once at your hotel and walk or use MARTA the rest of the time to avoid navigating event traffic repeatedly.
General Safety Perspective
Downtown Atlanta is busy, particularly around the GWCC during events. Locals typically:
- Stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, especially at night.
- Walk in groups when heading back from late events.
- Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight in parked cars and when walking.
Most major Marriott hotels downtown are in high-traffic, monitored areas, with visible staff presence and frequent pedestrian activity.
How to Quickly Narrow Down the Right Marriott Near the GWCC
When you’re looking at options, it helps to run through a quick checklist:
Map the route
- Plug in the hotel’s address and the Georgia World Congress Center address.
- Check actual walking time and steps.
Check for MARTA access
- Is the hotel within a short walk of a MARTA rail station?
- How many stops to Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center?
Compare parking and transportation
- Will you rely mainly on walking, MARTA, or rideshare?
- Does the hotel’s parking setup fit how you plan to get around?
Match the hotel style to your trip
- Big convention-style Marriott vs. smaller, simpler property.
- Need meeting spaces or just a comfortable room to sleep?
Factor in your schedule
- Early sessions or late-night events = shorter walk often matters more.
- If you’ll be out exploring Atlanta (Midtown, BeltLine, Buckhead), direct access to MARTA or the Downtown Connector might become more important than being right next to the GWCC.
Other Nearby Atlanta Spots You Might Use During Your Stay
While staying at a Marriott near the GWCC, you’re within easy reach of several key downtown locations locals frequently recommend:
- Centennial Olympic Park – Central green space often used as a walking route between downtown hotels and the GWCC.
- Peachtree Center Area – Many places to grab a quick meal between sessions.
- Atlanta Streetcar Stops (downtown loop) – Useful if you want to explore over to the Sweet Auburn area from your hotel.
- Downtown Atlanta Visitor Information Center (Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau) – A helpful spot for maps, directions, and up-to-date event info, typically located near Centennial Olympic Park and key hotels.
If you focus your search on downtown Marriott hotels clustered around Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Street, and the CNN Center/GWCC area, you’ll generally be within an easy walk, short MARTA ride, or brief rideshare trip to the Georgia World Congress Center—which is exactly what most Atlanta visitors and locals are looking for when they ask about “Marriott Hotels in Atlanta, GA near the Georgia World Congress Center.”