Best Marriott Hotels Near the Atlanta Convention Center: A Local Guide

If you’re heading to a convention, concert, or trade show in downtown Atlanta, staying at a Marriott hotel near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) and the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) can make your trip much easier. This guide breaks down the best options, how close they really are, and what to consider if you’re local, commuting in, or flying into ATL for an event.

Understanding “Atlanta Convention Center”

When people say “Atlanta Convention Center,” they usually mean one of two major venues:

1. Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) – downtown Atlanta

   • 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
   • Next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
   • Walkable to Centennial Olympic Park and major downtown hotels

2. Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) – College Park, near the airport

   • 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
   • Connected to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via SkyTrain
   • Convenient for fly-in events and quick trips

Most visitors looking for “Marriott hotels near Atlanta Convention Center” are staying for an event at GWCC downtown or the GICC near the airport. The best hotel choice depends on which convention center your event is using and how you plan to get around.

Quick Comparison: Marriott Hotels Near Each Convention Center

*Specific properties and branding can change over time. It’s always wise to verify exact locations and names when you book.

Marriott Hotels Near Georgia World Congress Center (Downtown)

If your event is at GWCC, you’ll want to focus on downtown Atlanta hotels, especially those near Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Peachtree Street. From most downtown Marriott properties, you can usually walk or take a very short ride to the convention center.

1. Staying Within Walking Distance of GWCC

Many visitors prefer to stay close enough to walk to the Georgia World Congress Center, especially for multi-day events. From downtown Marriott hotels, you can expect:

• Walking time: roughly 5–20 minutes, depending on the exact property
• Typical walking routes: along Andrew Young International Blvd, Marietta St NW, or through Centennial Olympic Park area
• Benefits:
  • No need to pay for daily parking at the convention center
  • Easy to pop back to your room between sessions
  • Access to downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions

If you’re staying near Centennial Olympic Park or along Peachtree Street NW in the central downtown area, you’re usually a short walk or rideshare away from GWCC.

What locals and frequent visitors often consider

• Safety & timing: Evening walks are common when events let out, but many people still prefer walking in groups, using well-lit streets, or taking a short rideshare late at night.
• Footwear: GWCC is large, so you’ll do a lot of walking inside the convention center. Many regular attendees choose hotels close enough to walk and wear comfortable shoes.

2. Using MARTA and Rideshare From Downtown Marriott Hotels

If your Marriott hotel is in downtown but not right next to GWCC, you still have easy transportation:

• MARTA Rail:

  • GWCC is served by Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center (now GWCC/State Farm Arena) station on the Blue/Green lines.
  • Many downtown hotels are walking distance to Peachtree Center or Five Points stations.
  • You can ride MARTA one stop or two and then walk a short distance to GWCC.

• Rideshare / Taxi:

  • For short hops within downtown, rides are usually quick outside of major event arrival/departure times.
  • This can be more comfortable if you’re carrying materials, wearing formal clothes, or dealing with bad weather.

Marriott Hotels Near Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)

If your event is at the Georgia International Convention Center near Atlanta Airport, your best bet is staying at a Marriott near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or in College Park.

1. How the GICC and Airport Connect

The GICC is directly connected to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport by the ATL SkyTrain:

• SkyTrain:
  • Automated train connecting the airport terminal to the Gateway Center, which includes the GICC and nearby hotels.
  • Runs frequently and is free to use.
  • Ideal for travelers flying in for quick conferences.

Many Marriott-branded hotels around the airport either:

• Sit near the SkyTrain/Gateway area, or
• Offer shuttle service to both the airport and GICC.

2. Typical Experience for GICC Visitors

If you stay at a Marriott near the airport:

• Travel time: Often 5–10 minutes by shuttle, rideshare, or SkyTrain connection
• Convenience:
  • Easy flight arrivals/departures
  • No need to rent a car if you’re mainly moving between the airport, hotel, and GICC
• Noise & surroundings:
  • Airport hotels are designed with soundproofing, but you’re still in a busy travel hub area.
  • Dining options nearby can be more limited than downtown, though there are restaurants in neighboring College Park and the Gateway Center.

Locals from the Atlanta area who attend events at the GICC sometimes still choose to stay overnight at a nearby hotel—especially for multi-day expos, very early flight times, or late evening events.

Midtown & Buckhead: Marriott Options with a Short Commute

Not everyone wants to stay right at the convention center. Some visitors and locals choose areas like Midtown or Buckhead and commute to their event.

Midtown Atlanta Marriott Options

Midtown sits just north of downtown and is a popular choice for those who want:

• Access to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theatre, and local restaurants
• A more neighborhood feel while staying relatively close to GWCC

From Midtown Marriott hotels:

• To GWCC (downtown):

  • MARTA: Ride the Red or Gold line from a Midtown station to Five Points, then transfer or walk to GWCC. Travel time is often around 15–25 minutes, station to station.
  • Car/rideshare: Depending on traffic, it’s often 10–20 minutes outside of rush hour, but can take longer at peak times.

• To GICC (airport area):

  • MARTA: Take Red or Gold line south to the Airport station, then use SkyTrain or shuttle to reach GICC. Plan for 30–45 minutes total.

Midtown works well for travelers who want more nightlife, dining, and walkable neighborhoods, and don’t mind a modest commute to the convention center.

Buckhead Marriott Options

Buckhead is a major business and shopping district further north on Peachtree Road, known for:

• Upscale malls like Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
• Higher-end hotels and residential areas

From Buckhead Marriott hotels:

• To GWCC (downtown):

  • MARTA: Take the Red line south to Five Points, then connect to GWCC by train or short ride.
  • Car/rideshare: Often 20–35 minutes depending heavily on traffic.

• To GICC (airport):

  • MARTA: Red line from Buckhead area to the Airport station, then SkyTrain or shuttle to GICC.
  • Total train travel often falls around 40–55 minutes in typical conditions.

Buckhead is better suited to visitors who are staying several days, mixing business and leisure, or who prefer a quieter, more residential environment.

How to Choose the Right Marriott Near Atlanta Convention Center

When you’re deciding where to stay, it helps to think about location first, then amenities.

1. Start With Your Convention Center

Ask: Is my event at GWCC (downtown) or GICC (airport/College Park)?

• If GWCC:

  • Look at downtown Atlanta Marriott hotels first.
  • Only choose Midtown or Buckhead if you’re OK with a daily commute or want that specific neighborhood vibe.

• If GICC:

  • Focus on airport/College Park Marriott hotels.
  • Downtown is possible but adds commute time; it’s better for travelers planning extra days of sightseeing.

2. Consider How You’ll Get Around

Think about whether you’ll rely on:

• Walking: Ideal for downtown stays near GWCC.
• MARTA:
  • Good for those comfortable with public transit and wanting to avoid parking fees.
  • Connects airport, downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
• Car/rideshare:
  • Convenient but subject to Atlanta’s well-known rush hour traffic.
  • Parking at downtown hotels and at GWCC usually adds to total cost.

Locals who already deal with Atlanta traffic often prefer to park once and walk, especially for multi-day shows.

3. Factor In Your Daily Schedule

If your convention schedule is packed from early morning to late evening, staying closer usually pays off:

• Short walk vs. 30-minute commute:
  Being nearby helps if you need a mid-day break, want to change clothes, or plan to attend early breakfasts and late receptions.

If your event is only part of your trip and you’re also visiting friends, exploring neighborhoods, or shopping, then Midtown or Buckhead could be worth the commute.

Practical Tips for Booking a Marriott Near an Atlanta Convention Center

A few local-minded tips can help your stay go more smoothly:

1. Double-Check the Event Address

Event names sometimes mention “Atlanta Convention Center” without being specific. Before booking:

• Confirm whether your event’s official address is:
  • 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 (GWCC – downtown), or
  • 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337 (GICC – near airport).

This one detail can completely change which hotel location makes sense.

2. Ask About Walking Distance or Shuttles

When booking a Marriott property:

• Ask hotel staff:
  • 🌟 “How far is it to the Georgia World Congress Center / Georgia International Convention Center?”
  • “Is it walkable, or do you recommend a shuttle or rideshare?”
  • “Do you offer a shuttle to the airport or convention center?”

Properties near the airport especially may offer scheduled shuttle runs to both ATL and GICC.

3. Map Travel Time at Your Event Hours

Traffic patterns in Atlanta vary a lot by time of day. When you check directions online, adjust the departure time to match your actual schedule:

• Morning rush: roughly 7:00–9:30 a.m.
• Evening rush: roughly 4:00–6:30 p.m.

If your sessions begin or end during those windows, account for added time if you’re staying outside walking distance.

4. Consider Food and After-Hours Plans

Your ideal location may depend on what you’ll do after the event:

• Downtown near GWCC:

  • Easy walk to Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and a range of restaurants.
  • Good for those who want to stay close to event-related networking.

• Midtown:

  • Popular for nightlife, dining, and more walkable neighborhood streets.
  • A solid choice if you’re meeting friends or exploring after conference hours.

• Airport / College Park near GICC:

  • Convenient for early or late flights.
  • Often quieter, but with a more limited cluster of nearby restaurants unless you venture into College Park or downtown by train or car.

Local Insights for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

A few more Atlanta-specific considerations:

• Weather: Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer and rainy in spring and fall. If you’re planning to walk from a Marriott hotel to GWCC, consider what it will feel like in a suit or business attire.
• Event size: For very large conventions or back-to-back events, downtown and airport hotels can fill quickly. Booking early gives you a better chance at a convenient Marriott location and rate.
• Parking costs: Both convention centers and many downtown hotels charge for parking. If you’re local and driving in daily, compare the cost of:
  • Parking each day at the venue, vs.
  • Staying at a nearby hotel with parking and walking.

By starting with the right convention center (GWCC vs. GICC) and then choosing a Marriott hotel in the closest suitable neighborhood—downtown, airport/College Park, Midtown, or Buckhead—you can match your stay to your schedule, budget, and comfort level navigating Atlanta.