Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center: What to Know Before You Go
The Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center is one of downtown Atlanta’s best-known hotels, sitting right in the middle of the city’s major attractions. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a staycation, or are visiting from out of town, this guide walks through what the hotel is like, how it fits into the city, and what to expect in and around the property.
Where the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Is Located
The Omni Atlanta Hotel is located in Downtown Atlanta, directly connected to the Georgia World Congress Center complex and adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park.
General Location Highlights:
- In the CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park area
- Walkable to major venues like State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Close to key attractions: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- Convenient to MARTA rail and downtown office buildings
This location makes the Omni a frequent choice for:
- Convention and conference attendees
- People coming in for concerts, Hawks or Falcons games, and major events
- Families planning an “Atlanta attractions” weekend
- Locals wanting an easy downtown stay without dealing with long drives
Address, Directions, and Getting There
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
100 CNN Center NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main hotel phone: (commonly available through directory or the hotel’s official site)
Getting There by Car
The hotel sits just off the downtown connector (I‑75/I‑85). Drivers usually access the area via:
- I‑75/85 Southbound or Northbound → Exit toward Andrew Young International Blvd / Williams St / World Congress Center
- Follow signs for Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center
Expect downtown traffic, especially:
- Weekday rush hours
- Days with major events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Big conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
🅿️ Parking Notes:
- The hotel typically offers valet parking; self-parking is often available in surrounding garages operated by nearby facilities.
- Event days may raise parking prices or limit availability.
- Locals sometimes park in neighboring garages around Centennial Olympic Park, then walk to the hotel.
Getting There by MARTA
For many visitors and locals, MARTA can be easier than driving into the core of downtown.
- Take MARTA Rail (Red or Gold Line) to Five Points Station or GWCC / CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green line).
- From GWCC / CNN Center Station, the hotel is typically within a short walk through the Georgia World Congress Center / CNN Center area.
- From Five Points, it’s a slightly longer but still walkable route through downtown streets.
Using MARTA is often practical if you’re:
- Staying at the Omni and flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Attending an arena or stadium event and want to avoid event parking and traffic
What the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Is Like
The Omni is considered an upscale, full-service downtown hotel that caters heavily to business and event travelers but also serves families and leisure guests.
Rooms and Views
While individual room types can change over time, guests typically find:
- Standard guest rooms with city views or park/stadium views
- Suites and larger rooms suited for families or groups
- Rooms in multiple towers (such as North and South), often with different views of downtown, Centennial Olympic Park, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
People often choose this hotel specifically for:
- Walkable access to meetings and events
- Views of Centennial Olympic Park and the downtown skyline
- Proximity to attractions so they can skip driving during their stay
Amenities and On-Site Features
Offerings may evolve, but full-service downtown hotels like the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center usually include:
- Multiple dining outlets (casual restaurants, bars, grab-and-go options)
- Fitness center, often with a good range of equipment
- Meeting and event spaces connected to or near the Georgia World Congress Center
- In-room conveniences like Wi‑Fi, TV, workspace, and climate control
- Concierge or front desk staff able to guide you to nearby attractions, MARTA stations, and dining
If you’re local and hosting out-of-town guests, it can be a convenient spot because visitors can easily entertain themselves during the day without needing a car.
Staying at the Omni for Events and Conventions
The Omni’s biggest advantage is its direct connection to Atlanta’s major event facilities.
Conferences and Trade Shows
The hotel is connected to or very near:
- Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
For people attending conventions, that usually means:
- No need for rideshares between the hotel and venue
- Covered or mostly indoor walking routes during bad weather
- Easy access to breakout sessions, receptions, and late-night networking
If you live outside the city but commute into Atlanta for a multi-day conference, booking at the Omni can reduce daily driving and parking stress.
Sports and Entertainment
The hotel is within a short walk of:
- State Farm Arena – home of the Atlanta Hawks and host to concerts
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, plus major concerts and events
This makes the Omni a common base for:
- Weekend sports trips
- Group outings to big games
- Multi-day music festivals and large-scale events
On big event days, expect:
- Heavier lobby and elevator traffic
- Higher demand for hotel dining outlets
- Crowded sidewalks and rideshare pick-up zones around the CNN Center area
Access to Atlanta Attractions from the Omni
If you’re planning to explore downtown Atlanta, the Omni is one of the most central spots you can stay.
Walkable Attractions
Within a short walk from the hotel, you’ll find:
- Centennial Olympic Park – green space, fountains, and seasonal events
- Georgia Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world
- World of Coca-Cola – museum and exhibits focused on the Coca-Cola brand
- College Football Hall of Fame – interactive exhibits celebrating college football
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights – museum and cultural institution
- SkyView Atlanta – large Ferris wheel with downtown views
For families or first-time visitors, it’s common to bundle these attractions over a weekend and use the Omni as a home base.
Dining and Nightlife Nearby
The immediate CNN Center area is geared toward:
- Casual dining and quick bites, especially on event days
- Sports bars and restaurants catering to arena/stadium crowds
- Nearby streets in downtown and the Fairlie-Poplar area with additional restaurants
If you’re looking for broader nightlife, many locals:
- Take a short rideshare or MARTA ride to neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park
- Use the Omni as a quiet overnight base and explore other parts of the city for dining and evening entertainment
Who the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Works Best For
Different types of travelers use the Omni in different ways. Here’s a simple overview:
| Traveler Type | Why the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Fits Well |
|---|---|
| Convention Attendees | Direct or close access to Georgia World Congress Center, easy networking, minimal commuting. |
| Sports & Concert Fans | Walk to State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium; no need to drive after events. |
| Families on “Atlanta Weekend” | Short walks to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. |
| Business Travelers | Central downtown location near offices and MARTA access. |
| Local Staycation Visitors | Feels “in the middle of everything,” great if you want to enjoy attractions without driving far. |
Tips for Atlanta Locals Using the Omni
If you already live in the Atlanta area, you might use the Omni differently than an out-of-town visitor.
For a Staycation
- Book around holiday events, festivals, or big games you plan to attend downtown.
- Use the hotel as a base to explore attractions you might usually avoid due to traffic or parking (like the Georgia Aquarium or downtown museums).
- Plan to walk or use MARTA instead of moving your car during your stay to avoid repeated parking costs.
For Hosting Visitors
If friends or family are visiting:
- The Omni’s location makes it easy to send them on self-guided days:
- Morning at Georgia Aquarium
- Afternoon at World of Coca-Cola or the Civil and Human Rights Center
- Evening at a Hawks game or concert at State Farm Arena
- You can meet them downtown for dinner or events, then head back home while they enjoy a hotel in the middle of everything.
Safety, Traffic, and Practical Considerations
Downtown Atlanta is busy, especially around major venues. A few practical points:
- Pedestrian awareness: Expect heavy foot traffic on event days around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Andrew Young International Blvd, and the CNN Center area.
- Traffic planning: If you’re driving, allow extra time during:
- Evening rush hours
- Falcons, Atlanta United, or large concert dates
- Big convention weeks at GWCC
- Rideshare pick-ups: Be prepared for designated pick-up zones and possible wait times after events.
- Walking after dark: As in many downtown areas, people commonly stay on main, well-lit streets when walking at night.
How to Decide if the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center Is Right for You
Consider booking this hotel if you:
- Want to maximize walkability to Atlanta’s main downtown attractions and venues
- Are attending a conference or major event at Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Prefer a central base with easy access to MARTA and downtown offices
- Are planning a family trip or staycation centered on Centennial Olympic Park and nearby destinations
If your plans are more focused on other neighborhoods like Buckhead, Midtown, or the BeltLine corridor, you may still find the Omni convenient for part of your trip, but you’ll be commuting from downtown to those areas.
For anyone spending significant time in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center offers one of the most central, walkable locations you can choose.