Where to Stay Near the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta

Looking for hotels near the Georgia Convention Center in Atlanta and not sure where to start? In the Atlanta area, this usually refers to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) by Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in College Park. It’s one of the main convention spaces serving metro Atlanta and is connected to the airport and nearby hotels by the SkyTrain.

This guide walks you through the closest hotels, what each area is like, how to get around, and practical tips for choosing the right place to stay if you’re attending an event there.

Understanding the Georgia International Convention Center Location

Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

Key things to know about the GICC area:

• It’s next to Atlanta’s airport, on the southwest side of the metro area.
• The center is connected to Hartsfield–Jackson’s domestic terminal via the ATL SkyTrain, a free automated train.
• Several hotels are either walking distance or one quick SkyTrain stop away.
• The immediate area is more about conferences and travel than sightseeing, but getting into downtown or Midtown Atlanta is straightforward by MARTA or car.

If you want the absolute shortest commute to your event, focus on hotels that are directly connected to the GICC, to the Gateway Center area, or to the ATL SkyTrain.

Closest Hotels to the Georgia International Convention Center

These properties are typically among the most convenient for walking or SkyTrain access to the GICC. Always double-check exact walking paths and current services when you book, as hotel offerings can change.

1. Hotels in the Gateway Center / SkyTrain Area

These hotels are clustered near the Gateway Center Arena and the GICC, with easy access from the airport via the SkyTrain. Many guests choose them because they can often walk or take a short ride to the convention center without needing a car.

Common benefits in this cluster:

• Very short commute to the GICC and Gateway Center Arena
• Fast access to the ATL SkyTrain connecting to the airport
• Designed with business and conference travelers in mind
• Often offer shuttle options within the complex or to the airport (policies vary)

If you want to minimize transportation hassles and you’re mainly in town for a conference, this Gateway / GICC cluster is usually the most practical choice.

Hotels Near the GICC With Easy Airport Access

If you don’t mind a short shuttle or train ride, airport-area hotels can be a strong option. They give you quick access to both the GICC and your terminal, and often have more variety in price and style.

2. Airport Hotels on the ATL SkyTrain Route

The ATL SkyTrain connects:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Domestic Terminal
• Rental Car Center
• Georgia International Convention Center / Gateway area

Hotels that are very close to the Rental Car Center or GICC/Gateway stops effectively feel “connected” to the convention center, even if you’re not walking directly from the lobby.

Benefits of staying along the SkyTrain route:

• Free and frequent train service
• No need to navigate airport traffic by car or rideshare for your daily commute
• Easy transfer to MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system) via the airport station if you want to visit downtown

For travelers flying in and out of Atlanta for a short event, this setup is often the most efficient.

3. More Traditional Airport Hotels (North & South of the Airport)

Around the airport, especially along Virginia Avenue, Camp Creek Parkway, and roads just off Interstate 85, you’ll find a dense cluster of airport hotels. These are slightly farther from the GICC than the Gateway hotels but still used frequently by convention attendees.

Typical characteristics:

• Airport shuttles running on a schedule (often every 15–30 minutes)
• A mix of mid-range and business-class hotels
• Easy access to I-85 and Camp Creek Marketplace, a large shopping and dining area

If you’re balancing budget, proximity, and access to food options, this area may work well.

Downtown & Midtown Hotels for GICC Visitors

Some visitors prefer to stay where there’s more nightlife and sightseeing, then commute to the GICC for events. If that sounds like you, consider Downtown Atlanta or Midtown.

4. Staying Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is home to:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center (a different convention center)
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Major hotels surrounding Peachtree Street and Marietta Street

From downtown, you can reach the GICC by:

• MARTA Rail: From a downtown station (like Peachtree Center) to the Airport Station, then transfer to the ATL SkyTrain to the GICC.
• Car or rideshare: Usually 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Why choose downtown if your event is at the GICC?

• You want more restaurant, bar, and attraction options within walking distance.
• You’re combining a conference with sightseeing.
• You’re traveling with family or friends who might spend their day sightseeing instead of attending the event.

5. Staying in Midtown

Midtown is known for:

• Piedmont Park
• The Fox Theatre
• A dense mix of dining, nightlife, and arts venues

The commute to the GICC is similar to downtown:

• MARTA from a Midtown station (Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue) to the airport, then ATL SkyTrain to the GICC.
• Or a car / rideshare ride.

Midtown makes sense if:

• You want a lively, walkable neighborhood with more of a local feel.
• Your conference is only part of your trip and you’ll spend significant time in the city.

Quick Comparison: Where to Stay for a GICC Event

Below is a simple overview comparing the main area types people consider when attending something at the Georgia International Convention Center.

Transportation Tips Between GICC, Airport, and Atlanta Neighborhoods

Even if you pick a hotel mainly based on price or brand, knowing how you’ll get to the convention center each day is important.

Using the ATL SkyTrain

• The ATL SkyTrain is a free, automated train that runs between:
  • Airport Domestic Terminal (next to MARTA Airport Station)
  • Rental Car Center
  • Gateway Center / GICC area
• It runs frequently throughout the day.
• This is often the fastest and simplest connection between the airport, GICC, and nearby hotels.

Using MARTA Rail

If you’re staying in Downtown or Midtown:

• Take MARTA’s Red or Gold Line to the Airport Station.
• From the Airport Station, follow signs to the ATL SkyTrain to reach GICC and nearby hotels.
• This is usually more predictable than driving in rush hour and avoids parking costs.

Driving and Parking

If you plan to rent a car or drive from elsewhere in Atlanta:

• The GICC is near I-285, I-85, and Camp Creek Parkway.
• Event-specific parking lots serve the convention center and Gateway Center Arena.
• Parking rates and rules can vary by event; check your event materials in advance.
• Atlanta traffic can be heavy during morning and afternoon rush hours, so allow extra time.

Rideshare & Taxis

• Rideshare services and taxis are widely used between the airport, GICC, and city hotels.
• For early-morning or late-night flights, rideshare can be more convenient than waiting for a shuttle.

What to Look For in a Hotel Near the GICC

When comparing hotels for a Georgia International Convention Center event, focus on:

1. Distance and Access to the GICC

Ask yourself:

• Can I walk, or do I need to rely on a shuttle/SkyTrain?
• If I’m using the SkyTrain, how far is the walk from the train station to the hotel and to the convention center?
• Will I feel comfortable walking those routes in the early morning or after evening events?

Being realistic about your schedule (early keynotes, late networking events) helps you choose the right level of proximity.

2. Shuttle and Transportation Options

Check:

• Does the hotel offer a free airport shuttle?
• Does it offer transportation specifically to the GICC, or is it just to the airport?
• How often do shuttles run, and do you need to reserve them?

A shuttle that runs every 30 minutes versus every 10 minutes can make a big difference if you’re tight on time.

3. Food and Amenities

Convention days can run long. It’s helpful if your hotel has:

• On-site restaurant or bar for quick meals
• A coffee shop or grab-and-go breakfast option
• Access to nearby restaurants (Virginia Avenue, Camp Creek Marketplace, or downtown/Midtown areas if you stay there)
• Basic amenities like a fitness center, business center, and reliable Wi‑Fi

If you’re attending multi-day meetings, having simple, predictable food options nearby can reduce daily stress.

4. Budget Considerations

Hotel rates near the GICC can change depending on:

• The size and popularity of conventions that week
• Major events elsewhere in Atlanta (sports, concerts, festivals)
• Timing (weekdays vs. weekends)

To manage cost:

• Look at multiple areas: Gateway cluster, broader airport hotels, and possibly downtown if off-peak.
• Consider whether parking fees or rideshare costs offset any savings from staying farther away.
• If traveling with colleagues, compare the total daily cost of transportation + hotel instead of room rate alone.

Practical Tips for Atlantans Hosting or Attending Events at the GICC

If you live in metro Atlanta and are attending or organizing an event at the GICC:

• You may not need a hotel, but:
  • If your event has early starts and late evenings, a nearby hotel can reduce daily driving fatigue.
  • For multi-day conferences, staying onsite can make networking and social events easier to attend.
• When hosting guests:
  • Decide whether you want them as close as possible to the GICC or to experience more of the city (Downtown/Midtown).
  • Provide them with clear guidance on getting from airport → hotel → GICC via SkyTrain or shuttle.
  • Remind out-of-town visitors that Georgia International Convention Center and Georgia World Congress Center are two different venues in two different parts of metro Atlanta.

How to Decide Where to Stay

To narrow down your options, consider these questions:

1. Is your main priority convenience or city experience?

   • Convenience: Focus on GICC/Gateway and SkyTrain-connected airport hotels.
   • City experience: Consider downtown or Midtown, and plan a daily MARTA or car commute.

2. Will you have a rental car?

   • No car: Stay in the Gateway area or MARTA-accessible neighborhoods (downtown/Midtown) for easy transit.
   • With car: You can widen your search to more airport hotels or even other nearby suburbs.

3. What’s your daily schedule like?

   • Back-to-back sessions and networking: Closer hotels reduce stress and transit time.
   • More flexible schedule: You might enjoy staying in a busier Atlanta neighborhood.

4. What’s your budget range?

   • Higher budget: Gateway and central-city hotels often offer more convenience and amenities.
   • Tighter budget: Compare airport hotels a bit farther from the GICC, balancing shuttle frequency with savings.

By weighing these factors against the layout of Atlanta’s airport and convention corridor, you can find a hotel near the Georgia International Convention Center that fits both your trip goals and your daily routine while you’re in town.