Where to Stay Near Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta: A Local Guide to the Best Hotels

Looking for Atlanta Centennial Park hotels puts you right in the heart of downtown. This area centers around Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre green space surrounded by some of the city’s biggest attractions, major event venues, and a dense cluster of hotels.

Whether you’re in town for a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center, a concert at State Farm Arena, a family trip to the Georgia Aquarium, or just a weekend exploring downtown Atlanta, staying near Centennial Olympic Park can be very convenient.

This guide walks through:

• The main types of hotels around Centennial Olympic Park
• The best areas and blocks to target
• What to expect in terms of price, parking, and safety
• Tips for families, business travelers, and event-goers
• How to compare nearby neighborhoods (Midtown vs. Downtown vs. Airport)

Why Stay Near Centennial Olympic Park?

Centennial Olympic Park sits in downtown Atlanta, roughly bordered by:

• Marietta St NW / Andrew Young International Blvd NW (north/south)
• Park Ave W NW / Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW (east/west)

Booking a hotel here puts you within a short walk of:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center area
• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
• Restaurants and bars along Marietta St NW, Luckie St NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW

This cluster is ideal if you want to avoid driving and parking repeatedly during your stay and prefer to walk between attractions.

Main Hotel Zones Around Centennial Olympic Park

You’ll find several “micro-areas” of hotels surrounding the park. Understanding these makes it easier to narrow down your options.

1. North Side of the Park: Aquarium & Attractions Cluster

The blocks north and northeast of Centennial Olympic Park tend to be very popular with visitors coming for:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Family-friendly, walkable experiences

Hotels in this area typically line:

• Baker St NW
• Luckie St NW
• Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW

Good for:

• Families with kids
• First-time visitors
• People who want to walk to most major attractions

Expect:

• Heavier foot traffic during the day
• Many chain hotels in mid-range and upper-mid-range categories
• Quick walk into the park itself (often 3–7 minutes)

2. West & Southwest Side: State Farm Arena, Stadium, and GWCC Access

The west and southwest side near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center tends to cater heavily to:

• Event-goers (concerts, NBA games, NFL games, big tours)
• Convention attendees

Streets to look at:

• Marietta St NW
• MLK Jr Dr SW
• Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
• Andrew Young International Blvd NW

Good for:

• Business travelers attending GWCC
• Fans coming for large events at the arena or stadium
• Groups who care about walking distance after late-night events

Expect:

• Prices to spike on big event weekends
• Busy sidewalks and increased security presence around events
• Parking garages that may fill or reprice on major game or concert days

3. East & Southeast Side: Connector to Peachtree Center and Downtown Core

The eastern and southeastern side of the park connects into the greater downtown grid, including:

• Peachtree Center area
• Office buildings, food courts, and MARTA access
• Short walks to the Peachtree Center and Five Points stations

Streets to check:

• Peachtree St NW
• Forsyth St NW
• Edgewood Ave SE (a bit further, but walkable or a quick rideshare)

Good for:

• Travelers who want both park access and more downtown dining options
• Those using MARTA to connect to the airport or Midtown
• People mixing business meetings with some sightseeing

Expect:

• A mix of business-oriented hotels and leisure travelers
• Direct indoor access or short walks to food courts and office towers
• Convenient rail access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Quick Comparison: Hotel Areas Around Centennial Olympic Park

Types of Hotels You’ll Find Near Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Park area doesn’t have many tiny boutique properties; it’s dominated by national and international chains. These generally fall into a few categories.

Full-Service Downtown Hotels

These often include:

• On-site restaurant and bar
• Room service (sometimes limited hours)
• Larger lobbies and meeting spaces
• Fitness centers and occasionally pools

They typically attract:

• Convention and conference attendees
• Corporate travelers
• Families who want more amenities on-site

Rates can vary widely depending on:

• Major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Conventions at Georgia World Congress Center

Limited-Service and Select-Service Hotels

Around the park, you’ll also see limited-service properties that might offer:

• Complimentary breakfast (sometimes)
• Smaller lobby spaces
• A focus on essentials rather than luxury

These are good if you:

• Plan to spend most of your time outside exploring
• Want a clean, comfortable base without paying for extras you won’t use
• Prefer predictable chain experiences

Extended-Stay Options

If you’re in Atlanta for more than a few days—maybe for training, a long business project, or a family visit—extended-stay hotels near Centennial Olympic Park can offer:

• In-room kitchens or kitchenettes
• On-site laundry facilities
• More living-room-style space

These can be especially useful for:

• Families wanting to cook simple meals
• Guests staying a week or longer
• People balancing work with sightseeing

Practical Considerations: Price, Parking, and Safety

1. Price Patterns

In the Centennial Olympic Park / downtown area, nightly rates tend to rise when:

• Big events happen at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• Large conventions are scheduled at Georgia World Congress Center
• Major citywide events and festivals are underway

To manage costs:

• Check weekday vs. weekend pricing. Business-heavy dates can raise weekday rates; concert and game nights may spike weekends.
• Book earlier if you know you’re coming for a major event.
• Compare staying one or two MARTA stops away (e.g., Midtown, Airport) if downtown prices are high.

2. Parking Near Centennial Olympic Park Hotels

Parking in this part of Atlanta is often:

• Valet-only or valet-focused at full-service hotels
• A mix of valet and self-park decks at others
• Priced separately from your room, sometimes at daily rates that can surprise visitors

Tips:

• Ask in advance whether the hotel offers self-parking and what the daily fee is.
• Consider whether you truly need a rental car if you’re mostly exploring downtown and Midtown. Between MARTA, rideshare, and walking, you may be able to skip it.
• If driving in for an event, remember that stadium and arena events push up parking demand and may cause higher prices or limited availability.

3. Safety and Street-Smart Habits

Downtown Atlanta, including the Centennial Olympic Park area, is a busy urban environment. Visitors commonly:

• Walk between hotels, the aquarium, the park, and restaurants
• Stay out into the evening for games or concerts

Many people feel comfortable in the area, especially around major attractions and during event times, but it’s still important to:

• Stick to well-lit, busier streets rather than isolated shortcuts.
• Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.
• Use your hotel’s guidance on which directions are best to walk, especially late at night.
• Consider rideshare or a taxi if you’re returning very late or from a distant part of downtown.

If you want local input, hotel front desks and concierges are usually familiar with current patterns in the surrounding blocks.

Getting Around From Centennial Olympic Park Hotels

One reason people choose this area is the transportation convenience.

MARTA Rail and Bus Access

Nearby MARTA rail stations include:

• Peachtree Center Station (N/S line) – walkable from many Centennial Park-area hotels
• GWCC / State Farm Arena / CNN Center Station (W/E line) – convenient if you’re staying closer to the stadium or arena

From these, you can:

• Go directly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the Red or Gold line (Peachtree Center).
• Connect to Midtown or Buckhead for dining and nightlife.
• Reach other city neighborhoods with transfers if needed.

Walking and Rideshare

Centennial Olympic Park is designed as a walkable hub:

• Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and several museums are typically a 5–10 minute walk from nearby hotels.
• Restaurants and bars are scattered along Marietta St NW, Luckie St NW, and adjacent blocks.

Rideshare and taxis are widely used for:

• Late-night returns
• Trips to neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or West Midtown
• Quick transfers to/from Midtown nightlife

Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Trip Type

For Families and Kids

If you’re planning a family trip focused on:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta

You may want to prioritize:

• North or northeast side of Centennial Olympic Park (shortest walk to family attractions)
• Hotels that mention family rooms, suites, or sofa beds
• Easy access to quick, kid-friendly food options nearby

Helpful features to look for:

• Complimentary or buffet breakfast
• Indoor pool (for rainy days or downtime)
• Mini-fridges and microwaves in the room

For Business Travelers and Convention Attendees

If you’re attending an event at the Georgia World Congress Center or nearby offices:

• Look at hotels west and southwest of the park for the shortest walk to GWCC.
• Or choose a property near Peachtree Center if you want direct MARTA access and indoor paths to certain office buildings.

You may want:

• Reliable Wi‑Fi
• Desks or workspaces in rooms
• Business centers, meeting rooms, and on-site dining for quick lunches

Staying within walking distance of the GWCC can save time and rideshare costs, especially if your schedule is packed.

For Sports, Concerts, and Major Events

If your main goal is attending:

• A Falcons or Atlanta United match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• A Hawks game or concert at State Farm Arena
• A big show or festival downtown

Consider:

• Hotels west of the park, close to the stadiums and arena
• Checking event calendars; rates can spike, and some hotels may fill early
• How late your event ends; being able to walk back to your room can be a major plus

If you’re flexible on location and want lower prices on a big event weekend, compare rates:

• Near Airport / College Park (easy MARTA access)
• In Midtown (one or two MARTA stops away, often with more nightlife)

Downtown vs. Nearby Neighborhoods: Is Staying at Centennial Park Worth It?

Some travelers debate whether to stay:

• Directly around Centennial Olympic Park, or
• In Midtown, Buckhead, or near the airport and commute in

Here’s how it usually breaks down.

When Centennial Olympic Park Makes Sense

Staying right by the park often works best if:

• You want to walk to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the park daily.
• You’re attending a conference, convention, sporting event, or concert downtown.
• You prefer a base where you don’t need a car or can minimize driving.

This is especially appealing for first-time visitors and short stays (1–3 nights).

When to Consider Midtown Instead

Midtown Atlanta is one or two MARTA stops north of downtown and offers:

• A denser cluster of restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance
• Attractions like Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, and Fox Theatre
• A somewhat more residential-meets-urban feel

You might choose Midtown if:

• You plan to split time between Centennial Olympic Park attractions and Midtown sights.
• Nightlife and restaurant options matter more to you than being directly next to the stadiums or aquarium.
• You don’t mind a short MARTA ride or rideshare to get to the park.

Airport Area as a Budget or Convenience Option

Hotels around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (especially near College Park) tend to offer:

• More consistent rates, sometimes lower than downtown
• Free airport shuttles
• Easy MARTA access into downtown

This can make sense if:

• You’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a 20–30 minute transit ride to downtown.
• You’re flying in late or leaving very early.
• Your main priority is airport convenience rather than nightlife or walking distance to attractions.

How to Pick a Centennial Olympic Park Hotel Step by Step

If you’re not sure where to start, use this simple process:

1. Clarify your main purpose.

   • Aquarium and museums?
   • Convention or business?
   • Sports or concerts?

2. Choose your micro-area.

   • North/northeast: Family attractions focus
   • West/southwest: Events, GWCC, arenas
   • East/southeast: Business, MARTA, downtown core

3. Set a budget range.

   • Decide your ideal nightly rate and your “stretch” maximum for high-demand dates.

4. Decide if you’ll have a car.

   • If yes, factor in parking fees and ask about self-park vs. valet.
   • If no, prioritize proximity to MARTA stations and walkability.

5. Check date-specific factors.

   • Look up major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or GWCC.
   • If there’s a big game, concert, or convention, book early.

6. Review recent guest feedback.

   • Focus on comments about cleanliness, noise levels, elevators, and Wi‑Fi reliability.

Local Tips to Get the Most from Staying Near Centennial Olympic Park

• Visit the park early or at sunset. The fountains, green spaces, and views of the skyline are especially nice in the morning and evening.
• Plan attraction timing. The Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola can be busiest midday; consider morning or late-afternoon visits.
• Use MARTA for airport transfers. From Peachtree Center Station, you can usually reach the airport without needing a rideshare, especially during daytime hours.
• Expect crowds on event days. If there’s a big game or concert, build in extra time for walking, security lines, and rideshare wait times.
• Ask the hotel about nearby dining. Front desk staff and concierges often know which nearby spots are open late and which are popular with locals vs. visitors.

By focusing on how you plan to spend your time in Atlanta—attractions, events, business, or a mix—you can quickly narrow down the Centennial Olympic Park hotels that fit best and make the most of your stay in the heart of the city.