GWCC Atlanta Hotels: Where to Stay Near the Georgia World Congress Center

Looking for GWCC Atlanta hotels and not sure where to start? Whether you’re attending a convention, a Falcons game, a concert, or staying downtown for business, choosing the right hotel near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) can make your trip much smoother.

The GWCC is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park. The good news: there are plenty of hotel options within easy walking distance, plus more a short MARTA ride or quick drive away.

Key Areas to Stay Near the GWCC

Most people looking for “GWCC Atlanta hotels” end up choosing from three main areas:

  1. Directly around GWCC / Centennial Olympic Park
  2. Downtown Atlanta core (Peachtree corridor)
  3. Midtown Atlanta (short MARTA ride away)

Here’s a quick comparison:

AreaDistance to GWCCVibe & ProsConsiderations
GWCC / Centennial Olympic Park2–10 minute walkClosest to events, great for walking, attractions nearbyCan be busy during big events; parking costs
Downtown (Peachtree St)10–15 minute walk or short streetcar rideCentral, more hotel variety, easier for business tripsStreets can feel crowded at peak times
Midtown10–15 minutes via MARTALively dining/nightlife, arts districtNot walkable to GWCC; requires transit/ride

Hotels Within Easy Walking Distance of GWCC

If your top priority is walking to and from the Georgia World Congress Center, look in and around Centennial Olympic Park and the blocks immediately east of the GWCC campus.

1. Hotels Right by Centennial Olympic Park

These are popular for people attending conventions, concerts, or sports events:

  • Hotels clustered along Marietta St NW, Baker St NW, and Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  • Steps from Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center area, and State Farm Arena

Staying here usually means:

  • 5–10 minute walk to GWCC buildings
  • Easy access to restaurants on Marietta St and nearby streets
  • Short walk to GWCC / CNN Center MARTA Station (on the Blue/Green line)

This area works well if:

  • You want to avoid using a car during your stay
  • You’re attending multi-day conventions and want quick breaks between sessions
  • You’re combining GWCC events with sightseeing (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, all close by)

2. Hotels Integrated With or Next to Major Venues

Within a few blocks of:

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  • State Farm Arena
  • Georgia World Congress Center buildings (A, B, C)

These hotels are ideal for:

  • Sports fans going to evening games or weekend events
  • Convention attendees with early-morning meetings or late sessions
  • Guests who want to be in the middle of the downtown event atmosphere

💡 Tip: During major conventions, college football games, or playoff events, rooms near GWCC can sell out quickly. If you need to be within walking distance, book as early as you can, especially for fall weekends and large citywide conventions.

Downtown Atlanta Hotels Convenient to GWCC

If you’re comfortable walking a bit farther or taking the Atlanta Streetcar or a short ride share, the broader Downtown area opens up many more options.

These hotels are generally:

  • Around Peachtree St NW, Atlanta’s main downtown corridor
  • Roughly 10–15 minutes on foot from GWCC, depending on the exact location
  • Closer to downtown offices, courthouses, and some corporate headquarters

Benefits of downtown core hotels:

  • More variety in price points
  • Easier if you’re splitting time between GWCC and business meetings
  • Better access to coffee shops, quick lunch spots, and casual dining

Things to keep in mind:

  • Sidewalks are busy on weekdays and event days
  • Parking is often valet-only or in nearby garages, with daily fees
  • Traffic around Peachtree St can be congested during rush hour

If you’re traveling for both a convention and other downtown business, this area can be a smart middle ground.

Staying in Midtown and Commuting to GWCC

You don’t have to stay downtown to attend an event at the GWCC. Many visitors prefer Midtown Atlanta, especially if they want more restaurant and nightlife choices.

Why Some People Choose Midtown

  • Lively strip along Peachtree St NE
  • Close to Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and cultural institutions like:
    • High Museum of Art
    • Alliance Theatre
  • Good mix of upscale, boutique, and major brand hotels

Getting from Midtown to GWCC

Midtown is conveniently connected by MARTA rail:

  • Board at a Midtown MARTA Station (such as Midtown Station or Arts Center Station) on the Red/Gold line
  • Transfer to the Blue/Green line at Five Points Station
  • Exit at GWCC / CNN Center Station (for Georgia World Congress Center)

Total travel time is usually around 10–15 minutes once you’re on the train, plus walking time to and from stations.

Midtown works well if:

  • You don’t mind using public transit or ride share to reach GWCC
  • You’re staying several days and want a break from the convention environment after hours
  • You want more evening options for dining and entertainment

Budget-Friendly Approaches Near GWCC

Downtown and GWCC-adjacent hotels can get pricey during big events. If you’re cost‑conscious, consider these strategies:

1. Look Slightly Outside the Core

Neighborhoods and zones to consider:

  • Just east of downtown along Edgewood Ave or Decatur St
  • Around the Georgia State University area
  • Near MARTA stations one or two stops from downtown, such as North Avenue, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, or West End

By locating near a MARTA station, you can:

  • Ride directly into Five Points or GWCC / CNN Center Station
  • Avoid downtown parking fees
  • Still reach GWCC in about 15–20 minutes

2. Share Rooms or Book Early for Conventions

Convention-related hotel demand around GWCC often:

  • Spikes on weeknights more than weekends
  • Jumps dramatically when there’s a major conference and a big game or concert the same week

Cost‑saving tips:

  • Split a room with colleagues if your company allows it
  • Book as soon as your registration or event dates are confirmed
  • Check flexible rates that still allow changes if your schedule shifts

Getting Between Your Hotel and GWCC

Once you’ve picked your hotel, you’ll need a simple plan for getting back and forth to the Georgia World Congress Center.

Walking

If you’re staying within about half a mile:

  • Expect well-marked sidewalks and event signage during large conventions
  • Generally straightforward routes along Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Marietta St NW, and Baker St NW
  • Good option for avoiding traffic and parking hassles

At night, many visitors choose to:

  • Walk on well‑lit main streets
  • Leave events with crowds rather than walking alone on side streets

MARTA (Rail)

The closest rail stop is:

  • GWCC / CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line)
    100‑136 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
    Atlanta, GA 30303

You can connect here from:

  • Airport Station (for flights into Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
  • Any major in‑town station via a transfer at Five Points

If your hotel is near a MARTA station, taking the train can:

  • Save time during peak traffic
  • Eliminate the need for downtown parking
  • Provide a predictable commute to and from sessions

Atlanta Streetcar

The Atlanta Streetcar runs a loop through part of downtown. While it doesn’t stop directly at the GWCC, it can connect hotels and attractions east of Peachtree St to closer walking points near Centennial Olympic Park.

Good for:

  • Short hops between downtown hotels, Edgewood Ave, and tourist areas
  • Avoiding a longer walk if you’re staying on the east side of downtown

Driving and Parking

If you’re driving in from outside central Atlanta or staying in an area without good transit:

  • The GWCC campus has multiple parking decks and surface lots around the complex.
  • Event organizers often share recommended decks and pre‑purchase parking links with attendees.

General pointers:

  • Arrive earlier than you think on major event days, especially when a Falcons game or big concert overlaps with a convention.
  • Check your hotel’s parking options and daily rates before you arrive.
  • Some visitors prefer to park once at their hotel and walk or use transit the rest of the time.

Safety, Comfort, and What to Expect in the Area

The GWCC and surrounding downtown area see a high volume of visitors, especially:

  • Weekdays for conventions and business travel
  • Nights and weekends for Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena events
  • Holidays and summers for families visiting nearby attractions

To make your stay more comfortable:

  • Plan your routes ahead of time (especially your first walk from hotel to GWCC).
  • Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying them openly while walking.
  • When out late, many people prefer:
    • Sticking to main streets
    • Leaving events with groups
    • Using ride share or taxis from hotel entrances or marked pickup zones

Inside most downtown and GWCC-area hotels, you’ll find:

  • Business-friendly amenities (Wi‑Fi, meeting spaces, printing services)
  • On‑site or nearby dining options
  • Staff accustomed to helping convention visitors with directions and logistics

How to Choose the Right GWCC Hotel for Your Trip

When narrowing down your options, think through:

1. How close do you really need to be?

  • If you have early sessions, mobility concerns, or long event days, being within a 5–10 minute walk is worth prioritizing.
  • If you’ll be exploring more of Atlanta beyond GWCC, staying slightly farther away may give you a better overall location.

2. What’s your transportation plan?

  • Walk only?
  • MARTA from Midtown or other neighborhoods?
  • Ride share or personal car with daily parking?

3. What’s your schedule like?

  • All-day sessions with evening receptions? Being close saves energy.
  • Free evenings to explore? Midtown or another area might feel more appealing after dark.

4. Are you traveling with family?

  • Staying near Centennial Olympic Park can be convenient for:
    • Georgia Aquarium
    • World of Coca‑Cola
    • SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel
  • Hotels with suites, pools, or kid‑friendly amenities may be more important than being directly attached to GWCC.

Helpful Local Reference Points

When searching or calling hotels, mentioning these nearby landmarks can help staff confirm how convenient a property is for the GWCC:

  • Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
    285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
    Atlanta, GA 30313

  • GWCC / CNN Center MARTA Station
    100‑136 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
    Atlanta, GA 30303

  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium
    1 AMB Dr NW
    Atlanta, GA 30313

  • State Farm Arena
    1 State Farm Dr
    Atlanta, GA 30303

If a hotel says it’s walking distance to Centennial Olympic Park or near Marietta St NW / Andrew Young International Blvd NW, it’s usually well‑positioned for easy access to GWCC.

By focusing your search on hotels in Centennial Olympic Park, downtown Atlanta, or Midtown with good MARTA access, you can find a GWCC Atlanta hotel that fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level while still keeping the Georgia World Congress Center easily within reach.