Best Hotels Close to CNN Center in Atlanta: Where to Stay Downtown

If you’re looking for hotels close to CNN Center in Atlanta, you’re really asking about the heart of downtown. CNN Center sits right next to State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Centennial Olympic Park, so staying nearby puts you in the middle of Atlanta’s major attractions, events, and transit.

Below is a practical guide to the closest hotels to CNN Center, what each area around it feels like, and how to choose the right spot whether you’re here for a game, a conference, or sightseeing.

Quick Snapshot: Hotels Near CNN Center

CNN Center’s main entrance is at 190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Most nearby hotels are within a 2–10 minute walk.

Distances are approximate walking times from CNN Center. Always verify current details directly with each hotel.

1. Staying Inside or Directly Attached to CNN Center

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center

If you want to be as close as physically possible, the Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center is the flagship choice.

• Location: Integrated with CNN Center, near State Farm Arena
• Ideal for:
  • Conferences at Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)
  • Events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • Families visiting the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or College Football Hall of Fame

Why it stands out:

• Direct or near-direct indoor access to CNN Center (depending on current access routes and renovations)
• You can usually walk indoors or via covered areas to GWCC for major conventions
• Centennial Olympic Park is just across the street for green space and walking paths

Good to know:

• This is one of the most event-focused hotels downtown. On big game or concert days, expect crowds and busy common areas.
• Parking downtown can be pricey; many locals recommend using MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station) or rideshare if you don’t need a car every day.

2. Hotels Around Centennial Olympic Park (5–10 Minutes Away)

If you want to be within easy walking distance of CNN Center, but slightly away from the building itself, the Centennial Olympic Park area is a great middle ground. You’re close to the action but have more variety in hotel style and price.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park

• Walk to CNN Center: About 5 minutes
• Best for:
  • Families who want separate living and sleeping areas
  • Travelers who like having breakfast and evening gathering spaces in-house
  • Visitors planning to walk to the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or SkyView Atlanta

Why consider it:

• Suites are helpful if you’re traveling with kids or a small group.
• Many rooms face Centennial Olympic Park, giving you more of an “Atlanta city view” feel than being tucked directly inside CNN Center.

Other Centennial Park–Area Hotels Worth Knowing

Around the park, you’ll find a cluster of hotels that keep you within sight of CNN Center and other attractions:

• Modern mid-range and boutique-style hotels that appeal to couples or weekend visitors
• Options usually within a 5–10 minute walk to CNN Center
• Easy access to MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center or Peachtree Center stations, depending on which side of downtown you’re on

Who this zone suits:

• Visitors who want to walk to most major attractions and then retreat to a quieter hotel street
• Locals doing a staycation who want park views and easy restaurant access

3. Classic Downtown Core Hotels (10–15 Minutes on Foot)

If you don’t mind a slightly longer walk—about 10–15 minutes—you can look at the larger, more traditional downtown Atlanta business hotels centered on Peachtree Street. These are still very convenient to CNN Center but often feel more like a general downtown base than an arena or convention hotel.

Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Peachtree Street)

• Walk to CNN Center: Around 10–15 minutes, mostly downhill on the way there
• Best for:
  • Business travelers with meetings across downtown
  • Visitors using MARTA from Peachtree Center Station
  • Guests who want a familiar big-city hotel layout

You’re close to many office towers, several dining options, and a MARTA station that connects to the airport and other parts of the city.

The Westin Peachtree Plaza

• Walk to CNN Center: Roughly 10–12 minutes
• Best for:
  • Travelers who value skyline views from high floors
  • Guests who want a dramatic “Atlanta city center” experience

The Westin is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable towers. From here, you can walk to CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Fairlie-Poplar historic district.

Hilton Atlanta (Courtland Street area)

• Walk to CNN Center: About 15 minutes
• Best for:
  • Conference attendees, especially when events are spread across multiple downtown venues
  • Travelers who want to be slightly removed from the game-day crowds near CNN Center itself

Several downtown hotels are linked by indoor skybridges (this can change over time), which can be convenient in bad weather, though routes may involve some walking and elevation changes.

4. Choosing the Right Area Near CNN Center

When you’re deciding between hotels near CNN Center in Atlanta, think in terms of your primary reason for staying downtown.

If You’re Attending a Game or Concert

You’ll likely appreciate being as close as possible to Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.

• ✅ Best match:
  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
  • Hotels right around Centennial Olympic Park

Benefits:

• Short walk back after late-night events
• Don’t have to navigate game-day traffic leaving the stadium area
• Easy access to fan zones and nearby restaurants

If You’re Here for a Convention or Trade Show

The Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) connects directly to the CNN Center area.

• ✅ Consider:
  • Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center for the shortest walk
  • Centennial Park–area hotels for a balance of convenience and quieter evenings
  • Larger downtown business hotels if your meetings are spread around the city

Tip: On major convention weeks, hotels closest to CNN Center often book up first or have higher rates. Looking 10–15 minutes away on foot can sometimes give you more availability.

If You’re Focused on Sightseeing

Most Atlanta first-time visitors want to see:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca‑Cola
• College Football Hall of Fame
• SkyView Atlanta
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

All of these are within walking distance of CNN Center.

• ✅ Good strategy:
  • Choose a hotel around Centennial Olympic Park or along Peachtree Street
  • You’ll be centrally located to both CNN Center and the rest of downtown attractions

5. Transportation Tips for CNN Center–Area Hotels

Using MARTA

For most CNN Center–adjacent hotels, the most convenient MARTA stations are:

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line)
  • Ideal for the Omni and anything directly connected to CNN Center or GWCC.
• Peachtree Center Station (North-South Line)
  • Good for hotels along Peachtree Street (Hyatt Regency, Westin, etc.).
  • A short walk or quick rideshare to CNN Center.

From Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you can take MARTA’s Red or Gold line directly to Peachtree Center or connect to the West Line to reach the station serving CNN Center.

Driving and Parking

• Downtown Atlanta parking is tightly controlled and usually paid (lots, decks, or hotel valet).
• On big event days, it’s common for lots near CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium to fill early.
• If you’re staying at a CNN Center–area hotel but don’t need your car daily, many locals suggest:
  • Park once at your hotel.
  • Use walking, MARTA, or rideshare to get around.

6. Safety, Noise, and Timing Considerations

Safety

Downtown Atlanta around CNN Center is busy, especially during events and tourist hours. Typical guidance locals follow:

• Stick to well-lit, busier streets, especially at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings when walking late, just as you would in any major city.
• Use your hotel’s front desk for advice on best walking routes to specific venues.

Noise and Crowds

• Game and concert nights: Expect higher noise levels, crowds, and more activity in hotel lobbies and nearby streets.
• If you prefer a quieter stay:
  • Look slightly farther from the stadium side and more toward general downtown or Peachtree Street.
  • Request a room on a higher floor or away from the main street, when possible.

Booking Timing

• Major events (NFL games, big concerts, conferences) can make CNN Center–area rooms harder to find.
• It’s wise to book early if:
  • You need to be in a specific hotel (e.g., you’re part of a conference room block).
  • You’re planning to attend a high-profile game or event.

7. How Locals Use CNN Center–Area Hotels

Even Atlanta residents often stay near CNN Center when:

• Attending a late-night event and wanting to avoid post-event traffic
• Hosting out-of-town family who want to be near attractions
• Participating in multi-day conventions at GWCC

For locals, choosing a hotel here can turn a regular game, concert, or downtown weekend into a low-stress mini-getaway without worrying about the drive home.

8. Practical Steps to Pick Your Hotel Near CNN Center

When you’re ready to narrow down your options:

1. Decide your priority:

   • Closest possible to CNN Center?
   • Quieter but still walkable?
   • Best for families vs. business?

2. Choose your zone:

   • Attached/next door: Easiest for events and conferences.
   • Centennial Olympic Park area: Great for attractions and families.
   • Peachtree Street/downtown core: Broader access to the rest of the city.

3. Check your transit plan:

   • If you’re using MARTA, confirm your hotel’s walking route to the nearest station.
   • If you’re driving, factor in daily parking costs.

4. Confirm walking distance and access:

   • Look at a map to see whether routes go through hilly areas or busy intersections.
   • During major events, streets around CNN Center can be closed or crowded; give yourself extra time.

By focusing on these factors, you can choose a hotel close to CNN Center in Atlanta that actually fits how you plan to use the city—whether you’re here for a single game or an extended downtown stay.