Where to Stay Near the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta

Finding hotels near the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) is one of the first things people tackle when they’re coming to downtown Atlanta for a convention, concert, or big game. Because the GWCC anchors a busy entertainment district that includes Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and Centennial Olympic Park, your choice of hotel can shape how smoothly your trip goes.

This guide focuses on where to stay around the GWCC, how walkable different options are, what neighborhoods feel like, and how to think about parking, transit, and safety when you’re visiting this part of Atlanta.

Getting Oriented: Georgia World Congress Center & Surrounding Area

Georgia World Congress Center address
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

The GWCC sits in the heart of downtown, right next to:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Falcons, United games, concerts)
• State Farm Arena (Hawks games, concerts)
• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• CNN Center area (largely offices/attractions; former hotel spaces nearby)

Most “hotels near the Atlanta World Congress Center” cluster in three areas:

1. Directly adjacent / connected – walkways or extremely short walks.
2. Downtown core – roughly 5–15 minutes on foot to GWCC.
3. Nearby neighborhoods like Midtown and Westside – short drive or MARTA ride away.

If you’re attending a large convention or multi-day trade show, being able to walk to the GWCC often matters more than almost anything else.

Quick Comparison: Main Hotel Areas Around GWCC

Hotels Within Easy Walking Distance of the GWCC

For many visitors, being able to walk back to the room after a full day at the convention center is the priority. These properties are generally considered among the closest and most convenient.

1. GWCC-Adjacent & Stadium-Side Hotels

These are typically within a few blocks of the convention center and the stadium:

• Hotels directly around Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena
• Properties that back up to Centennial Olympic Park or the Andrew Young International Blvd corridor

Why people choose this area:

• ✅ Shortest walk to the GWCC, often 5–10 minutes or less
• ✅ Great if you’re bouncing between sessions, games, and concerts
• ✅ Close to major attractions (park, museums, arena, stadium)

Things to keep in mind:

• ❗ Event days get busy. Expect crowds on sidewalks and around parking decks.
• ❗ Room rates can spike during major conventions and sports weekends.
• ❗ Restaurant options are more event-focused; some places are busier right before and after games or shows.

If you’re traveling with a booth, equipment, or multiple colleagues, staying this close can save a lot of time going back and forth to the convention center.

Downtown Atlanta Hotels a Short Walk from GWCC

Beyond the immediate complex, a large concentration of downtown hotels around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and Centennial Olympic Park Drive serve GWCC visitors very well.

These are typically:

• 5–15 minutes on foot from GWCC
• Close to Peachtree Center, Five Points, or CNN Center areas
• Surrounded by office buildings, attractions, and a growing number of restaurants

What This Downtown Zone Feels Like

• Weekdays: Busy with office workers, convention attendees, and students.
• Evenings: Activity clusters around hotels, sports events, and park-side restaurants.
• Weekends: Can feel quieter a few blocks away from main attractions, especially off-season.

Pros of staying in the broader downtown core:

• ✅ Still walkable to GWCC for most visitors
• ✅ Good access to MARTA stations (GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center, Peachtree Center, Five Points)
• ✅ Mix of budget through higher-end properties
• ✅ Easy to pivot between work commitments at the GWCC and sightseeing

Common tradeoffs:

• ❗ Some blocks feel livelier and more polished than others; downtown is a mix of tourism, business, and everyday city life.
• ❗ Like many U.S. downtowns, you’ll see day-to-day urban issues (homelessness, panhandling). Being aware of surroundings and walking on well‑traveled streets is generally recommended, especially late at night.

Midtown Hotels: A Short Ride Away, More Neighborhood Feel

If you’d rather stay somewhere that feels more like a neighborhood than a convention zone, Midtown Atlanta is very popular with visitors and locals alike.

Why Midtown Works Well for GWCC Visitors

• Roughly 5–10 minutes by car, taxi, or rideshare to the GWCC.
• Direct MARTA rail between Midtown stations and GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center station.
• Heavier concentration of:
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Coffee shops
  • Arts and culture (Fox Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art)
  • Walkable streets and mixed-use developments

Who often prefers Midtown:

• Attendees who have meetings during the day at the GWCC but want more nightlife or dining within walking distance at night.
• People staying longer than just 1–2 nights, who want parks and local businesses nearby.
• Visitors who are comfortable using MARTA or quick rideshares to commute to GWCC.

Tradeoffs:

• ❗ You’ll need to budget time for transit, especially during height of rush hour.
• ❗ Midtown hotel parking is usually paid, similar to downtown.

Westside & Atlantic Station: Trendy Options Within a Short Drive

The Westside / West Midtown and Atlantic Station areas have become popular with people who like a more modern, local-feeling environment while still being a short drive from the GWCC.

• Approx. 10–15 minutes by car to the convention center, depending on traffic.
• Lots of restaurants, breweries, and shops.
• Many hotels here tend to be newer or part of larger mixed-use developments.

These areas can work well if:

• You’re in town for both work and play and want to explore a different side of Atlanta.
• You’re comfortable using rideshare or driving/parking at or near the GWCC each day.
• You prefer to avoid the densest downtown traffic right around big events.

Airport Hotels vs. Downtown: Which Makes More Sense?

The Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport area, including nearby cities like College Park, has a huge number of hotels. Some convention attendees debate staying there instead of downtown.

Airport Hotel Pros

• Often more budget-friendly, especially during major downtown events.
• Extremely convenient if you have very early or late flights.
• Many hotels offer airport shuttles.

Airport to GWCC Commute

• By car/taxi/rideshare: About 15–20 minutes without heavy traffic, but it can be longer at rush hour.
• By MARTA: Board at the Airport Station and ride to GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station with no line changes. Then walk to the convention center.

This option makes sense if you:

• Want to keep lodging costs lower.
• Don’t mind a reliable daily commute on MARTA.
• Have a short stay and prioritize ease of getting to the airport.

Transportation Tips for Reaching the GWCC from Your Hotel

However close or far your hotel is, planning how you’ll get to and from the Georgia World Congress Center can save time and stress.

Using MARTA (Rail)

MARTA is often the simplest option, especially if you’re staying along the Red or Gold lines.

• GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line) is the main stop for the convention center.
• Peachtree Center Station is a common downtown stop; you can walk or transfer.
• Midtown, Arts Center, North Avenue stations are useful if you’re staying further north.

From GWCC station, there are clearly marked paths into the convention center and adjacent venues. Many visitors find MARTA reliable for peak convention times, sports events, and concerts.

Driving and Parking

Parking is available in several GWCC-managed and nearby decks, but:

• Rates vary based on event type and date.
• Pre-booking parking is often encouraged for major events.
• Traffic around Northside Drive, Centennial Olympic Park Drive, and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive can back up near event start and end times.

If you’re staying at a downtown or Midtown hotel with parking:

• Ask the hotel front desk about the easiest driving route to GWCC from their garage.
• Build in extra travel time for early morning sessions or evening keynotes, especially on weekdays.

Walking

Many hotels within a 10–15 minute radius of the GWCC are walkable, but it helps to:

• Stick to well-lit main streets like Marietta St NW, Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
• Factor in Atlanta’s summer heat and humidity if you’ll be walking in the afternoon.
• Wear comfortable shoes; convention days can add up several miles of walking.

Safety & Practical Tips Around GWCC and Downtown Hotels

Downtown Atlanta is a major business and entertainment district. As in any large city, taking basic precautions helps your trip go smoothly.

• Stay on busier, well-lit streets at night, especially when walking between hotels and the GWCC.
• If you feel unsure about a route, consider rideshare or hotel shuttles when available.
• Keep valuables out of sight in vehicles; use secured garages when possible.
• Ask hotel staff about:
  • The best walking route to the Georgia World Congress Center
  • Late-night dining options nearby
  • Any special shuttle services for conventions or games

Many visitors find that staying in hotels close to the GWCC, Centennial Olympic Park, or the main Peachtree corridor feels convenient and straightforward.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the GWCC for Your Trip

When narrowing down options, think about:

1. Distance vs. Price

   • If you’re at the convention center all day, being able to walk may be worth a higher nightly rate.
   • If your budget is tight, look a bit further out (Midtown, airport area) and factor in MARTA or rideshare costs.

2. Type of Trip

   • Business or large convention? Prioritize walkability, quiet rooms, meeting spaces.
   • Family trip or mixing work and leisure? Consider staying near Centennial Olympic Park or in Midtown where attractions and kid-friendly options are close.

3. Parking & Transportation

   • If you’re driving, check:
     • Overnight parking cost at the hotel
     • In/out privileges
     • How you’ll reach the GWCC each day
   • If you’re not driving, look for easy access to MARTA stations.

4. Event Calendar

   • Major sports games, concerts, or multiple conventions at once can:
     • Raise hotel prices
     • Increase traffic
     • Make late bookings difficult
   • If possible, book early when you know GWCC dates.

Helpful Local Contacts & Info

While hotel listings change over time, these stable resources can help you plan a stay near the Georgia World Congress Center:

Georgia World Congress Center Authority
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general information): 404‑223‑4000

You can contact the GWCC for:

• Event schedules and hall locations
• On-site parking information
• Accessibility details for the convention center

MARTA Customer Service (for transit info to/from GWCC)
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service line: 404‑848‑5000

MARTA can explain:

• Best rail lines and stations for your hotel and the GWCC
• Fare options for multi-day visits
• Service hours, especially for early or late sessions and events

For other visitor questions about neighborhoods, attractions, and general Atlanta trip planning, the local tourism offices and visitor centers downtown can provide maps and additional guidance.

When you focus on walkability, transportation, and the feel of each neighborhood, it becomes much easier to pick the right hotel near the Georgia World Congress Center—whether you’re a local Atlantan staying downtown for a big event or flying in for a major convention.