Best Hotels Near the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta

If you’re attending a conference, trade show, or concert at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Downtown Atlanta, your hotel choice can make or break your experience. Staying close by means an easier walk to your sessions, quicker trips back to your room, and more time to enjoy the city instead of sitting in traffic.

This guide focuses on hotels near the World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, what it’s like to stay there, and how to pick the right option based on budget, convenience, and your plans in the city.

Understanding the Area Around the World Congress Center

The Georgia World Congress Center sits at:

• 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

It’s part of a larger complex that includes:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• The College Football Hall of Fame
• The CNN Center area

Most hotels that are truly convenient for GWCC are located in:

• Downtown Atlanta
• Centennial Olympic Park area
• Parts of the Luckie-Marietta District
• Walkable sections of Midtown (a bit farther, but still manageable by MARTA or rideshare)

When people say “hotels near World Congress Center Atlanta,” they usually mean within a 5–15 minute walk or a short rideshare.

Types of Hotels Near the World Congress Center

1. Directly Walkable Hotels (Closest to GWCC)

These are the properties most people look for if they want to walk to the convention center without using a car or MARTA. Many are along Andrew Young International Blvd, Marietta St NW, and around Centennial Olympic Park.

Common features in this area:

• Heavier focus on business travelers and convention guests
• Easy access to meeting spaces, lobbies set up for networking, and on-site dining
• Higher prices during large conventions, bowl games, or major concerts

Look for:

• Phrases like “Centennial Olympic Park,” “CNN Center,” or “World Congress Center” in the hotel description
• Mentions of a pedestrian bridge, direct walk, or just a few blocks from GWCC

2. Downtown Hotels Within a Short Walk or Quick Ride

A broader circle of Downtown hotels is still very practical for GWCC:

• Often 5–15 minutes on foot, or a short 2–5 minute rideshare
• Close to downtown office buildings, restaurants, and MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center station or Peachtree Center station

These can be a good mix of:

• Business hotels with meeting space and business centers
• Mid-range chain hotels that balance price and convenience
• Some historic or older properties with character but varying room sizes

3. Midtown Hotels With Easy Transit Access

If you don’t mind a short MARTA ride, staying in Midtown can offer:

• More nightlife and restaurant options
• A slightly different vibe than the strictly business-oriented Downtown core
• Access via MARTA’s Red/Gold line: ride to Five Points and transfer to the Blue/Green line to reach GWCC/CNN Center Station

These are not “walk-out-the-door-and-you’re-there” options, but they’re still practical for:

• Multi-day conventions when you also want to enjoy Midtown’s arts, dining, and bar scene

Quick Overview: Hotel Distance and Access to GWCC

Below is a general snapshot of how hotel locations near the World Congress Center typically compare. This is not a complete list of properties, but a guide to help you frame your options.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near the World Congress Center

1. Decide How Important Walking Distance Is

Walking vs. transit vs. rideshare should be your first big decision.

• Choose walking distance if:
  • You have early sessions and late receptions
  • You’re juggling back-to-back meetings
  • You’re traveling with colleagues and want a simple meet-up point
• Consider MARTA-accessible or short rideshare if:
  • You’re price-sensitive
  • You also want to explore Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or other neighborhoods
  • You’re comfortable navigating public transit

Tip 💡: Large conventions can create long lines for rideshare pickups near GWCC. Staying within walking distance helps avoid bottlenecks after big events.

2. Think About Your Schedule at the GWCC

Ask yourself:

• Will you be carrying samples, marketing materials, or equipment back and forth?
• Are you attending early-morning keynotes and late-night networking?
• Do you expect to need a mid-day break at your room?

If the answer to any of these is yes, it usually makes sense to prioritize a closer hotel.

3. Consider Safety, Lighting, and Late-Night Routes

Downtown Atlanta is a major urban core. Like any big city:

• Streets around GWCC, Centennial Olympic Park, and major hotels stay relatively active and well-lit, especially during events.
• Some side streets outside the main corridors can be quieter at night.

Practical habits:

• Try to stick to main streets (like Marietta St, Andrew Young International Blvd, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr) when walking.
• If you’re returning very late or alone, consider rideshare or a taxi instead of walking multiple blocks.

4. Budget vs. Convenience Trade-Off

Prices can shift significantly depending on:

• Event size at the GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or State Farm Arena
• Weekday vs. weekend
• Seasonal tourism patterns

Common patterns near the World Congress Center:

• Convention week: Walkable hotels can sell out or become much more expensive.
• Non-peak times: You may find good rates even near Centennial Olympic Park.
• Airport and outlying areas: Often cheaper, but you trade time and transportation costs.

Transportation: Getting Between Your Hotel and the World Congress Center

MARTA (Metro Atlanta’s Rail System)

The closest MARTA station to the Georgia World Congress Center is:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue and Green lines

Nearby stations that can also be useful:

• Peachtree Center Station (for many Downtown hotels)
• Five Points Station (major transfer point)
• Midtown Station (for Midtown hotels)

From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Take the Red or Gold line northbound from the airport station.
• Transfer at Five Points to the Blue or Green line westbound.
• Exit at GWCC/CNN Center Station and follow signs to the World Congress Center.

Walking Tips Around GWCC

If your hotel is nearby:

• Look for Andrew Young International Blvd, Marietta St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr as your main walking routes.
• Many hotels provide printed or digital walking maps showing the easiest path to GWCC and nearby attractions.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis are widely used for:

• Early-morning arrivals or late-night departures
• Getting from Midtown or other neighborhoods to GWCC
• Traveling during bad weather

For large conventions or stadium events:

• Designated rideshare pickup zones might be in use around GWCC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Plan a few extra minutes for pickups right when sessions or games end.

What to Expect from Hotels Near the World Congress Center

Amenities Commonly Found in Nearby Hotels

Most hotels that regularly host GWCC attendees offer:

• Wi-Fi (sometimes tiered by speed)
• On-site or nearby parking (valet, self-park, or both)
• Business centers or lobby workspaces
• Fitness centers and often pools
• On-site dining (restaurants, bars, or grab-and-go markets)
• Conference or meeting rooms for side meetings

If you need something specific (like large meeting spaces, connecting rooms, or accessibility features), call the property directly before booking to confirm.

Noise and Event Crowds

With GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena nearby, expect:

• Heavier crowds on game days, concert nights, and large convention days
• More foot traffic in hotel lobbies and restaurants
• Potential for stadium or street noise, depending on your room’s orientation

To reduce noise:

• Ask for a higher floor and a room away from elevators, ice machines, or major intersections.
• If you’re light-sensitive, pack or request blackout curtains or a sleep mask, as city lights can be bright.

Nearby Food, Entertainment, and Essentials

One advantage of staying near the Georgia World Congress Center is easy access to:

Dining & Quick Bites

In walking distance, you’ll find:

• Casual eateries and fast-casual spots for quick lunches between sessions
• Sit-down restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park and the Luckie-Marietta district
• Hotel restaurants and lobby bars that often become informal networking hubs during conventions

If you venture slightly farther:

• Midtown offers a broader mix of restaurants, bars, and cafes, accessible by MARTA or short rideshare.

Attractions Near GWCC

Between sessions, many visitors enjoy:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• College Football Hall of Fame
• World of Coca-Cola
• Georgia Aquarium
• State Farm Arena (NBA games, concerts)
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium (NFL, MLS, concerts, major events)

These are all within a reasonable walk of most hotels near the World Congress Center, which makes it easy to add some sightseeing to your trip.

Everyday Essentials

For basics like snacks, toiletries, and quick drinks:

• Many hotels offer small lobby markets or shops.
• Downtown also has convenience stores and small markets within a few blocks of major hotel clusters.

Practical Booking Tips for GWCC Visitors

1. Book Early for Big Events

When the GWCC hosts:

• National conferences
• Major trade shows
• Bowl games, championship events, or large concerts nearby

…rooms can sell out quickly, especially within walking distance. Booking early gives you better:

• Rates
• Selection of room types
• Choice of location

2. Check Cancellation and Change Policies

Schedules can shift, especially for:

• Business trips
• Event-related travel
• Weather-affected flights

Review:

• Cancellation deadlines
• Any change fees
• Whether you chose a refundable or nonrefundable rate

3. Verify Parking and Daily Fees

Near the World Congress Center, you may encounter:

• Daily parking charges (valet or self-park)
• Destination or facility fees at some hotels
• Taxes and surcharges common to major city centers

If you’re driving, ask:

• Whether the hotel offers in/out privileges
• Where the garage or lot is located
• Approximate overnight parking cost

4. Consider Group and Corporate Options

If you’re traveling with a team:

• Some properties near GWCC may offer group booking options or room blocks.
• Ask if meeting rooms or private spaces are available for debriefs or presentations.

Local Contact Points and Helpful Info

While specific hotel contact details vary, these official Atlanta resources can help you plan or troubleshoot your stay:

• Georgia World Congress Center Authority
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
  Main phone (switchboard-style numbers are often available through public directories; you can verify current contacts through the official GWCCA channels).

• ATL Airport General Information
  Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  The airport’s information desks and posted signage provide current guidance on MARTA access and ground transportation.

If you need assistance on-site:

• Hotel front desks and concierge staff near GWCC are very accustomed to helping convention visitors with directions, restaurant recommendations, and transportation options.
• MARTA station agents at key stations like GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points can help with fares, train directions, and route questions.

Staying near the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta is all about balancing distance, budget, and the kind of experience you want. Whether you choose a hotel directly across from the convention center, a Downtown spot within a short walk, or a Midtown hotel with easy rail access, planning ahead around these factors will make your time in Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable.