Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center: What Atlantans and Visitors Should Know
The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center in Cobb County is one of the key full-service hotels on Atlanta’s northwest side, especially known for its convention space and direct access to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park. If you live in metro Atlanta, are visiting for a Braves game, or are planning a conference, this guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into the Atlanta area, and practical tips for using it as your home base.
Where the Renaissance Waverly Fits in Metro Atlanta
The Renaissance Waverly is located in the Cumberland/Galleria area, just outside the Atlanta city limits but still very much part of the Atlanta experience for work, events, and entertainment.
- Approximate address: near Cobb Galleria Parkway and Interstate 285
- Area: Cumberland / Galleria / The Battery Atlanta
- Distance from Downtown Atlanta: usually 15–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic
- Nearby landmarks:
- Truist Park (Atlanta Braves)
- The Battery Atlanta (dining, shopping, entertainment)
- Cobb Galleria Centre
- Cumberland Mall
For many people, especially business travelers and Braves fans, the Waverly is the main “convention hotel” for the northwest side of Atlanta.
Why Someone in Atlanta Might Choose the Renaissance Waverly
1. Business and Conventions
If you work for a company with offices in Cumberland, Windy Hill, or the I-75/I-285 corridor, this hotel often serves as a central meeting point.
Common uses for Atlantans and visitors:
- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Regional trade shows associated with Cobb Galleria Centre
- Professional association events
- Training sessions or multi-day seminars
Because the hotel is designed around large meeting spaces, it’s a practical choice if you’re organizing an event and expect a lot of out‑of‑town guests who want to stay in the same place.
2. Braves Games and The Battery Atlanta
The hotel is a frequent pick for people who want to be close to Truist Park without driving back and forth across the city.
From the Waverly, you can typically:
- Walk to The Battery Atlanta through a network of sidewalks and pedestrian connections
- Skip stadium parking if you’re comfortable with a longer walk and possible crowds on game days
- Enjoy pre‑ or post‑game dining at The Battery, then head back to the hotel without getting back on the highway
For Atlanta residents who don’t want to drive home late after a night game or concert, the Waverly can function as a convenient overnight option.
Layout, Rooms, and What to Expect Inside
While specific décor and room configurations may change over time, guests generally find:
- Standard guest rooms with typical full-service hotel amenities
- Suites that work well for families, bridal parties, or small hospitality gatherings
- On‑site dining options, which may include a restaurant, bar, and grab‑and‑go area
- Fitness center and indoor pool, useful in Atlanta’s hot summers and mild winters
- Large atrium-style public spaces, common in convention-focused hotels
If you’re local and hosting relatives or planning a wedding near Vinings, Smyrna, or East Cobb, this hotel can act as:
- A room block hub for guests
- A place to gather for brunch or an informal meetup
- A staging area close to both Cumberland-area venues and I‑285/I‑75 for access across the metro
Event and Meeting Space at the Waverly
The Renaissance Waverly is well known for its substantial meeting and ballroom space alongside the nearby Cobb Galleria Centre.
Types of events commonly held here:
- Corporate conventions and product expos
- Professional conferences and continuing-education gatherings
- Weddings and large social events
- High school or college banquets and formals
- Nonprofit fundraisers
If you’re comparing options around Atlanta, the Waverly competes most directly with:
- Downtown convention hotels (around Peachtree Center and Georgia World Congress Center)
- Mid‑size event spaces in Perimeter Center or Buckhead
For people based in Cobb County or northwest Atlanta, the Waverly’s advantage is that guests can avoid downtown traffic and parking, while still having access to a major convention-style property.
Getting To and From the Renaissance Waverly
Driving and Parking
The hotel sits near the I‑285 and I‑75 interchange, often called “the Perimeter” and “the Cobb Cloverleaf.” This area is a major traffic node.
Typical drive times from major Atlanta spots (outside heavy rush hour):
| Starting Point | Approx. Time by Car | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Atlanta | 15–25 minutes | Via I‑75 North |
| Midtown Atlanta | 15–25 minutes | Via I‑75 North |
| Buckhead | 15–25 minutes | Often via I‑75 North or surface streets |
| Hartsfield–Jackson ATL | 25–40 minutes | Via I‑75/85 North to I‑75 North & I‑285 |
On weekday mornings and evenings, expect longer times, especially on I‑285 and I‑75.
Parking is typically on-site, and many guests choose to park and then walk or use rideshare rather than moving the car during peak times.
MARTA and Public Transit
The Renaissance Waverly is not directly on a MARTA rail line, which is important if you’re planning to rely on public transit.
Common transit approaches:
- Take MARTA rail to Arts Center Station or Midtown Station, then use:
- CobbLinc bus service toward Cumberland
- Rideshare for the last several miles
- If you’re coming from the airport and prefer rail, ride MARTA to Arts Center or Civic Center, then transfer to a rideshare or a prearranged shuttle.
Public transit is possible, but for most visitors, rideshare or car travel is more straightforward.
Nearby Amenities and What’s Around
One of the Waverly’s strengths is its surrounding area. Within a short walk or quick drive, you’ll find:
The Battery Atlanta
A mixed-use development connected to Truist Park, featuring:
- Restaurants ranging from casual to upscale
- Bars and breweries
- Retail shops and services
- Concerts, live entertainment, and seasonal events
For locals, you can:
- Book a room at the Waverly for a “staycation” and make The Battery your weekend playground
- Use it as a convenient home base during festivals, playoff games, or big concert nights
Cobb Galleria Centre
Right next door, Cobb Galleria Centre hosts:
- Consumer expos (home shows, bridal shows, hobby events)
- Trade shows and industry conferences
- Community and cultural events
If you’re attending an expo or tradeshow there, the Waverly is often the closest full-service lodging option.
Shopping and Dining Nearby
Just across Cobb Parkway you’ll typically find:
- Cumberland Mall
- National restaurant chains
- Smaller fast-casual spots and coffee shops
- Everyday services (pharmacies, banks, etc.)
For Atlantans who live farther out in the suburbs, this makes the Waverly a handy central meetup spot where everyone can find something to eat or do.
Who the Renaissance Waverly Works Best For
The hotel tends to be a good fit for:
- Business travelers with meetings along the I‑75 corridor, Cobb Galleria, or at The Battery
- Conference and trade show attendees who want to stay where the events are taking place
- Braves fans and concertgoers looking to avoid late-night drives across metro Atlanta
- Locals hosting events (weddings, reunions, association meetings) who want a convenient northwest Atlanta location
- Visiting family who need a central hub between different Atlanta suburbs, especially Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and North Fulton
It may be less ideal if:
- You want to rely solely on MARTA rail and avoid rideshares or driving
- Your main plans are concentrated in Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, or the airport area, where a downtown or airport hotel might be more convenient
Practical Tips for Using the Waverly as Your Atlanta Base
Here are some Atlanta-specific tips to make a stay or event smoother:
Plan around traffic.
- Avoid driving toward I‑285 East or I‑75 South during peak rush hour if you can.
- If you need to reach Downtown or Midtown, consider leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Consider walking routes to The Battery.
- Before game day or a concert, familiarize yourself with pedestrian paths and bridges.
- On high-attendance days, allow extra time for security lines and foot traffic.
If you’re local and hosting guests, coordinate meeting points.
- Decide whether your group will gather in the lobby, restaurant, or The Battery before events.
- Share parking or rideshare plans with out-of-town guests unfamiliar with Atlanta traffic patterns.
Use it as a hub for exploring northwest Atlanta.
- From the Waverly, it’s relatively easy to reach Marietta Square, Vinings Jubilee, or Smyrna Market Village for more local-feeling dining and shopping.
Check accessibility and special accommodations in advance.
- If accessibility, early check-in, or late checkout is essential, contacting the hotel in advance can help align expectations, especially on game days or major convention dates.
Key Takeaways for Atlantans and Visitors
- The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center is a major northwest Atlanta convention hotel connected to the Cumberland/Galleria and The Battery/Truist Park area.
- It’s especially useful if you’re:
- Attending or hosting a conference in Cobb County
- Looking for easy access to Braves games or events at The Battery
- Wanting a full-service hotel without staying in Downtown or Midtown
- It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with car or rideshare transportation, given the limited direct rail access.
For anyone planning a trip to Atlanta focused on the northwest side, or for locals arranging a large event in Cobb County, the Renaissance Waverly is one of the area’s primary, convention-style lodging and meeting options.
