The Omni Atlanta: What To Know About Staying in the Heart of Downtown
If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, The Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park (often just called “The Omni Atlanta”) is one of the downtown landmarks you’ll hear about. It sits right next to some of the city’s biggest attractions and is a common choice for conferences, concerts, and weekend stays.
This guide walks through what the Omni Atlanta is like, where it is, who it tends to work best for, how to navigate parking and transit, and what to expect nearby—all with an Atlanta-focused point of view.
Where The Omni Atlanta Is and How to Get There
Address:
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
100 CNN Center
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main line): often listed as a downtown hotel number; check current details before calling in case of changes.
The location in the city
The Omni Atlanta is in downtown Atlanta, directly connected to the former CNN Center complex and across from Centennial Olympic Park. From the hotel, you’re within a short walk of:
- State Farm Arena
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Georgia World Congress Center
- College Football Hall of Fame
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- SkyView Atlanta (the big Ferris wheel)
For someone visiting, this is one of the densest clusters of major attractions in the city. For locals, it’s also a common spot for conventions, corporate events, and large banquets.
Getting there by MARTA, car, or rideshare
MARTA (Rail):
- Closest stations:
- Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (West Line)
- Peachtree Center Station (North–South Line)
- From Dome/GWCC: The station exits put you very close—walk toward the CNN Center/State Farm Arena side and follow signs; the hotel is connected to the complex.
- From Peachtree Center: Walk about 10–15 minutes via Peachtree Street and down Andrew Young International Blvd toward Centennial Olympic Park.
By car:
- Main access is from Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Marietta St NW, or Northside Dr NW.
- Downtown streets can be one-way and congested during events, so allow extra time if State Farm Arena or Mercedes-Benz Stadium has a game or concert.
Rideshare and taxis:
- Rideshares typically use designated pickup/drop-off zones around CNN Center/State Farm Arena or near the hotel drive. It’s common for drivers to ask which event you’re attending; specify “Omni Atlanta hotel entrance at CNN Center” to avoid confusion.
- On big event nights, pickup might be rerouted to surrounding streets due to traffic management.
What to Expect at The Omni Atlanta
The Omni Atlanta is a large, convention-oriented hotel with direct indoor access to parts of the Georgia World Congress Center complex. It tends to feel busiest during major trade shows, big sports weekends, and concerts.
Room types and general feel
Exact room types can vary, but you’ll typically see:
- Standard guest rooms with one king or two doubles
- Rooms with Centennial Olympic Park or city views
- Suites for more space, often used by business travelers or families
- Club/concierge-level rooms (subject to availability and any current brand setup)
The overall atmosphere leans toward:
- Professional on weekdays (conferences, meetings, business stays)
- Energetic and event-focused on weekends (sports, concerts, fan groups)
- Tourist-friendly year-round because of its direct access to downtown attractions
If you prefer a quiet, low-traffic environment, be aware that the Omni can feel very busy on large event weekends.
On-site amenities you’re likely to find
Amenities are subject to change, but large downtown hotels like the Omni Atlanta commonly include:
- Multiple on-site dining options (casual restaurants, lobby bar, possibly a coffee shop or grab-and-go market)
- Room service, though hours may vary
- Fitness center
- Pool (often seasonal or with specific hours)
- Meeting and event space (ballrooms, breakout rooms, boardrooms)
- Business services (printing, copies, shipping assistance)
- Concierge or front desk assistance for directions and local guidance
For the most current details on restaurants, pool hours, and amenities, it’s wise to call the front desk before you arrive, especially if a specific feature (like a pool) is important to your stay.
Parking, Fees, and Getting Around Once You’re There
Parking and mobility are major concerns in downtown Atlanta, especially during big events.
Parking at or near The Omni Atlanta
Policies and prices can change, but guests typically encounter:
- Valet parking at the hotel
- Nearby garages and surface lots around CNN Center, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center
- Event pricing on game days, concerts, and conventions, which may be higher than usual
Things to keep in mind:
- 💡 Event nights fill quickly. If there’s a Falcons game, Hawks game, major concert, or a big convention, arrive earlier than you think you need to.
- 💡 Pay attention to overnight versus event parking. Many lots advertise event-only rates that may not allow overnight parking without extra fees.
- 💡 Some locals choose to park at a MARTA station with long-term parking and ride the train downtown to avoid event congestion.
Getting around from the hotel without a car
Once you’re at the Omni Atlanta, you can get around much of downtown on foot:
- Walk to Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, College Football Hall of Fame, and SkyView in just a few minutes.
- State Farm Arena is next door; Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a short walk through the Georgia World Congress Center campus.
- To visit Midtown (for places like the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, or the High Museum of Art), you can:
- Take MARTA north from Dome/GWCC or Peachtree Center to North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center stations.
- Use rideshare; traffic on the Connector (I‑75/85) can be heavy at rush hour.
Who The Omni Atlanta Works Best For
The Omni Atlanta’s central location and large size make it a strong fit for some types of visitors and less ideal for others.
Good fit
- Conference and convention attendees
- If your event is at the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, or in the CNN Center complex, the Omni is one of the most convenient options.
- Sports and concert fans
- For events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena, it’s one of the closest full-service hotels, allowing you to walk instead of dealing with post-event traffic.
- First-time visitors to Atlanta
- If you want to hit the major downtown attractions without renting a car, the Omni’s walkability plus MARTA access is a big advantage.
- Families focused on attractions
- Being able to walk to the aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and SkyView can simplify logistics with kids, as long as you’re comfortable with the bustle of downtown.
Might not be ideal
- Travelers seeking a quiet, neighborhood feel
- Downtown can feel busy, with sirens, event traffic, and nighttime activity. For a more residential vibe, areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or parts of Midtown often feel different.
- Visitors whose plans are mostly in Buckhead or far suburbs
- If most of your activities are in Buckhead, Perimeter, or Alpharetta, you may spend a lot of time in transit from a downtown base.
Nearby Attractions and Walking Distance from The Omni
Here’s a simple overview of what’s around the Omni and how long it typically takes to walk there.
| Attraction | Approx. Walk Time from Omni Atlanta | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial Olympic Park | 1–3 minutes | Directly across; green space and fountains |
| State Farm Arena | 3–5 minutes | Connected via CNN Center |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 8–12 minutes | Through GWCC campus |
| Georgia World Congress Center | 3–10 minutes | Varies by building (A/B/C halls) |
| College Football Hall of Fame | 3–5 minutes | Along Marietta St / Centennial Olympic Park Dr |
| World of Coca-Cola | 5–7 minutes | Across the park |
| Georgia Aquarium | 7–10 minutes | Slight uphill walk from the hotel |
| SkyView Atlanta (Ferris Wheel) | 7–10 minutes | On Luckie St |
These times are estimates and assume average walking speed with normal crowds.
Safety, Noise, and Practical Tips for Downtown Atlanta
Like many major downtowns, the area around the Omni Atlanta is busy and highly trafficked, especially during events. Being prepared makes the experience smoother.
Safety awareness
- Stay on main, well-lit streets—Marietta St, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, and the paths through the park are heavily used by visitors.
- At night, many visitors prefer to walk in groups or use rideshare for longer distances.
- Downtown security presence is routine around major venues, with event staff and law enforcement visible during big events.
Noise and crowds
- Expect higher noise levels on:
- Falcons, United, or big college game days
- Hawks games and major concerts
- Large convention weeks
- If you’re sensitive to noise, you can:
- Bring earplugs or a white-noise app.
- Ask (when booking or at check-in) whether higher floors or rooms away from the street are available, understanding that requests depend on availability.
Weather considerations
Atlanta’s weather can swing quickly:
- Summer: Hot and humid; short walks between the Omni and nearby attractions can feel intense mid-day. Many locals plan outdoor walking for morning or evening and stay indoors mid-afternoon.
- Winter: Usually mild, but cold snaps and rainy days happen. Check the forecast if you plan to walk to the stadium or around the park.
Using The Omni Atlanta as a Base for Exploring the City
Even if your main reason for staying at the Omni is a conference or game, you can easily branch out into other parts of Atlanta.
Quick side trips from downtown
From Omni Atlanta, you can:
- Visit Midtown:
- Take MARTA north to North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center for:
- Fox Theatre
- Piedmont Park
- High Museum of Art
- Midtown dining and bars
- Take MARTA north to North Avenue, Midtown, or Arts Center for:
- Check out the BeltLine:
- Use rideshare to Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, then walk the Eastside Trail.
- Explore historic neighborhoods:
- Short rideshare trips take you to Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Grant Park (home to Zoo Atlanta).
Balancing a work trip with sightseeing
If you’re in Atlanta for a meeting at the Georgia World Congress Center or CNN complex, you can still:
- Walk to the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola after your conference day.
- Ride MARTA a few stops north to grab dinner in Midtown.
- Take an evening stroll or ride on SkyView Atlanta for downtown skyline views.
Tips for Locals Using The Omni Atlanta
Even if you live in metro Atlanta, you might interact with the Omni in a few ways:
- Staycation spot: Some locals book the Omni for a Centennial Park weekend, especially if they’re bringing kids to the aquarium or to a downtown event and prefer not to drive home late.
- Conference or gala venue: Many corporate and nonprofit events hold banquets, balls, or conferences at the Omni. If you’re attending:
- Confirm which ballroom or tower your event is in.
- Ask organizers whether there’s a special parking arrangement or discount code.
- Meeting point for out-of-town visitors: The Omni’s lobby or restaurants can be a convenient place to meet friends or colleagues coming in from other states for conventions.
Key Takeaways About The Omni Atlanta
- The Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park is a large, full-service hotel in the heart of downtown Atlanta, attached to the former CNN Center and close to major attractions and venues.
- It’s particularly convenient for conferences, sports events, concerts, and first-time visitors wanting walkable access to top sights like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
- MARTA access, walkability, and proximity to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center are its biggest location advantages.
- Event nights can bring crowds, traffic, and higher parking demand, so planning ahead for transportation and timing is essential.
- For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the Omni can serve as a central hub—whether for a business meeting, a weekend of attractions, or a night downtown after a big game or concert.
