You’re walking through Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia sun is doing its thing, and suddenly you see it—the massive, glass-clad towers that basically define the downtown skyline. That’s the Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center. It’s a bit of a landmark. Honestly, if you’ve ever watched a major news broadcast or a sports highlight reel coming out of Atlanta, you’ve probably seen the building without even realizing it. But here’s the thing: it’s currently undergoing some of the most significant changes in its history, and if you haven't been there in the last year, it's not quite the same place you remember.
It's huge.
With over 1,000 rooms split between two massive towers—the North Tower and the South Tower—this place is a beast. It’s the kind of hotel where you can actually get lost trying to find the pool, but that’s sort of part of the charm. It was built to handle the chaos of the 1996 Olympics and the 24/7 grind of a global news network. Now that CNN has mostly moved its primary operations to the Techwood campus, the "CNN Center" part of the name is becoming more of a historical marker than a literal description of what’s happening inside the glass.
The Reality of the CNN Center Evolution
People keep asking: "Is the CNN sign still there?" Yes, for now. But the vibe is shifting. When CP Group and Rialto Capital bought the CNN Center, they kicked off a massive reimagining of the space. For guests at the Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center, this means you’re staying in the middle of a transition. The food court—which was once the holy grail of quick bites for tourists—is evolving.
While the news anchors might be gone, the physical connection to the State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) remains the hotel's "secret sauce." You can literally walk from your hotel room to a Hawks game or a massive tech convention without ever stepping outside into the humidity or the rain. That’s a luxury you don’t fully appreciate until you see a line of people shivering outside in January while you're strolling through a climate-controlled skywalk with a coffee in your hand.
Which Tower Should You Actually Pick?
This is where people usually mess up their booking. The North Tower and the South Tower offer pretty different experiences. The North Tower is the "classic" Omni experience. It’s closer to the main lobby and the immediate action of the atrium. If you want those iconic views of Centennial Olympic Park where you can watch the Ferris wheel spin at night, you usually want to aim for the higher floors here.
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The South Tower feels a bit more secluded. It’s often preferred by business travelers who are in town for something at the GWCC because the walk is just a hair shorter. Honestly, the rooms in both have been updated with that sophisticated, dark-wood-and-navy-blue "Omni look," but the North Tower is where the energy is.
Eating Your Way Around the Atrium
Let’s talk about food because hotel food is usually overpriced and boring. The Omni tries to break that mold with Top Draft. It’s a sports lounge that actually feels like a sports lounge, not just a lobby bar with a TV. They have an open-air terrace that overlooks the park. If there’s a game happening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium nearby, the energy in here is electric.
Then there’s New South Kitchen. It’s your standard upscale Southern breakfast spot. Is it the best fried chicken in Atlanta? No, you’d have to go to Mary Mac’s Tea Room or a hole-in-the-wall in Decatur for that. But for a hotel breakfast, the "Art of Breakfast" buffet is actually legit. They do these individual honeycombs and local preserves that make you feel like you're not just in another corporate chain.
- Vibe Check: Top Draft for a beer and a view.
- The Morning After: New South Kitchen for the biscuit bar.
- The Quick Fix: Centennial Market is right there for grab-and-go stuff, though it's pricey.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong About the Location
Most people think staying at the Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center means they are "downtown," and while that’s geographically true, Atlanta’s "downtown" isn't like New York’s or Chicago’s. It’s a district built for events. If you stay here on a Tuesday when no conventions are in town and the Hawks aren't playing, it can feel a bit quiet.
However, if you are here for a concert at State Farm Arena or a Falcons game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, you are in the literal epicenter. You can see the stadium’s "pinwheel" roof from the hotel. It’s a 10-minute walk. You save $50 on Uber surges alone.
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One thing to keep in mind: the area around the hotel is very "touristy." You have the World of Coca-Cola, the Georgia Aquarium, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights all within a five-block radius. It’s perfect for families. If you’re looking for the trendy, "local" Atlanta—the BeltLine, the street art in Cabbagetown, or the high-end dining in Buckhead—you’re going to be taking an Uber or the MARTA.
Navigating the Logistics: Parking and MARTA
Parking is the bane of everyone's existence in downtown Atlanta. Valet at the Omni is expensive. We're talking $50+ a night. If you’re driving a massive SUV, the tight turns of the parking decks in this area are a nightmare.
Pro Tip: Take the MARTA. The GWCC/CNN Center station (Blue/Green line) drops you right at the doorstep. If you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson, it’s a straight shot. No traffic. No $60 parking fee. Just a $2.50 train ride. It’s the smartest way to get to the Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center, hands down.
The Nuance of the "CNN Center" Name
There’s been some confusion lately because CNN moved its signage and the big red letters are gone from the exterior of the main building. Some travelers worry the hotel is closing or under construction. It’s not. The Omni is a separate entity that happens to be integrated into that complex. While the retail and office space around it is being rebranded as "The Center," the hotel remains the anchor. It’s actually a great time to stay because the hotel has been keeping its standards high to compete with the new Signia by Hilton that just opened nearby.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
The Omni isn't a budget hotel. You're paying for the location. If you find a rate under $250, you're doing well. During Dragon Con or a major SEC game, those prices can triple.
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What you get for that money is a level of security and convenience that’s hard to beat. The staff here is used to handling high-pressure situations—celebrities, politicians, and thousands of screaming sports fans. They don't rattle easily. The rooms are thick-walled and quiet, which is a miracle considering there’s a literal stadium next door.
The pool deck is another highlight. It’s heated and located on the rooftop of the South Tower. It offers a view of the skyline that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. It’s not a "party pool" like you’d find in Vegas; it’s more of a "chill out after a 10-hour convention" kind of pool.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you're planning a trip to the Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center, don't just wing it. Downtown Atlanta rewards the prepared.
- Check the Stadium Schedule: Before you book, look at the schedules for Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. If there’s a Taylor Swift-level concert or a playoff game, the lobby will be a zoo. If you want peace and quiet, pick dates when the "Benz" is dark.
- Request the North Tower, High Floor: Specifically ask for a park view. Looking out over Centennial Olympic Park at sunset is worth the extra few dollars or the polite request at check-in.
- Download the MARTA On The Go App: Don't bother with a rental car unless you're planning to drive to the North Georgia mountains. The train is faster and the station is literally inside the building complex.
- Join Omni Select Guest: It’s their loyalty program. Even at the basic tier, you often get perks like free Wi-Fi (which they still charge for otherwise) and morning beverage delivery to your room.
- Walk to Castleberry Hill: If you want "cool" Atlanta without a long Uber ride, walk about 15 minutes south to Castleberry Hill. It’s a historic loft district with great art galleries and spots like Elliott Street Deli & Pub. It’s the perfect antidote to the corporate feel of the CNN Center.
The Omni Hotel Atlanta at CNN Center is a massive, complex machine. It’s transitioning from the "News Capital" to a more modern, entertainment-focused hub. It’s big, it’s busy, and it’s right in the thick of it. If you want to be where the action is, there isn't a better lobby to stand in.