The Georgia World Congress Center Authority has landed on a hotel brand, announcing Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been selected as its headquarters hotel operator.

"We are thrilled to welcome another Hilton property to Atlanta's extensive hotel portfolio," said Mark Vaughan, executive vice president and chief sales officer, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The new property adds to Downtown's growing convention and entertainment district, creating more options for guests visiting the destination for events and meetings."

In September, the GWCCA narrowed its search to Hilton and Hyatt Hotels Corporation, eliminating Marriott International and InterContinental Hotels Group, who were shortlisted from an original list of six contenders.

“We are humbled by the overwhelming interest in the headquarters hotel project. While the final two competing brands were both fantastic, our Board felt strongly that Hilton stood out, bringing to the table a partnership that will result in a one-of-a-kind guest experience,” said Frank Poe, executive director of GWCCA. “Our attention is now focused on finalizing the qualified management agreement, a room block agreement, and entering the design development phase to include brand influences.”

The planned hotel, which will sit on part of the former Georgia Dome site, will be owned by the GWCCA and be physically connected to Building C of the Georgia World Congress Center. Groundbreaking on the project is expected in 2019