If you’re heading to State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta for a Hawks game, big-name concert, or special event, staying nearby can make the experience much easier. You can skip the long drives, avoid stressful parking, and walk back to your room in minutes.
This guide breaks down the best areas and types of hotels near State Farm Arena, what they’re like, and how to choose the right one for your trip to Atlanta.
State Farm Arena is located at 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and CNN Center.
Here’s a simple snapshot of nearby hotel areas:
| Area / Neighborhood | Walking Distance to Arena | Vibe & Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CNN Center / Centennial Park | 1–10 minutes | Closest hotels, event-goers, families, tourists |
| Downtown (Peachtree corridor) | 10–20 minutes | Business travelers, convention visitors, MARTA access |
| Fairlie-Poplar / Historic core | 10–15 minutes | More character, walkable, budget-conscious |
| Midtown (via MARTA) | 10–15 minutes by train | Nightlife, dining, longer stays, arts & culture |
| Airport area (ATL) | 15–20 minutes by train/car | Budget options, late-night flights, quick stays |
If your top priority is walking to State Farm Arena, focus on Downtown hotels near Centennial Olympic Park and along Marietta St NW / Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW / Andrew Young International Blvd.
When people search “hotels in Atlanta near State Farm Arena,” they often mean different things:
If you want to walk to the arena, look for hotels:
If you’re comfortable using MARTA, you can expand your search to Midtown and the Hartsfield–Jackson airport area, which are both on the North–South (Red/Gold) Line and connect easily to the Blue/Green Line that serves the arena.
This cluster is the prime zone if you want to walk to State Farm Arena in just a few minutes. The area is also next to major attractions like:
Typical features of hotels in this pocket:
If you want to avoid walking through quieter streets late at night, staying near Centennial Olympic Park or the CNN Center generally keeps you closer to well-trafficked routes back from the arena.
A second cluster sits a bit deeper into Downtown Atlanta along Peachtree St NE/NW and surrounding blocks.
Good for:
During big events, room rates closest to the arena can jump. Looking a few blocks deeper into downtown sometimes gives slightly better pricing while staying reasonably close.
If you don’t mind a short train ride or rideshare, Midtown Atlanta is another popular base.
Midtown is along the Red/Gold MARTA Line, with major stations like Midtown Station and Arts Center Station.
From Midtown, you can:
Travel time on the train is generally around 10–15 minutes, not counting walking.
Why stay in Midtown?
You’ll trade a short walk to the arena for a short train ride, but gain a different neighborhood feel.
If you’re flying in and out of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and only plan to be in town briefly, the airport hotel cluster might make sense.
Total train time is typically 15–25 minutes, depending on waits and transfers.
Pros of airport-area hotels:
Trade-offs:
If your priority is minimizing overall hassle and you’re in and out of Atlanta quickly, this can be a practical choice.
From most Downtown and Centennial Park hotels, walking is straightforward. General tips:
State Farm Arena is served by:
For most visitors:
If you stay in Midtown or near Peachtree Center, this is often the easiest way to reach the arena without driving.
If you decide to drive:
Common local advice:
In Atlanta, hotels closest to major venues like State Farm Arena often:
If you’re price-sensitive:
Like every major city, Atlanta’s downtown has pockets that feel more or less active late at night.
Common local patterns:
If you want a full evening out before or after an event:
It’s common for visitors to combine a State Farm Arena event with:
If you’re planning this kind of trip:
Choosing your hotel based on your full itinerary, not just the arena, can save transit time.
Here are some Atlanta-specific strategies to keep in mind:
Check the Atlanta event calendar
On certain weekends, multiple big events (Hawks game, stadium event, downtown convention) can happen at once, pushing room rates up and reducing availability.
Look for hotels near MARTA stations
Names to look for on maps:
Factor in parking costs
Many downtown and Midtown hotels charge daily parking fees, sometimes comparable to a budget hotel’s nightly rate. If you’re renting a car, compare:
Arrive early on event days
Whether you’re walking, taking MARTA, or driving, it’s easier if you:
Consider noise and crowds
Hotels closest to the arena area can feel more crowded on big event nights, especially in lobbies and nearby streets. If you prefer quieter evenings, a bit of distance (or a different neighborhood) may be worth it.
With a bit of planning around location, transit, and events happening in Atlanta, you can find a hotel that fits your style while staying comfortably close to State Farm Arena.
