Cheap Hotels Near State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA: A Local Guide to Staying Close on a Budget

If you’re heading to State Farm Arena in Downtown Atlanta for a concert, Hawks game, or special event, staying nearby can save you time, parking stress, and late-night driving. The good news: you can often find cheap hotels near State Farm Arena if you know where to look, when to book, and which nearby neighborhoods to consider.

This guide focuses on budget-friendly places to stay within a short walk or quick ride of State Farm Arena and gives you practical tips that work specifically for Atlanta.

Understanding the Area Around State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena is located at:
1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

It sits right in downtown Atlanta, next to:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center area
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia World Congress Center

Because this is a major entertainment and business zone, hotel prices can spike during:

• Big concerts and playoff games
• Falcons and Atlanta United matches next door at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center

If you’re hunting for cheap hotels near State Farm Arena, keep in mind:

• Walking distance generally means within about 0.5–0.8 miles.
• Cheaper nightly rates often appear a few blocks further away or in nearby neighborhoods like Castleberry Hill or Midtown (via MARTA).
• Prices change quickly around big events, so flexibility matters.

Key Budget-Friendly Areas Near State Farm Arena

Instead of chasing a single “perfect” hotel, it helps to think in terms of areas that balance price, safety, and convenience.

1. Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center Area

Distance to State Farm Arena: Often 2–10 minute walk, depending on the property.

This is one of the closest and most convenient spots. Hotels here are technically “downtown” but sit around Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center.

What to expect:

• Typically higher base prices, but you can sometimes find deals, especially on weeknights and off-peak dates.
• Easy walk to the arena, park, and attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola.
• Good choice if you want to avoid rideshares late at night.

Budget tip:
Look for standard rooms and avoid packages that bundle attractions or breakfast if you’re mainly focused on price. You can often eat cheaper at fast-casual spots nearby.

2. Castleberry Hill & South Downtown

Distance to State Farm Arena: About 0.5–1 mile (often walkable or a short ride).

Castleberry Hill sits just southwest of the arena and is known for its lofts, murals, and a more local, artsy vibe. South Downtown is directly south of the main business core.

What to expect:

• Sometimes lower nightly rates compared with staying right at the park.
• Mix of small hotels, loft-style stays, and more basic options.
• A more “neighborhood” feel compared to the tourist-heavy blocks near Centennial Olympic Park.

Budget tip:
If you’re comfortable with a 10–15 minute walk, this area can offer better value, especially if you don’t need luxury amenities.

3. General Downtown Core (Within 1 Mile)

Beyond the arena’s immediate surroundings, downtown Atlanta spreads out toward Peachtree Street, Five Points, and the Fairlie-Poplar district.

Distance to State Farm Arena: 0.4–1 mile, often walkable or a 5-minute ride.

What to expect:

• A wide range of 2–3 star properties, including older business hotels that can be cheaper on weekends when business travel slows down.
• Convenience to MARTA rail stations like Five Points and Peachtree Center, which can help you move around the city cheaply.
• More variety in food options, from quick bites to late-night spots.

Budget tip:
Some older downtown buildings house no-frills hotels that charge less but may have fewer amenities. If you just need a clean place to sleep after a game or show, they can be solid options.

4. Midtown (One MARTA Stop Away)

Midtown is technically not “next door,” but it can still be practical for a cheap stay close to State Farm Arena.

• Ride MARTA from Midtown Station to GWCC/CNN Center Station (or Five Points and walk).
• Travel time is usually under 15 minutes, train to arena.

What to expect:

• A mix of budget and mid-range hotels around Peachtree Street NE and 10th/14th Streets.
• Often competitive prices on weekends when business travelers leave.
• Access to Atlanta’s Midtown nightlife, restaurants, and Piedmont Park.

Budget tip:
If downtown prices are inflated by a big event, Midtown + MARTA can be significantly cheaper while still keeping you close.

At-a-Glance: Cheap-Stay Strategies Near State Farm Arena

Below is a quick overview of common approaches, not specific brands:

💡 Quick takeaway: If you must be within a 5–10 minute walk, expect to pay more. For cheaper hotels near State Farm Arena, check slightly south (Castleberry Hill, South Downtown) or use MARTA from Midtown.

How to Find the Cheapest Rates Near State Farm Arena

Prices around major Atlanta venues move quickly. Here’s how locals and frequent visitors often save money:

1. Avoid Peak Event Times When Possible

Prices jump when:

• Major artists perform at State Farm Arena
• The Atlanta Hawks or college tournaments are in high demand
• Conventions are filling the Georgia World Congress Center

If your schedule is flexible:

• Midweek non-event nights can be significantly cheaper.
• Sunday nights are often lower than Friday and Saturday.

2. Compare Walkable vs. Short Ride Options

If you’re searching online, try two approaches:

1. “Near State Farm Arena” within 0.5 miles – to see true walking-distance options.
2. “Downtown Atlanta hotels” within 1–2 miles – to catch cheaper properties that just require a quick rideshare or short MARTA ride.

Often the extra 5–10 minutes of travel can save a noticeable amount per night.

3. Use MARTA to Expand Your Radius

Atlanta’s rail system, MARTA, is very useful for events downtown:

• Nearest station to State Farm Arena:
  GWCC/CNN Center Station (direct access to the arena area).

• Other nearby stations:

  • Five Points Station (about 10-minute walk to the arena)
  • Peachtree Center Station (walk or connect to street-level options)

By staying at a hotel near a MARTA station—even if it’s in Midtown or slightly outside the core—you can often:

• Pay less per night
• Avoid expensive downtown parking
• Ride the train directly to the arena area and walk in

4. Watch Out for Extra Fees

When you’re comparing “cheap” hotels, look carefully at:

• Parking costs (downtown garages can be substantial)
• Resort or destination fees
• Taxes and surcharges

A hotel that looks cheaper at first can end up more expensive once you factor in parking + fees, especially around State Farm Arena and the central business district.

Safety and Getting Around Late at Night

Many people leaving State Farm Arena are walking back to their hotels or catching transit in the evening.

Here are practical, Atlanta-specific tips:

• Stick to main streets like Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Marietta Street, and around the park when walking.
• If your hotel is a bit farther (Castleberry Hill or deeper downtown), consider riding MARTA or using a rideshare after dark rather than walking long, isolated stretches.
• If you’re using MARTA:
  • The GWCC/CNN Center Station is usually busy around event times.
  • Trains often align more closely with event schedules in the evening, but check current hours and frequency.

Balancing “Cheap” With Comfort and Convenience

When people say “cheap hotels near State Farm Arena Atlanta GA,” they often mean different things:

• Some want the absolute lowest nightly rate, even if it means an older property with few frills.
• Others want a moderately priced, reliable chain within walking distance.

To find the right fit for you:

1. Decide your true priority:

   • Is it lowest possible price?
   • Or safe, easy walk to the arena even if you pay a little more?

2. Set a budget range (for example, “I’d like to stay under a certain amount per night”).

3. Look just outside the tightest radius around the arena—

   • Often 0.7–1 mile away is where the best balance of price and quality appears.

4. Check recent guest feedback for:

   • Cleanliness
   • Noise (especially on weekends and event nights)
   • How people felt about walking to and from the hotel at night

Practical Local Tips for Saving on Your Stay

• Book early for big events. Once tour dates or playoff games are announced, prices can climb quickly around State Farm Arena.
• Check both weekend and weekday dates. In Atlanta, some business-oriented hotels are cheaper Friday–Sunday, while others spike on event Saturdays.
• Consider sharing rides. Even if your hotel is slightly cheaper but farther, splitting a rideshare to and from the arena can keep overall costs down.
• Eat outside the tight tourist zone. Grabbing meals a few blocks away or in Castleberry Hill, Midtown, or along the MARTA line can stretch your budget without adding much travel time.

If you’re focused on cheap hotels near State Farm Arena in Atlanta, start by mapping out the downtown core, Centennial Olympic Park area, Castleberry Hill, and the MARTA-connected parts of Midtown. From there, compare total trip costs—including parking, transit, and fees—rather than just the headline nightly rate. That’s usually how Atlanta visitors and locals alike land on the best-value stay for games, concerts, and events at State Farm Arena.