Atlanta Hotels Near State Farm Arena: Best Places to Stay Downtown
Looking for Atlanta hotels near State Farm Arena for a concert, Hawks game, or special event? The good news is that State Farm Arena sits right in Downtown Atlanta, surrounded by hotels in easy walking distance, plus more options a short MARTA ride or quick drive away.
State Farm Arena’s address is:
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive
Atlanta, GA 30303
Below is a practical guide to the closest hotels, how to choose the right area, and what to expect when staying near the arena.
Quick Overview: Where to Stay Near State Farm Arena
Most visitors who want to be close to State Farm Arena stay in one of three nearby areas:
- Downtown Atlanta (Walkable to Arena) – Best for walking to games and concerts.
- Centennial Park / CNN Center Area – Great for combining events with sightseeing.
- Midtown (Short MARTA Ride) – More neighborhood feel, still convenient.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Area | Distance to Arena | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (immediate area) | 2–10 minute walk | Being steps from events, minimal transit |
| Centennial Olympic Park | 5–15 minute walk | Families, attractions, walkability |
| Midtown | 10–15 min by MARTA or car | Restaurants, nightlife, more local feel |
| Airport area | 15–20 min by MARTA or car | Early/late flights, budget-conscious stays |
Hotels Within a Short Walk of State Farm Arena
If your top priority is walking to and from State Farm Arena, focus on hotels in the core of Downtown Atlanta. You can generally walk to the arena using sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and the network of streets around Marietta St NW, Andrew Young International Blvd NW, and Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW.
Specific names and details change over time, but you’ll typically find:
- Large full-service hotels around Peachtree Street NW, Marriott Marquis / Hyatt-type high-rises, and nearby blocks.
- Business and convention hotels near the Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park.
- Boutique or smaller hotels scattered along Baker St NW, Luckie St NW, and cross streets.
When searching, use filters like:
“Downtown Atlanta hotel near State Farm Arena / CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park”
These landmarks usually indicate a 10–15 minute walk or less.
What “Walkable” Really Means in Atlanta
Walking around Downtown Atlanta to the arena typically involves:
- Well-used sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Busy foot traffic on event nights, especially around tip-off or showtime.
- Some hills and overpasses, so build in a few extra minutes if you have mobility concerns.
If you’re attending a late-night concert, many locals prefer to:
- Walk in groups when leaving the venue.
- Use Rideshare pick-up zones or MARTA if their hotel is farther out.
- Stick to main, well-lit streets like Marietta St, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, and Peachtree St.
Hotels Near Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center
Staying near Centennial Olympic Park is a popular strategy if you want a balance of attractions and arena access.
From this area, you can usually walk to State Farm Arena in about 5–15 minutes, depending on your exact hotel location.
Nearby attractions include:
- World of Coca-Cola
- Georgia Aquarium
- College Football Hall of Fame
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
This area works especially well if you:
- Are visiting with kids or family and want daytime activities.
- Prefer parks and open spaces instead of only tall buildings.
- Don’t mind a slightly longer walk to the arena in exchange for more sightseeing options.
Midtown Hotels: One Train Stop Away
If you don’t need to be right next to State Farm Arena but still want quick access, Midtown can be a great choice.
Getting to State Farm Arena from Midtown
State Farm Arena is directly connected to the MARTA rail system via GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line). Midtown is on the Red/Gold Lines, so you will:
- Board at a Midtown-area station:
- Midtown Station (10th St NE)
- Arts Center Station (near Woodruff Arts Center)
- Transfer at Five Points Station to the Blue or Green Line, westbound.
- Exit at GWCC/CNN Center Station, which brings you right by State Farm Arena.
Travel time from Midtown to the arena is typically around 10–20 minutes on MARTA, depending on transfers and train timing.
Why Some Visitors Prefer Midtown
- More restaurant, bar, and coffee shop options in walking distance.
- A bit more of a neighborhood feel than core Downtown.
- Easy access to Piedmont Park, the BeltLine Eastside Trail, and cultural venues.
If you’re in Atlanta for several days and the event at State Farm Arena is just one part of your trip, Midtown can feel more balanced than staying right by the arena.
Airport Hotels with Easy Arena Access
If you’re flying in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and want to keep things simple, airport hotels are worth considering.
Getting from the Airport to State Farm Arena
The airport connects directly to MARTA’s Red and Gold Lines:
- Board MARTA at Airport Station, located inside the airport.
- Ride to Five Points Station.
- Transfer to the Blue or Green Line, westbound.
- Get off at GWCC/CNN Center Station for State Farm Arena.
Total rail ride time is typically around 20–30 minutes. Many airport hotels also run shuttle buses to and from the terminals, so you can avoid driving entirely.
Airport-area lodging is useful if you:
- Have an early morning or late-night flight.
- Are staying only one night for a specific concert or game.
- Prefer predictable transportation and don’t mind the ride into Downtown.
Using MARTA to Reach Hotels and State Farm Arena
MARTA is often the most straightforward way to navigate between your hotel and State Farm Arena, especially on big event nights when traffic and parking can be challenging.
Key MARTA Stations for Arena Visitors
- GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line):
Closest station to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center. - Five Points Station:
Main transfer point between the Red/Gold and Blue/Green lines. If your hotel is in Midtown or near the airport, you’ll likely change trains here. - Peachtree Center Station:
Walkable to many Downtown hotels, especially those along Peachtree Street.
For schedules and maps, you can contact MARTA directly:
MARTA Headquarters
2424 Piedmont Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer Service: (404) 848-5000
Driving and Parking Near State Farm Arena
If you’re staying near State Farm Arena but plan to drive:
- There are multiple parking decks and surface lots around the arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Georgia World Congress Center.
- Event parking usually requires prepaid passes or higher event rates, especially for major concerts, Hawks games, and playoff runs.
- Traffic along Northside Dr NW, MLK Jr Dr SW, and Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW can be heavy before and after events.
If your hotel is truly within walking distance, many locals prefer to park once at the hotel and walk or ride MARTA to the arena to avoid post-event congestion.
Safety and Practical Tips When Choosing a Hotel
Downtown Atlanta and the surrounding neighborhoods are busy, especially during events. Many residents and visitors use a few common-sense habits:
- 🚶♀️ Walk on main routes with good lighting and steady foot traffic when heading to or from the arena.
- 🚕 Use hotel-recommended rideshare or taxi pickup points if you’re not comfortable walking back after a late-night event.
- 🕒 Check event times and plan your arrival so you’re not rushed through traffic or long security lines.
- 🧾 If parking at your hotel, confirm overnight parking rates ahead of time, as they can be a significant part of your stay cost in Downtown and Midtown.
How to Narrow Down the Best Hotel for Your Trip
When comparing Atlanta hotels near State Farm Arena, think about:
Your main priority
- Want to walk to and from the arena? Focus on Downtown and Centennial Olympic Park.
- Want livelier dining and nightlife? Consider Midtown.
- Need to be near the airport? Look at Airport-area hotels with MARTA access.
Transportation style
- If you don’t want to rent a car, prioritize locations near MARTA stations like Peachtree Center, Midtown, or the Airport.
- If you do drive, account for hotel parking fees plus event parking or valet.
Trip length and schedule
- For a one-night stay only for the event, Downtown can be the most convenient.
- For a long weekend with sightseeing, Midtown or Centennial Olympic Park area hotels may be more enjoyable overall.
Helpful Local Points of Reference
When searching for “Atlanta hotels near State Farm Arena,” it’s useful to know the cluster of landmarks you’ll often see in descriptions. Any hotel describing itself as close to these is usually in a good position for walking or a short ride to the arena:
- State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Georgia World Congress Center – 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Centennial Olympic Park – 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- CNN Center area – Adjacent to the arena and park
If your hotel advertises proximity to these addresses, you’re likely no more than a 10–15 minute walk or a quick MARTA ride away from State Farm Arena.
By focusing your search on Downtown, Centennial Olympic Park, Midtown, or Airport-area hotels with MARTA access, you can find an Atlanta hotel that fits your budget and travel style while keeping State Farm Arena easily within reach.