Best Hotels Near State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Where to Stay for Games, Concerts & Events

If you’re heading to State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta for a Hawks game, concert, or special event, staying nearby can make the experience much easier. You’ll avoid long drives after a late-night show, skip some traffic, and be able to walk or take a quick ride back to your room.

This guide breaks down the best hotels near State Farm Arena Atlanta, what each area feels like, how to get around, and tips to help you choose the right place for your budget and plans.

Getting Your Bearings: State Farm Arena & Surrounding Areas

State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303

The arena sits in the heart of downtown Atlanta, right next to:

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

Most “near State Farm Arena” hotels are clustered in three main walkable areas:

  1. Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center area – closest to the arena, great for walking.
  2. Peachtree Street downtown corridor – lots of business hotels, restaurants, and MARTA access.
  3. Luckie Street / Marietta Street corridor – walkable, slightly more laid-back, mix of hotels and attractions.

If you want to walk to State Farm Arena, focus on hotels within about 0.2–0.6 miles in these zones.

Quick Comparison: Hotels Close to State Farm Arena

Hotel Area / TypeApprox. Walk to ArenaGood For
CNN Center / Centennial Park hotels2–8 minutesEasiest walk, event-focused stays
Peachtree Street downtown hotels8–15 minutesBusiness + events, access to MARTA
Luckie / Marietta Street hotels8–15 minutesSightseeing & family trips
Midtown (MARTA access)10–15 min train + walkNightlife, restaurants, longer stays
Airport hotels (MARTA access)20–30 min trainEarly flights, budget-conscious stays

Hotels Within an Easy Walk of State Farm Arena

These are the hotels most people look at first when searching for hotels near State Farm Arena in Atlanta because you can usually walk to the venue and back.

1. Hotels Around Centennial Olympic Park & CNN Center

This area is the closest cluster of hotels to the arena and ideal if you want to park once and stay put.

Typical advantages of this area:

  • Short walk to State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and Georgia World Congress Center
  • Easy access to Centennial Olympic Park, World of Coca-Cola, and Georgia Aquarium
  • Plenty of casual dining and quick-bite options nearby

What to expect from hotels here:

  • Many are full-service, mid- to upper-range properties
  • Popular with fans, convention-goers, and concert crowds
  • Prices often increase on Hawks game nights, big concerts, and Falcons/United games

If you’re traveling with kids or planning to sightsee before or after your event, this area is especially convenient because you can walk to several major attractions between events.

2. Peachtree Street Downtown Hotels (Walkable + Transit Friendly)

Peachtree Street is the main downtown corridor and a straight shot from the arena. Hotels here are roughly a 10–15 minute walk to State Farm Arena and sit near:

  • MARTA Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Civic Center stations
  • Numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and quick eats
  • Office buildings and business centers

Staying along Peachtree Street makes sense if you:

  • Want to balance event access with being close to downtown offices or meetings
  • Prefer having more restaurant variety within a few blocks
  • Plan to use MARTA frequently (airport, Midtown, Buckhead, etc.)

Typical pros:

  • Wide range of mid-range to upscale hotels
  • Good choice if you’re splitting time between arena events and downtown business
  • Central location for exploring other parts of the city via MARTA

Considerations:

  • Streets can feel busy at rush hour; allow extra time to walk or rideshare before events.
  • Like most downtown areas, it’s smart to stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.

3. Luckie Street / Marietta Street Corridor

This area runs near Centennial Olympic Park, with a mix of hotels, attractions, and restaurants.

What makes this zone appealing:

  • Generally 8–15 minute walk to State Farm Arena
  • Close to Georgia Aquarium and College Football Hall of Fame
  • Often has a more relaxed feel than the busiest stretches of Peachtree Street

This can be a strong choice if:

  • You’re combining an arena event with family attractions
  • You want to be downtown but in a spot that feels slightly more tourist-focused than office-heavy

Not Right Next Door, But Convenient: Midtown & Airport Options

If you don’t mind a short MARTA ride, Midtown and the airport area can sometimes offer better rates, restaurants, or vibe while still keeping access to State Farm Arena fairly simple.

Midtown Atlanta Hotels (Via MARTA)

Midtown is about 2–3 MARTA stops north of downtown (depending on the station). Many Midtown hotels are within walking distance of Midtown or Arts Center MARTA stations, and from there you can:

  • Ride MARTA to GWCC/CNN Center Station (short walk to State Farm Arena)
  • Avoid downtown driving and parking costs
  • Enjoy Midtown’s restaurants, bars, and arts venues

Midtown makes sense if you:

  • Want a livelier neighborhood feel with more nightlife and dining
  • Are attending multiple events or staying several nights
  • Prefer to keep your car parked and use transit

Allow about 20–30 minutes door-to-door, factoring in walks to the station and train wait times.

Airport Hotels (ATL) With MARTA Access

Staying near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport can be practical if you:

  • Have early or late flights
  • Want to keep lodging costs lower on peak event nights
  • Don’t mind a direct MARTA ride to the arena area

From the Airport Station, you can ride MARTA’s northbound line to Five Points and transfer to the westbound line to GWCC/CNN Center Station, which is just a short walk from State Farm Arena.

Plan for:

  • Roughly 25–40 minutes total travel time from hotel to arena, depending on transfers and walking distance to the Airport Station.

How to Choose the Best Hotel Near State Farm Arena for Your Needs

When you’re comparing Atlanta hotels near State Farm Arena, it helps to focus on how you’ll use the room and how you plan to get around.

1. Decide How Important Walking Distance Is

Ask yourself:

  • Do you want to walk to and from the arena, even at night?
  • Are you comfortable with a 10–15 minute walk, or do you prefer under 5 minutes?
  • Are you traveling with kids, older adults, or anyone who might need shorter walks?

If walking is your top priority, look first at:

  • Hotels surrounding Centennial Olympic Park
  • Hotels closest to GWCC/CNN Center Station

If you’re fine with MARTA or a short rideshare, your options open up significantly, including Midtown and airport hotels.

2. Consider Parking, Traffic, and Transportation

Late-night traffic after Hawks games and major concerts can be intense around downtown.

Some tips:

  • Check parking costs at your hotel; downtown hotels often charge a nightly fee for self-park or valet.
  • If you’re comfortable using MARTA, staying near a rail station can reduce both parking and frustration.
  • If you plan to drive in for the event only, you can:
    • Park in State Farm Arena or nearby decks
    • Walk or rideshare back to your hotel after

If you live in metro Atlanta and just need a room for one late night, consider a hotel:

  • Within walking distance of the arena, or
  • Near a MARTA station so you can park at your nearest MARTA lot, ride in, and then walk to your hotel.

3. Balance Budget vs. Event Dates

Room rates around State Farm Arena typically respond to:

  • Major concerts
  • NBA home games
  • Large conventions at Georgia World Congress Center
  • Overlapping events with Mercedes-Benz Stadium

To manage costs:

  • Compare weekday vs. weekend prices; sometimes business hotels are cheaper on weekends.
  • If you’re flexible, shift your stay by a night to avoid the busiest event dates.
  • Check whether staying a bit farther away on MARTA (Midtown or airport area) offers significant savings for your dates.

4. Think About What Else You Want to Do in Atlanta

Your “best” hotel near State Farm Arena may depend heavily on your broader plans:

  • Sightseeing-focused trips

    • Look at hotels near Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola.
    • These keep you central for walking to major attractions and the arena.
  • Business trips + evening event

    • Peachtree Street downtown hotels are convenient for office locations and still within walking / short ride distance to the arena.
  • Nightlife and dining

    • Midtown hotels make it easier to enjoy restaurants and bars, then ride MARTA down for your event.
  • Family trips

    • Consider hotels close to parks and attractions, with room options that fit extra beds or suites.
    • Check for breakfast availability and nearby casual dining.

Safety, Comfort, and Local Practical Tips

Downtown Atlanta during events can be busy and energetic. A few local-style pointers can make your stay smoother:

Walking Around State Farm Arena

  • The main walking routes from nearby hotels usually pass through Centennial Olympic Park area or along CNN Center.
  • On event nights, there are typically plenty of people around streets leading to the arena.
  • Use common-sense city habits:
    • Stick to well-lit, main routes
    • Be aware of your belongings
    • If you feel uncomfortable walking late, consider a short rideshare even for close distances.

Using MARTA

MARTA rail is a popular way to reach State Farm Arena, especially from Midtown and the airport.

Key points:

  • Closest station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (about a 5-minute walk to the arena).
  • Trains usually run later on major event nights, but it’s wise to check current schedules before you go.
  • Stations most relevant for hotels: Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Midtown, Arts Center, Airport.

For real-time information, you can contact:

  • MARTA Customer Service
    Phone: 404-848-5000

They can confirm hours, routes, and any service changes that might affect your trip to and from the arena.

Where to Get Local Help and Information

If you need in-person guidance once you’re downtown:

  • Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)
    Often provides local visitor information, maps, and event details.
    While the primary offices are geared toward industry and partners, they can direct you to visitor resources and help answer basic questions about navigating downtown, nearby lodging, and attractions.

  • Hotel Front Desks & Concierge Staff
    Staff at downtown and Midtown hotels are used to guests attending events at State Farm Arena. They can:

    • Suggest walking routes and estimated times
    • Share tips for avoiding peak traffic
    • Recommend nearby restaurants suitable for pre- or post-event meals

Simple Planning Checklist for Staying Near State Farm Arena

Before you book your hotel in Atlanta, run through this quick list:

  1. How are you getting to the arena?

    • Walking only
    • MARTA from your hotel
    • Driving and parking near the arena
  2. What matters most to you?

    • 🚶‍♀️ Shortest walk
    • 💰 Lower nightly rate
    • 🍽️ Restaurants and nightlife nearby
    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly and close to attractions
  3. What are your event dates?

    • Check for overlap with big games, concerts, or conventions that may raise prices.
  4. Do you need parking?

    • Confirm hotel parking availability and cost, especially downtown.
  5. Any special needs?

    • Ask the hotel about accessible rooms, late check-in, or late check-out if you’re attending evening events.

Staying near State Farm Arena in Atlanta can turn a simple game or concert into a much more relaxed experience. Focus on how you want to move around the city, what else you want to do beyond the event, and how important walking distance is. From there, choosing the right hotel—whether downtown, in Midtown, or near the airport—becomes much easier and more focused on what works best for your Atlanta plans.