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

Looking for a hotel near State Farm Arena in Atlanta for a game, concert, or big event? You’re in a good spot—Downtown and nearby neighborhoods offer plenty of options, whether you want to walk to the arena, hop on MARTA, or stay a bit farther out to save money.

This guide focuses on what an Atlanta visitor or local really needs to know: where to stay, how to get around, safety, parking, and how to pick the right hotel near State Farm Arena.

Understanding the Area Around State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena

• Address: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Sports & entertainment district

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

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• CNN Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• The GWCC (Georgia World Congress Center)

Because of this, hotels in the area serve:

• Concert and game goers
• Convention and business travelers
• Families visiting attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola

When you search for a hotel near State Farm Arena Atlanta, you’re essentially choosing between:

1. Walkable Downtown hotels (5–10 minutes on foot)
2. Downtown / Midtown hotels 1–2 MARTA stops away
3. Airport-area hotels with easy MARTA access if you’re cost-conscious

How Close Do You Really Want To Be?

Before picking a specific hotel, decide what “near State Farm Arena” means for your trip.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to walk to the arena?
• Am I comfortable using MARTA (Atlanta’s rail system)?
• Will I have a car, or am I relying on rideshare/taxis?
• Do I care more about price, safety feel, or amenities?

Typical Distance Options

Staying Within Walking Distance of State Farm Arena

If you want to walk to your event, look for hotels near:

• State Farm Arena / CNN Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Marietta Street NW
• Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Five Points / Peachtree Street area

These Downtown hotels typically offer:

• Easy access to MARTA (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena, Five Points, or Peachtree Center stations)
• A lot of event traffic on big nights (busy elevators, crowded lobbies)
• Close proximity to restaurants, bars, and attractions

Pros of staying this close:

• 🚶 No need to drive or deal with event parking
• Simple to walk back after a late show
• Good choice if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta and want everything nearby

Potential trade-offs:

• Higher rates around major events (NBA games, big concerts, conventions)
• Street noise and crowds, especially after events
• Valet parking can be expensive and sometimes slow during peak times

Using MARTA to Access State Farm Arena

If you’re comfortable taking public transit, MARTA opens up more hotel choices.

Key MARTA Stations for State Farm Arena

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  This is the closest station to the arena. You exit practically at the complex.

• Five Points Station (Red/Gold + Blue/Green)
  A major transfer point in Downtown. About a 10–15 minute walk to the arena if you don’t mind city sidewalks.

• Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold)
  Central Downtown, connected by indoor walkways to several large hotels. You can walk to the arena in about 15–20 minutes or transfer lines to Dome/GWCC.

Why MARTA Matters When Choosing a Hotel

Hotels near these stations—especially in Midtown, Downtown, and the Airport area—work well if you:

• Prefer not to drive to events
• Want to avoid event parking fees
• Plan to explore other parts of Atlanta (Midtown, Buckhead, Airport)

If you’re flying in, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects directly to MARTA’s Red/Gold line, so you can ride straight into the city and avoid renting a car.

Parking Near State Farm Arena vs. Hotel Parking

If you plan to drive, you’ll balance two main costs:

1. Hotel parking (often nightly)
2. Event parking at or near State Farm Arena

Many Downtown hotels charge for:

• Self-parking in a garage, or
• Valet parking with in/out privileges

Event parking near State Farm Arena is available in:

• GWCC parking decks
• Surrounding surface lots and garages

For visitors staying close by:

• Some prefer to leave the car at the hotel and walk or take MARTA to avoid event traffic.
• Others drive to the arena if they’re staying a bit farther away (e.g., Midtown, Buckhead).

If parking cost is a concern, it can make sense to:

• Choose a hotel with lower parking fees, even if it’s one MARTA stop away.
• Consider airport-area or suburban hotels with free or cheaper parking and then use MARTA for the event.

Safety and Comfort Considerations Around the Arena

Downtown Atlanta is a busy urban area, especially on event nights. Visitors often notice:

• Heavy foot traffic before and after events
• A strong police and security presence around major attractions
• Normal big-city dynamics: panhandling, crowds, and congested streets

Practical tips if you’re staying or walking near State Farm Arena:

• Stick to well-lit, busier routes when walking back to your hotel at night.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area and it’s late, many people choose rideshare or taxi instead of a longer walk.
• If you’re traveling with kids or a group, staying at a hotel very close to the arena can feel more convenient and straightforward.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near State Farm Arena

Instead of chasing a specific brand, focus on location + your priorities.

1. Decide Your Primary Priority

• Shortest walk possible
  Look around the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena and Centennial Olympic Park area.

• Best access to attractions
  Downtown around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, the Aquarium, and World of Coca-Cola is ideal.

• More dining/nightlife
  Consider being slightly farther north in Midtown and using MARTA to get to the arena.

• Lower overall cost
  Look at Airport-area hotels near Airport MARTA or value-focused options one or two rail stops from Downtown.

2. Check Walkability and Transit

When reviewing a hotel online, look for:

• Distance to the arena in minutes (walking or via transit)
• Distance to the nearest MARTA station
• Whether there are restaurants, coffee shops, or convenience stores within a short walk

3. Consider Event Timing

For late-night concerts or playoffs:

• A hotel within a 5–10 minute walk or a quick MARTA ride can make a big difference in comfort.
• If you’re staying farther away, confirm how late MARTA runs for your event date or plan on rideshare.

Good Areas to Look for Hotels Near State Farm Arena

Here are the main zones Atlanta visitors typically consider.

Downtown Core (Closest to State Farm Arena)

Look in the blocks around:

• Andrew Young International Blvd NW
• Marietta St NW
• Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW
• Ted Turner Dr NW

Benefits:

• Walkable to the arena, the park, and key attractions
• Good if you want to stay “in the middle of everything” for a short visit

Trade-offs:

• Heavier traffic
• Higher nightly rates on big-event dates
• More crowds and noise, especially on weekends and event nights

Peachtree Center / Broad Downtown Area

Centered around:

• Peachtree Center Ave NE
• Peachtree Street
• Courtland St NE

Benefits:

• Indoor access to Peachtree Center Station from several buildings
• Central to restaurants and offices
• Still walkable or a short rail ride to State Farm Arena

Good for:

• Travelers combining business meetings with an event
• Those who want more restaurant choices within a short walk

Midtown Atlanta (One or Two Stops North)

Centered around:

• Midtown Station
• Arts Center Station
• Peachtree St NE, 10th St NE, 14th St NE

Benefits:

• More neighborhood feel, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and green spaces
• Easy commute to State Farm Arena via MARTA (no parking hassle)
• Popular with visitors who want some nightlife and walkable streets beyond Downtown

Trade-offs:

• You’ll be riding MARTA or using rideshare to get to the arena
• Slightly longer travel time, but often more relaxed between events

Airport Area (College Park / Airport Hotels)

Near:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Airport MARTA Station

Benefits:

• Often more budget-friendly than central-city hotels
• Convenient for early-morning or late-night flights
• Direct MARTA access into Downtown and the arena area

Trade-offs:

• 25–35 minute ride each way on MARTA
• Less to do within walking distance compared with Downtown or Midtown
• More suited for cost-conscious travelers or quick in-and-out event trips

Practical Tips for Booking a Hotel Near State Farm Arena

Use these checks before you finalize your reservation:

✅ Check Your Transportation Plan

• If you won’t have a car, prioritize:

  • Walking distance
  • Proximity to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena or Five Points stations

• If you will have a car:

  • Compare hotel parking fees and event parking costs
  • Look at whether you can leave the car at the hotel and walk or take transit

✅ Look at Event Dates in Atlanta

Big conventions, playoffs, and major concert tours can:

• Drive up room rates
• Fill up the closest hotels early

If you’re planning around a major event:

• Book earlier than usual
• Consider a slightly wider radius (Midtown, Airport) if Downtown prices are high

✅ Think About What You’ll Do Besides the Event

If you’re planning to:

• Visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, or National Center for Civil and Human Rights, staying near Centennial Olympic Park is convenient.
• Spend time in Piedmont Park, explore Midtown’s arts district, or check out local restaurants along Peachtree Street, then a Midtown hotel plus MARTA to the arena may fit you better.

Getting To and From State Farm Arena on Event Day

No matter where you stay, plan your arrival and exit:

Arriving

• By foot: Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before start time for security and lines.
• By MARTA:
  • Use the Blue/Green line to Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena station.
  • Give yourself extra time on big-event nights.
• By car:
  • Pre-plan which garage or lot you’ll use.
  • Build in time for traffic around Downtown.

Leaving

• Expect crowds and congestion immediately after the event.
• If using rideshare, it can help to:
  • Walk a couple of blocks away from the arena before requesting a ride.
  • Use a prearranged pickup location suggested by your driver or the app.
• If taking MARTA, check last-train times in advance and move promptly after the event ends.

Key Takeaways for Finding a Hotel Near State Farm Arena

• Closest area: Look in Downtown Atlanta around State Farm Arena, CNN Center, and Centennial Olympic Park if you want to walk.
• Transit-friendly options: Consider Midtown, broader Downtown, or Airport-area hotels along the MARTA Red/Gold line if you’re comfortable riding the train.
• Driving vs. not driving: Factor in hotel parking costs and event parking if you’ll have a car; if not, prioritize walkability and rail access.
• Trip style matters: Families, business travelers, nightlife seekers, and budget travelers may each gravitate toward different neighborhoods—Downtown, Peachtree Center, Midtown, or the Airport area.

With a clear sense of your budget, transportation preferences, and how much you want to walk, you can quickly narrow down the best hotel near State Farm Arena in Atlanta for your specific trip.