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

If you’re headed to a Hawks game, big-name concert, or special event at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, staying close by can make your trip much easier. You’ll cut down on traffic stress, avoid long walks late at night, and be within a quick ride of major attractions like the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, CNN Center, and Centennial Olympic Park.

This guide walks through hotels close to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, what each nearby area is like, and how to choose the right spot based on budget, transportation, and what you want to do while you’re in town.

Understanding the Area Around State Farm Arena

State Farm Arena
• Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Neighborhood: Downtown Atlanta / Centennial Olympic Park District

The arena sits in a busy, walkable zone shared with:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• GWCC (Georgia World Congress Center)
• CNN Center
• Centennial Olympic Park
• The Philips Drive / Centennial Olympic Park Dr corridor

When people say “hotels close to State Farm Arena,” they’re usually talking about:

1. Connected or very short-walk hotels (5–10 minutes on foot)
2. Downtown hotels a bit farther out (10–20 minutes on foot or short ride)
3. Hotels along MARTA rail lines within a quick train ride

Quick Comparison: Hotel Areas Near State Farm Arena

Hotels Within a Short Walk of State Farm Arena

If your priority is being steps from the venue, these are the most convenient zones to focus on.

1. CNN Center / Centennial Olympic Park Side

This is the area immediately east of State Farm Arena. You can typically walk to the arena in under 5–10 minutes, much of it on well-lit streets shared with other fans and event-goers.

What you’ll usually find here:

• Large, well-known hotel brands
• Direct or near-direct access to Centennial Olympic Park
• Easy walk to World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and College Football Hall of Fame

Pros:

• About as close as you can get without staying inside the arena
• Very event-friendly; you’ll see lots of jerseys and concert tees on event nights
• Good if you don’t want to drive or navigate rideshares after the show

Things to keep in mind:

• Prices can be higher on Hawks game nights and for major concerts
• Nearby restaurants can be crowded right before and after events

👍 Best if: You want the shortest walk possible and plan to spend most of your time right by the arena and major attractions.

2. Hotels Near Centennial Olympic Park and Marietta St NW

Within just a few blocks of the arena, especially along Marietta St NW and around Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, you’ll find several mid-range to upscale hotels. Walk times are usually 5–12 minutes depending on the exact location.

Common benefits:

• Easy walk to both State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Quick access to tourist attractions plus downtown office buildings
• Good balance between being “in the action” and having a bit more dining variety

If you’re traveling with family or planning daytime sightseeing, this zone can be especially convenient. You can walk to:

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• CNN Center (190 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303)

👍 Best if: You want to mix arena events + sightseeing without relying heavily on a car.

Downtown Atlanta Hotels Still Close to State Farm Arena

If you don’t mind a slightly longer walk or a short ride, core downtown expands your options and can sometimes offer better pricing.

3. Peachtree Street Downtown Corridor

Moving a bit east into downtown along Peachtree St NE/NW, you’ll find many of Atlanta’s classic downtown hotels. Walk times to State Farm Arena are usually around 10–20 minutes, depending on where you stay.

What this area is like:

• More of a “downtown city” feel: office buildings, hotels, a mix of casual and quick-service dining
• Close to the Peachtree Center MARTA Station
• Lots of weekday foot traffic due to offices and conventions

Benefits of this zone:

• More hotel variety, from budget-friendly to higher-end
• Easy to hop on MARTA to reach Midtown, Buckhead, or the airport
• Walkable to State Farm Arena for many people, though some may prefer a short rideshare at night

👍 Best if: You want more hotel choices and don’t mind a 10–20 minute walk or a quick ride to the arena.

Using MARTA-Friendly Hotels to Reach State Farm Arena

You don’t have to stay directly downtown to be close to State Farm Arena. The arena is a short walk from MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station (on the Blue/Green Line), and also accessible via a quick walk or transfer from:

• Five Points Station (main hub, Red/Gold + Blue/Green lines)
• Vine City Station (near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Westside of complex)

MARTA’s rail system makes certain areas very practical for arena events.

4. Midtown Hotels (One Train Ride Away)

Midtown Atlanta has a different energy from downtown: more restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and access to Piedmont Park and the Midtown arts district.

How the ride works:

• From Midtown Station (Red/Gold Line), ride south to Five Points
• Transfer (if needed) to the Westbound Blue/Green Line and go one stop to GWCC/CNN Center
• From the GWCC/CNN Center Station, State Farm Arena is just a short walk through the campus

Typical total transit time: about 10–20 minutes including the transfer.

Pros of staying in Midtown:

• More nightlife and restaurant options within a short walk of your hotel
• Feels more residential/urban-neighborhood than central business district
• Easy to explore both day and night without a car

👍 Best if: You want to enjoy Atlanta beyond the event—dining, bars, arts—while still having an easy train ride to State Farm Arena.

5. Airport (ATL) Hotels with MARTA Access

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has a large hotel cluster and direct MARTA access via:

• Airport Station (Red/Gold Line) at the Domestic Terminal

From the Airport Station, you can:

• Take Red or Gold Line north to Five Points
• Transfer (if needed) to Blue/Green Line westbound to GWCC/CNN Center
• Walk from the station to State Farm Arena

Typical total transit time: around 20–30 minutes.

Why some visitors choose the airport area:

• Early-morning or very late flights
• Multi-day trips where they’re mostly renting a car or moving around the region
• Sometimes lower nightly rates compared to staying right downtown or in Midtown (especially during major events)

👍 Best if: You’re budget-conscious, have early/late flights, or just want straightforward airport logistics and don’t mind a train ride to the arena.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near State Farm Arena

When comparing hotels close to State Farm Arena in Atlanta, think through a few key questions:

1. How important is walking distance?

• If you want to walk 5–10 minutes or less, focus on the Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center and Marietta St NW area.
• If you’re fine with 10–20 minutes on foot, core downtown opens up more options.
• If you’re okay riding MARTA, consider Midtown or even the airport for potentially better value or different neighborhoods.

2. Are you driving or relying on transit?

Driving:

• Downtown parking can be expensive and event nights increase demand.
• Many hotels offer valet or self-parking with nightly fees—check this ahead of time.
• Arena-area parking decks around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium can be reserved in advance for events.

Transit / Rideshare:

• MARTA’s GWCC/CNN Center Station is the main rail stop closest to State Farm Arena.
• Rideshare pickup zones can get busy after events; expect some wait time after major concerts or playoff games.
• Many locals recommend arriving early to avoid last-minute crowds at the station and arena entrances.

3. What else do you want to do in Atlanta?

• Sightseeing-focused: Staying near Centennial Olympic Park or downtown makes it easy to walk to the major attractions.
• Food and nightlife:Midtown can be more appealing, with many restaurants clustered around Peachtree St, Crescent Ave, and 10th/11th Streets.
• Short stay / overnight for one event: A nearby downtown hotel is usually worth it for the convenience.

Safety and Comfort Tips Around State Farm Arena

Atlanta’s downtown and arena district are accustomed to large crowds, and security presence is common around major events. Still, many visitors and locals follow some simple habits:

• Stick to main, well-lit routes between your hotel and arena, especially at night.
• Walk with the crowd when leaving popular concerts or games—there’s usually a steady flow of people heading toward nearby hotels and MARTA stations.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, particularly on trains and at busy intersections.
• If your hotel feels a bit farther than you’d like to walk late at night, consider a short rideshare or taxi back.

Practical Details: Getting to State Farm Arena from Nearby Hotels

Arena Address:
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

Nearby Landmarks to Help You Navigate:

• Next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1414 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
• Adjacent to CNN Center and GWCC
• A short walk from Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)

MARTA Rail Access:

• Primary station: GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
• Nearby hub: Five Points Station (transfer point for all lines)

From most downtown hotels, you can either:

• Walk directly to the arena following Marietta St NW, Centennial Olympic Park Dr, or connecting streets, or
• Take MARTA or a rideshare for a quick, low-stress ride—especially useful in bad weather or if you’re with kids or older adults.

When to Book Your Hotel Near State Farm Arena

Atlanta’s event calendar is busy. Nights with:

• Hawks home games
• Playoffs or big rivalry games
• Major tours and concerts
• Large conventions at GWCC

often see higher hotel prices and lower availability near the arena. To improve your options:

• Book early if you know your event date, especially for weekends.
• Look at both downtown and Midtown—sometimes one area stays more affordable than the other depending on what else is happening in the city.
• Consider flexible dates if your visit isn’t locked to a specific game or show.

Staying at a hotel close to State Farm Arena in Atlanta can turn a simple event outing into a smooth, enjoyable experience. Whether you choose a walkable downtown spot, a MARTA-connected Midtown stay, or a budget-friendly airport hotel, planning around transit, walking distance, and nearby attractions will help you make the most of your time in the city.