Where to Stay Near State Farm Arena in Atlanta: Best Hotels and Local Tips

If you’re headed to a concert, Hawks game, or special event at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta, staying nearby can save you time, parking stress, and late-night travel. This guide walks through hotels near State Farm Arena, what each nearby area is like, and how to choose the right place for your visit to Atlanta.

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

It sits in the heart of downtown, right next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Olympic Park, so you’ll find plenty of lodging options in easy walking or short-transit distance.

Key Areas to Look for Hotels Near State Farm Arena

When people search for “hotels near Atlanta State Farm Arena,” they’re usually looking in one of four main areas:

1. Directly in Downtown (Walkable to the Arena)
2. Centennial Olympic Park / CNN Center Area
3. Midtown Atlanta (short MARTA or rideshare away)
4. Airport Area (budget-conscious with easy transit into downtown)

Each area has its own tradeoffs in price, convenience, and atmosphere.

1. Downtown Atlanta: Closest Hotels to State Farm Arena

If you want to walk to State Farm Arena, downtown is your best bet. Many hotels are within about a 5–15 minute walk of the arena and other major attractions.

What Downtown Is Like

• Best for: Walking to games and concerts, first-time visitors, people who want to avoid driving and parking
• Nearby attractions: State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia World Congress Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola
• Transportation: Multiple MARTA stations (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/Philips Arena/CNN Center station is the closest), plenty of rideshare activity, walkable blocks

Typical Pros and Cons of Staying Downtown

Pros

• 🚶‍♀️ Walkable to State Farm Arena and other major venues
• Easy to get around without a car
• Many restaurants, bars, and attractions in a compact area
• Good choice if you’re attending late-night events and don’t want to commute far

Cons

• Event days can be crowded and noisy
• Parking fees can be higher at downtown hotels and garages
• Hotel prices may spike during big games, concerts, and conventions

2. Centennial Olympic Park & CNN Center Area

Directly adjacent to State Farm Arena, the Centennial Olympic Park and CNN Center area is one of the most convenient spots to stay for events.

Why This Area Works Well

• Extremely close to the arena — many visitors walk just a few blocks
• Steps from Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the College Football Hall of Fame
• Good for families and travelers planning a full day or weekend of downtown attractions

This area feels like a central hub for tourists and event-goers. If you want to pack in an arena show plus sightseeing, this zone can make logistics especially simple.

3. Midtown Atlanta: Short Ride to the Arena

If you prefer a somewhat more neighborhood-style feel while still staying close, Midtown Atlanta is a strong option.

What Midtown Is Like

• Distance to State Farm Arena: Roughly 2–3 miles south, often a 10–15 minute MARTA ride or short drive
• Best for: Travelers who want nightlife, dining, and arts along with easy arena access
• Nearby attractions: Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, BeltLine Eastside Trail access points

You can take MARTA from Midtown stations (like Midtown Station or North Avenue Station) to the downtown stop closest to State Farm Arena (Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/Philips Arena/CNN Center station). That means you can stay in Midtown, enjoy local restaurants and bars, and skip parking hassles near the arena.

Midtown Pros and Cons

Pros

• Vibrant dining and nightlife scene
• Walkable neighborhoods, especially along Peachtree Street and around Piedmont Park
• Easy MARTA access to both downtown and the airport

Cons

• Not walkable to State Farm Arena for most visitors
• You’ll need to factor in transit time and possible crowds on event nights

4. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport Area

If you’re trying to balance budget and convenience, airport hotels can be practical, especially for quick trips.

Why Consider the Airport Area

• Distance to State Farm Arena: Around 10–12 miles, often a 15–25 minute MARTA or car ride depending on traffic
• Best for: Early or late flights, quick overnights, travelers prioritizing price and easy airport access
• Main transit hub:Airport MARTA Station connects directly to downtown MARTA stations serving the arena area

You can ride MARTA’s Red or Gold Line from the Airport to downtown stations and walk to State Farm Arena from there. It may take longer than staying downtown or in Midtown, but can save money and simplify airport transfers.

Quick Comparison: Areas to Stay Near State Farm Arena

Getting From Your Hotel to State Farm Arena

Even if you’re not staying right next door, Atlanta offers several practical ways to reach the arena.

1. MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA rail is often the simplest way into downtown, especially on big event days.

• Closest station:
  Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station
  (On the Blue and Green lines)
• From the station, follow arena and CNN Center signs; it’s a short walk to the entrance.

If you’re staying:

• In Midtown: Use Midtown Station or North Avenue Station, transfer as needed, and ride south toward downtown.
• At the Airport: Board at Airport Station (Red/Gold lines), transfer at Five Points Station to the Blue/Green line, and go one stop to the arena station.

MARTA can help you avoid event traffic and parking fees, especially when large crowds are expected.

2. Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis operate heavily around State Farm Arena and downtown Atlanta.

General tips:

• Allow extra time before and after events; traffic can be slow, and pickup zones can get busy.
• Hotels in Midtown and the airport area often have clearly marked pickup/drop-off spots, which can be easier than navigating crowded downtown corners on foot after a show.

3. Walking

If you choose a hotel in downtown or near Centennial Olympic Park, you can often walk:

• Most central hotels are within a 5–15 minute walk of the arena.
• Downtown sidewalks are usually busy before and after big events, giving a sense of safety in numbers.
• At night, many locals prefer to walk in groups along well-lit main streets.

Parking Considerations Near State Farm Arena

If your hotel stay includes a car, it’s useful to plan parking ahead of time.

Hotel Parking

• Downtown and Midtown hotels commonly charge nightly parking fees, sometimes for both valet and self-park.
• Airport hotels may offer lower parking costs or deals for park-and-fly stays.

When comparing hotels near State Farm Arena, factor in:

• Daily parking rate
• Whether the hotel offers self-parking, valet, or both
• In-and-out privileges (whether you can come and go without extra charges)

Arena and Nearby Parking Garages

Many visitors choose to:

• Park once near the arena and walk, especially if their hotel is nearby, or
• Leave the car at a slightly cheaper garage and use MARTA or rideshare to reach events.

If your hotel is not in walking distance, it’s common to combine hotel parking with MARTA or rideshare instead of repeatedly moving your car in downtown traffic.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Near State Farm Arena

When deciding where to stay, it helps to think through a few key factors:

1. Walking vs. Transit vs. Driving

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to walk to and from State Farm Arena, even late at night?
• Are you comfortable using MARTA to navigate between your hotel and downtown?
• Will you have a car, and do you want to avoid driving in event traffic?

If walking is the top priority, focus your search on:

• Hotels in downtown Atlanta
• Properties around Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, and the immediate Georgia World Congress Center area

If you’re fine with a short train or rideshare:

• Consider Midtown for a more neighborhood-like stay with easy arena access
• Or airport-area hotels along the MARTA line for better flight logistics

2. Trip Purpose

Your primary reason for being in Atlanta shapes the best location:

• Arena-focused trip:
  Staying downtown near State Farm Arena cuts down on travel time and makes it easier to return to your room right after a show or game.

• Sightseeing-heavy trip:
  Downtown and the Centennial Olympic Park area keep you close to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and College Football Hall of Fame. Midtown gives you quick access to museums and Piedmont Park while still staying close to the arena.

• Business plus entertainment:
  If your meetings are near Peachtree Center, the Georgia World Congress Center, or corporate downtown offices, staying nearby and walking to the arena in the evening can simplify your schedule.

3. Budget

General patterns most visitors notice:

• Downtown & Centennial Park area:
  Often higher nightly rates, especially on major event days or convention weeks.

• Midtown:
  Can range from mid-priced to upscale, with value varying by exact location and date.

• Airport area:
  Often more budget-friendly, particularly if you book in advance or during non-peak times.

To keep costs in check:

• Check whether your travel dates align with major sporting events, festivals, or conventions in Atlanta, as these can push up prices near State Farm Arena and downtown.
• Compare total cost including parking, fees, and transit or rideshare expenses.

Safety and Comfort Considerations

Like most major city centers, downtown Atlanta and the areas around State Farm Arena are lively and well-patrolled during big events, but it’s still wise to take basic precautions:

• Stick to well-lit, busier streets when walking back to your hotel at night.
• If you’re uncomfortable walking late, consider MARTA, a taxi, or rideshare from the arena area to your hotel even if it’s not far.
• Check whether your hotel offers a shuttle service to nearby venues; some properties closer to downtown occasionally provide this for big events.

Useful Local Addresses and Transit Points

These locations help you picture the area and plan transportation:

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

• Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/Philips Arena/CNN Center MARTA Station
  (Blue & Green Lines)
  Located adjacent to State Farm Arena and the Georgia World Congress Center

• Five Points MARTA Station
  Downtown Atlanta transfer hub for Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines
  30 Alabama Street SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Parkway
  Atlanta, GA 30320
  Connected directly to Airport MARTA Station

Putting It All Together

To find the best hotel near State Farm Arena in Atlanta:

1. Decide how close you want to be

   • Walking distance: focus on downtown and Centennial Olympic Park/CNN Center.
   • Short train or rideshare away: look at Midtown or the airport area.

2. Plan your transportation

   • Use MARTA when you want to avoid traffic and parking.
   • Use rideshare or taxis after late-night events if you prefer door-to-door convenience.

3. Match your hotel area to your itinerary

   • For sightseeing and multiple attractions: downtown or Centennial Park.
   • For dining, nightlife, and arts plus arena access: Midtown.
   • For early flights and lower cost: airport corridor along MARTA.

With a clear sense of your priorities—walking convenience, budget, and what else you want to do in Atlanta—you can narrow your search to the part of the city that makes your visit to State Farm Arena smooth and enjoyable.