Traveling for NFL games sounds fun until you’re checking into a hotel that looked a lot better online and trying to figure out how to get to the stadium without spending half your day in traffic.
We’ve spent years doing it thanks to my husband’s NFL obsession, which is less casual fan and more walking database. He can tell you a player’s stats, where they went to high school, who they backed up their rookie year, and which random Week 14 game in 2018 actually mattered for playoff seeding. While he's handling the football stats, I've developed an equally specific (and important) skill set: knowing exactly where to stay when you're following your team on the road.
Go Birds!
The right hotel can make a football weekend so much easier. Sometimes that means staying within walking distance of the stadium. Other times, I'd rather stay somewhere with better restaurants, more comfortable rooms, and a neighborhood worth exploring, even if it means a longer ride to the game.
Here's where I'd stay for a weekend in any of the league's home cities.
Table of Contents:
These are the hotels I'd put on my shortlist for a football weekend. Not necessarily the closest or flashiest property in every city, but the ones I'd consider based on the hotel experience, location, and what you can do when you're not at the game.
And a quick note about game-day logistics: stadium traffic is its own category of travel. If a hotel isn't walkable, I'll always recommend planning transportation around kickoff, parking restrictions, and the postgame rush.
The Global Ambassador
I'd stay at The Global Ambassador if I wanted to turn a Cardinals game into a Phoenix or Scottsdale weekend. It's stylish, has excellent dining options, and feels more like a destination hotel than a place you're just sleeping. It's not especially close to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, so plan on a drive and allow plenty of time on game day.
Beyond the game: Dinner at Steak 44 or an afternoon at the spa.
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead or Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
These are two different ways to do Atlanta. I'd choose Waldorf Astoria for a quieter stay in Buckhead, particularly if shopping and restaurants are part of the weekend. Four Seasons is in Midtown and makes more sense if you want a central city location.
Neither is next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, so I'd plan the transfer ahead of time.
Beyond the game: Shopping in Buckhead Village or dinner at Umi.
The Ivy Hotel or Sagamore Pendry Baltimore
The Ivy is a beautiful choice if you want a smaller, more personal hotel experience. It feels almost like staying in a private townhouse. Sagamore Pendry has a livelier atmosphere on the Fells Point waterfront. I'd choose it if restaurants and being out in the neighborhood are part of the plan.
Both require a trip to M&T Bank Stadium, so don't count on being able to walk out of the hotel and straight to your seats.
Beyond the game: Explore the harbor and have dinner in Fells Point.
The Westin Buffalo
Buffalo isn't a city where I'd overcomplicate the hotel decision. The Westin is a dependable downtown option with comfortable rooms and a convenient location for restaurants. Highmark Stadium is outside downtown, so I'd allow extra time for the drive, especially when the weather turns.
Beyond the game: Dinner downtown or, if you have time, a visit to Niagara Falls.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte or The Ballantyne
I'd choose The Ritz-Carlton if being close to the game matters most. It's in Uptown, where you can walk to Bank of America Stadium.
The Ballantyne is a different kind of weekend. It's farther from the stadium, but worth considering if you want more of a resort stay.
Beyond the game: Explore South End or plan a spa afternoon.
The Langham, Chicago or The Gwen
The Langham is my choice for river views, polished service, and a more traditional luxury experience. The Gwen is a little more playful and design-focused, with a great location for shopping and restaurants.
Both are downtown, but I'd still plan how to get to Soldier Field rather than assume a quick drive on game day.
Beyond the game: Walk along the river or book dinner in the West Loop.
The Lytle Park Hotel
I'd choose The Lytle Park Hotel for its boutique feel, historic building, and rooftop. It's a good downtown base, although I'd plan on a walk or short ride to Paycor Stadium rather than treating it as a hotel directly beside the stadium.
Beyond the game: Drinks on the rooftop and a walk along the riverfront.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton is a straightforward luxury choice in downtown Cleveland. It gives you a comfortable home base for the weekend, with the stadium and downtown attractions within reach. Just check the Browns' game venue and transportation details when planning your specific trip.
Beyond the game: Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hotel Crescent Court or Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
I'd stay in Dallas rather than Arlington if I wanted the weekend to include great restaurants and shopping. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is more intimate and traditional. Hotel Crescent Court has a livelier feel and puts you in a convenient Uptown location.
AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, not Dallas, so this is a case where I'd arrange game-day transportation well in advance.
Beyond the game: Dinner in Uptown or shopping in Highland Park.
Image courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver or Thompson Denver
I'd choose Thompson for a more contemporary hotel with easy access to downtown restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton is the more traditional option, particularly if you prefer a classic full-service hotel.
Both work as downtown bases for a Broncos weekend, with transportation to Empower Field at Mile High planned separately.
Beyond the game: Explore Larimer Square or add a couple of days in the mountains.
Shinola Hotel
Shinola is exactly the kind of hotel I'd want for a Detroit football weekend. It's stylish without trying too hard, and the downtown location makes the trip easy. Ford Field is within walking distance, which is a major advantage on game day.
Beyond the game: Dinner at San Morello or an afternoon exploring downtown.
Lodge Kohler
For a Packers game, Lodge Kohler would be my first call. It's directly across from Lambeau Field, and that proximity is hard to beat. You can enjoy the atmosphere without spending your weekend coordinating transportation. I'd book early for popular games because the location is a big part of the appeal.
Beyond the game: Explore the Titletown District right outside.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa or The Moran CITYCENTRE
The Houstonian is the choice if you want a proper resort-style weekend with plenty of space to relax. The Moran is a more compact option in CITYCENTRE, with shopping and restaurants nearby.
Neither is particularly close to NRG Stadium, so I'd choose based on the hotel experience and plan transportation separately.
Beyond the game: Shopping, dining, or a spa day.
Image courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel
Hotel Indy
Hotel Indy is a good boutique option downtown, with restaurants and attractions nearby. Lucas Oil Stadium is within walking distance, making Indianapolis one of the easier cities for a football weekend without a car.
Beyond the game: Dinner on Massachusetts Avenue.
Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
I'd consider Ponte Vedra Inn & Club if I wanted a beach weekend with football worked into the itinerary. It's not the most convenient option for getting to the Jaguars' stadium, but the beachfront setting, golf, and resort amenities make it worth considering for a longer stay.
For 2026 games, plan on EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will play their 2027 home games in Orlando while their stadium is renovated, so be sure to check the season and game location before booking.
Beyond the game: Beach time, golf, or an extra day to enjoy the resort.
The Raphael Hotel
The Raphael is a charming, historic hotel near Country Club Plaza. I'd choose it if I wanted a more personal hotel experience and a neighborhood worth exploring beyond the game.
Arrowhead Stadium is a drive from the Plaza area, and Chiefs game-day traffic is something I'd plan around.
Beyond the game: Explore Country Club Plaza and make time for Kansas City barbecue.
ARIA Sky Suites
Vegas has no shortage of hotel options, but I'd choose ARIA Sky Suites if I wanted the Strip experience with a little more privacy. You get access to everything happening at ARIA while having a quieter place to retreat to at the end of the night. Allegiant Stadium is relatively close to the Strip, although game-day road closures and crowds can change the best way to get there.
Beyond the game: Dinner reservations and a show.
The Maybourne Beverly Hills
I'd stay at The Maybourne if I wanted a proper Beverly Hills weekend with a football game added in. The hotel is classic Beverly Hills luxury, with excellent service and a location that works well for shopping and dining. SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood, and the drive from Beverly Hills can take considerably longer than it looks on a map. I'd plan around that rather than promise a quick transfer.
Beyond the game: Rodeo Drive, a pool afternoon, or dinner in Beverly Hills.
1 Hotel South Beach
I'd choose 1 Hotel South Beach for a Miami weekend where the beach is just as important as the football. The hotel has a lively atmosphere, a strong wellness focus, and plenty to do without leaving the property.
Hard Rock Stadium is in Miami Gardens, so you'll need to plan transportation from Miami Beach.
Beyond the game: Beach time and dinner in Miami Beach.
Image courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach
Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Four Seasons is my pick for a polished downtown stay with river views and excellent amenities. U.S. Bank Stadium is accessible from downtown, and I'd look at walking or transit options depending on the weather.
Beyond the game: Dinner in the North Loop.
Raffles Boston
I'd stay in Boston and make a full weekend of it rather than book solely around the stadium. Raffles is a beautiful option in Back Bay, with a central location that makes it easy to enjoy the city. Gillette Stadium is in Foxborough, so this is not a quick downtown transfer. I'd plan transportation carefully and allow for significant game-day traffic.
Beyond the game: Explore Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
And here's where we can really help: I used to live in Boston, and Alex lives in the Massachusetts suburbs today, so we have plenty of local recommendations beyond the usual tourist stops.
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Four Seasons is an excellent base for a New Orleans weekend, particularly if you want a quieter place to return to after a busy day. It's on the riverfront, with beautiful views and easy access to downtown attractions. The Superdome is a manageable trip from the hotel, but I'd still leave time for game-day crowds.
Beyond the game: The French Quarter, live music, and some very good meals.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel or Aman New York
If you're traveling for a Giants or Jets game and want to make a New York weekend out of it, I'd stay in Manhattan. Aman is the choice for privacy, a serene atmosphere, and an exceptionally luxurious hotel experience.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel has more personality and a distinctive design style. The tradeoff is transportation. MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and I would never promise a 25-minute trip from Manhattan on game day. Depending on your plans, public transit may make more sense than a car.
Beyond the game: It's New York. Pick your favorite restaurants, make a few reservations, and enjoy the city.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
No surprise here. For an Eagles weekend, I'd stay at Four Seasons Philadelphia. The views from the hotel are some of the best in the city, and the property is a great choice if you want to turn game day into a full weekend.
Lincoln Financial Field is in South Philadelphia, so I'd plan the stadium transfer around kickoff. The Broad Street Line is also worth considering.
Beyond the game: Shopping around Rittenhouse Square and a spa appointment high above the city.
And as always, Go Birds!
The Oaklander Hotel
The Oaklander is a boutique option in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. I'd consider it if you want to explore the museums and university area while you're in town. It's not right next to the Steelers' stadium, so you'll need to arrange transportation.
Beyond the game: Explore the museums in Oakland.
San Francisco Proper Hotel or The Clancy
If you want to spend the weekend in San Francisco, these are two hotels I'd consider. Proper has a more design-driven personality, while The Clancy is a more straightforward contemporary hotel.
Here's the tradeoff: Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, not San Francisco. Staying in the city means a substantial game-day journey, so I'd only recommend this approach if enjoying San Francisco is a priority. If convenience for the game comes first, I'd look at hotels closer to Santa Clara instead.
Beyond the game: Dinner in San Francisco or, even better, add a few nights in Napa Valley rather than squeezing it into a quick day trip.
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Four Seasons is a great choice for a Seattle weekend, especially if you want waterfront views and a central location. Lumen Field is reachable from downtown, although I'd check the walking route or transit options rather than assume it's directly outside the hotel.
Beyond the game: Pike Place Market and dinner near the waterfront.
Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
The Tampa EDITION
I'd stay at The Tampa EDITION if I wanted a lively hotel with great design and plenty happening nearby. Its Water Street location is ideal for restaurants and exploring downtown, although Raymond James Stadium requires a separate transfer.
Beyond the game: Water Street restaurants and rooftop views.
Image courtesy of The Tampa EDITION
Dream Nashville or Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
Nashville is one of those cities where I'd make the football game part of a much bigger weekend. Four Seasons is my pick for a more polished, quieter hotel experience with river views. Dream is more social and puts you close to downtown nightlife.
Both hotels work well for enjoying Nashville, but keep in mind that the Titans are expected to move into their new stadium in 2027. Check game day access and transportation details for the season you're attending.
Beyond the game: Broadway, live music, and dinner somewhere away from the busiest crowds.
Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf
Pendry is a great choice if you want to enjoy Washington beyond the football game. I like The Wharf for its waterfront restaurants and the ability to walk around the neighborhood without needing a car. Northwest Stadium is in Landover, Maryland, so I'd plan for a longer game-day transfer rather than treating it as a quick trip from the hotel.
Beyond the game: Dinner along The Wharf and time exploring D.C.
Image courtesy of Pendry Washington DC
Not every football trip looks the same. Maybe you're traveling with kids, coordinating a group of friends, or trying to plan a weekend around a game without spending hours figuring out which hotel is actually worth booking.
That's where we come in.
When we book your hotel, we can help with the details that make the trip easier, including:
The exact benefits depend on the hotel and booking program, but we'll explain what's included before you confirm. And yes, our hotel booking service is complimentary.
If you're planning an away game, send us your dates, the team you're following, and who's coming along. We'll help you choose the right hotel, think through the game-day logistics, and make sure the hotel is the easiest part of the trip.