Stay near State Farm Arena or drive in and park?

Question

My husband and I are heading down to Atlanta to see Jeff Lynne's ELO in October. I use a mobility scooter and I'm looking for hotels. I have two options I'm considering.

Stay outside of Atlanta and drive in and park. The parking is expensive and the Ruby lot has bad reviews especially with ADA Access. Many reviews say the elevators are broken and there's issues with the homeless. The Sapphire Deck is a bit further but the reviews are better. About $200 for hotel and parking.

The other option is to spend more money, stay at the Omni Hotel across the street. Closest hotel to the arena. Reviews look good. I don't mind paying more if driving in and parking is going to be a mess. It's $350 for one night with valet parking.

What would you guys suggest?

Answer

For your trip to see Jeff Lynne's ELO at State Farm Arena, it sounds like you have two viable options for your stay, but each comes with its own set of pros and cons, especially considering your mobility needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

Option 1: Stay outside Atlanta and drive in

This option could save you money on hotel rates, but there are some challenges you should weigh:

Parking Concerns: As you mentioned, parking in the Ruby lot has received negative reviews, particularly regarding ADA access, broken elevators, and security concerns. If you're relying on the Ruby lot, these issues could cause significant stress and inconvenience, especially if you’re using a mobility scooter.
Better Lot Option: The Sapphire Deck is a better-rated option, though it’s a bit further from the arena. It’s still an option worth considering if you decide to stay outside Atlanta, but the walk might be longer and you may face challenges navigating from the lot to the venue.
Cost: At around $200 for hotel and parking, this is a more budget-friendly option, but the potential parking issues and the added stress of driving in and finding a spot may not be ideal if you’re looking for convenience.

Option 2: Stay at the Omni Hotel

The Omni Hotel is directly across the street from State Farm Arena, which makes it the most convenient option, especially if you’re looking to minimize walking and parking hassle:

Convenience: The Omni Hotel’s location is a huge advantage—it’s essentially across the street from the arena, meaning you won’t have to worry about finding parking or walking far to get to the venue. This would be a great option if you want to avoid the stress of navigating busy streets and parking lots, especially with your mobility scooter.
Accessibility: The hotel’s proximity to the arena means that accessibility should be better, with more accommodations for individuals with mobility issues. You’ll likely have easier access to both your room and the venue, and you won’t need to worry about elevator malfunctions or parking lot issues.
Cost: While the Omni is pricier at $350 with valet parking, the convenience and peace of mind it offers may be worth the extra cost, especially if it means a smoother, more comfortable experience.

What to Consider:

If convenience and accessibility are top priorities, especially given your mobility needs, the Omni Hotel is likely the best choice. While it costs more, the peace of mind from being so close to the venue and not having to deal with parking issues could make the extra expense worthwhile.
If you're willing to accept the potential parking challenges and you’re comfortable with the distance from the arena, staying outside Atlanta and driving in could save you money. However, given your concerns about the Ruby lot’s reviews and your need for reliable ADA access, this option may come with added stress and inconvenience.

In conclusion, while both options have their pros, I would recommend staying at the Omni Hotel for the best combination of convenience, accessibility, and overall ease of experience. The extra cost could be well worth it for the comfort and peace of mind it provides during your trip.