Best Hotels Near AT&T Stadium: Where to Stay for a Dallas Cowboys Game

There's something about attending a Dallas Cowboys game that makes the entire weekend feel like an event.

Maybe it's the enormous stadium. Maybe it's the tailgating. Or maybe it's the fact that everything really does seem bigger in Texas.

Whatever the reason, a trip to AT&T Stadium is one of those NFL experiences worth planning properly.

But there's one important detail first-time visitors sometimes overlook: the Dallas Cowboys don't actually play in Dallas.

AT&T Stadium is located in Arlington, Texas, roughly halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth.

That means choosing the right hotel can make a significant difference.

Stay in Arlington's Entertainment District, and you can potentially walk to the stadium, explore Texas Live!, and avoid some of the postgame traffic.

Stay in downtown Dallas, and you'll have more restaurants, nightlife, and sightseeing opportunities, but you'll need transportation to Arlington.

For a football-focused trip, we'd start our hotel search near AT&T Stadium.

Here are the best places to consider.

Live! by Loews Arlington: Best Overall Hotel Near AT&T Stadium

If we were planning our first Cowboys football weekend, Live! by Loews Arlington would be our top choice.

Located at 1600 East Randol Mill Road, the hotel sits in the heart of Arlington's Entertainment District, within walking distance of AT&T Stadium.

That's a major advantage.

Instead of dealing with parking lots and traffic, you can walk toward the stadium alongside thousands of other Cowboys fans.

But the hotel's location offers more than football convenience.

Live! by Loews is directly connected to Texas Live!, a major dining and entertainment complex with restaurants, bars, and large screens for watching sports.

The hotel also features upscale accommodations, several dining options, a fitness center, and a seasonal infinity pool.

For a weekend with friends or a couples trip, it's an appealing combination.

You can spend the afternoon exploring the Entertainment District, enjoy dinner and drinks at Texas Live!, and walk back to your room afterward.

For us, that's exactly how a football weekend should work.

Best for: First-time Cowboys visitors, couples, and fans who want to stay in the middle of the action.

Loews Arlington Hotel: Best Luxury Hotel for Cowboys Fans

Loews Arlington Hotel is another outstanding option near AT&T Stadium.

Located at 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, the hotel sits between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field.

The property is connected to Live! by Loews via a skybridge, creating a larger resort-style destination in Arlington's Entertainment District.

Loews Arlington features upscale accommodations, multiple restaurants, a full-service spa, and an impressive pool complex.

Families will particularly appreciate the resort-style pools and water slide.

For a football weekend that doubles as a family vacation, this hotel is difficult to beat.

You're close enough to walk to the stadium while having plenty of amenities available when you're not watching football.

The property also provides convenient access to Texas Live! and the surrounding entertainment district.

We'd compare Loews Arlington directly with Live! by Loews before booking.

Both offer excellent locations, but Loews Arlington may be more appealing if resort amenities and extra relaxation are priorities.

Best for: Families, luxury travelers, and couples planning a special football getaway.

Courtyard Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District: Best Practical Hotel Near the Stadium

Not every Cowboys weekend needs to involve a luxury hotel.

Courtyard Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District is a strong alternative for travelers who want a convenient location and familiar accommodations.

Located at 1500 Nolan Ryan Expressway, the property is less than a mile from AT&T Stadium.

That makes walking a realistic option for many visitors, although we'd check the route before game day.

The hotel offers modern guest rooms, a fitness center, and The Bistro for food and beverages.

You're also close to Globe Life Field, Texas Live!, and other Arlington attractions.

For families or couples who plan to spend most of their time outside the hotel, Courtyard makes plenty of sense.

You get the advantage of staying in the Entertainment District without necessarily paying for the extensive resort amenities offered by the Loews properties.

Best for: Families, couples, and travelers prioritizing location over luxury.

Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington: Best for Families and Included Amenities

Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington is another property worth comparing.

Located at 101 West Road to Six Flags Street, the hotel offers convenient access to Arlington's major sports and entertainment attractions.

One of the biggest advantages of staying at a Drury property is the collection of included amenities.

Guests can generally expect complimentary breakfast and the brand's evening food and beverage service.

That can be particularly useful for families traveling with children.

Instead of coordinating every meal at a restaurant, you have convenient options available at the hotel.

The property is farther from AT&T Stadium than the hotels immediately surrounding Texas Live!, so we'd plan on driving or arranging transportation rather than assuming an easy walk.

But for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and included amenities, it's worth considering.

Best for: Families, road-trippers, and travelers looking for practical amenities.

Hilton Arlington: Best for a Longer Arlington Stay

Hilton Arlington is another option for visitors who want to stay near the Entertainment District without being directly beside the stadium.

Located at 2401 East Lamar Boulevard, the property is convenient to Six Flags Over Texas, Globe Life Field, and AT&T Stadium.

The hotel offers on-site dining, a fitness center, and swimming pool facilities.

It's particularly appealing for travelers planning to spend several days exploring Arlington.

You can visit the stadium, spend time at Texas Live!, and potentially include other local attractions.

The tradeoff is transportation.

We wouldn't book Hilton Arlington expecting to walk to AT&T Stadium.

Instead, we'd plan for a drive, rideshare, or suitable local transportation option.

Best for: Families, longer visits, and travelers who want to explore multiple Arlington attractions.

Should You Stay in Arlington or Downtown Dallas?

This is the biggest decision when planning a Cowboys football weekend.

And our recommendation depends on what you want from the trip.

If football is the main priority, stay in Arlington.

The Entertainment District offers several hotels within walking distance of AT&T Stadium.

That means you can enjoy the pregame atmosphere, explore Texas Live!, and avoid some of the transportation headaches that come with major sporting events.

Downtown Dallas offers a different experience.

You'll have access to more restaurants, bars, museums, and nightlife.

Neighborhoods such as Uptown, Deep Ellum, and the downtown Arts District are worth exploring.

But AT&T Stadium is roughly 20 miles from central Dallas.

Depending on traffic, the drive can take considerably longer than the distance might suggest.

For a first Cowboys game, we'd rather stay close to the stadium.

For a longer Dallas vacation that includes a Cowboys game, downtown becomes more appealing.

Can You Walk to AT&T Stadium From Nearby Hotels?

Yes, and that's one of the biggest advantages of staying in Arlington's Entertainment District.

Live! by Loews Arlington and Loews Arlington Hotel are both within walking distance of the stadium.

Courtyard Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District is another practical option for visitors comfortable with a somewhat longer walk.

Walking is particularly appealing after the game.

Instead of immediately joining thousands of vehicles trying to leave the stadium area, you can head back toward your hotel.

That's a major convenience.

However, Arlington is a sprawling city, and not every hotel marketed as being near AT&T Stadium is actually walkable.

We'd check the pedestrian route carefully before booking.

A hotel that's only a few miles away may still require a vehicle because of major roads, intersections, or limited pedestrian connections.

What Is Texas Live! in Arlington?

Texas Live! is one of the biggest reasons we'd recommend staying near AT&T Stadium.

Located in Arlington's Entertainment District, the complex combines restaurants, bars, and sports entertainment in one destination.

It's positioned between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, making it a natural gathering place for sports fans.

Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and large-screen sports viewing without traveling into Dallas.

For a Cowboys weekend, we'd plan to spend some time here even if we're staying at another hotel.

It's especially appealing for groups of friends who want a lively atmosphere before or after the game.

And if you're staying at Live! by Loews, the convenience is difficult to beat.

What Is Tailgating Like at AT&T Stadium?

Tailgating is a major part of the Cowboys football experience.

The parking areas surrounding AT&T Stadium fill with fans grilling, playing games, and gathering before kickoff.

But there are important rules to understand.

Tailgating is permitted only in designated spaces within approved parking lots.

The Cowboys require tailgating activities to remain within specific grassy areas around the parking lots rather than occupying drive aisles or additional parking spaces.

If you're planning your own tailgate, review the stadium's official policies before bringing equipment.

For first-time visitors, we'd recommend arriving early enough to experience the atmosphere even if you aren't hosting a tailgate.

And remember that private tailgates aren't automatically open to everyone.

What Should You Know About Parking at AT&T Stadium?

Parking is one of the biggest reasons we'd recommend staying within walking distance.

AT&T Stadium has numerous designated parking lots, with additional event parking available around the Entertainment District.

However, parking can become expensive and traffic can be significant.

We'd recommend purchasing a parking pass in advance if you're planning to drive.

The Cowboys assign parking passes to specific lots, so make sure you know where you're supposed to enter.

Don't assume you can simply arrive and park in whichever lot looks most convenient.

We'd also allow plenty of time before kickoff.

The combination of tailgating, stadium traffic, and large crowds can make the final approach slower than expected.

Can You Take Uber or Lyft to AT&T Stadium?

Yes.

Rideshare services are available in Arlington, and AT&T Stadium has designated areas for passenger pickup and drop-off.

The stadium currently identifies Lot 15 as its rideshare location.

However, we'd confirm the latest instructions before traveling because event traffic patterns and pickup arrangements can change.

The biggest challenge is usually leaving after the game.

Thousands of fans may be requesting rides simultaneously.

That can mean longer waits and higher fares.

For visitors staying at a hotel within walking distance, we'd take advantage of that convenience.

For travelers staying downtown, rideshare is workable, but we'd budget extra time and money.

Does Arlington Have Public Transportation to AT&T Stadium?

Arlington doesn't have the same extensive rail transportation network you'll find in Dallas.

That makes getting to AT&T Stadium without a vehicle more complicated than visiting some other NFL stadiums.

The Arlington Trolley serves participating hotels and attractions within the Entertainment District.

However, its regular service is seasonal, and stadium-event transportation operates under separate arrangements.

We wouldn't assume a complimentary hotel trolley will automatically take us to a Cowboys game.

Before booking a hotel specifically because of trolley access, we'd confirm the route, availability, and any event-related fares.

Arlington also offers an on-demand transportation service that may be useful for certain local trips.

For most visitors, however, staying within walking distance remains the simplest option.

What Should You Do Before a Cowboys Game?

We'd start by arriving early.

AT&T Stadium is an attraction in itself, and there's plenty to experience before heading inside.

Spend time around the stadium plaza, explore the surrounding Entertainment District, and enjoy the atmosphere as fans gather.

The Miller LiteHouse area outside the stadium is another major pregame gathering destination.

It features entertainment, food and beverage options, and Cowboys-themed activities.

Depending on the event, fans may also see performances by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and other entertainment groups.

We'd allow enough time to enjoy the experience rather than arriving just before kickoff.

For a first Cowboys game, the pregame atmosphere deserves to be part of the itinerary.

Can You Tour AT&T Stadium?

Yes, and we'd strongly recommend considering it.

AT&T Stadium offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore parts of the venue beyond the normal game-day experience.

Depending on the tour selected and stadium operations, experiences may include field access, locker rooms, and other behind-the-scenes areas.

Tour routes and availability vary.

We'd check the stadium's official tour information before building an itinerary around one.

For a first-time visitor, seeing the stadium outside the game-day crowds can be a memorable addition to the trip.

What Else Should You Do During a Cowboys Football Weekend?

One advantage of visiting Arlington is that you're positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth.

That opens up plenty of opportunities beyond football.

If you're staying in Arlington, Texas Live! is an obvious starting point.

Six Flags Over Texas is another popular attraction, particularly for families.

For visitors willing to explore farther, downtown Fort Worth offers the historic Stockyards, restaurants, and a distinctly Texas atmosphere.

Dallas provides another collection of attractions, including the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Arts District, and the restaurants and nightlife of Uptown.

We'd consider extending the trip if you're traveling from out of state.

There's enough to see throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to justify several additional days.

How Early Should You Book a Hotel Near AT&T Stadium?

As early as your travel plans reasonably allow.

Hotels within walking distance of AT&T Stadium are particularly desirable for Cowboys weekends.

Live! by Loews and Loews Arlington are especially appealing because of their location and surrounding entertainment options.

Once those hotels become unavailable, travelers may need to expand their search to other parts of Arlington or Dallas.

We'd also compare the total cost of the stay rather than focusing only on the nightly rate.

A more expensive hotel within walking distance may ultimately be worth it if it eliminates parking expenses and complicated transportation arrangements.

Check cancellation policies, deposits, and minimum-stay requirements before booking.

How Many Nights Should You Stay for a Cowboys Game?

We'd recommend at least two nights.

Arrive before game day and spend some time exploring Arlington's Entertainment District.

Make game day entirely about the Cowboys.

Then use your remaining time for a stadium tour, a visit to Texas Live!, or another attraction before heading home.

For first-time visitors to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, three nights would be even better.

You could spend part of the trip in Arlington and use another day to explore Dallas or Fort Worth.

For the best overall Dallas Cowboys football weekend, Live! by Loews Arlington is our first choice.

Its location near AT&T Stadium and direct access to Texas Live! make it difficult to beat.

Loews Arlington Hotel is another outstanding option, particularly for families and travelers who want a resort-style experience.

For visitors looking for a more straightforward hotel, Courtyard Dallas Arlington/Entertainment District is worth comparing.

Families should also consider Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas Arlington, while Hilton Arlington provides another option for longer visits.

But our biggest recommendation is simple:

If you're traveling primarily to watch the Cowboys, stay in Arlington.

Spend time exploring Texas Live!.

Arrive early enough to experience the tailgating atmosphere.

And when it's finally time for football, make your way into AT&T Stadium.

It's one of those NFL destinations where the stadium itself is a major part of the experience.