Unlike some tournament venues that are smack in the middle of their host cities (I’m looking at you Toronto), Estadio Akron sits on the far western edge of the Guadalajara metro area, in a suburb called Zapopan. It’s bordered by Bosque La Primavera, an ecological reserve of pine forest, hot springs, and volcanic peaks — stunning, but not exactly brimming with pre-game bars and taquerías.
Walking isn’t really an option unless you’re already at one of the handful of nearby hotels — and even then, you’re basically hoofing it along roads with very little shade and even less sidewalk. Uber is the most convenient way to get around, though match-day traffic near the venue will likely slow things down. There’s also a public bus line (Mi Macro Periférico) that connects the stadium area with the rest of the city, but the closest stop — Concentro — still leaves you about 10 minutes away by car. Some hotels may offer match-day shuttles, but those details haven’t been confirmed yet, so check with your hotel directly.
If your priority is proximity, there are a few hotel options within a five- to 15-minute drive of the stadium, including business-style properties with good reviews and newer spots that may host players or team staff. On the other hand, if you’d rather base yourself somewhere with more to do between matches — and don’t mind a short Uber ride — you’ll find excellent hospitality a bit farther out.
Here are the best hotels near Guadalajara’s Estadio Akron for fans heading to the World Cup.
We hope you love the hotels near Estadio Akron we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Photo: Booking
A five-minute Uber ride from Estadio Akron (or a 40-minute walk, if you’re feeling ambitious), Fiesta Inn Periférico Poniente is one of the closest hotels to the stadium — and likely one of the first to book up. It skews business-travel in style but covers the basics well: a compact but lovely pool, a small gym, and a pleasant outdoor patio near the restaurant. The restaurant serves regional Guadalajara dishes like tortas ahogadas, pork sandwiches smothered in tomato-chile salsa, and carne en su jugo, a tomatillo-based beef stew with beans and bacon. Don’t expect any bells and whistles at this hotel, but it’s convenient and comfortable. Previous guests regularly call out the breakfast buffet and friendly staff — and that goes a long way, elevating this from a place that might be categorized as basic to one many will consider booking for the World Cup.
Photo: Booking
If you spot a cluster of black SUVs idling out front of the Grand Fiesta, don’t be surprised — there’s a decent chance this is where some of the players and support staff will be staying. The Grand Fiesta Americana Guadalajara Country Club is one of the best five-star hotels in the city, with skyline-view suites, a gorgeous pool, a spa with jaw-dropping views over Guadalajara, L’Occitane bath products, and a club lounge stocked with wine and canapés. It’s not walkable to Estadio Akron, but you’re only about 25 minutes away by car. The surrounding Providencia neighborhood is also home to boutiques, cafes, and the upscale Punto Sao Paulo complex right next door.
Photo: Booking
If Grand Fiesta is where the teams might stay, Hard Rock is where the party’s probably happening. Just a 15-minute drive from Estadio Akron, this five-star tower in Zapopan goes big — there’s an infinity pool on the 26th floor, a rooftop lounge with mezcal cocktails and skyline views, and a music theme that runs through the rooms, bars, and even the restaurant menus. The B.I.T.S. Lounge, the hotel’s rooftop bar and dining space, will be popular with guests and locals soaking in panoramic views of Guadalajara over plates of flank steak tacos or octopus tostadas. It’s also around the corner from La Gran Plaza Fashion Mall and less than five minutes from the shops and taco joints on Avenida Patria. It’s highly likely the Hard Rock will throw World Cup events, and you might even luck out with a shuttle.
Photo: Booking
If you need a clean, affordable place to crash after a fixture, HG Hotel, a three-star property in Zapopan, is one of the better-reviewed budget picks near Estadio Akron, with surprisingly spacious rooms and rates starting under $80 per night. It’s about a 13-minute drive from the stadium, and while this isn’t the spot for rooftop cocktails, you will find comfortable beds, a good breakfast buffet, and a small gym. Junior suites come with Jacuzzis and overlook Avenida Vallarta, while standard rooms face the inner courtyard. There’s not much nightlife on site, but Plaza Galerias is just a few minutes away if you need dinner.
Photo: Booking
Another budget-friendly option for World Cup travelers is the Holiday Inn Express Guadalajara Vallarta Poniente. It’s just a five-minute drive or a manageable 35-minute walk to Estadio Akron — not bad, especially for the price. Rooms are simple but comfortable, and the rates include a decent breakfast spread with chilaquiles, beans, and a rotating daily dish. There’s a compact gym, a small pool, and even a complimentary local shuttle that covers the stadium zone — though it would be wise to check if they’re running on game days. The hotel sits off a major road with easy Uber access to nearby malls and quick eats, and its straightforward setup is ideal if you’re planning to spend more time in the stands than at the hotel.
Photo: Booking
This is my luxe hotel of choice. The Hyatt Regency Andares sits in the heart of Zapopan’s swankiest district, connected directly to the Andares Mall with its upscale boutiques, cocktail bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s a 20-minute drive to Estadio Akron, but you’ll hardly be thinking about that when you’re floating in the light-drenched tranquil pool, sipping tequila on the terrace at Andares Lounge, or tucking into fresh crepes at Cassola’s breakfast buffet. The rooms are sleek and elegant, with skyline views and blackout curtains. If you upgrade to Regency Club access, you’re looking at daily cocktail hours and one of the best complimentary breakfasts in town. Between the Kinal Spa, the 24-hour gym, and the city’s best boutiques downstairs, this is hands down one of the better high-end stays in Guadalajara.
Photo: Booking
Set near Plaza del Sol and about a 25-minute drive from Estadio Akron, Sheraton Guadalajara Expo is a good option if you’re hoping to cash in (or rack up) some Bonvoy points during your World Cup trip. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows and all the essentials. There’s a mellow rooftop pool, a spa, and La Prieta — the hotel’s all-day restaurant — serves a globally inspired menu with Mexican flourishes. But the real draw here might be the ground-floor sports bar, where you’ll find fellow soccer fans, big screens, and decent cocktails.
Photo: Booking
The Westin Guadalajara, across from Expo Guadalajara in the upscale Verde Valle district, is another strong contender for where players and staff might stay during fixtures. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Estadio Akron and close to Plaza del Sol and the World Trade Center, with plenty of dining and shopping in the area. Rooms are modern and comfortable, with blackout curtains, Westin’s signature beds, and large windows overlooking the city. There are some excellent options for on-site dining, too. Grill & Vine serves breakfast and dinner with a mix of local and international dishes, while Suvicheria offers sushi and cold beers in a relaxed, unfussy setting, and El Candil, the sleek ground-floor bar, is where to go to wind down with a good tequila. One to bookmark: the overall setup hits that sweet spot between value for money and exceptional hospitality. 