Choosing where to stay in Jonesboro, Arkansas, depends on what brings you to town. Visitors attending an Arkansas State University event may value campus access, while longer stays benefit from a kitchen and laundry facilities. Budget, breakfast, parking, pet policies, and access to I-555 can also make a meaningful difference, so it helps to compare hotels by more than price alone.
Quick Answer
For the closest stay to Arkansas State University, Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center stands out because it is on campus. For extended stays, Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, and Candlewood Suites offer in-room kitchens. Hilton Garden Inn and Best Western Plus provide convenient alternatives near major Jonesboro roads.
Key Takeaways
- Best for Arkansas State University: Embassy Suites is located on the A-State campus next to First National Bank Arena.
- Best for longer stays: Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, and Candlewood Suites all offer in-room kitchen facilities.
- Best for a traditional full-service stay: Hilton Garden Inn combines an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking.
- Budget travelers: Compare Baymont, Americas Best Value Inn, and other economy properties by total price and included amenities rather than the room rate alone.
- Transportation: Jonesboro’s public transit system is now called GOJO, and visitors driving to A-State can use designated visitor spaces and paid meter or garage parking.
Jonesboro Hotels Compared
| Hotel | Best For | Useful Features |
| Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center | A-State events and campus visits | On campus, made-to-order breakfast, indoor pool, restaurant, free parking |
| Residence Inn Jonesboro | Extended stays | Full kitchens, free breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness center |
| Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro | Business and full-service stays | Restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, free parking |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Jonesboro | Families and extended stays | In-room kitchen, free breakfast, outdoor pool, pet-friendly rooms |
| Americas Best Value Inn | Budget-focused travelers | Compare the current rate and inclusions before booking |
| Baymont by Wyndham Jonesboro | Value with breakfast | Continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, seasonal pool, fitness room |
| Best Western Plus Jonesboro Inn & Suites | Straightforward value | Hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, near A-State |
| Candlewood Suites Jonesboro | Longer stays with self-catering | Full kitchens, complimentary laundry, pet-friendly rooms |
How to Choose the Right Area to Stay in Jonesboro
If your trip centers on Arkansas State University, staying on or close to campus can reduce driving before games, concerts, graduations, and university events. Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center is directly on campus, while several hotels south of the university provide relatively quick road access.
For shopping, restaurants, and convenient access to major roads, the hotel cluster around I-555, Caraway Road, Phillips Drive, Kazi Street, and nearby streets gives you several choices within a small area. If your trip focuses more on downtown Jonesboro, remember that most of the hotels covered here are not downtown properties, so a car or public transportation may be more practical than walking.
A-State visitors who drive can review the university’s official visitor parking information. Designated visitor spaces are available, along with metered spaces and parking in the North Parking Deck.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting for a major A-State football game, concert, graduation, or conference, compare the convenience of an on-campus hotel with the cost of a hotel farther away. Avoid choosing solely by the lowest nightly rate if parking and event traffic will add time to every trip.
Residence Inn Jonesboro
If you’re planning an extended stay in Jonesboro, Residence Inn by Marriott is designed around longer visits. According to Marriott’s current property information, its studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites include fully equipped kitchens and separate areas for living and sleeping.
The hotel also lists a complimentary full American breakfast, an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, on-site laundry, and pet-friendly accommodations. Marriott identifies Arkansas State University as roughly two miles away, making the property useful for travelers who want both an extended-stay setup and reasonable access to campus.
Check-in is currently listed at 3 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m. One detail worth budgeting for is parking: Marriott currently lists on-site parking at $3.50 per day. Pet fees and other policies can also change, so confirm the terms attached to your dates before paying.
Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro
Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro is a strong option if you prefer a more traditional hotel experience with on-site dining and recreation facilities. The hotel sits just north of I-555 on South Caraway Road and provides convenient road access for both business and leisure trips.
Location and Accessibility
Hilton currently lists the hotel at about three miles from Arkansas State University, roughly five miles from Jonesboro Municipal Airport, and about 75 miles from Memphis International Airport. Airport shuttle service is not offered.
- Approximately three miles from Arkansas State University
- About five miles from Jonesboro Municipal Airport
- Approximately 75 miles from Memphis International Airport
- Complimentary self-parking
- Easy access from the I-555 area
Hilton’s event information lists 109 guest rooms, correcting older listings that may show a smaller number.
Amenities and Features
The Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro currently offers free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool, a fitness center, complimentary parking, pet-friendly rooms, meeting facilities, and room service. Breakfast is available, but Hilton lists it as a paid option rather than a complimentary inclusion.
Current check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m., which is worth noting if you prefer a later departure than the 11 a.m. check-out used by many other Jonesboro properties.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jonesboro
Home2 Suites by Hilton Jonesboro offers a modern all-suite stay that works well for short visits and longer trips. Hilton’s current listing places it about two miles from Arkansas State University.
Useful features include:
- An in-room kitchen for preparing simple meals
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi and complimentary self-parking
- An outdoor pool and fitness center
- Pet-friendly rooms
- EV charging
Check-in is currently 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. For travelers staying several nights, the combination of a kitchen, included breakfast, and parking can make it easier to control dining and transportation costs.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center
If your trip revolves around Arkansas State University, Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center deserves serious consideration. Hilton identifies the property as being on the A-State campus, next to First National Bank Arena and close to Centennial Bank Stadium.
The hotel includes a free made-to-order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, free Wi-Fi, free self-parking, an indoor pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant, pet-friendly rooms, and extensive event facilities connected with the Red Wolf Convention Center.
Current check-in is 4 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. That later check-in is an important detail if you are planning your arrival around an afternoon campus event.
Note: Hotel-to-campus distances can vary depending on the entrance or venue you use. For events at First National Bank Arena or Centennial Bank Stadium, consider the specific venue rather than relying only on a general distance to “Arkansas State University.”
Americas Best Value Inn
Americas Best Value Inn on Phillips Drive remains a budget-focused lodging option to compare when price is your main concern. The Jonesboro lodging directory lists the property at 2901 Phillips Drive, but current amenity information across online listings is inconsistent. Because of that, it is better to judge this property by the exact rate and inclusions displayed when you book rather than relying on older amenity descriptions.
Room Features and Amenities
Older listings describe rooms with combinations of microwaves, refrigerators, internet access, and other basic conveniences, but these features may vary by room or rate. Before booking, confirm the amenities that matter most to you, especially:
- Whether Wi-Fi is included in your selected rate
- Whether breakfast is currently offered
- Whether your room includes a microwave or refrigerator
- Current parking terms
- Cancellation and deposit policies
This verification is especially worthwhile with budget hotels because a slightly cheaper room can become less attractive if breakfast, internet, or other services cost extra.
Location and Accessibility
The property is listed at 2901 Phillips Drive in Jonesboro, in the same general hotel corridor as several other lodging options south of the Arkansas State University campus. This makes it practical to compare multiple properties in the area before deciding.
If your trip is centered on campus, check the driving route to your exact A-State venue rather than assuming every hotel in the southern hotel cluster is within easy walking distance.
Pricing and Value
Americas Best Value Inn is most relevant for travelers prioritizing lower lodging costs. Instead of comparing headline nightly prices alone, compare the final total after taxes and fees and note whether Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, and cancellation flexibility are included.
A refundable room that costs slightly more can sometimes offer better practical value than the cheapest prepaid rate, particularly when travel dates may change.
Baymont Inn & Suites Jonesboro
Baymont by Wyndham Jonesboro is another value-oriented hotel in the I-555 area. Wyndham’s current property page highlights convenient access to shopping, entertainment, sports facilities, Arkansas State University, and outdoor recreation.
Current amenities include a free continental breakfast, free high-speed internet, refrigerators in guest rooms, a seasonal pool, and a fitness room. Those inclusions can make Baymont worth comparing with other economy and midscale properties when you want to keep meal and connectivity costs predictable.
For outdoor time during your stay, Craighead Forest Park offers hiking and biking trails, fishing, disc golf, playgrounds, and other recreation south of central Jonesboro.
Best Western Plus Jonesboro Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Jonesboro Inn & Suites provides a straightforward option for travelers who want familiar hotel amenities without an extended-stay kitchen. According to the current Best Western listing, the property is on Gilmore Drive and is about two miles from Arkansas State University.
Current highlights include:
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary parking
- Rooms with microwaves and refrigerators
- Fitness facilities
- Check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m.
Because hotel amenity pages can occasionally contain conflicting details after renovations or seasonal changes, verify any feature that is essential to your trip, particularly pool availability.
Candlewood Suites Jonesboro
Candlewood Suites Jonesboro is designed for travelers who want a more home-like extended stay. The current IHG listing places the property near the intersection of I-555 and Route 49.
Its biggest advantage is that all suites have fully equipped kitchens. IHG also lists complimentary laundry facilities, a fitness center, free internet, weekly housekeeping, and pet-friendly accommodations. Those features are especially useful if you are staying for work, relocating temporarily, or visiting Jonesboro for more than a few nights.
Check-in is currently 3 p.m. and check-out is 11 a.m. IHG does not list a local or airport shuttle, so plan on driving, using a rideshare service, or checking available GOJO routes.
Other Jonesboro Hotels Worth Comparing
Hampton Inn Jonesboro
Hampton Inn Jonesboro is another useful option in the Phillips Drive area. Hilton currently lists complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. The hotel is roughly 2.8 miles from Arkansas State University.
This can be a good comparison point if you want breakfast and parking included but do not need a full kitchen.
Fairfield by Marriott Jonesboro
Fairfield by Marriott Jonesboro is also positioned near I-555 and Arkansas State University. Marriott currently highlights complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a business center.
It is worth comparing with Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Best Western Plus when you want a conventional hotel rather than an extended-stay suite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in and check-out times for hotels in Jonesboro?
A 3 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out are common, but they are not universal. Hilton Garden Inn Jonesboro currently checks out at noon, while Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center lists a 4 p.m. check-in. Always check your property’s current policy before arrival.
Are there pet-friendly hotels available in Jonesboro?
Yes. Current official listings show pet-friendly accommodations at Residence Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, and Candlewood Suites. Fees, weight limits, permitted animals, and maximum pet counts vary, so review the hotel’s pet policy for your dates.
Which hotel is closest to Arkansas State University?
Embassy Suites by Hilton Jonesboro Red Wolf Convention Center is the clearest choice for campus access because Hilton describes it as being on the Arkansas State University campus, next to First National Bank Arena. Home2 Suites, Residence Inn, Best Western Plus, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn are also within a few miles.
What local attractions are within walking distance of downtown hotels?
Downtown Jonesboro includes local restaurants, shops, gathering spaces, and event areas such as Rotary Club of Jonesboro Centennial Plaza. However, most hotels covered in this guide are outside the downtown core, so do not assume downtown attractions are walkable from them. A car, rideshare, or GOJO route may be more practical.
Is public transportation available for getting around Jonesboro?
Yes. Jonesboro’s official public transit system is GOJO, formerly known as JET. The system operates fixed routes and other transit services, including connections involving Arkansas State University. Check the current route map and timetable before relying on it for a hotel-to-attraction trip.
Do hotels in Jonesboro offer free Wi-Fi and parking?
Many do, but check each property. Hilton Garden Inn, Home2 Suites, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Best Western Plus, and Candlewood Suites currently list complimentary parking or internet benefits. Residence Inn currently lists on-site parking at $3.50 per day, so free parking should not be assumed across all Jonesboro hotels.
Which Jonesboro hotels are best for an extended stay?
Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, and Candlewood Suites are the strongest extended-stay choices in this guide because they provide in-room kitchen facilities. Candlewood also offers complimentary laundry, while Residence Inn and Home2 Suites include breakfast, so compare the features that matter most for the length of your stay.
Conclusion
The best hotel in Jonesboro depends on the purpose of your trip. Embassy Suites Red Wolf Convention Center offers the easiest access for many Arkansas State University visits, while Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, and Candlewood Suites are better suited to travelers who need kitchen facilities for longer stays. Hilton Garden Inn provides a more traditional full-service experience, while Baymont, Best Western Plus, Americas Best Value Inn, Hampton Inn, and Fairfield give you additional price and amenity combinations to compare.
Before booking, check the final price, cancellation terms, parking, breakfast, pet fees, and the driving distance to the specific campus venue or attraction you plan to visit. Those details often matter more than a small difference in the advertised nightly rate.
Sources
- Marriott – Residence Inn Jonesboro – current kitchens, breakfast, parking, pet, check-in, and hotel amenity information.
- Hilton – Jonesboro Hotels – current Hilton properties and amenities in Jonesboro.
- Wyndham – Baymont by Wyndham Jonesboro – current Baymont breakfast, internet, recreation, and location information.
- IHG – Candlewood Suites Jonesboro – current kitchen, laundry, pet, location, and extended-stay information.
- City of Jonesboro – GOJO Public Transit – current transit-system name and service information.
- Arkansas State University – Visitor Parking – official campus visitor parking options and guidance.
