Super Bowl week has officially kicked off, and while the spotlight is naturally on the game itself, there’s also plenty of buzz surrounding where the teams are staying as they gear up for the biggest Sunday in football. Both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have settled into their league-assigned hotels near Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the host site for this year’s championship showdown on February 8.
These accommodations aren’t just about comfort-they're part of the logistical chess match that comes with preparing for the Super Bowl. With both hotels located within an hour of San Francisco and just minutes from the stadium, the setup minimizes travel stress and keeps the focus squarely on football.
Patriots Go Local with Santa Clara Marriott
The New England Patriots, led by head coach Mike Vrabel and rookie quarterback Drake Maye, are staying at the Santa Clara Marriott-just a five-minute walk from Levi’s Stadium. That proximity gives the Pats a logistical edge when it comes to game-day prep. No buses, no traffic headaches-just a short stroll from their hotel to the field where they’ll try to bring home their first Lombardi Trophy since the Tom Brady era ended in 2020.
Their practices are being held at Stanford University in Palo Alto, roughly a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a setup that balances privacy and accessibility, giving Vrabel and his staff a controlled environment to fine-tune their game plan.
The Santa Clara Marriott itself offers the basics: meeting rooms for film sessions, a gym to stay loose, and an outdoor pool-though with the Bay Area’s mild February weather, don’t expect many cannonballs. While the hotel boasts a convenient location, guest reviews have been a mixed bag.
Some have praised the comfort and proximity to Levi’s Stadium, especially during 49ers home games. But not all feedback has been glowing.
One guest mentioned a persistent smoke smell in their room, while another flagged low water pressure. Perhaps most concerning, a recent review claimed a cockroach was spotted in one of the rooms.
The hotel addressed the smoke issue but stayed quiet on the bug report.
Seahawks Set Up in San Jose
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks have checked into the San Jose Marriott, a four-star hotel about 15 minutes from the stadium. Head coach Mike Macdonald and his squad will be practicing at San Jose State, keeping their operations tight and local as they prepare for the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since the Legion of Boom era.
The San Jose Marriott offers a more elevated experience, at least on paper-think rooftop pool, modern gym, ample meeting space, and a solid selection of nearby dining options. But even here, not everything has gone off without a hitch.
One guest described a sleepless night thanks to a loud crosswalk buzzer that reportedly rang nonstop. Another guest claimed they were bitten by bugs during their stay.
The hotel responded by citing a third-party inspection that found no issues and noted they would’ve offered a room change for the noise complaint had they been asked.
A Mixed Bag, But Mission-Focused
Despite the occasional hiccup, most reviews for both hotels lean positive, and that’s what the NFL is banking on when it selects accommodations for Super Bowl teams. The league’s goal is to provide safe, high-quality environments that allow players and coaches to focus on the task at hand-winning a championship.
Room rates, as expected, have surged with the Super Bowl buzz. While February nights might normally run around $138, prices during game week have soared past $500. That’s the cost of doing business when the biggest event in American sports comes to town.
At the end of the day, neither team is in Santa Clara for the hotel experience. They’re here to make history. But the surroundings matter-comfort, convenience, and a little peace and quiet can go a long way when you’re preparing for the biggest game of your life.