Welcome to the Hampton Inn & Suites Athens - I-65, ideally nestled at the base of the Smokey Mountains, just 25 miles west of Huntsville, Alabama. The Hampton Inn & Suites Athens - I-65, is a convenient destination located off I-65 at Exit 351, halfway between Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee. Come to shop and explore the charm of Historical Downtown Athens, Alabama with its beautiful tree-lined avenues, amazing history, peaceful walking trails, museums and inviting storefronts, Athens is home to The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention and a wealth of special events.