Pet-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta: Where to Stay With Your Dog or Cat
Traveling with a pet in Atlanta is easier than ever. From luxury high-rises in Midtown to budget-friendly spots near the airport, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Atlanta—you just need to know which one fits your needs, your neighborhood, and your animal’s personality.
Below is a practical guide to finding and choosing pet-friendly Atlanta hotels, plus local tips that matter specifically in and around the city.
How Pet-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta Typically Work
Most Atlanta pet-friendly hotels follow similar patterns, with a few key differences:
Pet fees:
- Flat fee per stay (common in mid-range hotels)
- Nightly fee per pet (more common in chains and upscale properties)
- Occasional refundable deposit for potential damage
Weight and number limits:
- Many allow dogs up to 40–75 lbs
- Some properties welcome larger breeds or have no weight limit
- Often a limit of 1–2 pets per room
Types of pets:
- Dogs are widely accepted
- Some hotels allow cats, but not all—always confirm in advance
- Exotic animals and large numbers of pets are usually restricted
Common rules:
- Pets may need to be leashed in public areas
- Some hotels restrict pets from pools, breakfast areas, gyms, or lounges
- You may be asked not to leave pets unattended or to crate them if you do
Atlanta hotels usually list their pet policies clearly when you book online, but policies can change, so it’s wise to call the front desk directly before you finalize your stay.
Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta for Pet-Friendly Stays
Choosing where to stay can matter as much as the hotel itself, especially with a dog that needs regular walks.
Downtown Atlanta
Good if you want to be near State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium, and Centennial Olympic Park.
Pros:
- Lots of sidewalks and plazas for short walks
- Quick access to downtown attractions
Consider:
- Green space is more limited; good for short breaks, but you may need to drive to a park for serious exercise
- Heavier traffic and big-event crowds can be stressful for some pets
Midtown
Midtown is one of the most walkable and dog-friendly areas in Atlanta.
Highlights:
- Close to Piedmont Park (dog park, trails, open lawns)
- Plenty of sidewalk cafés that often welcome dogs on patios
- Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail for longer walks
This area works especially well if you’re staying multiple days and want a real routine for your dog.
Buckhead
Buckhead offers a mix of upscale pet-friendly hotels and quieter residential streets.
Pros:
- More tree-lined neighborhoods and residential sidewalks
- Easy drive to Chastain Park and Lenox Square/Phipps Plaza area
Consider:
- Heavier traffic on Peachtree Road and around the malls
- Some luxury hotels have stricter pet rules and higher fees
Airport Area (Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport)
If you have a quick stopover or early/late flight, airport hotels can be practical.
Pros:
- Many chain hotels around Virginia Avenue and Old National Highway offer pet-friendly options
- Easy access to the ATL Pet Relief Areas if you’re flying with your animal
Consider:
- Fewer walking-friendly neighborhoods; you may be limited to hotel grounds and nearby sidewalks
Examples of Pet-Friendly Hotel Types in Atlanta
Instead of focusing on specific brands, it helps to know what types of properties tend to work best for different needs.
1. Extended-Stay Hotels (Great for Longer Visits)
Often found in Midtown, Perimeter, Buckhead, and near the airport, extended-stay hotels usually feature:
- Kitchenettes or full kitchens
- Larger rooms or suites
- On-site laundry
- More relaxed atmosphere—helpful if your pet needs quiet
These can be ideal if you’re:
- Relocating to Atlanta and waiting on permanent housing
- Staying in town for a work project
- Traveling with multiple family members and a pet
Pet policies here are often more flexible, but fees can add up over a long stay, so ask whether the pet charge is per night or per stay.
2. Boutique & Lifestyle Hotels
Areas like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and parts of Downtown have smaller, stylish hotels that may market themselves as especially pet-welcoming.
Expect:
- Dog treats at check-in
- Pet beds or bowls on request
- Sometimes access to nearby pet-friendly patios or parks
These properties can be more strict about:
- Breed, weight, and behavior (quiet, well-socialized dogs preferred)
- Not leaving your pup unattended for long periods
3. Major Chain Hotels
You’ll find familiar pet-friendly chains in:
- Downtown (near major attractions)
- Midtown (along Peachtree Street and near Piedmont Park)
- Buckhead (around Lenox and Peachtree)
- Cumberland/Galleria area (near Truist Park)
- Airport area
They typically have:
- Clearly posted pet fees and limits
- Standardized cleaning procedures for pet rooms
- Designated pet-walking areas outside
If you’re driving, ask about ground-floor rooms near exits so you can make quick early-morning or late-night potty runs.
Quick Comparison: What Kind of Pet-Friendly Hotel Fits You?
| Travel Situation | Best Areas in Atlanta | Hotel Type to Consider | What to Ask About 🐾 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend trip with dog near attractions | Downtown, Midtown | Chain or boutique | Weight limits, fees, park proximity |
| Longer stay / relocation with a pet | Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, Cumberland | Extended-stay | Fee per stay vs. per night, kitchen |
| Luxury stay with small dog | Buckhead, Midtown | Upscale or boutique | Size limits, in-room pet amenities |
| Road trip / one-night stopover | Airport area, Perimeter, I-75/I-85 junctions | Chain hotels near highways | Late check-in, nearby green space |
| Visiting for an event with crowds | Downtown, Cumberland (Truist Park), College Park | Well-reviewed chain or boutique | Noise level, quiet rooms, pet rules |
Key Things to Ask Before You Book
Because policies differ widely between Atlanta hotels that are pet-friendly, always call the property directly with specific questions, such as:
What pets do you accept?
- Dogs only, or dogs and cats?
- Any breed or weight restrictions?
What is the total cost for my stay with a pet?
- Flat fee per stay, or nightly fee per pet?
- Is there a refundable deposit?
Are there restrictions on leaving my pet alone in the room?
- Do they require crating?
- What happens if the dog barks while I’m gone?
Where can I walk my dog?
- Is there a designated pet area on-site?
- Are there parks or trails within walking or short driving distance?
Which floors or room types are pet-friendly?
- Some hotels only allow pets on certain floors or in specific room categories.
Do you have any special cleaning or check-out requirements?
- Extra cleaning fee if there is damage?
- Required notice at check-out about having a pet?
Writing these details down before you arrive can help avoid surprises at check-in.
Bringing a Dog to an Atlanta Hotel: Local Tips
Atlanta’s climate, layout, and traffic patterns influence what staying with a pet is like day to day.
Heat and Weather Considerations
- Summer heat and humidity in Atlanta can be intense, especially from late May through September.
- Pavement can get very hot, especially in Downtown and Midtown, so try:
- Early morning or after-sunset walks
- Grassy routes around Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, or local neighborhood parks
Always keep water handy. Many hotels have water stations in the lobby, and some front desks will provide bowls on request.
Traffic and Noise
- Central areas near Interstate 75/85 (“The Connector”) and Peachtree Street can be noisy.
- If your pet is sensitive to sound, ask for a higher-floor room away from elevators and main streets.
- Event days near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park can bring heavier noise and foot traffic; planning ahead helps.
Where to Exercise Your Dog Near Hotels
Some especially useful green spaces near common hotel zones include:
Piedmont Park & Piedmont Dog Park
- Main entrance: 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
- Large off-leash dog park plus walking paths and open lawns
Historic Fourth Ward Park
- 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
- Close to BeltLine Eastside Trail, good for leashed walks
Freedom Park (intown neighborhoods east of Downtown/Midtown)
- Long, grassy trails, good for longer leashed walks
Centennial Olympic Park (Downtown)
- 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Mostly leashed walking; not a dog park, but a place to stroll
Always follow posted rules and keep your dog leashed where required.
Dog-Friendly Atlanta Attractions Near Hotels
While not every Atlanta attraction allows pets inside, several outdoor spaces and experiences pair well with a hotel stay:
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
- Connects areas like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
- Lined with restaurants and patios that may welcome dogs outdoors
Patio dining
- Many restaurants in Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Virginia-Highland have dog-friendly patios
- Check with the host on arrival or call ahead
Parks and neighborhood strolls
- Intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Cabbagetown have walkable streets and green spaces
If you’re planning a full day at an attraction that doesn’t allow pets (such as the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola), consider arranging care for your animal rather than leaving them alone in a hotel room for long stretches.
Pet Care and Boarding Near Atlanta Hotels
If you need daycare, boarding, or grooming while you’re at your hotel, the Atlanta metro area has many options. Focus on locations near where you’re staying to minimize travel time:
- Downtown / Midtown / Old Fourth Ward: Look for urban-style dog daycares and grooming shops within a short drive of major hotels and the BeltLine.
- Buckhead / Brookhaven: Several established boarding facilities and veterinary clinics operate along Peachtree Road and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Airport / College Park / Hapeville: Facilities near Hartsfield–Jackson are used to serving travelers with flights in and out of Atlanta.
When choosing a pet-care provider:
- Verify vaccination requirements
- Ask about hours, holiday policies, and late pick-up fees
- Let your hotel know you may be coming and going to drop off or pick up your pet
Helpful Contacts and Resources in Atlanta
For peace of mind, it’s good to know where to turn in case of an urgent pet situation while you’re staying in a hotel.
Emergency Veterinary Care (Example of Central Location)
Atlanta has several 24-hour or extended-hours veterinary clinics. One centrally located example:
- BluePearl Pet Hospital – Midtown Atlanta
3300 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cumberland/Galleria area)
Phone: (404) 459-0903
You can also ask your hotel front desk; many keep a list of nearby emergency vets.
Local Animal Control
If you encounter a lost dog or a safety concern involving animals near your hotel:
- City of Atlanta Animal Services (Fulton County)
860 Marietta Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 311 within city limits, or (404) 546-0311
They can guide you on what to do if you find a stray or see an animal in distress.
Practical Packing Checklist for Your Atlanta Hotel Stay With a Pet
To make hotel life easier for both you and your animal, pack:
- Leash, collar, and ID tags with your mobile number
- Vaccination records (often requested by daycares or boarding)
- Travel bowls and a few days’ worth of familiar food
- Poop bags and cleaning wipes
- Crate or carrier if required by the hotel or if your pet feels safer in one
- A favorite bed or blanket to make the room feel familiar
- Toys or chews to keep your pet occupied when you’re working or relaxing
Many Atlanta hotels will provide basic supplies on request, but relying on your own gear ensures consistency for your pet.
Staying in a pet-friendly hotel in Atlanta can be straightforward and comfortable when you match your hotel choice to your neighborhood plans, confirm the property’s pet policy in advance, and plan around the city’s climate and busy urban environment. With a bit of preparation, you and your pet can enjoy Atlanta’s parks, neighborhoods, and hotel comforts together.