Staying at La Quinta Inns in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book

If you search for “Atlanta La Quinta Inn”, you’ll find several locations across the metro area. For anyone living in Atlanta, hosting visitors, or planning a trip to the city, it helps to understand how these inns are laid out around town, what kinds of stays they’re best for, and how they fit into Atlanta’s neighborhoods and traffic patterns.

This guide walks through where La Quinta Inns are typically located in and around Atlanta, what travelers commonly use them for, and how to pick the right one based on why you’re in the city.

Where You’ll Typically Find La Quinta Inns in the Atlanta Area

Most La Quinta Inn & Suites properties in and around Atlanta are located in high-access, high-traffic corridors, usually near:

  • Interstate highways like I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, or GA‑400
  • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
  • Business and shopping hubs such as Buckhead, Perimeter, or Cumberland
  • Suburban feeder cities like Marietta, College Park, or Decatur

Because hotel locations can change or rebrand over time, it’s smart to search directly by neighborhood you care about (e.g., “La Quinta Atlanta Airport North” or “La Quinta Atlanta Perimeter”) and confirm the address before you book.

Common Atlanta-Area Zones for La Quinta Inns

You’ll usually see La Quinta Inns grouped around a few practical areas:

  • Airport / College Park – convenient for quick overnight stays, layovers, early flights, or picking up and dropping off family at the airport.
  • Downtown / Midtown perimeter – sometimes just outside the core, near major roads for quick access to the city without paying the highest downtown hotel prices.
  • Perimeter / Sandy Springs / Dunwoody – close to large office parks, medical centers, and Perimeter Mall.
  • Northwest (Cumberland / Vinings / Marietta) – useful if you’re visiting Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, or working in that part of town.
  • East and South suburbs – options often aimed at road-trippers passing through Atlanta on I‑20 or I‑75, or visitors staying near relatives in the suburbs.

Matching the Right La Quinta Location to Your Atlanta Plans

Because traffic in Atlanta can be intense, choosing the right La Quinta Inn location can save a lot of time and frustration. Here’s how to think about it based on your main reason for being in town.

1. Flying In or Out of Atlanta (Airport Stays)

If your top priority is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, look for La Quinta properties that specifically mention “airport” or “College Park” in their names or descriptions.

These locations are typically:

  • A short drive or shuttle ride to the terminals
  • Positioned near I‑85 and I‑285
  • Surrounded by other airport hotels, gas stations, and fast-food options

For airport stays, consider:

  • 🕒 Flight time: Early-morning departures or late-night arrivals make airport-area inns very practical.
  • 🚐 Shuttle service: Some airport hotels offer shuttles; always confirm current availability, hours, and pickup spots when booking.
  • 🔊 Noise level: Properties close to the runway or highways may have more background noise, so checking room notes or reviews can help.

2. Visiting Downtown Atlanta, Midtown, or Major Attractions

If you’re planning to see downtown or Midtown Atlanta, think about how you’ll get around:

  • Driving and parking: A La Quinta slightly outside downtown can be more affordable, but you’ll need to factor in parking costs and traffic on I‑75/85.
  • Using MARTA: If you prefer not to drive, check how far your inn is from a MARTA rail station like Five Points, Peachtree Center, North Avenue, Arts Center, or Midtown.

Attractions that may influence where you book:

  • Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca‑Cola – located downtown near Centennial Olympic Park
  • State Farm Arena & Mercedes-Benz Stadium – convenient from downtown-adjacent areas
  • Georgia State University & Georgia Tech – consider access to MARTA and surface streets when choosing your inn
  • Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art, and the BeltLine – centered around Midtown and nearby neighborhoods

Look for La Quinta locations that highlight easy access to downtown or a short drive/MARTA ride to these areas.

3. Business Trips Within the Metro Area

Many visitors come to Atlanta for corporate offices, conventions, and training, which are often clustered in specific business districts. A La Quinta Inn can be a good fit when you want consistent, mid-range lodging near:

  • Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs) – just off I‑285 and GA‑400, close to major office parks and Perimeter Mall
  • Cumberland / Galleria / The Battery – near I‑285 and I‑75, and home to large office towers and Truist Park
  • Downtown convention spaces such as the Georgia World Congress Center

For business travel, consider:

  • 🚗 Commute pattern: Rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m.) can be slow across the city. Choosing an inn close to your meeting location often matters more than being “centrally located.”
  • 📶 Work needs: Most properties offer Wi‑Fi and a basic business center; if you need more (larger desk, strong Wi‑Fi, quiet floors), call the front desk to confirm.
  • 🍽️ Nearby food: Areas like Perimeter, Cumberland, and Midtown have a wide range of restaurants open into the evening—useful if you won’t have a rental car.

4. Visiting Friends and Family in the Suburbs

If you’re coming to Atlanta to stay near relatives in the suburbs, a La Quinta Inn can be a practical middle ground between cost and comfort. The metro area is large, so you may see properties in or near:

  • Marietta / Kennesaw / Woodstock (northwest)
  • Decatur / Stone Mountain / Lithonia (east)
  • Forest Park / Morrow / Stockbridge (south)
  • Norcross / Duluth / Lawrenceville (northeast)

In this case, it usually makes sense to choose an inn that’s directly off the main interstate your family uses most, such as I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, or I‑285, to keep drives simple.

What to Expect at an Atlanta-Area La Quinta Inn

While each location is different, many La Quinta Inns around Atlanta tend to have similar core features. These can vary by property and renovation status, but travelers often see:

  • Indoor or outdoor pool
  • Fitness room with basic equipment
  • Complimentary breakfast (always confirm current offerings)
  • On-site parking, sometimes at no additional charge, depending on the property
  • Pet-friendly policies at some locations (call ahead to verify fees and restrictions)

Typical Pros and Cons (General, Not Property-Specific)

Potential advantages:

  • Usually positioned for quick freeway access
  • Often more affordable than high-end downtown hotels
  • A familiar, consistent basic stay across locations

Potential trade-offs:

  • Some properties are in high-traffic commercial corridors rather than walkable neighborhoods
  • Ambience is usually more functional than luxury
  • Noise and congestion can be higher near interstates and the airport

Because conditions can change, it’s wise to verify current details directly with the inn you’re considering, especially for parking policies, pet rules, and breakfast options.

Navigating Atlanta Traffic and Transit From Your Inn

No matter which La Quinta you choose in Atlanta, how you get around the city will impact your stay.

Driving Tips 🛣️

  • Plan extra time during rush hours, especially on I‑75/85 through downtown and the I‑285 Perimeter.
  • If you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta, consider staying slightly closer to your main destination rather than trying to find one “perfectly central” spot.
  • Many inns are near major exits with gas stations and chain restaurants, handy for late arrivals.

Using MARTA 🚆

If you want to minimize driving:

  • Look for inns within a reasonable drive of a MARTA station, particularly on the Red and Gold lines (which cover the airport, downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and north to Dunwoody/Sandy Springs).
  • Popular stations for visitors include Airport, Five Points, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody.
  • You can park at many MARTA stations and ride in to downtown/Midtown to avoid parking fees and traffic there.

Quick Comparison: Picking the Best Area for Your Stay

Below is a simple overview of how different typical La Quinta locations can fit common trip types:

If your priority is…Look for a La Quinta Inn near…Why it helps in Atlanta
Early or late flightsAirport / College ParkShort rides to Hartsfield‑Jackson, fewer worries about traffic delays
Sightseeing downtown / MidtownDowntown-adjacent or MARTA accessEasier access to major attractions and stadiums
Business in Perimeter, Dunwoody, or Sandy SpringsPerimeter / GA‑400 corridorClose to offices and large business parks
Games at Truist Park or work in CumberlandCumberland / Vinings / I‑75Quick access to The Battery Atlanta and nearby offices
Visiting family in the suburbsSuburban locations off I‑20 / I‑75 / I‑85Shorter drives to residential neighborhoods

Use this as a starting point, then narrow down to the exact property by current reviews, amenities, and your transportation plans.

Practical Steps Before You Book a La Quinta in Atlanta

To make sure the inn you choose truly fits your needs in Atlanta:

  1. Confirm the exact address and check it on a map to understand distance to your main destinations.
  2. Check drive times, not just miles, especially if you’ll be traveling during rush hour.
  3. Call the front desk of the specific property to verify:
    • Parking availability and any fees
    • Airport shuttle details (if relevant)
    • Breakfast availability and timing
    • Pet policies, if you’re bringing an animal
  4. Look at a recent street view or map view to understand the surrounding area—nearby restaurants, gas stations, and how easy it is to access major roads.
  5. Consider public transit access if you prefer not to drive into downtown or Midtown every day.

By focusing on location, transportation, and basic amenities, you can choose the Atlanta La Quinta Inn that best matches how you plan to use the city—whether that’s catching a flight at Hartsfield-Jackson, heading to a Falcons game, attending meetings at Perimeter, or spending time with family in the suburbs.