La Quinta in Midtown Atlanta: What to Know Before You Book
Looking for La Quinta in Midtown Atlanta and trying to figure out if it’s the right spot for your stay in the city? Midtown is one of Atlanta’s busiest, most convenient neighborhoods, and knowing what to expect in this area will help you choose the right hotel, plan transportation, and make the most of your visit.
Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to La Quinta–style stays in Midtown, what the surrounding area is like, and how to plan around traffic, parking, safety, and nearby attractions.
Midtown Atlanta at a Glance
If you’re searching for La Quinta Midtown Atlanta, you’re really looking at two main things:
- A budget-friendly or mid-range hotel
- In or near the Midtown neighborhood
Midtown is a central Atlanta district known for:
- Walkability compared to much of the city
- Arts and culture (Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre)
- Major workplaces and schools (Georgia Tech to the west, Emory Midtown nearby)
- Easy access to MARTA trains and buses
Staying in or close to Midtown usually means:
- Short drives or quick train rides to Downtown, Buckhead, and Old Fourth Ward
- Fast access to I-75/85 (the Downtown Connector)
- More restaurant and nightlife options than many other areas
If you’re specifically trying to figure out where a “La Quinta Midtown” type hotel fits into this, think in terms of proximity to MARTA, parking setup, and traffic patterns.
Where a “La Quinta Midtown–Type” Hotel Usually Sits in the City
Atlanta hotels that market themselves as “Midtown” often fall into one of three categories:
True-core Midtown
- Roughly in the area around:
- Peachtree St NE
- 10th St NE
- Arts Center and Midtown MARTA stations
- This is the most walkable part, ideal if you want to stay near Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art, or Colony Square.
- Roughly in the area around:
Midtown-adjacent / Connector corridor
- Along I-75/85 or just off major exits like 16th St, 10th St, North Ave, or Spring St
- Often more car-dependent; you’ll likely drive or ride-share rather than walk everywhere.
- Can still be fairly close to the Georgia Tech campus and some Midtown spots.
“Midtown” in name, but closer to Downtown or Old Fourth Ward
- Some hotels use “Midtown” in their description even if they are technically south or east of the core.
- Look closely at maps and cross-streets to see how walkable the area really is.
When you look up a La Quinta–branded or similar hotel claiming “Midtown”, pay attention to:
- How close it is to Midtown or Arts Center MARTA stations
- Whether it sits directly on or right off the Connector (I-75/85)
- If the neighborhood is mostly offices, campus, or residential
What to Look For in a Midtown Atlanta La Quinta–Style Hotel
Most La Quinta–type properties in the Atlanta area tend to follow a similar pattern: limited-service, relatively budget-friendly, and focused on basics. In a Midtown context, here’s what locals and visitors usually care about:
1. Parking and Driving
Midtown can be tricky if you’re not ready for urban-style parking.
Key points to check before you book:
Type of parking
- Is it self-parking, garage, or surface lot?
- Is there in/out access if you plan to come and go multiple times per day?
Parking cost
- Central Midtown hotels often charge daily parking fees.
- Properties slightly off the core or closer to interstates may have lower or sometimes free parking.
Access to major roads
- Being near I-75/85 is convenient for getting around metro Atlanta, but:
- Expect rush-hour congestion on the Connector, usually 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. weekdays.
- Being near I-75/85 is convenient for getting around metro Atlanta, but:
If you’re driving in from the suburbs (Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, etc.) and booking a Midtown hotel, plan arrival or departure around peak traffic if possible.
2. Access to MARTA and Transit
If part of the reason you’re looking at Midtown is to avoid driving everywhere, pay attention to MARTA access.
Closest Midtown-area MARTA stations include:
- Midtown Station – Near 10th St and Peachtree St NE
- Arts Center Station – Close to the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center
- North Avenue Station – On the southern edge of Midtown, near Georgia Tech and some midtown/downtown crossover hotels
For a La Quinta–type Midtown hotel, it’s useful to know:
- Can you walk safely to one of these stations in under 10–15 minutes?
- Is there a sidewalk and lighting along the route?
- Is the hotel on a steep hill or across major intersections where walking is less comfortable?
MARTA can take you directly to:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (via the Red/Gold lines)
- Downtown Atlanta (GWCC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena)
- Buckhead (Lenox and Buckhead stations)
- Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs)
If your goal is to use a Midtown hotel as a car-lite base for exploring, verifying walkability to MARTA is important.
3. Nearby Midtown Attractions and Landmarks
One of the big advantages of staying in Midtown—no matter the brand—is easy access to well-known Atlanta spots.
From a typical Midtown-area hotel, you may be within a short drive, walk, or train ride of:
Piedmont Park
- Atlanta’s flagship intown park, with walking/jogging paths, dog park, and city skyline views.
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
- Popular for walking and biking; connects Midtown/Old Fourth Ward with Ponce City Market and Inman Park.
High Museum of Art & Woodruff Arts Center
- Major art museum and performing arts complex at Peachtree St NE and 15th St.
Fox Theatre
- Historic theater on Peachtree St NE near Ponce de Leon Ave NE, hosting concerts, Broadway shows, and events.
Georgia Tech campus
- Just west of Midtown; many budget-friendly hotels along the Connector market to visitors affiliated with Georgia Tech.
If you’re booking a Midtown hotel because you want to attend a show at the Fox Theatre or spend a day at Piedmont Park, check distances in feet or miles, not just “Midtown” in the name.
4. Safety and Street-Level Experience
Midtown is one of Atlanta’s busiest urban neighborhoods. Like many city centers, it mixes:
- Office towers and residential high-rises
- Nightlife, restaurants, and bars
- Homeless populations and some street-level activity, especially near transit hubs
Practical tips:
- If you’ll be walking at night, look for hotels on or near well-lit main streets like Peachtree St NE or close to established venues.
- Ask the hotel about:
- On-site security or keycard access to elevators and guest floors
- Front desk hours and staffing
- When parking, avoid leaving valuables visible in your car, especially in open lots or garages.
Most visitors who take basic city precautions find Midtown manageable and convenient, but it’s smart to plan ahead.
Quick Comparison: Core Midtown vs. Midtown-Adjacent Hotel Experience
Use this as a general guide when evaluating any “La Quinta Midtown–type” property:
| Feature | Core Midtown (Peachtree/10th–14th) | Connector / Midtown-Adjacent Area |
|---|---|---|
| Walkability | High – many destinations nearby | Lower – sidewalks may be limited in spots |
| Access to MARTA | Often 5–10 min walk | May require short drive or longer walk |
| Parking Costs | Usually higher, often paid garage | Sometimes cheaper; select properties free/low |
| Noise Level | Street/urban noise, nightlife | Highway noise, traffic from ramps |
| Best For | Car-lite stays, events, arts, dining | Drivers, quick interstate access, budget focus |
Booking Tips for a Midtown Atlanta La Quinta–Style Stay
Whether you find a La Quinta–branded hotel or a similar budget property in Midtown, use these Atlanta-specific checks:
1. Confirm the Exact Location
- Put the street address into a map and switch to satellite or street view.
- Look for:
- Busy interchanges (I-75/85 ramps, frontage roads)
- Nearby landmarks (Georgia Tech, Piedmont Park, Peachtree Street)
- Sidewalks and crosswalks if you plan to walk
This will quickly tell you if the property is true Midtown, Connector-adjacent, or closer to Downtown/Old Fourth Ward.
2. Check Event Calendars
Major Midtown and nearby events can affect hotel availability and pricing:
- Fox Theatre big-name concerts or shows
- Music Midtown, Atlanta Pride, or other large Piedmont Park events
- Georgia Tech home football games at Bobby Dodd Stadium
- Atlanta United or Falcons games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (technically Downtown, but still affects Midtown demand)
If you prefer quieter nights or lower rates, check if those events overlap your dates.
3. Clarify Included Amenities
La Quinta–style hotels often advertise:
- Breakfast options (sometimes included, sometimes limited)
- Wi-Fi
- Fitness room or small gym
- Pet-friendly policies at selected locations
Before you plan around these, confirm:
- Is breakfast complimentary and what does it typically include?
- Any pet fees or restrictions on pet size/number?
- Is there a guest laundry if you’ll be in Atlanta longer?
For people driving in for work, events, or family visits, these small details can make a difference.
Getting Around From Midtown: Practical Routes
If you’re basing yourself at a Midtown-area hotel and want to see more of Atlanta, here’s how locals and frequent visitors often move around:
To the Airport (ATL):
- MARTA Red/Gold line from Midtown or Arts Center directly to Airport Station.
- By car, follow I-75/85 south; allow extra time during rush hour.
To Downtown (Centennial Olympic Park, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola):
- Short MARTA ride (one or two stops south).
- Quick rideshare or drive via Peachtree St, Spring St, or the Connector.
To Buckhead (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza):
- MARTA Red line northbound from Midtown, Arts Center, or North Avenue.
- Or drive via Peachtree St NE or GA-400/I-85 connections.
To Eastside Neighborhoods (Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points):
- Often easiest by rideshare or car.
- The BeltLine Eastside Trail is walkable/bikeable from parts of Midtown if you’re comfortable with longer walks.
When a Midtown Atlanta Hotel Makes Sense
Choosing a La Quinta–type hotel in Midtown can be a smart move if:
- You want a budget-conscious stay close to major attractions.
- You’re visiting Georgia Tech, attending an event at the Fox Theatre, or spending time at Piedmont Park.
- You prefer to use MARTA for at least part of your trip instead of driving everywhere.
- You need easy access to both Downtown and Buckhead while keeping one central base.
On the other hand, if:
- You’ll be mostly in the northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth), or
- You’re mainly visiting South Atlanta or airport-area locations
…a Midtown hotel might give you more city-center convenience than you actually need, and a different area could be more practical.
By focusing on exact location, parking and transit, and proximity to the Atlanta spots you care about, you can decide whether a La Quinta–style hotel in or near Midtown Atlanta is the right fit and avoid surprises once you arrive.