La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North: A Practical Pet‑Friendly Stay Near ATL

If you’re traveling with a pet and need a convenient, budget-conscious place to stay near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North is one of the better-known pet‑friendly options on the north side of the airport.

This guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into the Atlanta lodging landscape, and practical tips for staying here with pets, kids, or a tight travel schedule.

Key Facts About La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North

Location:
1415 Virginia Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30337
(Just off I‑85 at Virginia Avenue, in East Point/Atlanta border area, north of the airport)

General profile:

• Category: Mid-range, limited-service hotel
• Focus: Airport convenience, quick overnights, pet‑friendly stays
• Typical guests: Airline passengers with early/late flights, road‑trippers on I‑85, families driving through Atlanta, and pet owners seeking a predictable chain hotel near ATL

This property is positioned mainly for function and convenience rather than luxury. The selling points are usually:

• Proximity to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Pet‑friendly policies compared to many airport hotels
• Quick access to Downtown Atlanta via I‑85 and MARTA

Why This Hotel Appeals to Pet Owners in Atlanta

Many hotels around Atlanta airport either don’t allow pets or charge high pet fees. La Quinta properties are commonly chosen by:

• Local Atlantans relocating or between leases who need a short-term stay with dogs or cats
• Visitors driving into Atlanta with pets who want easy highway access
• Flyers using ATL who drive in with a pet and need a place before or after a flight

Typical pet-friendly advantages here:

• Dogs commonly accepted; cats may be allowed (often with restrictions)
• Pets are often allowed in standard guest rooms rather than only in a few designated units
• Compared to some nearby properties, pet fees and weight limits are usually more manageable, though you should always confirm before booking

Because policies can change, plan to:

• Call the front desk before you book and ask:
  • Maximum number of pets per room
  • Any weight or breed limits
  • Nightly pet fee or one-time cleaning fee
  • Room types where pets are permitted
• Ask about where pets can relieve themselves and if there are:
  • Waste bag stations
  • Designated pet‑relief areas

Getting To and From the Airport

A major reason people pick this hotel is the location relative to Hartsfield–Jackson.

Distance and Drive

• Roughly 5–10 minutes by car to the terminals, depending on traffic
• Located just off I‑85, making it simple if you’re coming from:
  • Downtown Atlanta / Midtown (straight shot down I‑75/85)
  • Buckhead (GA‑400 to I‑85 or surface roads then I‑75/85)

Typical Airport Transportation Options

Most airport-focused hotels in this corridor offer airport shuttles, but the exact schedule and pick‑up point can vary.

When planning, ask:

• Does the hotel currently offer a shuttle to/from ATL?
• What are the hours of operation (early morning flights vs late-night arrivals)?
• Where is the exact pick-up spot at the airport (usually near Ground Transportation)?
• Is there a fee or is it included?

If a shuttle isn’t running when you need it, you can usually:

• Use a rideshare (important if you have a pet carrier or large kennel)
• Arrange a taxi from the Ground Transportation area
• Drive and use on-site guest parking, then drive to the terminal the next day

Surrounding Area: What’s Near the Hotel?

The hotel sits in the Virginia Avenue corridor, a busy airport-adjacent strip that serves both locals and travelers.

Nearby Food and Essentials

Within a short drive (and in some cases walking distance), you’ll commonly find:

• Fast food and casual restaurants along Virginia Avenue
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Chain sit-down restaurants that cater to airport hotel guests

If you need more variety:

• Downtown College Park is about a 5–10 minute drive west with local eateries.
• Downtown Atlanta is about 15–20 minutes north in light traffic for more restaurants, bars, and attractions.

Dog‑Friendly Spots and Green Space

The immediate area is fairly commercial and airport-focused, but you can reach more comfortable green spaces with a short drive:

• Barrett Park (College Park) – Small neighborhood park, about 10–15 minutes away
• Perkerson Park (Southwest Atlanta) – Larger city park with fields and walking areas, around 15–20 minutes drive
• Atlanta BeltLine (various access points) – Further north, but if you’re headed into the city anyway, you can walk your dog on various BeltLine segments (leash required).

Always verify posted rules, keep dogs leashed unless you’re in a designated off‑leash area, and bring your own waste bags.

Room Features and What Travelers Usually Care About

While specific features can vary by room type and renovation schedule, rooms at La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North typically aim for basic comfort plus a few conveniences.

Common expectations for this type of property include:

• Bed Options: King or two doubles/queens
• Work space: Desk or work table and chair
• Wi‑Fi: Included in the room rate at most chain airport hotels
• Climate control: In‑room heating/air-conditioning
• Mini-fridge & microwave: Often available, but confirm if you need them
• TV: Standard cable/streaming options

For pet owners, you may want to ask:

• Whether ground‑floor rooms are available (easier for quick pet potty breaks)
• If rooms with easy outdoor access are an option (near an exit or pet area)
• How often rooms used for pets are deep‑cleaned, especially if you or someone in your group has allergies

Amenities That Matter for Short Stays

Airport hotels like this tend to focus on practical amenities for overnights and short trips.

Typical On‑Site Amenities

You may find:

• Breakfast area: Often a simple continental or hot breakfast service in the morning
• Fitness room: Basic cardio equipment for quick workouts
• Pool: Some airport properties have outdoor seasonal pools
• Business services: A small business center or printing assistance at the front desk
• Guest laundry: Coin‑operated or card‑operated machines, useful if you’re traveling longer

If a specific amenity is important for your Atlanta stay, call ahead to ask:

• “Is your [pool/fitness center/breakfast service] currently open?”
• “What are the hours and is there a cost?”

Planning an Atlanta Trip Around This Hotel

Staying near the airport can still work well if you’re planning to explore Atlanta. The hotel’s location off I‑85 makes it a usable base for:

Getting Into Downtown, Midtown, and Beyond

Approximate drive times from La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North in normal (non‑rush hour) traffic:

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy during rush hours, especially on I‑75/85 through Downtown. If timing is flexible:

• Aim to drive mid‑morning, midday, or later in the evening
• Avoid 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays when possible

Using MARTA from the Airport

If you prefer not to drive into central Atlanta:

1. Get from the hotel to ATL (shuttle, rideshare, or car).
2. From the Domestic Terminal, enter the MARTA station.
3. Take Northbound MARTA trains toward Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead.

This is often easier than dealing with downtown parking, especially for:

• Events at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Visits to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, or Centennial Olympic Park
• Meetings in central business districts

Note: Pets on MARTA must typically be in secure carriers unless they are service animals, so this works better for exploring without your pet.

Tips for Staying Here With Pets in Atlanta

To make a pet‑friendly stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North smoother:

1. Confirm Pet Policies Before Booking
   Ask about:

   • Maximum pets per room
   • Pet fees and deposits
   • Where pets are not allowed (e.g., breakfast room, pool area)

2. Request a Practical Room Location

   • Ground floor or near an exit can be helpful for late‑night bathroom breaks
   • Away from elevators if your pet is sensitive to noise

3. Plan for Exercise Off‑Property
   Since the area is mostly commercial:

   • Identify a nearby park or quiet side streets for walking
   • Avoid busy intersections near I‑85 ramps when walking with pets

4. Bring Your Own Pet Gear
   To avoid scrambling in an unfamiliar area:

   • Food and water bowls
   • Leash, harness, and collar with tags
   • Crate or carrier, if needed
   • Extra waste bags and a small towel (especially in rainy Atlanta weather)

5. Respect Housekeeping Schedules

   • Arrange room cleaning when you can take the pet out
   • Avoid leaving pets unattended if they tend to bark or scratch, as airport hotels have many light sleepers with early flights

When This Hotel Makes Sense for an Atlanta Stay

La Quinta Inn & Suites Atlanta Airport North tends to be a practical fit if:

• You’re flying in or out of ATL and want to be close to the airport.
• You’re driving through Atlanta on I‑85 and need a one‑night, pet‑friendly stop.
• You’re relocating within metro Atlanta and need a temporary, pet‑accepting base near major highways.
• You want decent access to Downtown and Midtown without paying in‑city hotel prices, and you’re comfortable driving or using MARTA from the airport.

It may not be ideal if you’re looking for:

• A walkable, in‑town neighborhood experience (like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia‑Highland)
• A luxury or boutique atmosphere
• Immediate access to large dog parks or extensive green space

For many Atlanta‑area travelers, though, it offers a straightforward, pet‑friendly, airport‑convenient option that keeps logistics simple while you focus on your flight, your road trip, or your time in the city.