If you live in the Atlanta area or you’re planning a visit, Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia is a practical, mid-range hotel option just northeast of the city. It’s especially convenient if you want quick access to the Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier, or events in Gwinnett County while still staying within easy driving distance of downtown Atlanta.
Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide if this hotel fits your plans, how to get there from the city, and what to expect nearby.
Although the name includes “Atlanta,” the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia is actually located in Buford, Georgia, a suburban city in Gwinnett County, about 35–40 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta.
For many Atlanta residents, this hotel makes the most sense for:
Typical address listing:
If you’re coming from Atlanta, here’s how the drive usually works.
From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta
From Buckhead or Brookhaven
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Buford is a select-service hotel geared toward both short business trips and family travel. Amenities can change over time, but travelers typically find:
For Atlanta-area residents, the biggest appeal is convenience and predictability. Many people choose it when:
Staying in Buford versus central Atlanta changes what your trip will feel like.
If your main activities are in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, staying this far north means:
However, if your plans are north and northeast of the city, Buford can be more convenient:
Compared to downtown or Midtown Atlanta hotels, Buford-area properties commonly offer:
If your visit is centered on shopping, kids’ activities, and driving between venues, the Mall of Georgia area may be more practical than an in-town stay.
If you’re used to Atlanta neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia-Highland, the Buford area will feel more suburban and spread out, but there’s still plenty to do.
This is ideal if:
From the hotel, it’s a short drive north to Lake Lanier, one of the most popular lake destinations for metro Atlanta:
Many Atlanta families use the Fairfield Buford as a budget-friendly base for lake-heavy weekends without paying resort rates.
For youth travel teams or event visitors from all over Atlanta and the Southeast, nearby venues include:
Staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites near Mall of Georgia keeps you close to these spaces while still giving you shopping and dining nearby.
If you’re based in Atlanta or another part of metro Atlanta and considering a stay here, keep the following in mind:
It can be a good fit if you:
You may want a more central Atlanta hotel if you:
In those situations, a Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead hotel will typically be more efficient, even if nightly rates are higher.
The area around the Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford is designed for drivers, so having a car is strongly recommended.
There is no direct MARTA rail service to Buford. Some bus routes operate within Gwinnett County, but they are not as frequent or convenient as city transit options inside the I‑285 perimeter. For nearly all visitors, a personal vehicle or rental car is the most practical approach.
If you’re staying at Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford and need everyday essentials:
This can be especially helpful for Atlanta parents traveling with kids for sports or activities who want quick access to familiar conveniences.
Use this quick comparison to see if the location aligns with your plans:
| If your main plans are… | This hotel is… |
|---|---|
| Shopping at Mall of Georgia | Very convenient – close and easy to access |
| Spending time at Lake Lanier / Lanier Islands | Convenient – short drive to lake areas |
| Youth sports tournaments in Gwinnett County | Practical – close to many fields and venues |
| Business around Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville | Efficient base for local meetings |
| Daily sightseeing in Downtown/Midtown Atlanta | Less ideal – long daily commute by car |
| Relying mostly on public transit (MARTA) | Not recommended – area is car-dependent |
If your activities are north of the city, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia can be a sensible, straightforward lodging option that keeps you close to where you need to be while avoiding downtown congestion. If your trip is focused on the heart of Atlanta, consider staying closer in and treating Buford and the Mall of Georgia as a day trip from Atlanta instead.
