Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center: What to Know Before You Book
If you’re looking for a convenient, mid-range place to stay in Atlanta’s Perimeter Center area, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center is one of the better-known hotel options near major offices, shopping, and MARTA. This guide walks through what to expect, how the location works in real life, and tips for Atlanta locals and visitors using it as a home base.
Where Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center Is and Why It Matters
Typical location:
Fairfield Inn & Suites in the Perimeter area is set in Sandy Springs / Dunwoody, just north of the Atlanta city limits, in the broader Perimeter Center business and shopping district.
You’re generally close to:
- Perimeter Mall
- Major office towers and medical centers
- I-285 (Perimeter highway) and GA-400
- Dunwoody or Sandy Springs MARTA stations (varies by exact property location)
For someone new to Atlanta, “Perimeter Center” is a major northside commercial hub, not downtown. It’s a practical choice if your trip centers around:
- Business meetings at Perimeter-area offices
- Medical appointments at Emory Saint Joseph’s, Northside Hospital Atlanta, or Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
- Visiting friends or family in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, or northern DeKalb
- Shopping or dining without being in the middle of downtown traffic
If your plans are heavily focused on Downtown, Midtown, or Mercedes-Benz Stadium, it’s still workable, but you’ll rely more on MARTA or the highways.
Quick Snapshot: Who This Hotel Works Best For
| Type of Traveler | How Fairfield Inn & Suites Perimeter Center Typically Fits |
|---|---|
| Business travelers | ✅ Close to Perimeter offices, easy MARTA access |
| Medical trip visitors | ✅ Convenient to Northside / Emory Saint Joseph’s / CHOA |
| Families & small groups | ✅ Suites, breakfast, pool (varies by property) |
| Budget-conscious travelers | ✅ Usually mid-range vs. Buckhead / Midtown |
| Nightlife-focused visitors | ⚠️ Limited walkable nightlife; better for daytime outings |
| Car-free visitors | ✅ MARTA nearby, but walking varies by exact location |
What to Expect at Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center
While specifics change over time, Fairfield Inn & Suites in Perimeter Center generally aims for simple, reliable comfort rather than luxury. Common features include:
Rooms and Suites
Most standard rooms typically include:
- One king or two queen beds
- Work desk and chair
- TV and Wi‑Fi
- Mini-fridge and microwave in many rooms
- Basic storage (closet, drawers)
Suites usually add:
- A partially separated seating area
- Sofa bed (useful for kids or an extra guest)
- Slightly more floor space and sometimes an extra TV
For Atlanta trips, this setup works well if:
- You’re working remotely part of the time and need a desk.
- You’re sharing a room for a conference or tournament and want a bit more space.
- You’re traveling with kids and need the sofa bed option.
Amenities Commonly Offered
Many Fairfield Inn & Suites properties in Atlanta’s Perimeter area include:
- Breakfast included: Typically a hot-and-cold buffet style breakfast.
- Wi‑Fi: Usually complimentary in rooms and public spaces.
- Fitness center: Basic cardio and weights; good for quick workouts.
- Pool: Often an indoor or outdoor pool (check season and hours).
- On-site parking: Frequently available; sometimes daily parking fees apply.
- Business conveniences: Printer, computer station, small meeting spaces.
If you’re staying for a conference at a nearby corporate office or visiting one of the hospitals, these basics are usually enough for a focused, low-stress stay.
Using Fairfield Inn & Suites Perimeter Center as a Base to Explore Atlanta
Getting to and from the Airport
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
By MARTA:
- Board Red Line northbound from the Airport Station.
- Ride to Dunwoody or Sandy Springs station, depending on which is closer to your specific Fairfield.
- From there, you can often walk, rideshare, or use a short cab ride.
- This route avoids downtown highway traffic and parking costs.
By car or rideshare:
- Expect 30–45 minutes in normal traffic, longer at rush hour.
- Route typically uses I‑85 N to GA‑400 N or I‑75/85 N to I‑285.
If you’re traveling with kids or bulky luggage, direct car service from the airport may feel simpler, but MARTA is usually the more predictable option during peak traffic times.
Getting Around the City from Perimeter
MARTA (rail + bus) is a major perk of staying near Perimeter:
- To Buckhead:
Take the Red Line south a few stops. Handy for Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and Buckhead restaurants. - To Midtown:
Continue on the Red Line south to Midtown Station for the Fox Theatre, Piedmont Park, and the Midtown dining strip. - To Downtown:
Stay on the train to Peachtree Center, Five Points, or CNN Center/GWCC (for events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or the Georgia World Congress Center).
🚇 Tip: If you’re staying multiple days and plan to ride often, ask at MARTA kiosks or stations about multi-day passes to simplify fares.
If you’re driving:
- I‑285 puts you close to other northside suburbs, but traffic around the GA‑400 interchange can be heavy.
- For events downtown or in West Midtown, many locals prefer to drive to a MARTA station, park, and take the train the rest of the way.
Nearby Essentials for Longer Stays
If you’re in Atlanta for a longer medical visit, a business assignment, or extended family stay, you’ll likely want nearby services beyond just the hotel.
Groceries and Essentials
In the broader Perimeter Center area, you’ll usually find:
- Full-service grocery stores (such as large chain supermarkets) within a short drive.
- Pharmacies near the hospitals and main shopping corridors.
- Big-box retailers and warehouse clubs around the Perimeter Mall area.
These make it easier to:
- Stock a mini-fridge for a week
- Handle prescription refills during medical stays
- Pick up last-minute items for conferences, games, or performances
Nearby Medical Centers
The Perimeter area is one of Atlanta’s medical hubs. Frequently accessed facilities include:
- Northside Hospital Atlanta
1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 - Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342 - Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite
1001 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
These hospitals sit just inside the Perimeter along Peachtree Dunwoody Road, a short ride from most Perimeter hotels, including Fairfield Inn & Suites locations in the area. For families needing quiet and easy access, this can be a practical balance of proximity and cost.
What’s Around: Dining, Shopping, and Things to Do Near Perimeter Center
Dining Options
Within a short distance of Perimeter-area Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels, you’ll typically find:
- Casual chain restaurants around Perimeter Mall
- Fast-casual spots for quick lunches between meetings
- Local and regional restaurants tucked into nearby shopping centers
- A mix of American, Mediterranean, Asian, Latin, and Southern cuisines
For later-night dining, options in Perimeter tend to be more limited than Midtown or Inman Park, so check hours ahead—especially on weeknights.
Shopping
Perimeter Mall is the central retail anchor:
- A full-scale indoor mall with national chains
- Surrounding plazas with electronics, home goods, and fashion
- Handy if you forgot business clothes, luggage, or formal wear for an event
For a more upscale experience, you can head a few MARTA stops or a short drive to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza in Buckhead.
Things to Do Within a Short Drive
From Perimeter, you’re well-positioned for:
- Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Access points like Cochran Shoals or Island Ford offer walking trails, river views, and kayaking. - Morgan Falls Overlook Park (Sandy Springs)
Scenic spot for picnics and short strolls. - City Springs (Sandy Springs’ civic and cultural area)
Restaurants, green space, and events at the performing arts center. - Murphey Candler Park (Brookhaven)
Lake, walking paths, and sports fields.
If you’re staying in Perimeter but want weekend fun, plan a half-day excursion to Midtown (Piedmont Park, High Museum), the BeltLine, or the Georgia Aquarium using MARTA plus a short rideshare.
Tips for Atlanta Locals Booking Fairfield Inn & Suites Perimeter Center
Locals often use this kind of hotel in a few specific scenarios:
For Visiting Family and Friends
If you live in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, or north Buckhead, putting visitors at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Perimeter:
- Keeps them close, but not directly in your home.
- Gives them easy MARTA access to explore beyond your neighborhood.
- Keeps them near dining and shopping that doesn’t require them to navigate unfamiliar side streets right away.
For Medical or Procedure Stays
Families with early-morning procedures at Northside, Emory Saint Joseph’s, or Scottish Rite sometimes prefer to stay nearby the night before:
- Shorter early-morning commute, especially across I‑285.
- A backup option if weather or traffic is unpredictable.
- A neutral, quiet base if multiple family members are coming in from other parts of metro Atlanta.
For Local Events and Conferences
If you’re attending a conference or training at a Perimeter office, convention space, or hospital campus, staying at a nearby Fairfield Inn & Suites can:
- Save time compared to commuting from farther suburbs.
- Reduce parking hassles at large campuses.
- Make it easier to balance daytime sessions with evening commitments elsewhere in the city via MARTA.
Booking and Practical Planning Tips
To make a stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center work smoothly, consider:
- Confirm proximity to MARTA:
Ask which MARTA station is closest and how walkable the route is (sidewalks, crossings, lighting). - Ask about parking details:
Clarify whether parking is free or paid, whether there’s a daily fee, and any height limits for larger vehicles. - Check breakfast and pool hours:
Helpful for families, sports teams, or anyone trying to fit in morning workouts. - Request a quiet room:
If noise is a concern, request a room away from elevators, ice machines, and major roads. - Note peak traffic times:
In Perimeter, weekday rush hours around 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. can slow drives to Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown. If you have timed tickets (like for the Georgia Aquarium or a show at the Fox Theatre), build in extra time or consider MARTA.
When Fairfield Inn & Suites Perimeter Center Is a Good Fit (and When It’s Not)
A good fit if you:
- Need to be near Perimeter offices or hospitals
- Value MARTA access and straightforward navigation
- Prefer predictable, mid-range accommodations with breakfast included
- Are visiting friends or family in north Atlanta suburbs
Less ideal if you:
- Want to be steps from Atlanta nightlife, music venues, or BeltLine breweries
- Plan to spend almost all your time in Downtown or Old Fourth Ward
- Prefer boutique or luxury hotels with extensive on-site dining and entertainment
If your trip is mostly Perimeter-focused with occasional forays into the city, Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Perimeter Center can serve as a practical, comfortable base that balances cost, convenience, and access to the broader Atlanta area.