Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a trip that includes both the city and the Mall of Georgia area, the Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia is one of the better-known lodging options just outside the metro core. It sits in Buford, Georgia, northeast of downtown Atlanta, and is often used by visitors who want quick access to the Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier, and the I‑85 corridor while still being within a reasonable drive of Atlanta attractions.

This guide walks through what Atlantans and Atlanta visitors typically want to know: location, drive times, nearby amenities, room features, and how it fits into a broader Atlanta trip.

Where the Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia Is Located

The Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia is located in Buford, in Gwinnett County, roughly:

• 30–40 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta (depending on your starting point)
• Just off I‑85 and close to I‑985
• Near the Mall of Georgia retail and dining district

For Atlanta residents, this area is commonly thought of as the Buford/Mall of Georgia exit cluster: big-box stores, chain restaurants, and access to Lake Lanier and northeast suburbs.

Typical Drive Times from Atlanta

Traffic in and out of Atlanta on I‑85 can vary a lot, but most travelers experience:

• From Downtown Atlanta: ~35–55 minutes by car in typical conditions
• From Midtown (Georgia Tech/Atlantic Station area): ~35–50 minutes
• From Buckhead: ~30–45 minutes
• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): ~50–75 minutes

🚗 Local tip: If you’re driving from Atlanta on a weekday, congestion peaks roughly 7:00–9:00 a.m. heading into town and 4:00–7:00 p.m. heading out. If you’re going from Atlanta to Buford, leaving just before or after rush hour can make a noticeable difference.

Who This Hotel Works Well For (From an Atlanta Perspective)

People in the Atlanta area often choose this Courtyard when they:

• Want to shop at Mall of Georgia or attend a nearby event
• Are visiting family in Gwinnett/Buford/Sugar Hill/Suwanee
• Need a base for Lake Lanier or northeast Georgia but still want access to Atlanta
• Are coming in for youth sports tournaments or events at nearby fields and gyms
• Prefer to avoid driving into central Atlanta but may take day trips into the city

If you’re mainly focused on downtown Atlanta attractions (World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, etc.), staying closer in town is usually more convenient. But if your trip is split between northeast suburbs + occasional Atlanta visits, this location can feel like a good middle ground.

Room Features and What to Expect

While exact room layouts can vary, Courtyard properties around Atlanta typically offer:

• Standard guest rooms with one king bed or two queen beds
• Workspaces with desk and ergonomic chair
• Wi‑Fi, usually included or available with the brand’s loyalty program
• Mini-fridge and coffee/tea station in many rooms
• Flat-screen TV with standard cable and sometimes streaming options
• Private bathroom with shower or tub/shower combo

Many Atlanta-area travelers choose this hotel because of the combination of:

• Reasonable business-friendly amenities
• Easy access to I‑85 and I‑985
• Familiar Courtyard layout and design

If you’re driving in from Atlanta late at night after a game, concert, or family visit, having predictable parking and a straightforward room setup is a common priority, and that’s generally what you get here.

On-Site Amenities Atlanta Visitors Usually Care About

Features can change over time, but Courtyard hotels near Atlanta, including the Buford/Mall of Georgia property, commonly offer:

1. Lobby and Public Spaces

• A modern lobby with seating areas for informal meetings or laptop work
• Spaces where business travelers from Atlanta’s companies sometimes meet colleagues who live in the northern suburbs

2. Food and Beverage

Most Courtyard locations include:

• A bistro-style café area often serving:
  • Simple breakfast options (for purchase)
  • Coffee and beverages
  • Limited evening food and drinks in many cases

Because you’re near Mall of Georgia, you also have quick access to:

• Chain restaurants (American, fast casual, casual dining)
• Coffee shops and dessert spots
• Additional late-night options along Buford Drive and around the mall

For someone driving up from Atlanta, this makes it easy to arrive, check in, and grab a bite within just a few minutes of the hotel.

3. Fitness and Pool

Courtyard properties typically provide:

• A fitness center with basic cardio and strength equipment
• A pool (indoor or outdoor depending on the location and season)

These are often used by:

• Families visiting from Atlanta who want the kids to have pool time
• Business travelers who commute between Atlanta offices and the Buford/Gwinnett corridor and want to maintain a workout routine

4. Business-Friendly Features

For those coming from downtown or Midtown Atlanta for meetings in Gwinnett:

• Lobby areas are often used for informal work sessions
• Some Courtyard properties have meeting rooms that local companies or teams can reserve for day use
• Wi‑Fi and common workspaces provide a consistent spot to work between client visits in Buford, Suwanee, or Lawrenceville

How It Fits Into a Larger Atlanta Trip

If you’re planning your Atlanta itinerary, staying in Buford at this Courtyard is usually most appealing if:

• You prioritize northeast suburban attractions, OR
• Your schedule involves events up near Lake Lanier or Gwinnett and only one or two Atlanta days

Below is a simple planning guide for how travelers often split their days.

Sample Trip Mix for an Atlanta + Buford Stay

Nearby Attractions and Things to Do (Beyond the Mall)

While the Mall of Georgia is a major draw, Atlanta-area visitors often combine a stay at this Courtyard with:

1. Lake Lanier

From the hotel, it’s a straightforward drive north to Lake Lanier, where many visitors:

• Rent boats or jet skis from local marinas
• Enjoy swimming, fishing, or lakeside dining
• Visit parks and beaches managed by local authorities

For Atlanta residents, this hotel can serve as a convenient overnight or weekend base if they’re planning multiple days on the lake and prefer a modern hotel over cabins or lake houses.

2. Gwinnett Entertainment and Sports

Depending on the season and your interests, you can:

• Attend minor-league or local sports events in the Gwinnett area
• Visit indoor sports facilities and tournament venues that host:
  • Youth baseball
  • Basketball or volleyball
  • Cheer and gymnastics events

Families from all over metro Atlanta frequently book in the Buford/Mall of Georgia area for tournaments due to the cluster of hotels and dining options.

3. Day Trips into Atlanta

Staying at Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia still keeps you within day-trip distance of:

• Downtown Atlanta:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

• Midtown Atlanta:

  • Piedmont Park
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • High Museum of Art

Many travelers plan one or two city days, leaving early from Buford to beat traffic, then returning after dinner or an evening event.

Getting Around: Transportation Basics for Atlanta and Buford

For this location, having a car is highly practical.

Driving

From Atlanta, most people reach the hotel by:

• I‑85 North → exit near Mall of Georgia/Buford Drive
• Short local roads leading into the hotel and surrounding retail area

Parking at suburban hotels like this is typically surface parking, which many Atlanta residents prefer over downtown parking garages and daily parking fees.

Public Transit

There is no direct MARTA rail service to this area. Public transit from central Atlanta to Buford tends to be:

• Time-consuming (requires transfers, limited schedules)
• Less convenient if you’re carrying luggage or traveling with children

For travelers who don’t want to rent a car, rideshare services are available in both directions between Atlanta and Buford, but the cost can add up over multiple days due to the distance.

What Atlanta Locals Often Consider Before Booking

If you’re deciding between staying in Atlanta or Buford (at this Courtyard), it helps to think through:

1. Where are your main activities?

   • Mostly downtown/Midtown: consider an in-town hotel
   • Mostly Mall of Georgia / Lake Lanier / Gwinnett: this Courtyard’s location can be more practical

2. Do you mind highway driving?

   • If you’re comfortable on I‑85 and used to metro Atlanta traffic, day trips into the city from Buford are realistic.
   • If you strongly prefer to avoid longer drives, staying closer to your main activities is simpler.

3. Are you traveling with kids or a group?

   • Being near the Mall of Georgia, casual restaurants, a movie theater, and suburban conveniences can make evenings easier than navigating downtown with a large group.

4. Do you need late-night or early-morning airport access?

   • If your schedule revolves around Atlanta’s airport and downtown meetings, a closer-in hotel may be more efficient.
   • If you land, pick up a rental car, and head straight to the northeast suburbs, the Buford location can work well.

Practical Tips for an Atlanta + Buford Stay

• Plan your “Atlanta days” strategically.
  Group downtown or Midtown activities into one or two days to minimize repeat drives.

• Look at event schedules.
  Major games or concerts in Atlanta can impact traffic on I‑85. Leaving earlier from Buford on those days can save time.

• Use navigation apps with traffic.
  Real-time routing is important in the Atlanta area, especially during rush hours.

• Build in buffer time.
  When driving from Buford to downtown Atlanta for a timed event (game, concert, reservation), many locals allow extra 20–30 minutes beyond the no-traffic estimate.

Is Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia a Good Fit for Your Atlanta Plans?

This hotel tends to be a good match if you:

• Want to be close to Mall of Georgia and Lake Lanier
• Are visiting friends or family in Gwinnett County
• Prefer a suburban base with straightforward parking and highway access
• Only plan occasional trips into central Atlanta

If your trip is centered on downtown or Midtown attractions, corporate offices, or Atlanta nightlife, staying closer to the city core will often be more convenient. But for many Atlanta-area visitors who split time between the suburbs and the city, the Courtyard Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia offers a practical, familiar home base with easy access to the northeastern side of the metro area.