Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

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.

Where the Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford Fits in the Atlanta Area

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.

• Approx. drive from Downtown Atlanta: 35–50 minutes in typical traffic
• Primary draw: Walkable or short drive access to Mall of Georgia, one of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast
• Area vibe: Busy retail corridor surrounded by restaurants, big-box stores, and residential neighborhoods

For many Atlanta residents, this hotel makes the most sense for:

• Staycations or weekend shopping trips at the Mall of Georgia
• Overnight stays for youth sports tournaments at Gwinnett-area venues
• Business travel to office parks in Buford, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, or greater Gwinnett
• A base for lake trips to Lake Lanier without staying directly on the water

Location, Directions & Nearby Landmarks

Typical address listing:

If you’re coming from Atlanta, here’s how the drive usually works.

Getting There From Different Parts of Atlanta

From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

1. Take I-85 North toward Greenville.
2. Continue on I-85 N until you reach the Buford Drive (GA-20) / Mall of Georgia exit.
3. Follow signs for Mall of Georgia and Buford; the hotel sits just off the main commercial corridor.

From Buckhead or Brookhaven

• Use GA-400 North or local routes to connect to I-285 East, then merge onto I-85 North, and follow the steps above.
• Travel time can vary widely with rush hour, so consider leaving extra time during weekday mornings and evenings.

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

1. Take I-85 North directly from the airport area.
2. Continue through downtown Atlanta on I-85 N.
3. Stay on I-85 N to the Buford Drive / GA-20 exit near the Mall of Georgia.
4. Plan for roughly 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day.

What to Expect at Fairfield Inn & Suites near Mall of Georgia

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:

Core Features

• Standard guest rooms and suites with separate seating/sleeping areas
• Breakfast included in most standard stays
• Wi‑Fi available throughout the hotel
• On-site parking, usually self-park
• Fitness room for basic workouts
• Indoor or outdoor pool (varies by property and season)

For Atlanta-area residents, the biggest appeal is convenience and predictability. Many people choose it when:

• Hosting out-of-town guests who want to stay near Gwinnett rather than in city neighborhoods
• Needing a clean, simple place to sleep between long tournament days or conferences
• Wanting reliable basics without paying downtown Atlanta hotel prices or parking fees

How It Compares to Staying In-Town (Atlanta vs. Buford)

Staying in Buford versus central Atlanta changes what your trip will feel like.

Distance & Commute

If your main activities are in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead, staying this far north means:

• Longer commute times: Daily drives of 35–60 minutes each way, depending on traffic
• Less convenient for MARTA: Transit options from Atlanta to Buford are limited; you’ll rely almost entirely on a car

However, if your plans are north and northeast of the city, Buford can be more convenient:

• Events in Gwinnett County (Gas South District in Duluth, Suwanee sports complexes, etc.)
• Activities at Lake Lanier, Lanier Islands, or Coolray Field (home of the Gwinnett Stripers)
• Business meetings in Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Sugar Hill, or Braselton

Price & Environment

Compared to downtown or Midtown Atlanta hotels, Buford-area properties commonly offer:

• More free or lower-cost parking
• Suburban retail environment: chain restaurants, big-box stores, and easy highway access
• Less nightlife, more quiet evenings, and family-friendly surroundings

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.

Attractions Near Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford for Atlanta Visitors

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.

1. Mall of Georgia

• One of the largest malls in the region
• Mix of national retailers, department stores, and a range of casual to mid-tier restaurants
• Movie theater and seasonal events, especially around holidays

This is ideal if:

• You’re planning a shopping weekend from anywhere in metro Atlanta
• You want a centralized spot where teens, adults, and younger kids all have something to do

2. Lake Lanier & Lanier Islands

From the hotel, it’s a short drive north to Lake Lanier, one of the most popular lake destinations for metro Atlanta:

• Boating, fishing, and water activities in warmer months
• Lakeside parks and picnic spots
• Lanier Islands resort area, with its own lodging, beaches, and seasonal attractions

Many Atlanta families use the Fairfield Buford as a budget-friendly base for lake-heavy weekends without paying resort rates.

3. Gwinnett County Sports & Events

For youth travel teams or event visitors from all over Atlanta and the Southeast, nearby venues include:

• Coolray Field (Minor League Baseball)
• Various soccer, baseball, and indoor sports complexes around Buford, Suwanee, and Lawrenceville
• Gas South District in Duluth for concerts, shows, and large events

Staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites near Mall of Georgia keeps you close to these spaces while still giving you shopping and dining nearby.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Booking This Hotel

If you’re based in Atlanta or another part of metro Atlanta and considering a stay here, keep the following in mind:

When This Hotel Makes Sense

It can be a good fit if you:

• Have all-day commitments in Gwinnett (tournaments, competitions, conferences) and don’t want to drive back to Atlanta late at night
• Want a shopping-based staycation with easy walkable access to Mall of Georgia
• Need a central spot for family or friends coming from multiple directions in North Georgia and metro Atlanta
• Plan to spend most of your time north of the Perimeter (I‑285) and around I‑85 N

When You Might Prefer Staying Inside Atlanta

You may want a more central Atlanta hotel if you:

• Plan to visit Atlanta landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta BeltLine, or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium daily
• Don’t want to deal with I‑85 traffic back and forth
• Intend to use MARTA or rideshare instead of renting or driving a car

In those situations, a Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead hotel will typically be more efficient, even if nightly rates are higher.

Transportation & Getting Around Once You’re There

The area around the Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford is designed for drivers, so having a car is strongly recommended.

Driving

• Parking: Hotels in this corridor often include self-parking; always confirm current policies when booking.
• Traffic: Expect heavier volumes near evening rush hours and weekends, since the hotel is in a major shopping district.
• Highway access: Easy connection to I-85, making it straightforward to drive back into Atlanta or out toward other North Georgia cities.

Rideshare

• Services like Uber and Lyft commonly serve the Buford/Mall of Georgia area.
• Rides into central Atlanta are possible but can be costly for longer distances, especially at peak times.

Public Transit

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.

Nearby Essentials for Visitors from Atlanta

If you’re staying at Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford and need everyday essentials:

• Groceries & Pharmacy: The Mall of Georgia area is surrounded by major supermarket chains and pharmacies within a short drive.
• Dining: You’ll find a large selection of fast-casual, family, and sit-down chain restaurants, plus some local spots scattered around Buford and neighboring cities.
• Emergency or Urgent Care: Multiple urgent care clinics and medical offices are located along Buford Drive (GA‑20) and nearby corridors. For more serious concerns, Gwinnett County has several hospitals a short drive away.

This can be especially helpful for Atlanta parents traveling with kids for sports or activities who want quick access to familiar conveniences.

How to Decide if Fairfield Inn & Suites Buford Is Right for Your Atlanta Trip

Use this quick comparison to see if the location aligns with your plans:

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.