Red Roof Inn Near Atlanta, Suwanee & Mall of Georgia: What Visitors Should Know

If you are searching for “Red Roof Inn Atlanta Suwanee Mall of Georgia”, you are most likely looking for a budget-friendly hotel on the northeast side of Metro Atlanta, convenient to Suwanee, Buford, and the Mall of Georgia.

While Suwanee and the Mall of Georgia are technically outside the City of Atlanta, they sit firmly within the Atlanta metro area and are popular with visitors who want suburban prices but easy access to the city.

Below is a practical breakdown of what this type of stay offers, how it fits into an Atlanta trip, and how to use the location to your advantage whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are planning a move.

Where This Hotel Fits in the Atlanta Area

When people say “Red Roof Inn Atlanta Suwanee Mall of Georgia”, they are usually referring to a Red Roof Inn–style property in the I‑85 corridor northeast of Atlanta, positioned to serve:

  • Atlanta visitors who don’t want to stay downtown or midtown
  • Locals in Gwinnett County needing short-term lodging for guests
  • Mall of Georgia shoppers who want to stay nearby
  • Travelers connecting through Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport who then head northeast to stay with family or for work

In Metro Atlanta terms, this area is:

  • Roughly 30–40 minutes (without heavy traffic) from Downtown Atlanta via I‑85 South
  • Close to Suwanee, Buford, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Sugar Hill
  • Near one of the biggest retail hubs in the Southeast: Mall of Georgia in Buford

For many visitors, this setup offers a trade-off:
Lower rates and free parking in the suburbs vs. shorter commutes and walkability in central Atlanta.

Why Atlanta Visitors Choose a Suwanee / Mall of Georgia–Area Red Roof Inn

1. Budget-Friendly Lodging for Metro Atlanta

Staying near Suwanee and the Mall of Georgia is commonly used by:

  • Families visiting Atlanta attractions but wanting a quieter area
  • People coming in for youth sports tournaments at Gwinnett parks and facilities
  • Business travelers meeting clients in Gwinnett County
  • Out-of-town guests visiting friends or relatives in the northeast suburbs

Typical budget-hotel advantages in this corridor include:

  • More affordable nightly rates than most in-town Atlanta hotels
  • Free on-site parking, helpful if you’re driving into the city
  • Straightforward access to I‑85 for commuting into Atlanta

2. Access to Atlanta Without Being in the Thick of It

From a Suwanee / Mall of Georgia–area hotel, you can reach many Atlanta highlights by car:

  • Downtown Atlanta (CNN Center, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center)
  • Midtown (Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre)
  • Buckhead (Lenox Square, upscale dining and shopping)

This works best if you:

  • Avoid rush hour (roughly 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays)
  • Plan extra time for I‑85 traffic, which can back up near the I‑285 interchange

For many travelers, staying in Suwanee/Buford and driving in once or twice for big attractions (like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola) is a comfortable middle ground.

What to Expect from a Red Roof–Type Stay in This Area

Specific features can vary by exact property and renovation history, but budget hotels in this corridor commonly offer:

Typical Room Features

  • Basic bedding and standard room layouts (often 1 king or 2 double/queen beds)
  • TV, small work desk, and seating area
  • Wi‑Fi, usually complimentary
  • Heating and air conditioning suitable for Georgia’s hot, humid summers and cool winters

Some locations may also have:

  • Mini-fridge and microwave
  • Pet-friendly rooms (check policies and any added fees in advance)

Hotel Amenities You Might See

  • Free or low-cost coffee in the lobby
  • On-site parking (usually included)
  • A 24-hour front desk
  • Sometimes an outdoor pool (seasonal)
  • Basic grab‑and‑go breakfast options or vending machines

Because amenities and conditions can change over time, it’s helpful to:

  • Call the front desk directly to confirm pet policies, parking, pool, and breakfast
  • Ask if there have been recent renovations if room condition is important to you

Using the Location: Getting Around Metro Atlanta from Suwanee / Mall of Georgia

Driving to and from Atlanta

If you’re staying near Suwanee or the Mall of Georgia and planning to visit Atlanta:

  • Take I‑85 South to reach most parts of Atlanta
  • Allow extra time during rush hour, especially south of Pleasant Hill Road and near I‑285
  • Consider back-road alternates (like Peachtree Industrial Boulevard / Highway 141) for some routes to Doraville, Chamblee, and Norcross

Park-and-Ride with MARTA From the Northeast

There is no MARTA rail station in Suwanee or Buford, but you can drive to a MARTA station and then ride the train into the city:

StepOption from Suwanee / Mall of Georgia AreaWhy It Helps
1Drive down I‑85 South to a MARTA rail station such as Doraville or ChambleeAvoid driving all the way into downtown traffic
2Park at the station (paid or free options, depending on station and length of stay)Leave your car securely while you explore
3Take MARTA train to Peachtree Center, Five Points, Midtown, or BuckheadReach central Atlanta without downtown parking hassles

For current MARTA parking and train details, you can contact:

  • MARTA Customer Information Center
    Phone: (404) 848‑5000

This is especially helpful if you’re planning a full day at places like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or Georgia State Capitol and don’t want to deal with city driving.

Nearby Atlanta-Area Attractions You Can Reach Easily

Staying in a Red Roof–style hotel near Suwanee and the Mall of Georgia puts you in a good spot for both local Gwinnett attractions and major Atlanta destinations.

Close by in Gwinnett / Northeast Metro

Within a short drive of Suwanee / Mall of Georgia, you’ll find:

  • Mall of Georgia (Buford) – One of the largest shopping centers in the region, with major retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater.
  • Coolray Field (Lawrenceville) – Home of the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple‑A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.
  • Infinite Energy Center / Gas South District (Duluth) – Hosts concerts, conventions, and events.
  • Suwanee Town Center – A walkable area with restaurants, green space, and frequent community events.
  • Suwanee Creek Park and Greenway – Multi-use trails and outdoor spaces, popular with joggers and cyclists.

Day Trips into Atlanta

From your hotel, you can plan same-day visits to Atlanta’s most-visited spots, such as:

  • Georgia Aquarium – Downtown, one of the largest aquariums in the world
  • World of Coca‑Cola – Next to the aquarium in Centennial Olympic Park area
  • Centennial Olympic Park & nearby museums – Easily walkable area with multiple attractions
  • Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Popular for walking and biking through neighborhoods like Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward
  • Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden – In Midtown, ideal for a half‑day visit

If you’re traveling with children, many families staying in northeast metro hotels plan one or two heavy “Atlanta days” and spend the rest of their time at local parks, pools, and Mall of Georgia to keep the pace manageable.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Travelers Using This Area as a Base

1. Plan Around Atlanta Traffic

Atlanta traffic is well known, and I‑85 is one of the busiest corridors. You can make your stay smoother by:

  • Scheduling downtown visits for late mornings or early afternoons
  • Leaving extra time when there is a Braves game, Falcons game, concert, or major convention
  • Using navigation apps to check real-time conditions before you get on I‑85 or I‑285

2. Think Through Parking in Atlanta

In the city, especially Downtown and Midtown, expect:

  • Paid parking decks and surface lots near major attractions
  • Street parking that may have time limits or meters
  • Higher prices for event parking near stadiums and arenas

Many visitors staying in Suwanee choose to drive only to a MARTA station and then use the train to skip downtown parking entirely.

3. Local Services and Help if You Need It

If you run into any issues while staying or driving around northeast Metro Atlanta:

  • Non-emergency police assistance (for non-urgent situations like minor accidents without injuries):

    • You can contact the local non-emergency line for Gwinnett County Police Department:
      Phone: (770) 513‑5700
  • For tourism information about the greater Atlanta region:

    • Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) provides general visitor guidance for attractions and districts across the metro area.

How Locals Often Use Hotels in This Area

People who live in Atlanta or Gwinnett County often use Suwanee-area budget hotels for:

  • Hosting out-of-town relatives who prefer a private room rather than a guest room
  • Short stays during home repairs or moves within the Atlanta area
  • Temporary housing when working short-term gigs at Gas South District or other Gwinnett venues
  • Youth sports tournaments at nearby parks, schools, or athletic complexes

If you’re an Atlanta resident bringing guests in, you might:

  • Compare this type of hotel with other Gwinnett options closer to your home
  • Consider proximity to the specific places your guests will visit (parks, churches, wedding venues, schools)

Is a Suwanee / Mall of Georgia–Area Red Roof Inn Right for Your Atlanta Trip?

This kind of stay generally works best if you:

  • Want to save money compared with central Atlanta lodging
  • Prefer a suburban environment with easy access to big-box stores, chain restaurants, and major retail
  • Don’t mind driving or using park‑and‑ride transit to reach Atlanta’s main attractions
  • Value free parking and straightforward highway access

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Want to walk everywhere in Atlanta, including restaurants and nightlife
  • Plan to be out late in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and don’t want to drive or manage long rideshares back to the suburbs

If you’re clear about your priorities—budget, driving vs. transit, and how often you’ll go into the city—you can decide whether a Red Roof–style property near Suwanee and the Mall of Georgia is the right base for your Atlanta-area visit or guest stay.