SpringHill Suites Atlanta–Buford at Mall of Georgia: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

If you’re planning a trip around Atlanta and looking for a convenient base near shopping, Lake Lanier, or northside suburbs, the SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia (Buford, GA 30519) is a popular all-suites option just outside the city.

This guide breaks down what Atlanta residents and visitors can realistically expect from this hotel, how it fits into the broader metro area, and when it might be a smart choice compared with staying closer to downtown.

Where the Hotel Is and Why It Matters for Atlanta Travelers

Name commonly used: SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia
Area: Buford, GA 30519 – part of metro Atlanta, in Gwinnett County.

Distance and drive times from key Atlanta spots

Traffic in Atlanta can vary a lot, but many travelers report the following rough drive times:

  • Downtown Atlanta (Five Points / Centennial Olympic Park): about 35–45 miles, often 40–60 minutes by car outside peak rush hour.
  • Midtown Atlanta (Georgia Tech / Arts Center area): similar range, usually just under an hour if traffic is light.
  • Buckhead (Lenox / Phipps area): often around 30–45 minutes depending on I‑85 congestion.
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): usually 50–70 minutes by car, longer at peak times.

The hotel is located just off I‑85 and near I‑985, which makes it straightforward for:

  • Commuting into Atlanta for meetings or events.
  • Day trips to downtown attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, State Farm Arena).
  • Accessing northside suburbs like Suwanee, Duluth, and Gainesville.

If your main focus is downtown nightlife or walkable in-town neighborhoods, this property is more of a “drive in, drive out” base rather than a walk-everywhere option.

What Kind of Hotel SpringHill Suites Buford Is

SpringHill Suites is an all-suites, limited-service hotel style that often attracts:

  • Families who want extra space.
  • Business travelers working around Gwinnett and North Georgia.
  • Sports teams or groups attending tournaments in the area.
  • Atlanta residents doing staycations near shopping and Lake Lanier.

Typical room layout and features

Rooms are usually studio-style suites, which often include:

  • A sleeping area with one king bed or two queens.
  • A seating area with a sofa (often a pullout).
  • Work desk or workstation for laptops.
  • Microwave and mini-fridge – handy if you’re in town for a tournament, family visit, or extended stay.
  • Closet / storage space for longer visits.

For Atlanta-area families visiting the Mall of Georgia or Lanier Islands, the extra seating and sleeping space can be more comfortable than a standard single-room hotel.

Location Benefits: Mall of Georgia and North Metro Atlanta

Proximity to the Mall of Georgia

One of the biggest draws is that the hotel is very close to the Mall of Georgia, one of the region’s largest shopping centers. For someone coming from:

  • Intown Atlanta (Grant Park, Inman Park, Westside): you can drive up, check in, and have restaurants, retail, and entertainment within a short drive or quick rideshare.
  • Suburbs further south or west: it can be a convenient halfway point if you’re meeting family from North Georgia or the Carolinas.

Common reasons Atlantans choose this area:

  • Back-to-school or holiday shopping weekends.
  • Meeting friends or relatives who don’t want to go all the way into the city.
  • Quick break from in-town congestion and limited parking.

Access to Lake Lanier and outdoor activities

From the hotel’s Buford location, it’s typically a short drive to:

  • Lake Lanier boat ramps and marinas.
  • Lanier Islands (often popular for seasonal attractions and water activities).
  • Parks in Gwinnett County and neighboring areas.

If you live in Atlanta and want lake time without an early-morning drive from the city, staying overnight at SpringHill Suites Buford can make morning launches and activities easier.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips for Atlanta Visitors

Driving and parking

Most guests rely on personal cars or rentals. For an Atlanta-based trip:

  • You’ll likely use I‑85 as your primary route between Buford and Atlanta.
  • Peak rush-hour traffic heading into Atlanta in the morning and out of Atlanta in the evening can add significant time.

Tips for planning:

  • 🕒 Schedule city visits off-peak when possible (late morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid the heaviest congestion.
  • 🅿️ Expect to pay for parking at many downtown and Midtown Atlanta attractions; Buford hotel parking is typically simpler and more suburban-style.

Rideshare and taxis

Rideshare services commonly operate in the Buford–Gwinnett–Atlanta corridor. This can work well for:

  • One-way trips to events or concerts in the city if you’d rather not drive back late at night.
  • Getting around the Mall of Georgia area if you don’t want to re-park repeatedly.

For late-night returns from downtown clubs or arenas, check estimated rideshare fares and wait times in advance; longer-distance trips can add up.

Who This Buford Hotel Works Best For (From an Atlanta Perspective)

Good fit if:

  • You’re visiting family in Gwinnett or Hall County and want a familiar hotel brand.
  • You’re an Atlanta resident planning:
    • A shopping-focused weekend at the Mall of Georgia.
    • A Lake Lanier getaway with an easy suburban base.
    • A youth sports tournament or event in the Buford/Gwinnett area.
  • You’re on a business trip with meetings in northeast metro Atlanta and don’t need to be downtown every day.

Might not be ideal if:

  • You want to walk to Atlanta attractions, restaurants, or nightlife.
  • You rely on public transit; this area is more car-dependent than parts of in-town Atlanta served by MARTA rail.
  • You have very early or late flights at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and want to minimize travel time.

Amenities That Matter for Atlanta Trips

Amenities can vary over time, but this type of SpringHill Suites property commonly offers:

  • Complimentary breakfast – helpful if you’re heading into Atlanta early or out to Lake Lanier.
  • Fitness center – useful if you’re skipping your regular Atlanta gym during travel.
  • Pool – often appealing for families or staycations.
  • Business-friendly features – like Wi‑Fi and workspaces, for those commuting into the city for meetings.

When you’re comparing this hotel to ones inside Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead), the tradeoff is usually:

  • More space and easier parking in Buford, vs.
  • More walkability and shorter city commutes in in-town properties.

Quick Comparison: Staying in Buford vs. Staying In-Town

FactorSpringHill Suites Buford (Mall of Georgia)Typical In-Town Atlanta Hotel (Downtown/Midtown)
Distance to Atlanta coreDrive, often 40–60+ minutesUsually walk / short rideshare to major attractions
Neighborhood feelSuburban shopping & dining corridorUrban, denser, more walkable
Space in roomSuite-style, seating area commonStandard rooms more common
ParkingSuburban-style, often simplerOften structured garages; fees more common
Access to Lake Lanier / North GAOften quicker and more directLonger drive north on I‑85 / I‑985
Best forShoppers, lake-goers, Gwinnett visitors, familiesVisitors focused on city attractions & nightlife

Planning Your Atlanta Itinerary If You Stay in Buford

To make the most of a SpringHill Suites Buford stay and still enjoy Atlanta:

  1. Group city activities into one or two days.
    Plan your Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park visits together to reduce back-and-forth trips.

  2. Use Buford days for northside attractions.
    Spend those days at the Mall of Georgia, Lake Lanier, and Gwinnett-area parks or entertainment.

  3. Time your drives smartly.
    When heading south into Atlanta, aim for late morning or midday. Returning north, consider early afternoon or later in the evening after traffic calms.

  4. Check event calendars.
    Big events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Atlanta’s convention centers can affect traffic patterns from Buford into the city.

When Atlanta Locals Choose This Hotel Over Staying in the City

Many Atlanta-area residents use this hotel (and others near the Mall of Georgia) for:

  • Short family getaways with kids who want pool time plus shopping and movie theaters nearby.
  • Overflow lodging when they’re hosting out-of-town guests who prefer a familiar suite-style environment.
  • Overnight stays before or after Lake Lanier boat days, especially if they don’t want to make a long early-morning or late-night drive back to in-town neighborhoods.

If you live inside the Perimeter and rarely leave, a Buford stay can feel like a low-stress escape while still being within reach of your usual Atlanta commitments.

How to Decide if SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buford/Mall of Georgia Fits Your Plans

To decide if this specific Buford hotel works for your Atlanta trip, ask:

  • Will most of my time be spent in north metro (Gwinnett, Lake Lanier, Mall of Georgia)?
    If yes, the location is convenient.

  • Do I prefer more space and quieter, suburban surroundings over walkable, in-town nightlife?
    If you value space and calm, this style of hotel can be a better fit.

  • How often do I need to be in downtown or Midtown Atlanta?
    If it’s daily, you’ll want to factor in commute time and possible rush-hour delays.

Thinking through these questions from an Atlanta-specific perspective will help you decide if staying at SpringHill Suites Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia in Buford, GA 30519 matches how you plan to experience the city and its surrounding areas.