Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth: What to Know If You’re Staying Near Atlanta

If you’re planning time in the Atlanta area and looking at Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth, it helps to know how this hotel fits into the broader metro, what’s nearby, and how convenient it is for getting around.

This guide walks through the location, access from Atlanta, nearby attractions, and practical tips so you can decide if staying in Duluth works for your trip.

Where Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth Is Located

Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth is in Duluth, Georgia, a suburban city in Gwinnett County, northeast of Atlanta. While it’s not inside the City of Atlanta limits, it’s part of the greater Atlanta metro area and commonly used as a base for:

• Travelers doing business in Gwinnett County
• Visitors attending events at nearby arenas and convention centers
• People who want suburban lodging while spending some days in Atlanta

You’ll typically find it in or near the commercial clusters along Satellite Boulevard, Steve Reynolds Boulevard, or Pleasant Hill Road, close to Interstate 85 (I‑85), which is one of the main highways running from northeast suburbs into Atlanta.

If you’re flying in, the closest major airport serving this hotel is:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  Atlanta, GA 30320

From there, the drive to Duluth usually takes about 40–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic and route.

Getting From Atlanta to Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth

Driving from Downtown or Midtown Atlanta

From central Atlanta, most people reach Duluth by:

1. Getting onto I‑85 North (via the Downtown Connector, I‑75/85).
2. Continuing past Brookhaven, Chamblee, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners.
3. Exiting near Pleasant Hill Road or Sugarloaf Parkway, depending on the specific address of the property.

🚗 Typical drive times (without heavy traffic)

• From Downtown Atlanta: ~30–40 minutes
• From Midtown Atlanta: ~25–35 minutes
• From Buckhead: ~25–35 minutes

Plan for longer commutes during rush hour (weekday mornings into Atlanta, afternoons/evenings heading back out).

Using Public Transit (MARTA + Local Options)

Reaching Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth entirely by transit from Atlanta is possible but less direct than staying in-town.

Here’s the general approach:

1. Take MARTA Rail from central Atlanta to the Doraville Station (Gold Line).
2. From Doraville, use:
   • A Gwinnett County Transit (GCT) bus toward Duluth/Suwanee areas, or
   • A rideshare (often the simpler option) for the final leg.

If you plan to rely on buses, check:

• MARTA: For train schedules and connections
• Gwinnett County Transit: For routes serving Duluth and Satellite Boulevard / Pleasant Hill Road corridors

Transit is easiest if you mainly stay within Atlanta and just need occasional trips to Duluth. If you’ll be based at Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth and frequently going downtown, a rental car or car service is usually more practical.

Why Travelers Choose a Duluth-Area Hotel for Atlanta Trips

Though you’re not staying “in the city,” a Duluth hotel like Sonesta Select can work well depending on your plans.

1. Proximity to Gwinnett Business and Event Hubs

The Duluth area is convenient if you’re visiting:

• Gas South District (Gas South Arena & Convention Center)
  6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097
• Office parks and corporate campuses off Satellite Boulevard, Sugarloaf Parkway, and Pleasant Hill Road
• Northeast Atlanta business corridors, including parts of Norcross, Peachtree Corners, and Suwanee

Staying nearby can significantly cut down morning and evening commute times compared with staying in central Atlanta and driving out every day.

2. Quieter, Suburban Setting

Compared with Downtown or Midtown Atlanta, Duluth offers:

• Quieter evenings and less dense traffic immediately around the hotel
• Large plazas with chain restaurants, grocery stores, and big-box retail
• Easy access to I‑85, which still connects you to the city when needed

This can appeal to families, business travelers, or anyone who prefers a suburban environment but still wants relatively straightforward access to Atlanta.

3. Access to Both City and Suburban Attractions

From Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth, you’re positioned to enjoy:

• In-town attractions:

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • World of Coca‑Cola
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • The BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and Midtown’s arts district

• Northeast metro attractions:

  • Gas South Arena & Convention Center (concerts, hockey, events)
  • Gwinnett Stripers (Coolray Field) in nearby Lawrenceville
  • McDaniel Farm Park and Shorty Howell Park for trails and green space
  • Downtown Duluth and Peachtree Corners Town Center for local dining and events

What to Expect Around Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth

Every hotel property is different, but most visitors to this part of Duluth notice some common patterns.

Nearby Food and Shopping

The areas around Pleasant Hill Road and Satellite Boulevard are built up with:

• Chain and fast-casual restaurants (American, Asian, Mexican, and more)
• Korean and other international eateries, reflecting Gwinnett’s diverse communities
• Shopping centers with:
  • Grocery stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Retail shops
  • Coffee shops

If you’re staying several days, it’s easy to:

• Pick up groceries or snacks
• Find quick meals between meetings
• Grab essentials without returning to central Atlanta

Driving and Traffic Considerations

Locally, traffic in Duluth can still be busy, especially:

• Weekday rush hours along I‑85 and Pleasant Hill Road
• Weekends near major shopping centers and Gas South District events

Tips if you’re splitting time between Duluth and Atlanta:

• Try to avoid driving into downtown between roughly 7–9 a.m. on weekdays.
• Heading back to Duluth, the heaviest congestion is usually 4–7 p.m.
• Use navigation apps to check alternate routes via Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Buford Highway (US‑23), or State Route 316, depending on your destination.

Using Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth as a Base to Explore Atlanta

If you’re considering this hotel as your “home base” for visiting Atlanta, here are realistic expectations.

Travel Times to Major Atlanta Areas

These are approximate and can change significantly with weather, construction, or special events.

When Staying in Duluth Makes Sense for an Atlanta Trip

This hotel location is often a good fit if:

• You have business or events in Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, or Norcross.
• You want a quieter, suburban home base plus day trips into Atlanta.
• You’re attending concerts, sports, or conventions at Gas South District.
• You’re visiting family or friends in Gwinnett County but still plan to spend some time in Atlanta.

It’s less ideal if:

• You want to rely mostly on public transit and avoid driving.
• You expect to spend most evenings in Atlanta’s nightlife districts and don’t want a late-night drive back.
• You’re planning a tightly scheduled, walkable urban trip where every minute counts.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Visitors Staying in Duluth

1. Plan Your City Days Strategically

If you’ll be doing a full day in Atlanta:

• Leave early to beat morning traffic.
• Cluster activities (for example, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park in one day).
• Consider paid parking garages near your main stops to reduce time circling for spaces.

2. Mix City Attractions With Local Gwinnett Spots

To balance driving time, many visitors pair:

• One full Atlanta day (downtown and Midtown)
• One local Gwinnett day, such as:
  • Exploring Downtown Duluth (restaurants, brewpubs, seasonal events)
  • Attending a show at Gas South Arena
  • Spending time outdoors at McDaniel Farm Park or nearby green spaces

3. Know Your Transportation Options

From a Duluth hotel, you’re most likely to use:

• Rental car or personal vehicle – most flexible option
• Rideshare services – workable for airport trips, nights out, or if you don’t want to drive back late
• MARTA + rideshare – if you prefer rail into the city, park at a MARTA station (such as Doraville, Chamblee, or North Springs) and continue by train

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

These Atlanta-area points of contact can help you plan logistics around your stay.

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
  General info: (800) 897‑1910

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: (404) 848‑5000

• Gwinnett County Transit (via Gwinnett County Department of Transportation)
  75 Langley Dr, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
  Main line: (770) 822‑7400

• City of Duluth City Hall (for local events, parks, and area info)
  3167 Main St, Duluth, GA 30096
  Main line: (770) 476‑3434

If your plans include both Atlanta and Gwinnett County, Sonesta Select Atlanta Duluth places you close to key suburban venues while keeping downtown and Midtown Atlanta accessible by car. Understanding the drive times, local surroundings, and transportation options will help you decide whether this suburban base fits the way you want to experience metro Atlanta.