Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85: What to Know Before You Book Near Atlanta

If you’re looking for a comfortable, mid-range hotel near Atlanta with easy access to I-85, Peachtree Corners, and the northeast metro suburbs, Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85 is one of the properties many travelers consider. This guide walks through what to expect, how it fits into the broader Atlanta area, and practical tips for locals and visitors using it as a base.

Where Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85 Fits in the Atlanta Area

Even though the name includes “Atlanta,” this hotel is located in Norcross, a city in Gwinnett County, just northeast of the Perimeter.

• Primary appeal: convenient access to I-85, suburban office parks, and nearby business corridors.
• Distance to central Atlanta: generally about 20–30 minutes to Downtown or Midtown Atlanta in light traffic, often longer during rush hour.
• Good for:
  • Business travelers with meetings in Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, or Gwinnett
  • Families or groups who want quieter suburbs but still want to drive into the city
  • Road-trippers using I-85 who need a clean, predictable stop near Atlanta

If your main focus is walking to Atlanta attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia Aquarium, staying downtown may be more convenient. But if you’re mixing city visits with work in the suburbs or day trips around metro Atlanta, Norcross can be a strategic base.

Location Details and Getting Around

Typical area for Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85:

• Surrounded by corporate offices, business parks, and other hotels
• Close to Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and Holcomb Bridge Road, which are major local arteries
• A short drive to Peachtree Corners, Duluth, and other Gwinnett hubs

You’ll almost certainly want a car or rideshare:

• Parking: Suburban hotels in this area typically offer on-site parking, often with easier access than intown properties.
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Commonly used for trips into Midtown or Downtown Atlanta, especially if you don’t want to deal with city parking.
• Public transit: MARTA rail does not directly serve Norcross; bus connections are possible but usually slower and less convenient for visitors.

What to Expect From the Hotel Experience

While specific offerings can change, properties in this segment and area usually provide:

Guest Rooms and Layout

Expect modern, functional rooms targeted toward both business and leisure guests:

• Standard rooms with 1 king or 2 queens
• Work-friendly desk or work area
• Wi‑Fi, typically throughout the property
• Often a mini-fridge and coffee maker, sometimes a microwave

Many Sonesta Select–type properties are converted from Courtyard-style hotels, so you may see:

• Interior corridors
• Lobby lounge area
• Outdoor courtyard or small seating area when available

Common Amenities

Amenities at a hotel like Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85 often include:

• Fitness center: Usually a modest gym with cardio machines and basic weights
• Outdoor or indoor pool: Good for families or unwinding after meetings
• On-site dining or café:
  • Limited-service bistro or bar-style menu
  • Grab-and-go snacks, light breakfast, and evening options
• Business-friendly spaces:
  • Small meeting rooms or conference space
  • Communal tables or nooks where you can work on a laptop

If you’re visiting Atlanta for a convention at the Georgia World Congress Center or downtown offices, staying here keeps costs moderate, with the tradeoff of a commute.

Using the Hotel as a Base to Explore Atlanta

From Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85, you can drive into key parts of Atlanta relatively easily when traffic cooperates. Here’s how it lines up with major areas:

Driving Times (Approximate, Without Heavy Traffic)

⏱️ Traffic tip:
Atlanta’s morning (7–9 a.m.) and evening (4–7 p.m.) rush hours can significantly extend your drive, especially on I‑85, I‑285, and GA‑400. Many business travelers staying in Norcross try to:

• Leave for downtown before peak rush or after it eases
• Schedule meetings mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid the worst congestion

Nearby Norcross & Gwinnett Highlights

If you’re staying at Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85, you don’t have to go all the way into the city every day. The Norcross–Peachtree Corners–Gwinnett area has its own attractions:

Old Norcross & Local Charm

• Historic Downtown Norcross:
  • Walkable streets with local restaurants and coffee shops
  • Small parks and seasonal events
• Thrasher Park:
  • Green space and playground in the historic district
  • Occasional community events and concerts

Shopping and Dining in the Area

Within a short drive of the hotel, you’ll typically find:

• National chain restaurants along major roads for quick meals
• Local spots with strong international options, especially a short drive away toward:
  • Buford Highway (Doraville/Chamblee): known locally for Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, Chinese, and other global cuisines
  • Pleasant Hill Road (Duluth): a major corridor for Korean and pan-Asian dining and bakeries

Events and Entertainment in Gwinnett

If you’re in town for a concert, trade show, or game, you may be headed toward:

• Gas South District (Gas South Arena & Convention Center) – Duluth, GA
  Hosts concerts, sports, expos, and performances, and is generally within a 15–20 minute drive from the Norcross area depending on traffic.

When This Location Works Best for You

Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85 – and similar I‑85 corridor hotels near Atlanta – can be a solid fit if:

• You’re working in Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, or Gwinnett and want to stay close to offices.
• You prefer a quieter suburban setting instead of the density and nightlife of Midtown or Downtown.
• You’re on a road trip along I‑85 and want a predictable overnight not far from Atlanta.
• You’re visiting friends or family in northeast metro Atlanta and don’t necessarily need to be city-center.

On the other hand, you might want to look closer to intown Atlanta if:

• You plan to rely on MARTA rail instead of driving.
• Your itinerary is packed with walkable, downtown or Midtown attractions from morning to night.
• Late-night dining, nightlife, or arts venues in Little Five Points, Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward, or Midtown are your main reason for visiting.

Practical Tips for an Atlanta Stay From Norcross

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re using this Norcross hotel as your home base:

• Plan for parking downtown:
  Most intown attractions and offices offer parking garages or paid lots. Factor this into your budget and time.

• Consider MARTA park‑and‑ride:
  Some visitors drive from Norcross to a MARTA rail station like Doraville Station (on the Gold Line), park there, and take the train in to Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown to avoid city traffic and parking.

• Watch event days:
  Travel times can spike when there are Falcons, United, Hawks, Braves games, or major concerts. Checking event calendars for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, and Gas South Arena can help you avoid surprise gridlock.

• Weather considerations:
  Atlanta summers can be hot and humid, and storms can pop up quickly. If you plan to drive in and out of the city, allow extra time during heavy rain.

How Locals Tend to Use Hotels Like This

Residents of the Atlanta metro area also use Norcross-area hotels for:

• Overflow space: when hosting out-of-town guests and needing extra rooms near Gwinnett or North Fulton.
• Home base during home projects: staying a few nights during renovations, repairs, or moves.
• Local “staycations”: especially for families that want pool access, a quieter environment, and easy access to suburban attractions like Sugarloaf Mills, Gas South District, or area parks.

For locals, the key advantage is proximity to suburban life and ease of driving, while still being within reach of the city when needed.

Staying at Sonesta Select Atlanta Norcross I-85 places you firmly in Atlanta’s northeast suburban corridor. It’s a practical choice if your plans center on Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, and other nearby business or leisure spots, with the flexibility to drive into the heart of Atlanta when you’re ready to explore the city’s major attractions.