Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs: What Atlanta Travelers Should Know

If you’re looking for a suite-style hotel on the west side of metro Atlanta, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs is one of the more convenient options near I‑20—especially if you’re headed to Six Flags Over Georgia, downtown Atlanta, or nearby industrial and business parks.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you decide if this property fits your needs and how it compares to other lodging options in the area.

Where the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs Is Located

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs sits in Lithia Springs, GA, just west of the I‑20 and Thornton Road interchange. It’s outside the Atlanta city limits, but functionally part of the west Atlanta corridor that many locals use for commuting and events.

  • General area: Lithia Springs / Douglas County, west of Atlanta
  • Major highway: Just off Interstate 20, a primary route into downtown Atlanta
  • Approximate drive times (without heavy traffic):
    • To Downtown Atlanta / State Capitol area: about 15–20 minutes
    • To Midtown (Georgia Tech, Atlantic Station): about 20–25 minutes
    • To Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: roughly 20–25 minutes via I‑285 or surface streets
    • To Six Flags Over Georgia: usually under 10 minutes

Because these times can change significantly during rush hour, it’s smart to add extra time if you’re traveling:

  • Eastbound on I‑20 toward Atlanta in the morning, or
  • Westbound on I‑20 out of Atlanta in the late afternoon/evening.

Who This Hotel Location Works Best For

This Fairfield Inn & Suites location tends to work well for:

  • Families visiting Six Flags Over Georgia who want to stay close to the park but not directly in the immediate park area.
  • Business travelers with meetings in west Atlanta, Lithia Springs, Douglasville, or industrial parks along Thornton Road.
  • Drivers passing through on I‑20 who want a quick overnight stop just off the interstate.
  • Atlanta-area residents hosting out-of-town guests who prefer a spot outside the dense downtown core, with easy highway access.

If your plans center around Buckhead, Midtown, or east side neighborhoods (Decatur, Emory, Stone Mountain), you may spend more time driving from this location, since it’s on the west side of the metro area.

Room Types and Suites: What to Expect

As a Fairfield Inn & Suites, this property generally offers a mix of standard rooms and suite-style layouts. Exact offerings can vary by date, but you’ll commonly see:

Typical Room Options

  • Standard Guest Rooms

    • 1 king bed or 2 queen beds
    • Designed for 2–4 guests
    • Good fit for quick business trips or short stays
  • Suites

    • Larger layout than standard rooms
    • Often include a separate sitting area or partially divided space
    • Sofa bed or pull-out couch in many suites, which can help families or small groups
    • Typically include a mini-fridge and microwave, which is useful if you’re in town for several days or traveling with kids

For Atlanta travelers, the suite configuration can be especially helpful if:

  • You’re spending long days at Six Flags and want extra room to spread out.
  • You’re here for a work assignment at a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or plant and need more space to work and relax.
  • You’re sharing a room with family or colleagues and want a bit more separation.

Amenities That Matter for Atlanta Stays

Most Fairfield Inn & Suites properties share a similar amenity set. While you should always double-check current offerings, you can typically expect:

Core Amenities

  • Complimentary breakfast: Continental-style with hot and cold options, convenient if you’re heading into Atlanta early.
  • Free Wi‑Fi: Important if you’re working remotely or planning your ATL outings online.
  • On-site parking: Usually included, which is helpful compared with downtown Atlanta hotels that often charge for garages or valet.
  • Fitness room: Useful if you’re trying to maintain a routine on a business trip.
  • Outdoor pool (seasonal in many cases): A plus for families in warm weather months.
  • Business services: Basic printing or computer access, often in the lobby.

Practical Benefits in the Atlanta Context

  • Avoiding downtown parking hassles: If you don’t need to be in the city center 24/7, staying here can reduce daily parking and valet costs.
  • Quick highway access: Being right off I‑20 makes it easier to reach downtown, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and the Georgia World Congress Center without navigating tight city streets for long.
  • Quieter than central entertainment districts: If you want to be near Atlanta but not in a nightlife-heavy area, this corridor is more subdued in the evenings.

Proximity to Atlanta Attractions

Here’s a quick look at how the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs works as a base for common local destinations:

Destination / AreaTypical Travel Consideration from Hotel
Six Flags Over GeorgiaVery close; convenient for day trips with kids or groups.
Downtown Atlanta (CNN Center, GWCC)Straight shot on I‑20; watch for event-day or rush-hour traffic.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium / State Farm ArenaSame downtown route; ideal for games or concerts if you don’t mind a drive.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta AirportSouth and slightly east; can use I‑285 or surface roads.
Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca-ColaIn the downtown tourism core; expect city traffic and parking fees.
Douglasville & Arbor Place MallWest along I‑20; convenient for shopping or dining outside Atlanta.

If your trip is focused on multiple venues inside the I‑285 Perimeter—like Decatur, Emory, Buckhead, or Brookhaven—be prepared for more drive time from Lithia Springs, especially at peak commuting hours.

Nearby Food, Shopping, and Services

One of the practical strengths of this location is access to everyday services along Thornton Road and nearby corridors.

Dining Near the Hotel

In the immediate area around I‑20 and Thornton Road, you’ll typically find:

  • Fast-casual and quick-service options for easy meals between meetings or before heading to the park.
  • Casual sit-down restaurants catering to both locals and travelers.
  • A short drive opens up more options in Douglasville or further into the west Atlanta area.

If you’re planning a late check-in, it’s worth confirming what food options are open late along Thornton Road, or planning to grab something on your way from downtown or the airport.

Groceries and Essentials

For longer stays or families, you’ll generally find:

  • Grocery stores and big-box retailers within a short drive west toward Douglasville or east toward Austell.
  • Pharmacies along Thornton Road for last-minute travel necessities.

This can be especially useful if you’re staying several nights for tournaments, extended work assignments, or multi-day theme park visits.

Business and Work-Related Travel

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs is often used by:

  • Contractors and professionals working in:
    • Distribution centers and warehouses along I‑20
    • Industrial sites and business parks in Lithia Springs, Austell, and Douglasville
  • Corporate travelers who have offices on the west side of the metro area.

Key things business travelers often value here:

  • Quick highway access to reach client sites across west Atlanta and Douglas County.
  • Breakfast on-site so you can get on the road early.
  • Wi‑Fi and desk space in rooms for catching up on work at night.

If your meetings are mostly in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson, staying closer in might reduce your commuting time, but this location can still work if you prefer a less dense area with easy parking.

Considering Atlanta Traffic and Timing

Atlanta traffic is an important factor when deciding where to stay. From Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs:

  • Morning inbound traffic: Driving east on I‑20 into Atlanta between about 7–9 a.m. can be slow.
  • Evening outbound traffic: Driving west on I‑20 out of Atlanta between roughly 4–6:30 p.m. frequently backs up.

If you’re attending:

  • A Georgia World Congress Center trade show,
  • A Falcons or Atlanta United game at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, or
  • A concert at State Farm Arena,

consider leaving earlier than you think you need to and planning where you’ll park in advance. Many people prefer to park once downtown, walk to attractions, and avoid moving their cars again until they’re ready to return to the hotel.

When This Hotel Is a Strong Fit vs. When It’s Not

Strong Fit

This Fairfield Inn & Suites often works well if you:

  • Want to be very close to Six Flags Over Georgia.
  • Prefer a suite-style room on the west side of Atlanta.
  • Need direct I‑20 access for a road trip or regional work.
  • Like the balance of being near Atlanta without staying in the middle of downtown.

May Not Be Ideal

You might want to look closer to in-town neighborhoods if you:

  • Need to be within minutes of Midtown, Buckhead, Inman Park, or Decatur every day.
  • Prefer to avoid highway driving during your stay.
  • Plan most of your time in east or north Atlanta, where a more central hotel could shorten your daily drives.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Stay

A few practical suggestions for Atlanta-area guests:

  • Plan your driving windows ⏰
    Try to schedule downtown trips outside the peak rush. Mid-morning or early afternoon usually means an easier drive on I‑20.

  • Map out event days in advance
    If attending games, concerts, or conventions, identify parking options before you leave Lithia Springs and allow extra time for both traffic and walking.

  • Use the suite layout wisely
    If you’re traveling with kids for Six Flags or sharing with colleagues, take advantage of the separate sitting area and sofa bed to give everyone some space.

  • Stock up on snacks and drinks
    A quick stop at a nearby grocery or big-box store can make your suite feel more comfortable, especially if you’re staying multiple nights.

By understanding where the Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Lithia Springs sits in relation to the rest of metro Atlanta, what kinds of rooms and suites it offers, and how it fits into the local traffic and attraction patterns, you can decide whether it’s the right base for your visit or for hosting out-of-town guests on Atlanta’s west side.