Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead: Budget-Friendly Stay in a Prime Atlanta Location

If you’re looking for a budget hotel in Buckhead that keeps you close to Atlanta’s shopping, dining, and business hubs without the luxury price tag, Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead is one of the better-known options in this part of the city.

This guide walks through what to expect from the hotel, how the location works in real life (traffic, transit, nearby spots), and tips for Atlanta residents and visitors who want a low-cost, no-frills place to stay in Buckhead.

Where Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead Is Located

Address (at time of writing):
Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta – Buckhead
1960 North Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
(Just off I-85, between Buckhead and North Druid Hills/Briarcliff)

This area is often thought of as a gateway between Buckhead and northeast Atlanta, and it’s convenient if you:

• Need easy I-85 access to get around the metro area
• Want to be within a short drive of Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Buckhead Village, Emory University, or Midtown
• Are looking for a budget hotel near Buckhead rather than staying inside Buckhead’s higher-priced core

How the Location Feels

The hotel sits in a busy commercial corridor with other hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and freeway ramps. It’s more functional than scenic, but that’s typical for budget-friendly stays near major highways in Atlanta.

You’ll notice:

• Heavy traffic near rush hour (especially around I-85 and North Druid Hills)
• Plenty of fast-casual and chain dining options within a short drive
• Quick freeway access south toward Downtown, Midtown, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and north toward Doraville, Norcross, and the suburbs

Getting Around: Driving, MARTA, and Rideshare

By Car

If you’re driving, this location is all about convenience over charm.

From the hotel, approximate drive times (outside peak rush):

• Buckhead shopping district (Lenox Square / Phipps Plaza): 10–15 minutes
• Buckhead Village / Peachtree Road corridor: 15–20 minutes
• Midtown Atlanta: 15–20 minutes
• Downtown Atlanta (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium): 20–25 minutes
• Emory University / CDC Clifton campus: 15–20 minutes

Allow more time during morning and evening rush hours, especially if you’re merging onto or off I-85.

Parking

Budget hotels along I-85 in this area typically offer complimentary self-parking, which is a major advantage over some Buckhead and Midtown properties that may charge for garages. If free parking is important to you, it’s worth confirming those details directly with the front desk when you book or arrive.

Using MARTA from Nearby Stations

The hotel itself is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can connect with transit by driving or ridesharing to nearby stations:

• Lindbergh Center Station (Red/Gold lines)

  • About 10–15 minutes by car in typical traffic
  • Good for getting to Midtown, Downtown, the Airport, and Buckhead stops without parking costs there

• Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Station (Gold line)

  • Roughly 10–15 minutes by car
  • Useful if you’re heading north along the Gold Line or returning from Downtown

This setup works best if you combine a car or rideshare with MARTA, especially for events where downtown parking is expensive or limited.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are widely used in this corridor. Many guests use rideshare for:

• Nights out in Buckhead bars and restaurants
• Trips to Midtown and Downtown for concerts, games, and conventions
• Avoiding parking stress around Lenox, Phipps, and Buckhead Village

Because you’re close to I-85, pickups and drop-offs are typically straightforward, though you may face short delays during peak traffic times.

Rooms and Features: What to Expect at a Budget Level

Red Roof PLUS+ properties are designed as budget-friendly, limited-service hotels. For someone staying in Atlanta, that usually means:

• Focus on basic comfort and affordability
• More standardized rooms than full-service hotels
• No large resort-style amenities

Exact offerings can change, but here’s what travelers commonly find at this type of property:

Typical Room Features

Most rooms will be geared toward short business trips, road stops, or budget city stays and may include:

• Bed options: 1 king or 2 double/queen beds
• Hard-surface floors or wood-look flooring (common in many budget hotels now)
• TV with cable / basic channels
• Desk or small work area
• Mini-fridge and microwave in many rooms (or in specific room categories)
• In-room safe in some setups
• Basic bathroom with tub/shower combination

The “PLUS+” branding often signals slightly upgraded rooms compared with older economy styles, such as:

• Moderately updated décor
• Extra outlets/charging ports
• Some “premium” room tiers with a few added conveniences like snack boxes or upgraded bedding

If you need a specific feature (for example, a microwave, ADA-accessible bathroom, or ground-floor room), it’s best to confirm with the hotel directly before your stay.

Amenities You May or May Not Find

Budget hotels like this typically offer:

• Wi-Fi: Usually complimentary; good enough for everyday use
• Coffee in the lobby or in-room
• Ice and vending machines
• 24-hour front desk
• Housekeeping service, though frequencies can vary by policy

Amenities you should not count on without confirming:

• Full-service restaurant or bar on-site
• Extensive fitness center
• Large business center or meeting facilities
• Room service

Some locations have a small outdoor pool or minimal fitness area, but availability can change over time, so check ahead if those are important to you.

Quick At-a-Glance Summary

Use this simple overview if you’re deciding whether Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead fits your Atlanta plans:

Nearby Atlanta Neighborhoods and Attractions

One of the main reasons people choose this hotel is its central position between key Atlanta destinations while remaining in a lower price bracket.

Buckhead Shopping & Dining

Within a 10–20 minute drive, you can reach:

• Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) – major mall with national brands
• Phipps Plaza (3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326) – upscale shopping and dining
• Buckhead Village area (around Buckhead Ave NE & Peachtree Rd NE) – boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife

For anyone coming to Atlanta to shop, dine, or meet clients in Buckhead, staying just outside the core can keep lodging costs down while still being close.

Emory, CDC, and Northeast Atlanta

If you’re in town for Emory University, Emory Healthcare, or the CDC, this part of town is often practical:

• Emory University’s main campus is typically about a 15–20 minute drive, depending on traffic
• Nearby neighborhoods like Toco Hills, Druid Hills, and North Decatur offer additional dining and grocery options

Staying near I-85 also makes it easier to reach other medical centers or office parks in northeast Atlanta and the suburbs.

Midtown and Downtown Access

Using I-85 South, you can reach:

• Midtown (Piedmont Park, Fox Theatre, Georgia Tech area)
• Downtown (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

During off-peak hours, the drive can be relatively quick. For big events or game days, many visitors:

• Drive or rideshare to a MARTA station like Lindbergh Center
• Take MARTA directly to Five Points, GWCC/CNN, Peachtree Center, or Midtown to avoid downtown parking

Food, Groceries, and Essentials Nearby

You won’t be far from basic services and quick meals, which is helpful for both visitors and locals in between housing, renovations, or short-term stays.

Around the North Druid Hills / Briarcliff corridor you can generally find:

• Fast-casual chains and drive-thrus (burgers, chicken, coffee, etc.)
• Sit-down restaurants along Briarcliff Rd, LaVista Rd, and into Toco Hills
• Grocery options (chains like Kroger, Publix, or others in nearby shopping centers)
• Pharmacies and gas stations within a short drive

If you prefer more variety, heading into Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, or Midtown opens up a broad range of independent and upscale restaurants, all within 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

Who This Hotel Typically Suits in Atlanta

Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead tends to fit best for:

• Budget-conscious travelers who want a recognizable chain experience without high nightly rates
• Drivers passing through Atlanta on I-85 who want quick freeway access and simple overnight stays
• Families or patients visiting Emory/CDC who want something economical within driving distance
• Local Atlanta residents needing a short-term, lower-cost place to stay near Buckhead or northeast Atlanta—for example, during home repairs, moves, or between leases

It may be less ideal for:

• Travelers seeking walkable luxury shopping and nightlife right outside the door
• Those who don’t plan to use a car or rideshare and want immediate MARTA rail access
• Guests looking for resort-level amenities, full-service restaurants, or extensive on-site facilities

Practical Tips for Staying Here

Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips that can make your stay smoother:

1. Plan around traffic.

   • North Druid Hills and I-85 can be heavily congested during weekday rush hours. If you have timed appointments in Downtown, Buckhead, or at Emory, build in buffer time.

2. Use MARTA strategically.

   • For concerts, games, or big events, consider driving or ridesharing to Lindbergh Center Station and taking MARTA the rest of the way to avoid downtown parking hassles.

3. Confirm key amenities in advance.

   • If you need ADA-accessible rooms, pet-friendly options, or specific in-room appliances, call the hotel directly ahead of your trip so expectations match reality.

4. Keep essentials handy.

   • Budget hotels can be busier during peak travel periods. Having your own toiletries, snacks, and drinks from a nearby grocery store can make your stay more comfortable.

5. Use the location as a hub.

   • From this spot, you can explore Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, and northeast suburbs without changing hotels. It’s a good base if you want to see several parts of Metro Atlanta while keeping lodging costs down.

For anyone focused on value, freeway access, and proximity to Buckhead and northeast Atlanta, Red Roof PLUS+ Atlanta at Buckhead functions as a straightforward, budget-friendly option that trades luxury and walkability for convenience and affordability in a central Atlanta corridor.