Part of Gwinnett and Hall counties, Buford was founded in 1872 as a result of a railroad being built to connect Charlotte and Atlanta. The town was named after Algernon Sidney Buford, president of the Atlanta and Richmond Air-Line Railway at the time. The city's population expanded during the 1900s thanks to the city's leather industry, resulting in Buford being nicknamed “The Leather City.” Many classic cowboy actors, including Roy Rogers and Gene Autry, used leather saddles made by Buford's Bona Allen Company. The city's railroad and leather industries declined after the Great Depression, but Buford remains an important cultural and historical site.
Today, many residents of Buford commute to Atlanta for work, making Buford an attractive location for newcomers and visitors. Whatever you reason for coming to Buford, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to enjoy everything the city and the Atlanta metro area have to offer.
Best Time to Visit Buford, GA
The best season to visit Buford is also the city's busiest. Atlanta features a number of summer events and outdoor festivals that make it the perfect time of year to book a room in Buford, but keep in mind that summers in Georgia can be sweltering. Average highs are in the upper 80s and the climate is humid all summer long, which can make visits unbearable for anyone not used to the heat. Hotel rates also tend to spike during the summer months as more visitors flock to the Atlanta area for vacation.
If you'd prefer to beat the heat and the crowds, plan your trip in the springtime from April to early May. Temperatures are generally pleasant, but thunderstorms are common, so bring an umbrella and be prepared for storms. Spring also brings a number of nearby festivals to the Buford area, including the popular Atlanta Dogwood Festival.
Fall is another great time to visit Buford. From September to November, temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low-80s. Hotel rates remain about the same as they are in the summer, but the cooler weather is worth waiting for.
To enjoy the best discounts on hotel rates, plan your trip to Buford from December to March, avoiding holiday weeks. While Georgia normally doesn't experience much snow, average lows can hover around 30 degrees, and ice storms are quite common. Still, if you pack accordingly and prepare for the worst, you'll enjoy the best hotel rates and avoid tourist crowds.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Buford, GA:
Buford, GA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Buford, GA. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the cheapest time period to book a room in Buford for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Buford, GA
4 Star Average Prices: $171.41
If you're hoping to get pampered during your trip to Buford, consider a stay at Lanier Islands. This four-star, 1,200-acre resort and conference center is just over 5 miles from central Buford and features a lakeside restaurant, outdoor dining, a fitness center, spa, gift shop, horseback riding, boating, golf, and a water park. The lodge-inspired guest rooms boast flat-screen TVs, balconies or patios, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Villa rooms add lake views and hardwood floors, while the lake houses throw in kitchens, decks, and fireplaces.
A more affordable four-star option is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buford – Mall of GA. This modern hotel is located within walking distance of the popular Mall of Georgia and features an outdoor pool, fitness center, free breakfast bar, and a business center. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, work desks, kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and high-pressure showerheads. Upgrading to a suite will get you a pull-out sofa and whirlpool tub.
For more luxurious lodgings, you'll need to look more toward Atlanta. JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead is an upscale high-rise within walking distance of the Lenox metro station. Rooms offer marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, ergonomic chairs, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service. On-site amenities include a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub, meeting rooms, and a business center.
The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North is just 30 miles from central Buford off I-285. This modern accommodation offers sophisticated guest rooms with pillow-top mattresses, coffeemakers, work desks, and ergonomic chairs. Suites add separate seating areas, wet bars, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgrading to a club room also provides you with lounge access, which includes a free breakfast and evening appetizers. The property also features a farm-to-table restaurant, a fitness center, and an outdoor saltwater pool.
Affordable Hotel Options in Buford, GA
3 Star Average Prices: $113.82
Finding an affordable hotel near Buford is easy if you know where to look and aren't afraid to stay a little further out from the city center. Super 8 Suwanee is a straightforward budget-hotel eight miles from Buford. Located just off I-85, Super 8 Suwanee offers en suite guest rooms with microwaves, TVs, premium cable channels, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy a free continental breakfast, free parking, and free accommodations for children 17 and under.
Red Roof Inn Atlanta – Suwanee/Mall of Georgia is an affordable low-rise hotel 5 miles from the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with cable channels and free Wi-Fi access, while upgraded rooms add mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. The property also offers a seasonal outdoor pool, free coffee in the lobby, free parking, and pet-friendly rooms.
Motel 6 in Suwanee is within walking distance of Horizon Village Shopping Centre. Guest rooms are straightforward, but offer TVs with expanded cable channels, free internet, free morning coffee, and access to the outdoor pool and coin laundry facility.
