
Lake Lanier is Georgia’s largest lake and its proximity to Atlanta makes it a popular getaway. One of the best ways to experience the lake is by visiting Lanier Islands. This premier waterfront resort is set on several islands in the lake, and it has tons of activities. Water lovers can take a dip in the lake at one of the sandy white beaches, hop on a sunset cruise, or zoom down the slides at Margaritaville waterpark. For nature lovers, the resort has a golf course and hiking and biking trails. There are also lots of dining options ranging from casual tiki huts to upscale waterfront restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Lake Lanier, read on for our picks of the top hotels near Lanier Islands, Georgia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location near a lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on December 20, 2024.
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1. Best Western Plus Lake Lanier Gainesville Hotel and Suites (from USD 154)
As soon as you set foot in the cozy yet chic lobby of the Best Western Plus Lake Lanier, you’ll feel right at home. This Oakwood hotel has lots of amenities on-site for guests to enjoy while they’re not out at Lanier Islands. Start each day with a stop at the fitness center or by enjoying the complimentary breakfast. After a day out on the lake, take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or unwind at the spa. With free WiFi and TVs in every room, you can also entertain yourself while relaxing in the hotel’s comfortable beds.
Best Western Plus Lake Lanier Gainesville Hotel and Suites
11.84 km (7.4 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
2. Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia (from USD 145)
For guests who want to alternate their time at Lanier Islands with shopping and dining, the Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia is a great pick. This Buford hotel is within walking distance of the Mall of Georgia, in case you need to pick up a souvenir or just want to window shop. Dine at one of the many nearby restaurants or right in the hotel at the Bistro restaurant. Guests can also enjoy an indoor pool, gym, and comfortable rooms.
Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Buford Mall of Georgia
10.12 km (6.3 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
3. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Buford NE - Lake Lanier Area, an IHG Hotel (from USD 157)
Good breakfast options with room for improvement in variety, and friendly and accommodating staff.
Reasonable pricing for renovated rooms and complimentary breakfast.
Convenient location near entertainment and necessities, but parking may be limited due to construction.
Clean and comfortable rooms, complimentary toiletries, and a well-maintained pool.
Whether you’d like to spend your time out on the water at Lanier Islands or soaking up rays by a pool, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites has you covered. It is just a few minutes away from the shores of the lake, so you can be out on your boat in no time. The hotel provides free continental breakfast and a coffee maker in every room, so you don’t need to waste any time stopping for breakfast. During your downtime, you can relax on the deck or take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buford NE - Lake Lanier, an IHG Hotel
1.84 km (1.2 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
4. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Atlanta-Cumming, an IHG Hotel (from USD 133)
Another pick close to Lanier Islands is the Holiday Inn Express in Cumming, a bustling city not far from Atlanta. The hotel features a fitness center and an indoor pool where you can keep up with your fitness regimen during your stay. If you’re in town for business, there is also a business center where you can catch up on work. Each room has a mini-fridge and a microwave for preparing simple snacks, and a full hot breakfast is included daily with your stay.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Atlanta-Cumming, an IHG Hotel
18.82 km (11.7 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
5. Comfort Suites Cumming (from USD 128)
The luxurious suites at the Comfort Suites Cumming are sure to feel extra refreshing after a day at nearby Lanier Islands. Every room in this hotel is a suite with refrigerators and microwaves. The suites can sleep up to eight guests, perfect for families who need a bigger than average hotel room. Treat yourself to one of the king suites with a whirlpool tub so you can really unwind. There is also an outdoor pool accessible to all guests.
Comfort Suites Cumming-Atlanta near Northside Hospital Forsyth
18.78 km (11.7 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
6. Hampton Inn & Suites Flowery Branch (from USD 166)
Breakfast options are average, with some complaints about stocking and limited selections. Some cleanliness issues in the dining area.
Slightly expensive for the area, but offers good value for the amenities and location.
Conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and a hospital. Easy access to the interstate and major shopping centers.
Clean property with a nice lobby and fresh flowers. Some rooms may need maintenance attention.
Flowery Branch is a charming city with a picturesque main street that is just minutes away from Lanier Islands. Staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites is the best way to experience the lake and also this cute town. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, whether you’re here for just a night or a whole week. Refresh your wardrobe with the hotel’s laundry and dry cleaning services. Get a quick workout at the fully equipped gym. Stock up on snacks at the hotel’s convenience store to enjoy in the comfort of your hotel room.
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Flowery Branch Lake Lanier
4.96 km (3.1 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
7. Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville (from USD 179)
Foodies visiting Lanier Islands should book their stay at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville. This hotel is just steps from the lake, and it is right in the heart of Gainesville’s restaurant district. There is even a restaurant right on-site called the Garden Grill and Bar. Every room comes with a refrigerator and microwave, perfect for storing and reheating leftovers. There is also a 24-hour snack bar should the midnight craving strike.
Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville
18.4 km (11.5 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
8. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Gainesville (from USD 170)
Satisfying breakfast with safety protocols, good restaurant nearby, but limited breakfast choices.
Reasonable pricing for comfortable rooms and amenities.
Close proximity to attractions like Frances Meadow Aquatic Center and easy traffic access.
Convenient access to a heated pool, clean property, and easy check-in process.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is another great option in Gainesville. If you happen to be in town for business but you also want to be close to Lanier Islands during your downtime, this is a great option. The hotel has a business center offering services like copying and faxing. There are also meeting spaces where you can gather for presentations. After the workday is done, it’ll be easy to go out to have fun in Gainesville or go for a sunset boat ride on the lake.
Fairfield Inn and Suites Gainesville
18.49 km (11.5 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
9. Home2 Suites By Hilton Cumming Atlanta, Ga (from USD 161)
Home2 Suites by Hilton is the perfect pick for families or groups traveling together to Lanier Islands. All of the room options are suites or studios that sleep 7 to 10 guests. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so you can even bring along your dog. On-site, there is a pool and a restaurant. You can also enjoy free WiFi and the convenience of a 24-hour front desk.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Cumming Atlanta, Ga
22.52 km (14.0 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
10. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gainesville - Lake Lanier Area, an IHG Hotel (from USD 222)
Out of more than 160 reviews, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gainesville has a nearly perfect rating. Guests love the hotel’s convenient location close to downtown Gainesville as well as the shores of Lake Lanier and Lanier Islands. They also rave about the hotel’s cleanliness and its great amenities. The perks include an indoor pool and a free continental breakfast. There is even a fire pit outside that the staff will light up on certain nights.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gainesville - Lake Lanier Area, an IHG Hotel
19.95 km (12.4 mi) from Buford Corn Maze
An island getaway in the middle of a lake
You don’t have to travel to the tropics to experience an island getaway near Atlanta. Lanier Islands brings the island experience right to north Georgia. Experience all the fun of a tropical resort, like white sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets, without even leaving the continental US. The area also has tons of great places to stay, and we hope this list makes planning your trip even easier.
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