Lanier Islands Resort

For those searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" who desire a truly immersive and expansive experience, Lanier Islands Resort stands as a premier destination in Buford, Georgia. Located at 7000 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518, USA, this sprawling 1,200-acre resort on the picturesque shores of Lake Lanier offers far more than a typical hotel stay, providing a wide array of accommodations, activities, and dining options. You can reach the resort at (800) 768-5253 or +1 800-768-5253 for reservations and inquiries.

Lanier Islands Resort boasts a breathtaking natural environment, situated on the sparkling waters of Lake Lanier in North Georgia, less than an hour's drive north of Atlanta. From the moment guests cross the iconic bridge to enter the property, they are greeted by 1,200 acres of lush landscapes, wooded areas, and stunning lake views. This expansive setting creates a sense of escape and tranquility, ideal for both leisurely getaways and large-scale events. The resort capitalizes on its lakeside location, offering numerous opportunities for water-based recreation and scenic beauty. It's truly a destination within itself, reducing the need for guests to leave the property to find entertainment or dining options. The environment seamlessly blends natural beauty with carefully curated recreational and hospitality facilities.

Lanier Islands Resort offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to cater to diverse guest needs, from individual travelers to large groups and families. The accommodations are varied, including the main Legacy Lodge with its 214 guest rooms (King, Double Queen, and King Suites), Legacy Villas (six individually keyed rooms per villa, ideal for larger groups), and the private LakeHouses at Legacy, which feature full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and living areas for a home-away-from-home experience. Additionally, the resort offers unique glamping options and RV sites at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lake Lanier, providing a wide spectrum of lodging choices.

Dining is a significant aspect of the Lanier Islands experience, with multiple on-site restaurants and bars. These include:

• Sidney's Restaurant: Offering continental fare with a Southern twist, known for its panoramic Lake Lanier views and seasonal menus using local ingredients.
• Bullfrog's Bar & Grille: A casual poolside destination for American cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, popular for s'mores and relaxed dining.
• Lakeside Cafe: A cozy coffee spot within Legacy Lodge for specialty coffee drinks and light bites.
• Game Changer Restaurant: Located within the Game Changer fun center, offering a menu to complement arcade games, axe throwing, and virtual sports.
• LandShark Bar & Grill and Chill Zone Restaurants & Tiki Bar: Located on the beach at Margaritaville, offering a lively lakeside dining experience with burgers, tacos, pizza, and refreshing drinks.

Recreational services are extensive and seasonal, making the resort a year-round attraction:

• Summer: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands features Fins Up Water Park with thrilling slides (including Georgia's only water coaster), a half-mile of white sandy beach at LandShark Landing, and various boat rentals (pontoons, jet skis) from Harbor Landing.
• Winter: License to Chill Snow Island offers snow tubing and ice skating, while Lakeside Lights Spectacular provides a festive holiday light display.
• Year-Round: Legacy Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course with 12 holes along the water; a state-of-the-art fitness center; an outdoor saltwater pool at Legacy Lodge; miles of hiking and biking trails; pickleball courts; and fishing excursions.
• Tranquility Spa: Offers a range of rejuvenating massage and spa treatments.

The resort also boasts over 38,000 square feet of flexible event space across 15 meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom and various lakeside pavilions, making it a popular choice for conferences, corporate retreats, and weddings. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, and guest services like a 24-hour front desk, concierge, and complimentary transportation within the resort are provided.

Lanier Islands Resort's most distinguishing feature is its comprehensive nature as a full-service destination resort. Unlike a typical hotel, it offers an entire ecosystem of entertainment, dining, and accommodation options within its vast acreage. The diversity of experiences, from thrilling water park rides in summer to snowy activities in winter, alongside year-round golf and spa services, sets it apart. The ability to cater to various guest types – families seeking recreation, couples on a romantic getaway, or corporate groups attending meetings – is a significant strength.

Another key feature is its commitment to providing a luxurious and memorable experience. While one review mentioned "standard rooms" and a "lackluster pool," another reviewer's "Ritz Carlton experience" and praise for "top-notch customer service," "incredible food," and "divine afternoon tea" (rivaling Switzerland) speak to the high-end potential of the resort. This suggests a varied experience depending on the specific accommodation type chosen and perhaps the particular services utilized. The staff's dedication to providing exceptional service, as indicated by the positive review, is a strong asset. The resort is also pet-friendly in certain accommodations, allowing guests to bring their furry companions.

The continuous evolution of the resort, including additions like the Game Changer fun center and new water park slides, demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the guest experience and providing fresh attractions.

Lanier Islands Resort heavily promotes itself as "Georgia's favorite playground for the spirit," highlighting its unique combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and luxurious amenities. Promotional materials often feature enticing images of the lake, golf course, water park, and elegant event spaces. They frequently offer special packages, such as the "Summer Family Fun Package" with water park tickets, "Pick Your Perk" for events, or "Summer Concert VIP Packages" that include overnight stays and enhanced concert experiences. Discounts for AAA members and extended stays are also common. The resort leverages its seasonal attractions, transforming from a summer water paradise to a winter wonderland with snow tubing and festive lights, encouraging year-round visitation.

Customer reviews provide a mixed, but generally positive, perspective on the guest experience. While one review described things as "adequate" with "standard rooms" and a "little lackluster pool," noting a long-standing signage error ("Lanier Slands"), this feedback points to areas for improvement in minor details and consistency. Conversely, the glowing review that likened the experience to a "Ritz Carlton" and praised everything from the resort's beauty and food to the "top-notch customer service" and "divine afternoon tea," showcases the resort's potential to deliver truly exceptional moments. The positive comments about conference food ("some of the best") also indicate strong performance in specific areas. This duality suggests that while certain aspects might appear average to some, other elements and service interactions can be truly outstanding, contributing to an "unforgettable" experience for many guests. The overall consensus from many reviews is that Lanier Islands is a destination where guests don't need to leave the property, indicating its self-contained nature and the abundance of activities and services available.