Everything's Groovy at Atlanta's Hotel Clermont
All photos courtesy of Hotel Clermont.
Hotel Clermont
Atlanta, Georgia
Groovy Glam, $$
There's nothing subtle about Atlanta's Hotel Clermont. For one thing, it's a rare independent hotel inside the city's perimeter. For another, the century-old brick building — which has a 65-foot radio tower bearing its name — is nearly impossible to miss. The landmark was returned and resurrected during the renovation of the boutique hotel, which used to be a seedy motor lodge above the city's long-running strip club, the Clermont Lounge. (Check out this great Fathom story about the place.) The circa 1968 dive bar is legendary, drawing regulars, touring musicians, and famous people hoping to get a glimpse of the unconventional sirens of the stripper pole – many of whom have been around for decades and are local celebrities themselves.
The revitalized Hotel Clermont has fully embraced its 1970s heyday, with rattan furniture, like low-slung couches; tasseled swivel chairs in pink, green, and chartreuse; leafy house plants and palm frond prints. The rooms are young and fun, with bright bathroom tiles, colorful headboards, pop-influenced art work, and eclectic vintage pieces, like the Hollywood version of a spunky 20something’s apartment. The dining and drinking spaces are as lively as ever, too, capturing that elusive mix of travelers and locals at brasserie Tiny Lou's (food critics love it) and the rooftop bar. This is the spot for visitors who want to dive right into ATL culture — and, as they explore the area, they'll appreciate hearing inside knowledge from the hotel's resident “know-it-alls."
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At a Glance
Vibe: Glam '70s rehash for 21st-century travelers.
Standout Detail: A boutique operation with style and service in spades ... layered on top of a legendary strip club? Pretty unique.
This Place Is Perfect For: Travelers looking for decidedly ATL atmosphere and action.
Rooms: There are 76 standard rooms, fifteen bunk rooms, and three suites — furnished with velvet headboards, record players, and local artwork.
Food + Drink: There's the Southern-inflected, locally loved French brasserie Tiny Lou’s (named for a burlesque dancer who graced the place with her presence in the 1950s). In the lobby, Cafe Clermont offers grab-and-go breakfast, lunch, and barista-made beverages. The bourbon-centric Lobby Bar serves cocktails and night bites (to sop up said cocktails). The rooftop bar has skyline views for miles. And, then, of course, there’s the iconic dive bar Clermont Lounge.
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What to Do Nearby
Local Fathom contributor Kelsey Burrow shares her insider's guide to the best day ever in Atlanta with the Hotel Clermont as home base. Here's a quick list of eating, drinking, and shopping favorites in the city. Make a point to check out Staplehouse, a casual neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward that operates as a for-profit subsidiary of The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization serving the restaurant community. Read more about it on Fathom.
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