Living Legend
In the heart of Atlanta, the stylish, storied Hotel Clermont keeps the good times rolling
by Kathryn Davé
Morning is not the scene at Atlanta’s iconic Hotel Clermont that everyone talks about, so let me be the first. Coming upstairs into the hotel’s lobby from a “bunk room” where I am staying on a girls’ trip is like stepping outside the morning after a big rain: sparkly, optimistic, with only a few winks to the night before.
Nightlife is what made Hotel Clermont famous; the 94-room hotel sits atop Clermont Lounge, Atlanta’s oldest strip club (and perhaps the most fun). For years, the above-ground Clermont building operated as a cheap motor lodge until the business fizzled in 2009. After an ownership change and thoughtful renovation, the landmark reemerged as a chic, sultry, but absolutely not taking itself too seriously boutique hotel, complete with accompanying restaurant and bars—and, yes, a separate entrance ’round back to the independently owned Clermont Lounge.
The lobby bar is a must stop for a cocktail or a fun snapshot in the vintage photo booth.
Even though we didn’t stay up late watching the mamas shake it downstairs, I am sleepy as I find my way to the lobby’s self-serve café to pour myself a mug of very good coffee. Know this about morning at Hotel Clermont: it’s hard to detect it has even arrived as the lobby maintains its dim, inviting mood all day long. The low light seems ideal for the rare fellow guests I spot stumbling toward the coffee bar. Brunch will begin in a couple hours, but it is Sunday morning in Atlanta, and ain’t nobody awake unless they’re going to church.
I curl up on a groovy jade leather sofa—rattan accents everywhere, mid-century brass palm lamp to my right—with my coffee and a good view of the pink neon Tiny Lou’s sign. Named after a famous 1950s dancer from the lounge, the hotel’s celebrated restaurant was our first stop upon arrival last night (well, after the welcome drink at check-in and some perfectly reasonable squeals over the charm of the four-bed bunk room). Styled as a French-American brasserie, Tiny Lou’s has earned a recommendation in The Michelin Guide for its flawlessly executed comfort classics, luxe atmosphere, and gorgeous desserts. Taking our cue right from Tiny Lou’s itself, we let indulgence steer us through the entire menu, from the burrata-stuffed brioche to the decadent “for the table” ribeye and accompanying sides.
The hotel’s restaurant—Tiny Lou—is named after a 1950’s dancer from the Clermont Lounge.
Sated, but curious, we then whooshed up to the rooftop bar, where you’ll find the radio tower sign, a glittering skyline, lush astroturf, a steady stream of cocktails, and tacos on demand from a rooftop truck. After rubbing elbows with two giddy brides in satin, a flock of frat boys, and one wide-eyed pair of seniors riding up from the lounge, we decided to turn in. What do women in their 30s set free from responsibility want? Sleep and a sound machine, apparently. Hotel Clermont’s basement bunk room, cozily decked out with vintage photos and plaid carpet, delivered.
Even if you never make it downstairs to the lounge, morning comes a little too soon at Hotel Clermont. I want another night, another cocktail from the dark and sexy lobby bar, another chance to swipe on some lipstick and prance giggling into Tiny Lou’s with people I love. But since I’ve yet to learn how to rewind time on vacation, I’ll just have to return.
Photography courtesy of Hotel Clermont
