Sip in Style: A Local Guide to the Best Hotel Bars in Atlanta
Atlanta’s hotel bar scene has grown into a destination of its own. Whether you’re a local looking for a polished night out, entertaining clients near downtown, or visiting and want a drink without straying far from your room, Atlanta’s best hotel bars cover rooftop views, quiet lounges, and high-energy lobby hotspots.
Below is a locally focused guide to standout hotel bars around the city, what each does best, and practical tips for choosing the right spot for your night.
Quick Snapshot: Notable Hotel Bars in Atlanta
| Area / Neighborhood | Hotel Bar (Hotel) | Vibe | Why Locals Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | SkyLounge at the Glenn (Glenn Hotel) | Rooftop, skyline views | Classic downtown views, pre-game for events |
| Downtown | AG at the Ritz-Carlton (The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta) | Upscale, classic | Refined cocktails, business meetups |
| Midtown | Drawbar (Bellyard Hotel, West Midtown) | Trendy, indoor/outdoor | BeltLine views, lively social scene |
| Midtown | Bar Margot (Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta) | Stylish, low-key | Sophisticated drinks, date nights |
| Buckhead | The St. Regis Bar (The St. Regis Atlanta) | Luxurious, polished | Special-occasion atmosphere |
| Buckhead | Whiskey Blue (W Buckhead – when operating) | Rooftop, high-energy | Nightlife vibe, Buckhead skyline |
| Airport / College Park | Volare Wine & Bistro–style hotel bars and lounges (multiple airport hotels) | Convenient, relaxed | Layover-friendly, easy access to ATL airport |
Note: Offerings, hours, and concepts can change. It’s wise to check the hotel or bar directly for current details before you go.
Downtown Atlanta: Skyline Views and Pre-Game Spots
SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel
Location:
Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
110 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 521-2250
Perched on top of the Glenn Hotel, SkyLounge is a familiar name for anyone who goes out downtown. It’s known for:
- Panoramic downtown views, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the surrounding city lights
- A mix of loungy seating and standing space, good for groups
- Being a convenient pre- or post-game stop for events at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or the Georgia World Congress Center
Best for:
- Rooftop drinks with out-of-town guests
- Casual but stylish nights out before concerts or Hawks/Falcons games
- Locals who want a “tourist view” of their own city once in a while
Tips:
- 🕒 Weekends and event nights can get busy; factor in lines and cover policies that may vary.
- Parking downtown can be tight; many people use MARTA to Five Points or GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center and walk.
AG (Bourbon Bar & Lounge) at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
Location:
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
181 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 659-0400
The AG bar and lounge inside the Ritz-Carlton leans upscale without feeling stiff. You’ll find:
- Classic and whiskey-focused cocktails in a refined, wood-accented space
- A clientele that skews business, convention-goers, and well-dressed locals
- Easy access for anyone staying or working near Peachtree Center
Best for:
- Business drinks and quiet conversations
- Visitors staying downtown who want a polished bar without leaving the hotel zone
- Locals who prefer a traditional bar feel over loud club-style venues
Tips:
- Dress tends to skew business casual or nicer, especially in the evenings.
- Good spot if you need a dependable, professional environment near the office towers.
Midtown & West Midtown: Trendy, Artsy, and Date-Night-Friendly
Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel (West Midtown)
Location:
Bellyard, West Midtown
1 Interlock Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 806-8333
In the Interlock development along the Westside, Drawbar has become a go-to for both locals and hotel guests. Expect:
- Indoor-outdoor spaces with views toward the Midtown skyline
- A young, social crowd, especially on weekends
- Easy walking distance to other West Midtown restaurants and spots along Howell Mill
Best for:
- Group meetups where people can drift in and out
- Pre-dinner cocktails before exploring West Midtown
- Locals who don’t want to deal with downtown but still want a “going out” atmosphere
Tips:
- 🚗 On-site parking garages serve the Interlock complex, but rideshare is common due to weekend traffic on Howell Mill.
- Gets busy around sunset and on game days when crowds filter over from local breweries and restaurants.
Bar Margot at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Location:
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
75 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 881-9898
Inside the Four Seasons in midtown, Bar Margot is one of the city’s more polished hotel lounges. It’s known for:
- A stylish, relaxed atmosphere with thoughtfully crafted cocktails
- Being walking distance to the Midtown arts district, including the Woodruff Arts Center and the High Museum of Art
- A mix of hotel guests, neighborhood regulars, and people heading to or from an evening show
Best for:
- Date nights and small groups who prefer to talk without shouting
- Pre- or post-theater drinks in Midtown
- Visitors looking for a sophisticated but not overly formal setting
Tips:
- Midtown is relatively walkable; many pair Bar Margot with dinner on Peachtree Street or a show at the Fox Theatre.
- Valet parking is available at the hotel, but there are also nearby parking decks.
Buckhead: Classic Luxury and Nightlife Energy
The St. Regis Bar at The St. Regis Atlanta
Location:
The St. Regis Atlanta
88 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 563-7900
Buckhead is known for luxury, and The St. Regis Bar fits right in. This bar is often associated with:
- An elegant, club-like setting with plush seating
- A clientele that includes Buckhead residents, business travelers, and special-occasion crowds
- Proximity to Buckhead Village shops and restaurants
Best for:
- Celebratory evenings and “dress-up” nights
- Meeting friends or clients in a refined environment
- Visitors staying in Buckhead who want a high-end experience without heading downtown
Tips:
- 💼 Expect a smarter dress code than casual neighborhood bars; many guests come in cocktail or business attire.
- Valet is available, and street parking in this part of Buckhead is limited.
Whiskey Blue at the W Atlanta – Buckhead (When Operating)
Location:
W Atlanta – Buckhead (hotel and bar concepts in this area can change)
3377 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 523-3600 (main W hotel line; verify current bar operations)
Historically, Whiskey Blue has been a well-known rooftop bar atop the W in Buckhead, popular for:
- Rooftop views over Buckhead’s towers and Peachtree Road
- A high-energy, nightlife-oriented scene with a DJ on certain nights
- Being close to Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
However, concepts and branding at this location have changed over time, and operations can shift.
Best for (when active in similar form):
- Those looking for nightclub energy with a view
- Groups celebrating birthdays or big nights out in Buckhead
- Hotel guests wanting a party vibe without leaving the property
Tips:
- 🔎 Check with the W Buckhead directly for the current rooftop bar name, hours, and dress code.
- Cover charges and event nights may apply, especially on weekends.
Airport & College Park: Convenient Hotel Bars for Layovers
If you’re near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the main advantage of hotel bars is practicality. While they may not all be “destination” bars, they can be very useful:
- Many hotels along Virginia Ave, Old National Hwy, and around College Park and Hapeville have on-site bars or lounges.
- These spots are designed for travelers on layovers, airline crews, and convention attendees at the Georgia International Convention Center.
Common patterns you’ll find:
- Casual, relaxed atmospheres geared toward short stays
- Easy shuttle access to and from ATL airport
- Food menus that match bar offerings so you can eat and drink without going elsewhere
If you’re staying near the airport and don’t want to head into the city, these hotel bars are often the most convenient option to unwind.
How to Choose the Right Hotel Bar in Atlanta
With so many options, narrowing things down helps. Consider:
1. Neighborhood and Travel Time
Atlanta traffic can be intense. Think about:
- Downtown for events, conferences, and skyline views
- Midtown / West Midtown for arts, dining, and trendy crowds
- Buckhead for upscale, high-end experiences
- Airport / College Park for maximum convenience on travel days
2. Atmosphere
Ask yourself what you want out of the night:
- Quiet, refined: Four Seasons (Bar Margot), Ritz-Carlton (AG), St. Regis Bar
- Rooftop and views: Glenn Hotel’s SkyLounge, W Buckhead rooftop concepts (as available)
- Lively and social: Drawbar in West Midtown, active rooftops and lounges in Buckhead and Midtown
3. Dress and Occasion
Hotel bars often skew slightly dressier than neighborhood pubs:
- For date nights or business meetings, a smart-casual outfit is usually a safe bet.
- For rooftop nightlife, there may be more specific dress policies—calling ahead can prevent surprises at the door.
4. Practical Details
Before you go:
- 💳 Confirm hours, reservations, and any cover charges directly with the hotel or bar.
- 🚗 Plan for parking or rideshare, especially in dense areas like Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
- If you’re hosting out-of-towners, pick a spot that’s easy to find and has clear signage.
When Hotel Bars Make the Most Sense in Atlanta
Hotel bars can be a smart choice in several common Atlanta situations:
- You’re attending a convention or game downtown and want a hassle-free place to meet before or after.
- You’re staying in the city for work and prefer to stay on or near your property after hours.
- You’re hosting visitors and want to show off skyline views without a complicated itinerary.
- You’re planning a special occasion where a polished setting and dependable service matter.
Used thoughtfully, the best hotel bars in Atlanta offer a combination of convenience, atmosphere, and location that’s hard to match—and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy most of them.