Claremont Hotel Atlanta: What’s There Now and What Locals Should Know

The phrase “Claremont Hotel Atlanta” usually points people to one place: the historic property on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland/Virginia-Highland area, often associated with the Hotel Clermont and the old Clermont Motor Hotel.

If you are searching for a hotel called “Claremont Hotel” in Atlanta, it helps to understand what the property is today, what’s around it, and how it fits into the neighborhoods nearby.

Is There a “Claremont Hotel” in Atlanta?

In everyday conversation, many people still say “Claremont Hotel” when they mean Hotel Clermont, a restored historic hotel located on Ponce de Leon Avenue.

  • Current name:Hotel Clermont
  • Historic reputation: Often referred to as the old Clermont Hotel or Clermont Motor Hotel
  • Location area: Along Ponce de Leon Ave NE, near Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, and Old Fourth Ward

So if you are trying to book or visit the “Claremont Hotel Atlanta,” you are almost certainly looking for Hotel Clermont, which is the modern hotel operating in that historic building.

Where the Former “Claremont Hotel” Sits in Atlanta

The building associated with the Claremont/Clermont name stands in a very central, intown part of Atlanta. It’s close to:

  • Ponce City Market
  • The BeltLine Eastside Trail
  • Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland shops and restaurants
  • Easy access to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta

This location is popular with both local Atlantans planning a staycation and out-of-town visitors who want to be near nightlife, food, and walkable areas, which are still relatively rare in much of metro Atlanta.

Why the Claremont/Clermont Name Matters Locally

The property has a long and colorful history in Atlanta. Locals often remember:

  • The old Clermont Motor Hotel, a midcentury motor inn
  • Its reputation as a quirky, iconic Atlanta landmark
  • The way the building sat vacant for stretches before being restored

For long-time Atlantans, the phrase “Claremont Hotel” triggers nostalgia. For newer residents and visitors, it’s more about:

  • A stylish, boutique-style hotel
  • Rooftop views of the city skyline
  • Easy access to lively intown neighborhoods

So when you hear someone in Atlanta talk about the Claremont Hotel, they are almost always referring to this same Ponce de Leon property, even if they mix the older and newer names.

What to Expect Staying Near the Claremont/Clermont Property

If you’re considering staying at or near the former Claremont Hotel site in Atlanta, here’s what the surrounding area is like:

Neighborhood Atmosphere

  • Walkable streets compared with many other parts of Atlanta
  • A mix of historic apartment buildings, single-family homes, and mixed-use developments
  • Strong nightlife and dining scene along Ponce de Leon and nearby Highland Avenue

This area tends to be active late into the evening, especially on weekends, with:

  • Rooftop bars and lounges
  • Music venues and casual late-night food options
  • People heading to and from the Atlanta BeltLine

If you prefer quiet, suburban-style stays, this area may feel busy. If you enjoy lively, urban neighborhoods, it’s one of the strongest choices inside the city.

Getting Around: Claremont/Clermont Area Transportation

Staying near the Claremont/Clermont property puts you in a good position for getting around intown Atlanta.

By Car

  • Ponce de Leon Ave (US-78) is a major east–west corridor.
  • You can usually reach Midtown, Downtown, Inman Park, and Decatur in a short drive, depending on traffic.
  • Parking may be more limited and structured than in the suburbs, reflecting the denser, older neighborhood layout.

By MARTA and Rideshare

  • The closest MARTA rail stations are generally Midtown Station and North Avenue Station, both a short drive or rideshare away.
  • Rideshare services are widely used in this part of town, especially at night when people go between the BeltLine, Ponce City Market, and nearby neighborhoods.

On Foot or Bike

One of the main advantages of this area is proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, which lets you:

  • Walk or bike to Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown
  • Access parks, restaurants, breweries, and shopping without needing to drive

Who the Claremont/Clermont Area Works Best For

This part of Atlanta tends to work especially well for:

  • Visitors who want nightlife and restaurant access without long drives
  • Locals planning a city staycation who want to feel like a tourist in their own town
  • Business travelers who have meetings in Midtown, Downtown, or nearby intown neighborhoods but prefer a more lively after-work environment

It may be less ideal if:

  • You need large amounts of on-site parking for multiple vehicles
  • You’re expecting a quiet, resort-style environment
  • You prefer staying close to Atlanta’s suburban office parks farther north along GA-400 or I-285

Quick Reference: Claremont/Clermont Area Snapshot

TopicWhat to Know in Atlanta’s Claremont/Clermont Area
General LocationAlong Ponce de Leon Ave NE, near Poncey-Highland and Virginia-Highland
Common Name ConfusionPeople say “Claremont Hotel” but usually mean the renovated Hotel Clermont
Nearby AttractionsPonce City Market, BeltLine Eastside Trail, intown restaurants and bars
VibeLively, hip, urban, with nightlife and skyline views
TransportationEasy rideshare, short drives to Midtown/Downtown, walkable to BeltLine
Best ForNightlife seekers, food lovers, intown explorers, staycations

Tips for Atlantans and Visitors Considering This Area

Here are some practical points to keep in mind if you’re evaluating the Claremont/Clermont area for a stay:

  • Plan for traffic on Ponce de Leon
    Rush hours can be busy. If you have time-sensitive events, add a buffer when using Ponce.

  • Expect more pedestrian activity than in many Atlanta neighborhoods
    Drivers should watch for people crossing Ponce near shops and restaurants, especially at night.

  • Noise levels can vary
    The neighborhood has bars, restaurants, and rooftops. Weekends can be more energetic than a typical residential area.

  • Book early for popular weekends
    When there are large events in Midtown or at nearby venues (festivals, concerts, sports), intown hotels and popular boutique spots tend to fill up quickly.

How This Area Fits into the Bigger Atlanta Hotel Scene

If you’re comparing the Claremont/Clermont area to other Atlanta hotel zones, here’s how many locals think about it:

  • Compared with Downtown:
    • More neighborhood vibe, less convention-hotel feel
    • Closer to BeltLine culture and Ponce City Market
  • Compared with Buckhead:
    • Less corporate and upscale-mall oriented
    • More historic, smaller-scale streets, more local eateries and bars
  • Compared with Airport hotels:
    • Farther from Hartsfield–Jackson, but closer to most intown attractions Atlantans recommend to visitors

If your priority is experiencing “intown Atlanta”—its food, bars, and walkable pockets—the Claremont/Clermont area is often one of the first spots Atlantans suggest.

In practical terms, when someone in Atlanta refers to the “Claremont Hotel”, they are almost always pointing you toward the historic Ponce de Leon property now known as Hotel Clermont and its surrounding, lively intown neighborhood. Understanding that name connection—and what the area is like today—will help you decide whether this part of the city is the right fit for your next stay, staycation, or visit.