Clermont Atlanta: How to Experience Atlanta’s Iconic Hotel, Lounge, and Neighborhood

When people search for “Clermont Atlanta,” they’re usually talking about one (or more) of three closely connected things in the city:

• The Hotel Clermont, a restored boutique hotel on Ponce de Leon Avenue
• The Clermont Lounge, Atlanta’s legendary underground nightclub in the same building
• The surrounding area along Ponce, sitting between Midtown, Poncey-Highland, and the BeltLine

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand how Clermont fits into the city’s culture and layout, this guide breaks down what you need to know and how to navigate it.

Where Is “Clermont Atlanta”?

Hotel Clermont and the Clermont Lounge share the same historic building along the Ponce corridor:

• Address: 789 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
• Area: On the edge of Poncey-Highland, close to Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, and Midtown

This location puts you:

• A short walk from the Eastside BeltLine Trail
• Near Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and multiple neighborhood restaurants and bars
• A quick rideshare from Downtown, Inman Park, and Little Five Points

For many locals, “Clermont” is shorthand for this whole pocket of Atlanta nightlife and history centered around the building.

Hotel Clermont: What to Expect

Vibe and Atmosphere

Hotel Clermont is known for being:

• Historic but modernized – originally opened in the 1920s and later restored
• Trendy yet laid-back – a mix of locals, weekend staycationers, and out-of-towners
• Visually distinctive – neon sign, vintage-inspired interiors, rooftop views

If you’re staying here, you’re choosing:

• An in-the-middle-of-it-all location instead of a quiet, tucked-away hotel
• Easy access to walkable neighborhoods, nightlife, and the BeltLine

Typical Reasons Atlantans Use Hotel Clermont

People in Atlanta tend to use Hotel Clermont for:

• Staycations near Ponce City Market and the BeltLine
• Celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries
• Out-of-town guests who want something more local-feeling than a generic chain
• Meeting spots – rooftop drinks before or after dinner nearby

If you’re sensitive to city noise or want a strictly low-key experience, keep in mind you’re on a busy urban corridor that stays active late into the night, especially on weekends.

Clermont Lounge: Atlanta’s Infamous Underground Spot

What It Is

The Clermont Lounge is the basement-level nightclub in the same building as Hotel Clermont. It’s one of Atlanta’s most recognizable late-night fixtures, known for:

• A dive-bar atmosphere – low ceilings, cash-focused, no-frills
• A mix of locals, service industry workers, and visitors
• A reputation as a “you have to see it once” Atlanta experience

Many locals bring visiting friends or colleagues here when they want to show a very specific, unpolished side of the city’s nightlife.

Things to Know Before You Go

While details can change over time, common patterns and expectations include:

• Entrance is separate from the hotel – you’ll go in through the basement/side entrance, not through the hotel lobby
• Age 21+ only
• Cash is often preferred – it’s wise to bring cash even if cards may be accepted for some things
• Dress code is casual – many people come straight from other bars or from walking the BeltLine
• Photos and videos are often restricted inside – staff may enforce this, so be prepared to put your phone away

If you’re planning a night there, it’s a good idea to:

• 💡 Arrive earlier on weekends if you want to avoid longer lines
• 💡 Plan your transportation – parking around Ponce can be limited, and rideshare is common

Hotel Clermont vs. Clermont Lounge: Key Differences

Even though they share a name and building, Hotel Clermont and the Clermont Lounge function very differently.

If you’re booking a room with kids or want a quiet environment, remember that the building itself is a nightlife destination, not just a hotel.

Getting to Clermont from Around Atlanta

From Midtown

• About 5–10 minutes by car, depending on traffic
• Bike or scooter via the Eastside BeltLine Trail, then cut up toward Ponce

From Downtown

• Around 10–15 minutes by car or rideshare
• Some people combine a Downtown dinner or event with a late-night stop at the Clermont Lounge

From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

• Roughly 20–30 minutes by car or rideshare, depending on time of day
• MARTA option:
  • Take the Red or Gold line from the airport to Midtown or North Avenue station
  • From there, use rideshare, bike, scooter, or bus east to Ponce de Leon Ave NE

Parking and Transportation Tips Near Clermont

The Clermont building sits on a busy corridor, and parking can be tight, especially at night or on weekends.

Common options locals use include:

• Hotel parking (typically for guests; policies can vary)
• Street parking on nearby side streets – watch for permit or time restrictions
• Paid lots in the Poncey-Highland and Virginia-Highland area
• Rideshare – often the simplest choice for late-night visits
• BeltLine access – many residents in Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Midtown walk or bike via the trail

If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s wise to:

• Give yourself extra time to find legal parking
• Pay attention to signage and residential zones
• Consider rideshare if you plan to stay out late or drink

What’s Around Clermont: Nearby Atlanta Highlights

One reason “Clermont Atlanta” comes up so often is its central location. If you’re staying at Hotel Clermont or planning a visit to the lounge, you’re close to several major Atlanta destinations.

Ponce City Market

A large mixed-use development in a former Sears building, typically featuring:

• Food hall with a wide range of cuisines
• Shops and stalls
• A rooftop attraction and seasonal events

It’s walkable from Clermont, making it easy to pair a visit to the hotel or lounge with:

• Dinner at Ponce City Market
• A stroll on the Eastside BeltLine Trail
• Drinks at Clermont’s rooftop bar or nearby spots

Eastside BeltLine Trail

The Clermont area sits close to one of Atlanta’s most-used multi-use paths, popular for:

• Walking, running, biking, and scootering
• Connecting neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, and Virginia-Highland
• Access to parks, public art, and restaurants along the trail

Many locals plan an afternoon on the BeltLine, then head up to Clermont in the evening.

Virginia-Highland and Poncey-Highland

Both neighborhoods nearby are known for:

• Bars, restaurants, and cafes
• Walkable streets with older homes and small commercial nodes
• A more neighborhood feel than Midtown’s high-rises

If you’re staying at Hotel Clermont, evenings out in Virginia-Highland or Poncey-Highland are an easy walk or short rideshare away.

When “Clermont Atlanta” Comes Up in Local Conversation

If you hear an Atlantan mention “Clermont,” they might be:

• Planning a night out: “We’ll start near Ponce City Market, then maybe end at Clermont.”
• Entertaining visitors: “You’ve never been to the Clermont Lounge? We have to go.”
• Booking a staycation: “We’re doing a weekend at Hotel Clermont.”
• Describing the area: “I live near Clermont, just off Ponce.”

Understanding which one they mean often comes down to context:

• Hotel-focused talk → likely Hotel Clermont
• Late-night, wild, legendary talk → usually Clermont Lounge
• General area / Ponce references → the surrounding neighborhood

Practical Tips for Atlantans and Visitors

Here are some simple, Atlanta-specific pointers if you’re planning around Clermont Atlanta:

• ✅ Check event calendars for big weekends (festivals, home games, conventions), as the area can get busier and pricier
• ✅ Use rideshare if you plan to drink or don’t want to deal with limited parking around Ponce
• ✅ Expect a lively atmosphere – both the hotel and the surrounding area are part of Atlanta’s nightlife scene
• ✅ Explore beyond the building – Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, and Old Fourth Ward all offer walkable options for food and drinks

If you live in Atlanta, think of Clermont as:

• A local landmark that visitors almost always ask about
• A central anchor point for nights out along Ponce and the BeltLine
• A convenient place to put guests who want an authentic, urban Atlanta experience

If you’re visiting, treating “Clermont Atlanta” as a hub around which you explore nearby neighborhoods, parks, and the BeltLine can give you a good snapshot of how the city actually lives and plays.