Hotel Clermont Rooftop: Your Guide to One of Atlanta’s Most Iconic Skyline Spots

If you search for “Hotel Clermont Rooftop” in Atlanta, you’re usually looking for three things: skyline views, a good drink, and a fun, laid-back vibe. The rooftop bar at Hotel Clermont in Poncey-Highland/Old Fourth Ward delivers all three—and then some.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get in, what to wear, best times to go, and how it fits into an Atlanta night out.

Where Is the Hotel Clermont Rooftop in Atlanta?

Address:
Hotel Clermont
789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

The rooftop bar sits on top of the historic Hotel Clermont building, just off:

• Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, near the Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods
• A short walk or rideshare from Ponce City Market and the Eastside BeltLine Trail

You enter through the main hotel entrance and take the elevator up to the rooftop level. Staff at the lobby desk typically direct rooftop guests where to go.

What the Hotel Clermont Rooftop Is Like

Atmosphere & Vibe

The Hotel Clermont Rooftop feels like a cross between a neighborhood hangout and a trendy city viewpoint:

• Casual but stylish – People dress nicely, but it’s not overly formal. You’ll see everything from jeans and a cute top to date-night outfits.
• Lively, not wild – It can get busy and energetic, especially on weekends and at sunset, but it generally stops short of a full-on club feel.
• Mixed crowd – Locals from nearby neighborhoods, in-town professionals, hotel guests, and visitors exploring Atlanta nightlife.

Expect a social, upbeat environment with small groups chatting around high-top tables, couples taking photos of the skyline, and a steady hum of conversation.

Views

One of the main reasons Atlantans talk about this spot:

• Skyline views of Midtown and Downtown
• A clear look at Ponce City Market, the Poncey-Highland area, and surrounding in-town neighborhoods
• On clear evenings, this rooftop is a popular sunset spot

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want that “city view + cocktail” photo, this rooftop is one of the more recognizable backdrops in town.

Drinks, Bites, and What’s Typically on the Menu

The exact menu can change, but guests generally find:

Drinks

• Classic cocktails (think spritzes, gin or vodka-based drinks, whiskey cocktails)
• Local and regional beers
• Wine by the glass or bottle
• Seasonal or house cocktails that play into a relaxed, rooftop feel

The focus is on straightforward, crowd-pleasing drinks that fit the setting: easy to sip while you talk and take in the view.

Food

The rooftop usually offers bar-style bites—simple food that’s easy to share and eat outside with a drink in hand, such as:

• Small plates or bar snacks
• Simple handheld items (depending on the current menu)

If you want a full, seated meal, many Atlantans either:

• Eat downstairs at the hotel’s main restaurant before heading up, or
• Pair a quick rooftop stop with dinner at nearby spots in Poncey-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia-Highland.

Typical Hours, Reservations, and Entry Tips

Hours & Access

Hours can shift with season, weather, and private events, but guests usually experience:

• Afternoon to late-night service on most days
• Extended hours on weekends
• Earlier closing or weather-related closures during storms or very cold days

Because hours can change, it’s wise to check same-day details by calling the hotel’s front desk:

Hotel Clermont main phone (commonly listed):
(Atlanta local number – check current listing for accuracy before you go)

You do not normally need to be a hotel guest to visit the rooftop, but:

• On very busy nights, there may be a line or a short wait.
• Staff may limit capacity to keep the rooftop from becoming overcrowded.

Reservations vs. Walk-Ins

The rooftop is often first-come, first-served, especially for standing and bar areas. Depending on the current policy, the following may apply:

• Walk-ins are common for small groups, especially earlier in the evening or on weeknights.
• For larger groups or special occasions, it can help to call ahead and ask about current options or group policies.

Because this can change, local Atlantans often get in the habit of:

• Checking the hotel’s website or
• Calling same day before heading over with a big group

Dress Code: What Atlantans Actually Wear

There usually isn’t a strict or aggressively enforced dress code, but people tend to aim for:

• “Nice casual” or “smart casual”
• Clean sneakers, sandals, flats, or low heels
• Jeans, casual dresses, button-downs, or polished tops

Tips based on Atlanta norms:

• Avoid beachwear or gym gear – It’s not a pool bar; think going-out casual instead of workout or super laid-back.
• Plan for the weather – It’s an open-air rooftop, so:
  • Summer: it can be hot and humid, even at night
  • Winter: it can be windy and chilly; bring a layer
• The vibe leans instagrammable, so many people use it as an excuse to dress up a bit.

Best Times to Visit the Hotel Clermont Rooftop

For Sunset & Views

If you want Atlanta skyline photos or a more mellow experience:

• Aim for late afternoon to early evening
• Consider weekdays if you want to avoid dense crowds

Locals often time their arrival about 30–45 minutes before sunset to:

• Find a good spot
• Order a drink
• Watch the sky change over Midtown and Downtown

For a Livelier Night Out

If you’re planning a night out with friends or want a high-energy atmosphere:

• Friday and Saturday nights are typically busier
• Late evening brings a more social, buzzier crowd

Expect:

• Louder conversations
• A more crowded bar
• Some standing-room-only moments during peak hours

What It Costs: Rough Expectations

Pricing can change, but compared to other in-town Atlanta rooftop bars, you can expect:

• Cocktails: Typically in line with other Midtown/Old Fourth Ward cocktail bars
• Beer and wine: More moderate, but still reflecting an in-demand rooftop location
• Food: Bar snack pricing, often smaller portions meant for sharing

It’s not the most expensive spot in Atlanta, but it’s also not budget-tier. People typically treat it as:

• A pre-dinner drink spot
• A special-occasion sunset stop
• Part of a bigger night out in the Ponce/Old Fourth Ward corridor

Getting There: Parking, Rideshare, and BeltLine Access

Driving & Parking

Hotel Clermont is on Ponce de Leon Ave NE, a busy in-town corridor. Transport options typically include:

• Hotel valet parking (fees vary)
• Limited street parking on nearby side streets, depending on time and day
• Nearby paid parking lots or decks in the Poncey-Highland / Old Fourth Ward area

Because street parking can fill quickly, especially on weekends and event nights at nearby venues, many Atlantans choose rideshare.

Rideshare

Common practice:

• Get dropped off at the hotel entrance on Ponce de Leon Ave NE
• Walk straight into the lobby and follow signs to the elevators for the rooftop

This is often the least stressful option, especially if you plan to drink.

MARTA & Walking

While there is no MARTA rail station immediately next door, you can:

• Take MARTA to North Avenue or Midtown stations and then
  • Use a rideshare, or
  • Hop onto a scooter or bike share (when available) to reach the hotel

If you’re already nearby on the Eastside BeltLine, you can:

• Exit near Ponce City Market
• Walk west along Ponce de Leon Ave NE to reach Hotel Clermont

Weather, Seasons, and What to Expect Year-Round

Because the Hotel Clermont Rooftop is open-air, Atlanta’s weather matters:

Spring (March–May)

• Comfortable temperatures and longer days
• Popular for after-work drinks and weekend sunsets

Summer (June–August)

• Can be hot and humid, even in the evening
• Rooftop may be busy, especially after 8 p.m.
• Occasional pop-up thunderstorms; staff may temporarily clear or close the rooftop for safety

Fall (September–November)

• Often the sweet spot: warm days, cooler nights, clear skyline views
• Very popular with both locals and visitors

Winter (December–February)

• Cooler and sometimes windy on the rooftop
• Fewer crowds on cold nights, but still a solid choice on clear evenings
• Guests often bring coats or jackets and spend shorter stretches outside

Hotel Clermont Rooftop vs. Other Atlanta Rooftop Bars

Here’s a simple comparison to help you understand where this rooftop fits in the Atlanta scene:

For many Atlantans, Hotel Clermont Rooftop lands in the “fun but not fussy” category—ideal if you want a local-feeling, photogenic, walkable experience that ties into the BeltLine and Ponce corridor.

How Locals Typically Use the Hotel Clermont Rooftop in a Night Out

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to plan a full evening, here are some common patterns:

1. Pre-Dinner Drink & Sunset

   • Start on the rooftop for a skyline view and a cocktail
   • Head to dinner at a nearby restaurant in Poncey-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, or Virginia-Highland

2. Post-Dinner Nightcap

   • Have dinner at Ponce City Market or along the Eastside BeltLine
   • Walk or rideshare to the rooftop for a later-night drink and view

3. Hotel Stay + Rooftop Visit

   • Stay at Hotel Clermont
   • Visit the rooftop before or after exploring in-town neighborhoods

In all cases, the rooftop usually serves as a highlight stop, not necessarily your only stop of the night.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here are a few Atlanta-specific tips to make your time at the Hotel Clermont Rooftop easier:

• Check same-day conditions ☔

  • If storms are in the forecast, call ahead or check for rooftop updates.

• Plan for crowds on weekends 🕖

  • Arriving earlier in the evening can reduce wait times and help you snag a good spot.

• Think about transport 🚗

  • Parking on or near Ponce can be tight; many locals choose rideshare, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Bring a light layer in cooler months 🧥

  • Even mild Atlanta evenings can feel chillier on an exposed rooftop.

• Have a backup plan nearby

  • If there’s a private event or weather closure, you’re close to plenty of other options in Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Ponce City Market.

If your question is simply whether the Hotel Clermont Rooftop is worth a visit in Atlanta: it’s one of the city’s better-known, centrally located rooftop bars, with a strong view, easygoing energy, and convenient access to some of the most walkable in-town neighborhoods.