SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel: A Local’s Guide to This Classic Atlanta Rooftop Bar

If you’re looking for a rooftop bar in downtown Atlanta with skyline views, cocktails, and a relaxed but stylish vibe, SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel is one of the best-known options. Perched on top of the historic Glenn Hotel, this spot draws both locals and visitors who want to see the city from above without going far from major attractions.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what to expect, how to plan your visit, and how SkyLounge compares to other rooftop bars around the city.

Where SkyLounge Fits in Atlanta’s Rooftop Bar Scene

SkyLounge is a rooftop bar on top of the Glenn Hotel in downtown Atlanta, close to:

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Georgia World Congress Center
• Centennial Olympic Park

Because of its location, it’s especially popular with:

• Visitors staying downtown who don’t want to Uber to Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Buckhead
• Locals going to a game, concert, or convention who want a pre- or post-event drink
• People who prefer a more intimate rooftop over big, club-style venues

You won’t get the massive, club-like energy of some Midtown rooftops here. Instead, SkyLounge leans more toward lounge-style: small-group hangouts, date nights, and after-work drinks with a great view.

Location, Access, and Contact Details

SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel
110 Marietta St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303

SkyLounge sits on the rooftop of the Glenn Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown.

Getting there from key Atlanta areas:

• Midtown: About a 5–10 minute drive, depending on traffic
• Buckhead: Roughly 15–25 minutes by car
• Eastside neighborhoods (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward): Usually 10–20 minutes

MARTA access:

• The GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points stations are both walkable, generally within 5–10 minutes depending on your route and pace.
• Using MARTA can be a smart move on game and concert nights, when downtown parking gets tight and pricey.

For current hours, special events, or private party inquiries, it’s best to contact the Glenn Hotel directly by phone. Front desk staff can typically confirm opening times and access rules for SkyLounge on a given day.

Atmosphere: What It’s Like on the Rooftop

SkyLounge is known for:

• Open-air rooftop with views of the downtown skyline
• Lounge-style seating: couches, low tables, and chairs that encourage small-group conversation
• Ambient, often chill music: typically loud enough for energy but not so loud you can’t talk
• A mix of hotel guests, locals, and event-goers

On weeknights, the crowd is often:

• After-work groups
• Hotel guests winding down after meetings or conventions
• Couples grabbing a casual drink

On weekend nights or big event nights:

• More of a pre-game and post-event vibe
• Louder, busier, and more social
• Lines or capacity limits may kick in during peak times

Dress tends to be smart casual. You’ll see:

• Jeans with nice tops or button-downs
• Casual dresses or jumpsuits
• Business casual if people are coming from meetings or conferences

Overly casual items like athletic gear or very casual flip-flops may feel out of place at night, even if they’re not formally banned. If you’re coming from a game in Atlanta gear, pairing it with clean sneakers and a jacket or nicer shirt usually fits the vibe better.

Drinks and Light Bites: What to Expect

Menu details can change, but SkyLounge usually offers:

• Classic and seasonal cocktails
• Beer and wine
• Some light bites or small plates, rather than full meals

This makes it better suited for:

• A first stop before dinner
• A nightcap after a meal downtown
• A casual meet-up with drinks and snacks rather than a full dinner

If you want a full sit-down meal, many people:

• Dine nearby (downtown or in nearby neighborhoods)
• Then head up to SkyLounge for drinks with a view

Because offerings can shift, it’s smart to check with the hotel or ask when you arrive what’s currently available for food.

View and Best Times to Go

A big part of SkyLounge’s appeal is the view of downtown Atlanta.

You can generally see:

• Downtown high-rises
• Nearby venues and lights around Centennial Olympic Park
• City lights stretching outward after dark

Best times to visit for the view:

• Golden hour (about an hour before sunset)

  • Softer light, better for photos
  • More relaxed than late-night peak hours

• Early evening on weekdays

  • Good for after-work or pre-dinner drinks
  • Often easier to find seating

If you want a calmer experience, arriving on the early side (especially Thursday–Saturday) is typically more comfortable than dropping in late at night when crowds build.

Typical Policies: Age, Cover Charges, and Reservations

Specific rules may change, but many Atlanta rooftop bars, including spots like SkyLounge, tend to follow similar patterns. It’s best to confirm directly before you go, especially for weekends or special events.

Age and ID

Most rooftop bars with a cocktail focus operate as 21+ in the evenings.

• You should plan to bring a valid government-issued ID if you’re drinking or even entering later at night.
• International visitors should carry a passport or an ID type that’s widely recognized.

Cover charges and event nights

On standard nights, many guests report:

• No cover charge, especially for hotel guests or early arrivals

On big-event nights (major concerts, playoffs, big conventions), you may encounter:

• Limited capacity or wait times
• Occasionally, special entry rules or buyouts for private events

If you’re planning to visit before a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or a show at State Farm Arena, consider:

• Calling earlier that day to make sure SkyLounge is open to the public
• Arriving early to avoid a wait

Reservations and private events

SkyLounge is a common choice for:

• Corporate happy hours
• Birthday gatherings
• Small to mid-size private events

For private bookings, the best route is to contact the Glenn Hotel directly and ask for event or sales staff. They can clarify:

• Minimums
• Space usage
• Time windows
• Weather backup options

For casual visits, many people simply walk in. However, for larger groups or special nights, checking ahead is helpful.

Quick Snapshot: Is SkyLounge Right for Your Night Out?

Here’s a simple guide to when SkyLounge tends to work best:

Parking and Getting Around Downtown

Parking downtown can be tricky, especially during events.

Parking options

Around SkyLounge and the Glenn Hotel, people commonly use:

• Hotel-associated valet or nearby garages
• Pay lots scattered across nearby streets

Things to keep in mind:

• Rates tend to jump on game and concert nights
• Some lots are card-only, so plan for that
• Always check posted signs carefully to avoid towing zones or event-only restrictions

Using MARTA or rideshare

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA or rideshare is the simpler choice:

• Avoids traffic after major events
• Removes the need to hunt for parking
• Lets you enjoy drinks without driving concerns

The GWCC/CNN Center station and Five Points station are practical options depending on your starting point.

Tips for Locals

If you live in or near Atlanta, SkyLounge can be a convenient go-to rooftop if:

• You’re meeting friends who are staying downtown
• You have tickets to a show or game and want a view before or after
• You prefer a spot where you can talk without shouting (especially earlier in the evening)

Local-focused tips:

• 🎟️ Check event calendars for State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. On huge event nights, SkyLounge can be busier than usual.
• ☁️ Weather matters: Wind, rain, and summer storms can affect rooftop operations. If the forecast looks rough, call ahead to confirm they’re open.
• 🕒 Consider midweek: Tuesdays–Thursdays can offer a relaxed vibe with fewer crowds and easier access.

Tips for Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying downtown, SkyLounge offers:

• Rooftop bar access without leaving the area
• A chance to see Atlanta’s skyline without needing a car
• A comfortable, lounge-like atmosphere that’s easy to fit around plans

Visitor-focused suggestions:

• Plan SkyLounge for your first or second night in town; it’s a great way to get your bearings and see downtown from above.
• Combine it with a visit to nearby attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the College Football Hall of Fame, or the Georgia Aquarium, then head up for a drink.
• If you’re not used to Atlanta’s humidity, especially in summer, consider arriving closer to sunset when temperatures are a bit more manageable.

How SkyLounge Compares to Other Atlanta Rooftop Options

Atlanta has no shortage of rooftop bars, many clustered in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Buckhead. In that broader landscape, SkyLounge stands out for:

• Central downtown location in a historic boutique hotel
• A more intimate, lounge-focused atmosphere compared with large, club-style rooftops
• Strong convenience for convention-goers and arena visitors

If your priority is:

• “I want the easiest rooftop from my downtown hotel.”

  • SkyLounge is often one of the most straightforward options.

• “I want the biggest, flashiest rooftop party scene.”

  • You might lean more toward other neighborhoods, but you can still use SkyLounge as a calmer start to the night.

• “I want skyline views without a long drive or rideshare.”

  • SkyLounge is well-positioned for that, especially if you’re already nearby.

Making the Most of Your Visit

To get the best experience at SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel in Atlanta:

• Aim for sunset or early evening for views and easier seating.
• Check same-day details (hours, private events, weather-related changes) with the Glenn Hotel before heading over.
• Plan food accordingly – think of SkyLounge as a drinks + light bites spot rather than a full dinner destination.
• Use MARTA or rideshare on big event nights to avoid downtown parking stress.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who wants a central, skyline-facing rooftop bar that feels more intimate than overwhelming, SkyLounge is a practical, well-located choice.