**I Stayed at One of Atlanta’s Most Beautiful Hotels, Located Above a Celebrity-Favorite Strip Club with an Incredible Restaurant**
During a recent trip to Atlanta for a conference, I had the chance to stay at the iconic **Hotel Clermont**, a boutique hotel that’s as historic as it is stylish. Nestled along the bustling Ponce de Leon Avenue, this hotel has a unique charm, but what makes it even more interesting is its location—right above the famous **Clermont Lounge**, a strip club adored by celebrities. The hotel also boasts a Michelin-recommended restaurant, **Tiny Lou’s**, which quickly became one of the highlights of my stay.
### A Historic Landmark with a Modern Twist
From the outside, Hotel Clermont may not seem like much. It’s an unassuming building that my Uber driver passed twice before finding it. However, this hotel is a true Atlanta landmark. Built in 1924, it fell into disrepair by 2009 before being revived by the Nashville-based Oliver Hospitality group in 2012. After millions of dollars in renovations, it reopened in 2018 as a boutique hotel with 94 rooms, a rooftop bar, a lobby bar, and the French brasserie, Tiny Lou’s.
### The Clermont Lounge: A Legendary Strip Club
One of the most talked-about features of the hotel is the **Clermont Lounge**, the oldest strip club in Atlanta, located in the basement. Although the lounge and hotel are not affiliated, they share a building, and the lounge has become a cultural institution, frequented by celebrities like Anthony Bourdain and Lady Gaga. Despite its reputation, I wouldn’t have known I was staying above a strip club if locals hadn’t mentioned it.
### A Warm Welcome and Cozy Café
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and a warm, dimly lit lobby. Adjacent to the lobby is a small café offering complimentary coffee and tea for guests. The café operates on an honor system, where you can grab snacks, fill out a paper bill, and leave it at the front desk. It was a convenient stop during my stay when I didn’t feel like venturing out.
### My Room: A Stylish and Spacious Retreat
My room was located on the fourth floor, and I was immediately struck by its airy, spacious feel. The decor was a perfect blend of dark wood, light walls, and colorful mid-century accents. The bed was incredibly plush, and the room had thoughtful touches like dimmable lights, a desk, and a collection of Hotel Clermont postcards. There was also a charming setup for tea and coffee, complete with pink Hotel Clermont mugs and a trendy gooseneck kettle.
The bathroom was equally impressive, with a luxurious yet fun design featuring marble countertops and quirky doodles on the shampoo and body wash dispensers. The hotel’s signature style was evident throughout, from the “Do Not Disturb” door hangers to the artwork in the hallways.
### The Rooftop: A Hidden Gem
One of the best parts of the hotel is its **rooftop bar**, a perfect spot to unwind with views of the Atlanta skyline. During the day, it’s a peaceful retreat, but at night, it transforms into a lively hangout with a taco truck, music, and cocktails. The rooftop was buzzing with energy, yet it never felt overcrowded, making it an ideal spot for a Friday or Saturday night.
### A Few Drawbacks
While I loved my stay, there were a few minor drawbacks. The hotel is nearly a century old, and the walls are quite thin. I could hear people in the hallway and even my neighbors’ phone alarms. Additionally, my room faced a parking lot and nearby construction, which started early in the morning. However, the hotel thoughtfully provided earplugs, and the rooftop’s soft music at night was almost comforting.
### Tiny Lou’s: The Star of the Show
If there’s one thing that truly stood out during my stay, it was **Tiny Lou’s**, the Michelin-recommended French brasserie located within the hotel. The restaurant’s name is inspired by a dancer who famously refused to perform for Adolf Hitler. The food, however, is what really shines.
For brunch, I enjoyed a French press coffee and a croque monsieur, a decadent ham and cheese sandwich with a creamy béchamel sauce. The almond croissant, recommended by my server, was so buttery and flaky that I knew no other croissant would ever compare.
Dinner at Tiny Lou’s was equally impressive. I started with corn fritters topped with crème fraîche and salmon, followed by a tender steak Diane with foraged mushrooms. My server’s recommendation for dessert—a seasonal spice cake—was one of the most unique and delicious desserts I’ve ever had.
### A Memorable Experience
It’s been weeks since my stay, but I still can’t stop thinking about the food at Tiny Lou’s and the overall atmosphere of Hotel Clermont. The staff’s passion for food and hospitality was infectious, and I left wishing I could take them with me to every restaurant I visit.
### Final Thoughts
Hotel Clermont is a true Atlanta gem, blending history, style, and modern luxury. Even if you don’t stay the night, I highly recommend visiting for a meal at Tiny Lou’s or a drink on the rooftop. The hotel’s unique charm and rich history make it a must-see destination in Atlanta.
*Business Insider paid a media rate of $500 for a four-night stay at Hotel Clermont. The full rate was about $800.*
Source: businessinsider.com