Developed by Oliver Hospitality and operated through a partnership with Charlestowne Hotels, Atlanta's Hotel Clermont has reopened as a 94-room boutique hotel. First opening in 1924, the property was shuttered for nearly 10 years for a redesign that was influenced by the history of both the building and Atlanta.
To ensure maximum preservation of the hotel’s nearly century-old structure, Oliver Hospitality worked throughout the renovation process with local architectural firm Gamble & Gamble, as well as the Georgia Historic Preservation Division and National Parks Service.
The interior design was handled by Reunion Goods & Services, with in-room artwork curation by Canvas Art Consultants.
From the street, the building’s original signage and 65-foot radio tower, dating back to 1940 and recently restored and reinstalled atop the hotel, are visible to Ponce de Leon passers-by.
Inside, the design by New York-based Reunion Goods & Services has a “rock-n’-roll meets grandma’s-living-room” ambiance. The hotel’s interior design includes elements from the decades since the building’s 1924 genesis, while a collection of art and crafts celebrates femininity and reaches back to Hotel Clermont’s history and Atlanta roots. There are quotes from Atlanta rap duo Outkast etched in nooks and crannies throughout the building.
Hotel Clermont’s 94 rooms include three suites, 76 standard rooms and 15 bunk rooms, with the latter housing four guests per room as a nod to the hotel’s historical revolving door of musical guests. The bedside sconces are by Nashville-based Southern Lights Electric. Guestroom art by Sharon Shapiro is called “The Telephone Series”, inspired by water, women, color and isolation.
Bathroom wallpaper was inspired by Atlanta interior designer Greg Bates, complete with Atlanta-driven symbols like peach trees and train tracks, and female figures representing the iconic ladies of the Clermont Lounge.
Graphic design is by Atlanta-based Family of Brothers.
For dining, the property has Tiny Lou’s, operated by the Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The restaurant was inspired by Tiny Lou, a dancer at Clermont Motor Hotel’s “Gypsy Room” in the 1950s, and led by executive chef Jeb Aldrich. On the sixth floor, the hotel’s rooftop bar has a backyard feel complete with skyline views. There is a street food-inspired cart, astroturf, and a rum-based cocktail program behind the bar. Meanwhile, on lobby level, there are the Cafe Clermont and a lobby bar.
Hotel Clermont is located at 789 Ponce de Leon Ave NE. Alan Rae is the GM of the property.
Photo credit: Hotel Clermont