Celebrating 100 Years of Historical Atlanta ‘Hotel Clermont’
Historic Hotel Clermont in Atlanta, GA turns 100 in June 2024 with celebratory party held by Oliver Hospitality Management.
Located in Poncey Highland by Midtown, Atlanta, located on historic Ponce de Leon Avenue, sits Hotel Clermont, a place full of memories, old and new. This year, we are excited to celebrate Hotel Clermont turning 100 by taking you through the hotel’s history, transformations and future endeavors as one of the city’s most beloved landmarks
Hotel Clermont: Through the Years
The History
The history of the property began as an apartment building, known as the Bonaventure Arms apartments, with 85 spacious units and common areas occupying eight stories, that first opened in June of 1924. The Bonaventure Arms represented the height of modernity for its time, leading as a good example of the influx of apartment development during the 1920s, and as a great option for middle and upper-class families.
In 1939, it was converted to Clermont Motor Hotel, which specifically transitioned to a motor hotel, or “roadside hotel” in the 1950s. The upgraded hotel had a total of 222 rooms, with 120 guest suites and 34 efficiency apartments. Many of the features that the tenants were provided, such as service elevators and housekeeping, were originally considered “luxury items” and may have also aided in the decision to convert to a hotel.
Through the pink Georgia marble surrounding the marquee-flanked front doors, you’d enter a Georgian Revival-style lobby that featured a reception area and original staircase. The first floor housed offices, bathrooms, guest rooms, a bar and lounge areas. Above the lobby, levels 2-5 were composed of an original L-shaped corridor, lined with guest rooms. Below the lobby level, various public and guest room spaces were housed, including storage and mechanical rooms, a restaurant and kitchen, and the Clermont Lounge nightclub.
The Famous “Clermont Lounge”
Just below the quaint, relaxed atmosphere of Clermont Motor Hotel was a world of upbeat energy and excitement.
Although the basement space began in 1955 as an upscale supper club, it was reborn as the “Clermont Lounge” in 1965, a now-internationally known adult entertainment venue that offers a lively experience and generous drinks.
The Clermont Lounge proclaims itself “Atlanta’s oldest strip club”, as it is the city’s first and longest continually operating, and only documented historic, nightclub. The business proudly boasts its complete female-ownership and its demonstration of keeping up with entertainment industry trends.
This next-level dive bar has become a beloved institution over the years, where DJs, bands and Tuesday-night karaoke singers entertain alongside dancers, from ages 22 to 72. Many famous celebrities frequent the Clermont Lounge, including P!nk, Morgan Freeman, Jack Black, Woody Harrelson, and many more.
“As Modern As Tomorrow”
Over the years, the hotel lost its shine, desperately in need of some tender love and care. After a full interior renovation by Atlanta’s own Gamble + Gamble Architects in 2017, Hotel Clermont has since transformed.
Hotel Clermont reopened in late 2017 as a full-service boutique hotel featuring 94 guest rooms, a rooftop deck with immaculate views of the Poncey-Highland neighborhood, a lobby café and bar, and a new, charming restaurant - Tiny Lou’s.
Along the neon lit stairway, you’ll find the French-American brasserie located downstairs at Hotel Clermont, where you’ll find decadent entrees, French-inspired wines and a swinging good time! Tiny Lou’s got its unique name from the popular 1950s dancer, who performed in Clermont Hotel’s “Gypsy Room”.
From the newly installed windows and freshly painted walls, to the modernized lavish decor, Hotel Clermont has been lovingly restored, while still preserving its unique facade and treasured memories. Because of these efforts, the building is now a candidate for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are many things to do inside the hotel - whether it’s dining, entertainment or special events. Hotel Clermont is also convenient to Downtown, Midtown, and historic Old Fourth Ward, making it easily accessible to explore by foot or by bike.
Hotel Clermont continues to be one of 'The Best Boutique Hotels in Atlanta' as described in The Hotel Archive.
Marking A Milestone: Oliver Hospitality Recognizes Hotel Clermont’s Turning 100
Oliver Hospitality is proud to be part of capturing and preserving Hotel Clermont’s historic charm. Here are some of the ways we plan to honor the hotel’s remarkable achievements over the years and bring awareness to this significant milestone.
100 Year Celebration
As Hotel Clermont’s right-hand operations team, Oliver Hospitality is hosting a celebratory event to share the excitement and success of 100 years. A community-centric block party will take place in September of 2024 during the day and will feature some of Atlanta’s most beloved local businesses for all to enjoy.
The celebration will continue into the evening with an event for ticketed guests, investors, media and influencers to toast to 100 years of Hotel Clermont. Attendees will have access to an array of hors d'oeuvres and specialty cocktails, photo opportunities, limited edition merchandise and a first look at the debut of the 100 Years of Clermont coffee table book and time capsule moment.
Want to be the first to know more about this celebration? Be sure to bookmark Hotel Clermont’s website and join the newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest events and activities.
Honorable Mentions
Hotel Clermont is proud to have its legacy captured through the eyes of French portrait and documentary photographer, Cyril Bailleul. Through a partnership with Oliver Hospitality Management, Cyril is producing a beautiful coffee table bound book, which will tell the story of 100 years of Hotel Clermont. The book is set to debut at the 100 year celebration event in September.
Based in Paris and Atlanta, Cyril Bailleul is known for his works inspired by the South, specifically the states of Georgia and Alabama, and stands out for his care and elegance, driven by a real curiosity about the world. Learn more about his works by following his Instagram, @cyrillbaeul.
The Future of Hotel Clermont
Efforts to continue commemorating Hotel Clermont as an integral piece of Atlanta’s history is one of great priority. This is why Oliver Hospitality Management has taken the initial steps to begin pursuing a city proclamation for a national day of celebration. The hopes are to not only acknowledge the hotel’s long tenure, but to experience the liveliness and positive atmosphere that it brings to the community for years to come.
Did You Hear?
We are proud to announce Hotel Clermont’s very own, Tiny Lou’s, has been included on The MICHELIN Guide Atlanta!
The recommendation is an unforgettable achievement for this small, French-American brasserie. Obtaining the honor of being MICHELIN Guide Recommended represents the quality of ingredients and well-skilled chefs of the establishment. In other words, Tiny Lou’s has a way with food.
MICHILEN Guide Atlanta notes, “Chef Jon Novak's cooking is approachable and earnest, as in wild striped bass with skin that's been crisped to perfection.”
Tiny Lou’s approach to French favorites has paid off, using seasonal and local provisions that are complemented by a French-focused wine list. The menu's main focus is all about flavor concentration and balance to its cuisine, featuring “restorative” dishes like:
Classic French Onion Soup
Bell & Evans Chicken Cordon Bleu
Steak Frites
To view Tiny Lou's seasonal dinner and dessert menu, click here.
Take a peek inside the kitchen and follow Executive Chef Novak and Tiny Lou’s on Instagram: @insta_novak @tinylousatl
To make a reservation, click here for the most up-to-date availability.
Experience 100 years of Atlanta’s deepest history and unique charm by booking your next getaway at Hotel Clermont! From skyline views on The Rooftop to the basement treasures within Tiny Lou’s and the Clermont Lounge, Hotel Clermont has everything to offer for your enjoyment.
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