Atlanta Hotels Where Nightlife and Luxury Converge

By Chris Watkins

Published November 5, 2024

Hotels want you to stay… indefinitely. And that’s not an exaggeration. Why else would they go out of their way to build out environments filled to the brim with all your luxe living dreams? Not only do these standout stays go to great lengths to provide guests with a relaxing and Southern hospitality-driven experience, but they also draw non-guests into their inner circle with unique bars, live music and signature programming that’ll make you wish you had a permanent room key. You don’t have to go far when the nightlife vibes are an elevator ride away at these Atlanta hotels. 

Bellyard Hotel 

Nestled in the heart of West Midtown, Bellyard Hotel’s Drawbar is an industrial-chic lounge with a mix of laid-back and energetic. Quite the mix, and it works because patrons flock for inventive cocktails and sumptuous seating to laugh and share stories whether they’re beginning or ending a night in the buzzing neighborhood. Friday DJ sets help set the tone, with open mic nights offering a bit of risqué for both seasoned and amateur performers to entertain and elevate the experience. Just please don’t ride the bull in the lobby; that type of thing tends to be frowned upon. 

Where: 1 Interlock Ave. NW

Epicurean 

True to its name, the Epicurean Atlanta offers a sensory experience that’s all about culinary indulgence. It’s all about connecting good food to good times, and what better way to accomplish that is the weekly live music happenings at its restaurant, Reverence. Every Tuesday and Thursday, prepare to get serenaded with rockin’ live music from Rich Gunderlock and the soulful sounds of Ethel paired with delicious bites. 

Where: 1117 West Peachtree St. NW

Four Seasons Hotel Midtown 

The Four Seasons Hotel Midtown has been a mainstay in the eclectic neighborhood for some time, offering both business travelers and weekend warriors alike a refined yet lively bar scene, with all the hallmarks of sophisticated cocktails and cuisine to be expected from the five-star titan. Descend to its restaurant and lounge, Bar Margot, for its chic ambiance, craft cocktails and creative bites. On Friday and Saturday nights, BM goes full-on DJ, spinning everything from classic to contemporary hits from an extensive library of vinyl records from 8 p.m. until midnight. 

Where: 75 Fourteenth St. NE

Hotel Clermont

With a storied past (Google Clermont Lounge for your crash course.), Hotel Clermont has always been known for its signature nightlife vibes. The retro hotel, a beloved landmark in Poncey-Highland, touts MICHELIN-Guide-Recommended Tiny Lou’s, an expansive lobby bar and a rooftop oasis boasting stunning city views amidst the red glow of its neon spire. For an evening all fun and unpretentious, get your rooftop DJ fix on Wednesday nights with an occasional Singles Night thrown in to meet hopefully other single visitors and locals IRL. This is ATL after all. 

Where: 789 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

Hotel Granada 

Tucked away in a chic corner of Atlanta, Hotel Granada’s open-air courtyard and Pom Court restaurant is a hidden oasis offering alluring al fresco dining and a Spanish-inspired cocktail menu. With its stylish décor and laid-back mystique, it’s perfect for those looking to sip and socialize where weekend live DJs set the tone for a sensational scene of people watching, mingling and revelry. 

Where: 1302 West Peachtree St. NW

Hyatt Centric Buckhead 

Overlooking a sprawling Atlanta skyline, the Hyatt Centric Buckhead’s rooftop bar, Spaceman, is a vibrant spot for creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere appealing to both travelers and locals alike. It’s the perfect place to see and be seen to enjoy a stylish night or day out in the A (day parties, anyone?). Get acquainted with either the indoor or outdoor lounge and choose your flavor with a weekend of never-ending DJ sets spanning house music and reggaeton to old-school funk and hip-hop. 

Where: 3301 Lenox Parkway

The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel  

The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel’s restaurant and bar scene combines its Mid-Century Modern charm with a trendy, social atmosphere perfect for those who want to meet and greet. Whether it’s the moody, modern elegance of The Betty, the outdoor oasis of the Willow Bar with its botanical-inspired drinks or the elevated ease of rooftop bar, St. Julep, the nightlife options are endless whether you’re staying or playing. Matching the vibes are weekly jazz nights on Thursdays and weekend DJ sets that complement the sky-high views of Buckhead’s bustling backdrop. 

Where: 374 East Paces Ferry Road NE

The Starling   

Chic and eclectic, The Starling brings a vibrant atmosphere to Midtown perfect for pre-game drinks or late-night fun. Whether it’s a date night or girls’ night out, peruse the luxe, art-filled common areas and luxe seating for casual conversation over unique sips and eats. The weekend vibes arise for Live at Lantana, with DJs spinning in the hotel’s equally lively restaurant. And during the week, sultry jazz takes over with Starling Sax Sessions providing soulful turns of classics and today’s hits. 

Where: 188 Fourteenth St. NE

Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead 

The Thompson brings the vibes to roost in Buckhead, offering sweeping views of the city courtesy of its rooftop bastion Tesserae, a well-appointed hotspot for both sunset cocktails and late-night gatherings. As if the weekly Wednesday live jazz happenings weren’t enough, bespoke experiences like “Kickin’ it with Thandi” from beverage director and mixology mastermind Thandi Walton blend sneaker culture with curated cocktails, and a weekend rotating selection of DJs providing the playlist to your night out brings a choose-your-own-adventure level of excitement. 

Where: 415 East Paces Ferry Road NE

Wylie Hotel  

The Wylie Hotel in Old Fourth Ward channels vintage Atlanta charm with a modern twist. With a storied history of inclusivity, and its restaurant Mrs. P’s being the city’s first openly LGBTQ-friendly bar in the 1960s, its intimate, cozy bar feels like a neighborhood favorite, offering well-crafted cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere for those looking to unwind after a day exploring the city. Every second Saturday of the month, the hotel brings an all-vinyl playlist of vibes called the Chill Pill where ’90s trip-hop meets down-tempo classics. 

Where: 551 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE

If your vibe is more about art, check out our guide to hotels for art lovers.

Chris Watkins is an Atlanta-based writer and photographer with a deep love and connection to the Atlanta dining and nightlife scene. His work has appeared in Thrillist, Jezebel Magazine, Men’s Book Atlanta and The Atlantan. He currently operates Watkins Branding, a digital marketing agency with focus on the restaurant and hospitality industry.