The Vibe: Despite the independent hotel’s eyebrow-raising backstory, it caters to a decidedly discriminating crowd, thanks to its top-notch service, upscale amenities, and celebrated restaurant.

The Area: In Poncey-Highland. Atlanta’s bustling pedestrian artery, the Beltline, is just steps from the hotel and so is the Ponce City Market food hall and shops.

The DNA: The cool-and-quirky Hotel Clermont is set in the 1924 Clermont Motor Hotel. Located in the basement (and not part of the hotel) is Atlanta’s first and longest continually operating strip club, opened in 1965. It has established a nationwide reputation for its kitschy atmosphere and unusual dancers. The Clermont has been featured on an episode of Insomniac with Dave Attell, and celebrities including Anthony Bourdain,  Marilyn Manson, Ashton Kutcher, Kid Rock, Steven Yeun, Skinny Lister, Lady Gaga, Eric Roberts, Ming Chen, Jason Zimmerman and the Guys Weekend as well as David Cross and Bombay Bicycle Club have been known to visit the Clermont when in Atlanta. The hotel itself offers a rooftop (rum-centric) bar with spectacular vistas, a French-American restaurant, café and lobby bar.

Suite-Me-Up: Accommodations range from roomy suites to double-bunk rooms—nodding to the ones once favored by traveling bands staying at the Clermont Motor Lodge. Velvet headboards, lightbulb sconces, and record players add vintage appeal, and moody portraits by Atlanta College of Art graduate Sharon Shapiro were inspired by the Clermont Lounge dancers.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 94 rooms & suites (25-70m2) (269-753 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2018 • architecture: Gamble + Gamble Architects • interior design: Reunion Goods & Services • bathroom amenities: La Bottega • on-site parking (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible