FORTH Hotel, Atlanta
The FORTH Atlanta is a stylish, newly-opened addition to the city’s Fourth Ward district, conveniently located within walking distance of Ponce City Market. Though it’s still working out some kinks, the property has much to offer, and I thoroughly enjoyed my three-night stay there this past October. At the end of this piece, I discuss the FORTH alongside Atlanta’s St. Regis and the Waldorf hotels, where I’ve stayed in the past.
The lobby and social spaces at the FORTH blend the chic with the quirky. Warm wood paneling and furniture create an inviting feel, while curated lighting adds a moody touch. Pops of color and texture, like leather accents and unique art and furniture pieces, bring a sense of sophistication.
Tip– Check out the small room off the hallway on the way to the elevators. It features a shadow box display reminiscent of those at the Museum of Natural History in NYC. It’s worth a quick look.
I stayed in a Deluxe King room, which had some great features along with a few minor drawbacks.
Positives:
• Huge floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and city views
• Spacious layout with a stylish boucle sofa and velvet chair
• Large bathroom with walk-in showers. Some rooms even have freestanding soaking tubs.
• A thoughtful mini-bar selection
• Fun design elements, such as a wallpapered accent wall and interesting furniture pieces
Negatives:
• Bathroom finishes, particularly the large floor tiles, felt a bit budget
• The closet door handle came off and took a day to be fixed
• The espresso machine didn’t provide hot water, even after the front desk explained it should work. Tea drinkers might want to plan accordingly
The hotel also offers residential-style rooms with full kitchens in studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts.
The gym is impressive—spread over two floors, divided into cardio and weights, with reformers and private workout rooms. There’s also a small area offering healthy drinks and snacks. They provide complimentary massage guns and leg compression sleeves. A sauna and steam room are available, and the hotel will eventually offer hot and cold therapy, massages, and other wellness treatments.
The rooftop pool is a relaxing retreat. It’s lovely for a city hotel, with pergolas, umbrellas, daybeds, and lounge chairs. Light fare and drinks are available, and I bet it is a very popular spot during the summer months.
Next to the pool is Elektra, a Mediterranean restaurant open for breakfast and dinner. Though I missed breakfast there, the setting looks ideal for lunch, which I hope they add soon. There’s also Bar Premio off the lobby, with a bistro vibe, serving coffee and pastries in the morning and light fare with drinks in the evening. The hotel’s new Italian steakhouse, Il Premio, had just opened during my stay, so it was quiet but looked promising.
Hotel bikes with helmets are available for guests—they’re a wonderful way to explore the area.
Tip — If you live in Atlanta or spend a fair amount of time there, the FORTH has a members-only club with a private dining room, lounge, and terrace, as well as access to the hotel gym. I didn’t manage to see the club in person, but you can find more information here.
In terms of service, the valet team was prompt and efficient, handling high volumes of cars with ease and professionalism. Marlo, our concierge, went above and beyond, suggesting local activities and advising on the best times to avoid certain areas due to traffic—a nice touch for visitors navigating the city.
Comparing The FORTH, St. Regis, and Waldorf
The St. Regis has a wonderful location. Just across from the shops in Buckhead Village, guests have easy access to upscale boutiques and great restaurants like Le Bilboquet and Umi (a fantastic sushi spot). I stayed at the hotel a few years ago, and while the rooms and spaces were decent, I didn’t find them particularly special. That being said, a few people I know stay there year after year—and they absolutely rave about the concierge there.
The Waldorf completed a renovation just last year. The rooms are spacious and nicely done, with large bathrooms, but they still have that large-scale hotel feel. I actually prefer their rooms to the St. Regis, though they’re still not my ideal. Location-wise, the Waldorf doesn’t have as much to offer. The area isn’t as exciting and walkable as the St. Regis or The FORTH.
Out of the three properties, The FORTH is the most my style. It’s a fun, stylish boutique with real character and personality throughout, making it stand out in a way the others don’t. While there are some minor kinks and growing pains, it’s a promising addition to Atlanta’s hotel scene. I look forward to seeing how it evolves, and it will definitely be my go-to option when I visit Atlanta in the future.
Tip – The FORTH is the closest of the three hotels to Emory University, which is ideal if you’re in town to visit the campus.