T+L’s Hotel Review of Fourth Atlanta

When most visitors come to the unofficial capital of the South, aka the Big Peach, they usually make a beeline for downtown or decidedly well-to-do Buckhead. But now, with the 2024 opening of Forth Hotel Atlanta, those neighborhoods are in a run for their money — towering 16 stories above Historic Fourth Ward Park with 196 rooms, New City Properties’ latest hospitality venture brings boutique hotel luxury cool to one of the most historic neighborhoods in Atlanta.

Forth Hotel is nestled deep within a residential area, with easy access to the Beltline, a 22-mile walk-and-bike trail connecting 45 neighborhoods. I thought I had possibly come to the wrong address before I recognized the sign for its signature restaurant, Il Premio. The expansive 12-acre property feels like a welcome sanctuary from the city and would work well for any occasion, whether you’re seeking a wellness getaway, a workcation, or a fiery girl’s weekend destination.

Even though the hotel opened less than seven months ago in June 2024, service at Forth ran like a well-oiled machine. Staffers rushed past potted plants and bicycles to grab my bags, and I noticed they were equally attentive to every guest. The lobby had a refreshing, clean scent, and I appreciated that the front desk attendant gave me a bottle of water and asked about my day upon check-in. It felt like a truly welcoming environment.

After I freshened up, I wandered around the property, where vintage-inspired touches such as glass block windows, beamed ceilings, slat wood walls, and disco balls transported me to another (sleek and tasteful) time. If you’re tired of cold, minimalist spaces, you will love the warmth of Forth’s design.

But, you don’t need to check in to Forth to visit; the property is a social club in addition to being a hotel, and monthly membership fees start at $295 per person. If you’re a local looking to network or switch up your work-from-home routine, I highly recommend it. The bars are the perfect setting for business meetings or first dates.

Whether you have plans to visit Old Fourth Ward or want to be situated somewhat near downtown during your trip to Atlanta, it’s the perfect choice — and even if you don’t, it’s still worth branching out for. Here’s what it’s like to stay at Forth Hotel Atlanta.

The Rooms

I rarely walk into a hotel room that looks bigger in person than it does online, but that’s exactly how I felt at Forth. I was happy that the seating area was large and spacious — I could comfortably spin in the chairs without issue. There was plenty of room in between the seating area and the bathroom as well, so my travel companion and I didn’t have to awkwardly shuffle past one another to flatiron our hair before dinner. I’m (admittedly) a chronic over-packer, and I appreciated the depth of the armoires and dressers, too.

The overall vibe of the room was very peaceful, and rattan-covered bar cabinets, fluted entryway ceilings, and cream hues all worked in symphony to create a calming space. If you like to stay connected, guest rooms at Forth are outfitted with complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and vintage radio-style Revo Bluetooth speakers.

Food and Drink 

Travelers can take their pick among four restaurants and bars at Forth. Il Premio was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had in Atlanta, a city known for its food scene. Il Premio provides an Italian steakhouse experience and I had perfect dish after perfect dish here. The rigatoni all’astice was firm and flavorful; the tagliolini was creamy without venturing into mushy territory. I chose the ribeye from extensive steak options — nothing disappointed.

The other on-site, full-service eatery is the Mediterranean-inspired Elektra. Here, I feasted on dishes such as olive oil pancakes served with warm peaches, saffron whipped butter, and fresh herbs. I couldn’t put my fork down! The lamb sausage was also very impressive. Elektra has both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose to take your meal poolside or indoors among the restaurant’s hypnotic art.

If you like to start your day with a cup of joe, head to the coffee shop Bar Premio, which is also a great place to work remotely. During my time at the hotel, I made it a point to grab a strong coffee and flaky pastry there before my afternoon plans. And for cocktails with skyline views, it’s hard to beat Moonlight, Forth’s stylish rooftop bar. Moonlight offers a creative menu of mixed drinks such as the Moonshadow (featuring bourbon, rum, coffee, and a splash of bitters) and the Dreamweaver (whiskey, vermouth, coffee liqueur, and grapefruit bitters) as well as luxury finger foods such as caviar bumps and steak tartare rolls. The atmosphere was decidedly dark and sultry, even at 3 p.m.

Activities and Experiences 

There’s no question — Forth’s pool is the hotel’s greatest amenity by far. During my first evening, I took a few hours to lounge in one of the generously sized cabanas and enjoy the view. Elektra’s kitchen services the pool, so you don’t have to go inside for a meal. During my pool session, I paired a chicken wrap with a boozy Georgia peach popsicle — it was the perfect indulgence. However, if you don’t snag a cabana, there are rows and rows of lounge chairs. The sound system isn’t too loud, so you can still easily have a conversation.

Fitness and wellness enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Forth. The hotel has a 20,000-square-foot, sun-drenched facility completely devoted to exercise and recovery, offering equipment like power racks, assault bikes, and Pelotons, as well as good, old-fashioned kettlebells, treadmills, and lifting platforms. However, if you like to get your heart pumping in the great outdoors, there are complimentary bikes and helmets that you can use to explore the Beltline. Forth also regularly holds group fitness classes focusing on high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT), yoga, and spin, as well as mat and reformer pilates. The hotel has got you covered post-workout, too, with a sauna, cold plunge pool, and massage guns.

For those arriving at the property by car, Forth has valet parking for guests starting at $50 per night, while self-service parking is $30 per night. There’s also full laundry and room services.

The Spa 

Before dinner at Il Premio, I visited the recently-opened spa — details and booking information are not yet available on Forth’s website. The spa’s menu includes a variety of massages with optional CBD oil and hot stone add-ons. The treatment rooms are well-lit and feature impressive views through large picture windows.

During my time at the spa, I relaxed in the eucalyptus-scented steam room and sauna. The spa has several fun amenities including Dyson Airwraps, individually wrapped vented brushes, and a variety of refreshments. I opted to get ready for my meal here, and I sipped on fruit-infused water and listened to the spa’s soft music as I did my makeup.

Family-friendly Offerings

Forth Hotel’s best family-friendly offering is perhaps its location: It’s conveniently located adjacent to Historic Fourth Ward Park, offering 17 lush acres of family-friendly fun, a large playground, and a splash pad. Skyline Park at Ponce City Market is less than a mile away from the hotel, too, and is filled with “Coney Island-style” games like mini-golf, skeeball, and a goblet toss — be sure to check out the three-story-tall slide while you’re here.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Forth has accessible versions of all its room types, from the king rooms to its two-bedroom suites. Accessible accommodations include features like roll-in showers and tubs, as well as braille signage. All rooms and public spaces can be accessed via elevator. Spa facilities at Forth are also ADA-compliant, and there is a large accessible restroom close to its entrance.

Location

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is about 12 miles and a thirty-minute drive from Forth Hotel Atlanta. Its location is perfect if you have business at the nearby Intuit or FanDuel offices — and it’s wonderful if you’re an art lover. While I was staying at Forth, I viewed exhibits at the High Museum of Art (3 miles from the hotel) and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film (3.5 miles away). I could get to both museums and back without facing the fury of Atlanta traffic, even at rush hour. Forth’s proximity to the shops and restaurants at Ponce City Market (less than a mile away), is also a huge plus.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Forth is part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, an organization representing 650 hospitality brands around the world. You can book stays at Forth Hotel with points accumulated through the I Prefer Hotel rewards program.