Forth Hotel Comes in First

Yearning for a Soho visit? There’s a slice of sophisticated urbane heaven right here on the Beltline. Divine dining, overnight staycaytions, and hosting the next wedding, the relatively new Forth Hotel opened a world of possibilities outside the usual “north of the city” quadrant.

In the Old Fourth Ward, the hotel is smack dab on the Beltline, a hop from Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown, and a five-minute drive to Georgia Tech, Fox Theatre, and Krog Market.

The 196 hotel rooms include iPod docking stations, 43-inch smart TVs, complimentary wi-fi, and special touches like rotary phones, freestanding tubs, second only to the dazzling floor-to-ceiling view of Midtown and downtown. Pull back the black out curtains, and it’s breathtaking. There are also two floors of fully furnished apartments.

The Forth is not part of a chain. Locally owned by New City Properties, Atlanta native and president Jim Irwin stated, “We set out to combine a high-quality project that fit within the context of the environment with the latest technology, innovation, and sustainability. We made a serious commitment to fine dining, interior design, and guest comfort.”

The Forth features a full spa and 15,000-square-foot workout area. Add in a Miami Polo Club vibe because on site is this luxury social and wellness club. Irwin added, “Founded on a belief in cultivating the whole self, our Club invites creatives, seekers, and community leaders to experience a new definition of wellbeing: leisure, fitness, recovery, productivity, dining, intellect, culture, and real connection — all in one dynamic environment.”

Dining at Forth is worth multiple trips for date nights and special occasions. With two Michelin “mentioned” restaurants, Il Premio (fine Italian), was one of the best Atlanta epicurean experiences for this writer. Our selection:

Ricolla Alla Puttanesca: yellow tail, capers, taggiasca olives, calabrese chili ($24)
Spigola E Cavale: Mediterranean sea bass, cucumber, finger lime, caviar ($34)
Grilled Gem Lettuces: Anchovy dressing, parmigiano pane fritto ($ 16)
Premio Salad: Butter lettuce, peas, artichokes, lemon scented walnuts ($17)
Mero: Yellow wedge grouper, morels, asparagus ($42) *this was halibut on our night.

All items were shareable and were of good value considering the ambiance, ingredients, and impeccable service. Adjacent to Il Premio is Bar Premio with its own lighter menu and a sophisticated crowd that alone is worth the visit.

For breakfast, we dined at Elektra, “paradise found, a sun kissed oasis,” alongside the heated indoor pool. Known for Mediterranean fare, we sampled:
Olive oil pancakes with orange labneh, saffron butter, mixed berries ($14)
Spinach and feta omelet ($12)

Next time: Shakshuka, Citrus Salmon, Yaqtin (butternut squash, tahina, Aleppo pepper, peptitas) Fattoush Salad. One simply cannot go wrong dining at Forth.

Additionally, Moonlight, the rooftop lounge, affords a spectacular view in all directions.

Forth’s exterior design is an exposed concrete diagrid. Inside interiors provide a warm counterpoint to the building’s contemporary tower. Inspired by classic Americana traditions and European design, Forth’s art connects to nature. Behind the reception desk, a painting by Jack Spencer depicts a forest, marking the beginning of a journey through the hotel. A mountain tapestry is nearby. Adjacent to the lobby is a diorama by Becca Barnet with taxidermy foxes, pinned butterflies, and natural foliage. (Think Fernbank.)

Ideal for a staycation for sure, also consider hosting a wedding or bar mitzvah inside this ideal setting for guests. The ballroom splits but can accommodate from 40 to 400. It’s outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, drop-down screens, projectors, programmable lights, and drapery. The ballroom is a canvas for the imagination and can be rented 60 days advance or further out with a guest room block.

At Forth, feel important and romantic at the same time. Some rooms even have an outdoor fireplace. Travel and Leisure Magazine labeled Forth, “Atlanta’s coolest new hotel in a historic neighborhood.”

Local PR guru Maggie Gallant Isenberg, an early Forth fan said, “The Elektra mezze platter is a must with the pistachio-filled dates as the standout. The chic, coastal-inspired design spanning the indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the lively atmosphere, make for the perfect night out — unlike anywhere else in Atlanta.