The Ellis Hotel, Atlanta
If you’re staying in downtown Atlanta, The Ellis Hotel is a boutique gem with a wild history. It originally opened back in 1913 as the Winecoff Hotel, designed by the famous pre-modern architect William Lee Stoddart. He built it to look like a classic European brick tower, right on Peachtree Street.
But it’s most famous for a tragic twist: in 1946, it was the site of the deadliest hotel fire in US history. Even though it was advertised as “absolutely fireproof,” 119 people lost their lives. That disaster actually forced the entire country to completely rewrite its national fire safety and building codes.
After sitting empty and spooky for decades, it got a massive $28 million facelift and reopened in 2007 as The Ellis. The designers did an amazing job blending chic, modern luxury while strictly preserving the building’s historic exterior and soulful layout.
Today, it’s known for cool, unique perks like an entire women-only floor with extra security and premium styling tools. It’s also super pet-friendly, even offering fresh-baked dog treats at check-in. It’s a perfect mix of deep history and thoughtful hospitality.
Expert reviews
“A chic lobby, handpicked modern furnishings, and thoughtful in-room touches are the hallmark of this boutique hotel that provides Southern hospitality in a restored 1913 historic landmark.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Atlanta.
“The Ellis is a downtown gem with business chic rooms fitted out in warm wooden hues and cool white bedding.”
What guests liked
- Helpful staff
- Central location
- Walking distance
- Boutique style
Location
Recent guest reviews
11 March 2024
I think everything is perfect.
The hotel is very clean and comfortable. The staff are very friendly.
Nothing.
4 November 2023
Great up town stay
Staff where very friendly especially the ladies in the coffee shop. Parking was only steps away from the door super easy. Location was great we walked to all the attractions with ease. We loved our stay. Will definitely be there again.
Nothing
14 August 2023
This was a work trip and the rooms and accommodations were great!!
Beautiful property. Rooms were cozy and cute. Loved the decor and and how the rooms were designed. Nice rooms
2 August 2023
Lacking History and Cleanliness
We were on the 5th Floor. We chose The Ellis because of the paranormal aspect and the history. The Ellis was the hotel that had the most deaths in a hotel fire in the history of America; over 119 people perished in the hotel. Yet there needs to be a memorial or history section of the hotel. The souls are but forgotten. The fire was so destructive that it instilled FIRE and BUILDING CODES. I think some kind of recognition should be given to those that lost their lives.
Overall the hotel felt dirty. The rooms were humid and stuffy, the valet was way overpriced, and it took forever to give the car to the Valet. This is a MARRIOT; I expect a little bit better service for the price.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Fitness
- - Bicycle rental
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Vending machine (drinks)
- - Vending machine (snacks)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

2 April 2024
good for an overnight stay near ATL airport