The Highland Inn & Ballroom Lounge

Absolutely loved our stay. My boyfriend and I stayed here on our way back home from a business trip and always look for quaint, old inns or otherwise unique places to stay in cool neighborhoods that have lots of great bars and shops nearby. The neighborhood is great (I would recommend it for more of the liberal/hipster crowd, I noticed a few people complaining about that online, but we loved it) and the hotel is a gem. Very friendly staff, made great bar recommendations, and there are great restaurants and bars nearby. Room was fantastic and the heat had been turned on prior to our arrival (it was 30 degrees outside) and was perfectly cozy. We can’t wait to come back!

What a wonderful place! My family and I (4 adults and an infant) came here after we FLED another hotel that was garbage. The room was spacious and clean, the beds were comfortable, and the staff were welcoming, pleasant, and generally very hospitable as one would expect when staying someplace a far drive from home. I enjoyed the old school look of the place, too. It sorta put you back in time, but without sacrificing the quality. Also enjoyed the walkability of the neighborhood and proximity to food and entertainment. May God bless them for a wonderful experience!

I really liked the rustic atmosphere of this hotel as well as the location. Rooms are spacious and very clean, needing some remodeling though. After reading the other reviews I expected the staff to be more welcoming. Not that the receptionist was unfriendly, but I had to ask for every detail (breakfast, WiFi etc.). Further, you can hear the person walking around in the room above you. The breakfast is a store bought muffin and coffee which is slightly disappointing.

Stayed here when I was on vacation in ATL. Booked in advance and they upgraded my room for free, no extra charges. Staff was helpful on giving me directions and on where to go and check out. Rooms were nicely sized. Always kept clean and felt cozy, like I was at home. Had a friendly cat (I am not a cat person) but their cat was calm and kept his space but would interact with guest. The price over all truly wasn’t that bad. You pay a good price for the location you are staying in. The only problem I ran into was my water temperature. I never really got a warm or hot shower. The water was to cold for my liking. But other than that I would definitely stay again.

Very cozy. I like how laid back staff were, and the antique atmosphere made me very relaxed. The price of my room was reasonable, and having amenities like a fridge always makes me a happy customer. My only complaint is the should be two keys available upon request for a room. Other than that, I'll totally stay there again!

Such a relaxing, creative, comfortable place! The staff were excellent, rooms were clean and beds comfy! The drinks were strong and reasonably priced. Their location was convenient to everything we wanted to do. Pirate the Hotel Cat was inviting. We will definitely be back!

Overall experience was pretty great. The rooms are perfect for a nights stay. Pirate the Cat was probably our favorite part of the whole experience! Only thing we didn't like was that in the morning, the bathroom ceiling was leaking directly over the toilet, so we couldn't use it. When we called the front desk to let them know, the gentleman on the phone was really rude and hung up on me. Didn't really get a resolution so we just decided to check out. Besides the bad attitude, this place is really cute!

Very cozy and comfortable. We've stayed here before and I rated 5 stars then as well. The staff is personable. The rooms are charming and comfortable. And "Pirate" the lobby cat is very friendly! Will definitely be returning on future trips to Atlanta.

Wait, how have I driven past this place several times and not knew it existed? We came here in celebration of me getting licensed for work, and I was surprised when I was told we were going to see a show at a place i'd never knew existed! We came for a spoken word event called "Identity", a production of the Story Collider, which cost only $10/adult. This event had 5 scientists get on stage and provide stories of their lives and how science played a part in their self discovery. The Highland Inn Ballroom was an excellent choice for this event. Intimate feel, but enough seats to seat a full room of folks. Small stage, but again, increased intimate feel, adjacent full bar that was active and serving customers throughout the night., and lots of lovely interior to stroll through and photograph. About the only thing I could complain about was that at times the AC didn't appear to be working as well as it could, and it was very warm. Even the warm temperature was addressed Parking for the Highland Inn...I laughed when I saw the lot, because it's "THAT" lot that enforces parking if you're trying to slip in for lunch at a nearby restaurant, including Sweet Auburn BBQ, which is next door. That definitely burns you when you're hungry, but you smile when you're going to the inn, since that parking is yours! From N. Highland Ave, the lot goes down sharply since the lot is on a downward slope, but there is an exit at the bottom of the hill that exits out to Blue Ridge ave. Nice! Staff were friendly, the lounge was good for the event, and this hidden in plain site place is worth checking out.

They've been closed for a long time now. Think they'll reopen under new ownership within the next year, but wtf you doing saying that they're open? Idiots.

Wow, Great place fun atmosphere mixed cultures LOL I would make a special trip to visit this business, I kind of felt like I was back in the 19 century LOL

It's hard to believe I've lived in Atlanta for almost 20 years and just made my first visit to the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. I didn't know what I'd been missing. Attending a book reading and signing event - George Saunders, writer extraordinaire, reading from his latest, "Tenth of December" - might be a different experience than the norm, but I thoroughly enjoyed the funky cool vibe of the space. Plenty of room for 150 people or so to mix and mingle, and the wait for the bar was never long. With a $6 special for well drinks, I was a happy girl. Keep an eye out for future book readings here, usually in partnership with A Cappella Books. For an author you like, it's definitely worth the time and expense. The staff is welcoming and friendly, and will happily call a cab for you at the end of the evening.

Saw a 10 buck comedy night here. Really neat Venue and bar. Comics and bartender were great.

Clean rooms, comfortable and affordable lodging in a stylish 1920's hotel. Great decor and very quiet, near great food and shopping. The cafe offers coffee and muffins in the am, and though the coffee is terrible, the cafe is a classy little hangout and great place for meetings and knocking out business.

I forgot to give this wonderful inn a review. we stayed here many years ago and loved the place. It is old and vintage but it's no dump. Everything was clean and yes the water pressure was lacking but the beds were comfy. We liked the cat a lot kept us company. We hope to stay again one day. Safe and walking distance to food and 5 points. Parking is tricky get there early and snag a spot. Quiet, comfy, interesting to explore and vintage.

Cool venue for events. I've been here a number of times for different types of events. The staff is friendly and it's a nice open space with a bar and stage. There's free parking outside the building but it can get packed easily so arrive early if you come here for an event. There is also street parking available but some areas cost.

I didn't even realize this spot existed at first! Hidden beneath a hotel, this hot spot is variety at it's finest. The night might start out with a comedy show followed by a night of hip hop. Or maybe it's techno music complimented later with a live folk band. Whatever the vibe being set here is, the crowd is always excited to be there and the place stays lively. Bartenders are friendly and serve some great drinks that are well priced. The decor is very non-existent, but when you think about the different shows that go on here, it's nice that the atmosphere isn't set to be one single niche. There is a small outdoor courtyard you can sit in as well, and it's nice on warmer nights. If you love a variety of acts and don't want to hear just one type of music all night, you should definitely hunt this place down. Exactly what you need if your tastes are as varied as the rainbow!

I come to Atlanta a lot for medical treatments and I feel so comfortable and happy going into the Highlands Inn. Everyone is AMAZING! No stuck up crew to make you feel like a number and the hotel is a real hotel. You actually get a key to your room! I must say for being built in 1920's they have kept the hotel grand! I am in love with the place and the wonderful staff! Why stay anywhere else, where you just become a number? If you want a clean, friendly service, and a good nights rest, stay here!

Visited last night for the Ten Bucks Comedy event, staff and bartenders were friendly and prompt. Cannot complain about any of it. Had a great time with my girlfriend and it was a fairly inexpensive night for $10/person and avg priced libations :) i would definitely go again at this venue. Only thing I'll advise is to arrive early to whate er it is you are attending, as there is free parking but it's limited.

I visited the hotel and the courtyard! Upon entering it reminded me of a 1970s hotel, a fanciful your grandmas house kind feel. The chairs were the red velvet "Royal" chairs complete with a book shelf full of classic novels and contemporary magazines and a black cat that followed me all over the place! I have to admit that cat was pretty cool. I visited the courtyard to do some light reading, and it was good except I was expecting a ponds with fish. Although there was no pond there were chairs and party lights streaming from both ends of the roof tops. What made the experience was that there was a staircase that led to a top patio over looking parts of the city. Overall it was nice, but the courtyard could have some serious work done to it. The Highland inn Cafe was even better, they had an outdoor seating area where you could chill!

If anyone asks me about this place, I'll likely deny its existence. Tis best to keep these sorts of places under wraps, lest they become infested with yuppie riffraff and high falutin' overly cologned types. This review will self destruct in 5 seconds.

You can find this great spot underneath The Highland Inn (located next to Pura Vida and Cafe di Sol on N. Highland. Ave) My friends and I had been wanting to check this place out for sometime. We finally stumbled down the beautiful stone steps around 1:30 to a find really big place! The DJ was playing 50s and 60s music and everyone was dancing in the ballroom. I kinda felt like Baby in Dirty Dancing! On the other side, you can find the bar and other tables. They had games set up in the bar room, in case you feel like kicking someones ass at Connect Four. It was a fun time. Great place to take out of towners for a little something different.

The more I hang out at the Highland Inn, the more I like it. One memorable recent happening, the Laser Beam Kitty Show, delivered more than just a great line-up of local electronic bands, including Sonen, the event organizer. In addition to auditory pleasure that cost a mere 5 bucks, visual stimulation abounded, especially during Sonen's set. Apparently, a drove of robots travels with the group, dancing suggestively with each other and unsuspecting audience members. One of my favorite robots, who my friends and I have decided to call Neon Girl, wore all black, so the neon, light-up outline of her body was the only thing visible in the dark. At one point, Neon Girl shimmied up to me, rolling in my body bubble. The other robots, donning more traditional spray painted cardboard box costumes, were just as mesmerizing as the band itself. Plus, since my friends and I were quick to rush to the Laser Beam Kitty photo booth after Sonen's show, we received free, cold, tall Asahi beers. Plus plus, a patron was giving away free chocolate cupcakes in the bar area--a moist and delicious goodbye token to a friend who was moving out of town. Plus plus plus, I didn't smell like smoke when I got home!

A cool little spot to either wind up (after dinner), or wind down (after hitting a club or show)... Its just not a place that you circle your night around. The BIG pluses... -- Great bartenders - really friendly, really responsive, and really cool people in and of themselves. -- The unique set up: You can hang in three areas - the bar area which is kind of small and situated like a "lobby," to either the main room (for DJs or bands), or the outdoor courtyard. The Minuses... -- Lacks an identity: Above being a dive bar, but not quite a lounge. A place that is still looking for its "hook." Both times I've been (once for an after party and another time to see a local band), I didn't really feel compelled to stay and hang out. More of a place to have a couple drinks and mingle, then jump off to the next thing. Despite all this, it has a whole lot of potential. It would be a great place to host more genre DJs, host art showings, or even a Karaoke night... and more importantly, actively promote itself in those things, rather than being so laid back about it. A nice little place that just needs a little spark.

I absolutely LOVE this place and their wonderful cat Pirate too!! Cannot wait to get back there for a stay tomorrow!! Excellent customer care, cozy rooms and of course , Mr. Pirate! My home away from home !!!!

I was told by my friend Shawn this place would be real fun. It was last minute so I got dressed up expecting it to be like Ballroom dancing. Instead, it was Old Country music night. From Waylon Jennings to Patsy Cline. @ djs were spinning, but the place only had maybe a dozen patrons. Better for me, I owned the floor. I danced on every square inch of the floor. It is quite large and then there is a separate area for the bar, with games and chairs. You can also step outside for a smoke (not me) and to get some fresh air, if you can, b/c all the smoker are out there.I am a big country music fan and I hope they have other nights doing the country thing. I can stay ITP for my country fixxin! I am unsure as to the quality of the mixed drinks, I was mildly (understated) intoxicated upon arrival. I don't know if I had beer or water when I got there. Is all the same, I was having a a BALL! I will be back to sample another weeknight. Let me know if you wanna!

There are lots of things I could try to compare to coming here. None of them would be accurate because there is a certain unique charm about this place. Edward L. described the heavy velvet curtain in the corner as something from a low budget porn. I saw the same fabric and it reminded me of being at an after hours party in someone's basement. Somewhere in between those two descriptions is the Highland Ballroom (as its normally shortened). Much less divey than you'd expect and a mixed crowd that some nights probably includes too many white people [poorly] trying to dance.

Its quiet, classy and intimate. Get out there before it becomes so popular its not fun anymore. They also put on some great parties too!

Who are these 26 reviewers?!? I don't know what you are experiences and interpretations of a "lounge" are but this certainly is not it!!! Two words to describe this place: Dump! Tacky! Things that pissed me off: -its renovated, basement of a VFW or a Legion - is this place a joke?! -$8 cover (no band) -line outside (haha, these people are idiots, find another bar that is um, I dont know, BETTER!!!) -college kids -creepy old men in their 50s watching the little college girls -small bar (watch out for elbows) -long wait at the bar (who cares if the bartenders are friendly!?) -cocktails being served out of plastic cups at the bar (no class to be called a lounge, that is for sure!) Things that grossed me out: -Shoes sticking to the ground bc its that GROSS -college kids -the bathrooms (clogged toilets and no one does anything about it) -petafiles in the crowd -drunk moshing all over the dance floor This place doesn't deserve the 26 4 1/2 star reviews nor does it deserve to call itself a lounge! I am sure there are more out there but I confidently admit this being one of the WORST bars in the Highlands. If you are smart, I wouldn't consider making this a part of your night one way or another!

Hit this place up on New Years Eve at the urging of a friend and really enjoyed myself. The music was surprisingly good (live band and the DJ), plenty of space to kick it, a courtyard for smokers with nice feng shui, and beautifully strong Long Island Ice Teas. As much as I can remember the clientele was enjoyable - in fact, I was probably the one acting a fool. My only complaints are: the bar needs to be bigger, as do the bathrooms! xo

Brought a group of 10 to the Highland Ballroom last night for a great show. Bernadette Seacrest & her Provocateurs were playing and they are one of the many hidden gems on the music scene in the ATL - not sure how this place is not packed every time they play but hey, who likes crowds anyways???? Cover charge was only $8 - what can you get for $8 nowadays?? Combine the band playing with the ambiance of the Ballroom and a stiff Jack Daniels on the rocks and you will feel like you are standing in the middle of a David Lynch movie - very cool vibe all around! I know that "jazz" is not for everyone but this is so much more than what most people would expect - The trio is set up perfectly with Bernadette's silky Billie Holiday voice backed up by a slappin', walkin' upright bass and a little country/jazz fuzz guitar tone - perfect for a shady joint on a Wednesday night..... Great crowd - a nice mix of young & old, gay and straight! The drinks are cheap and you can still hear the music outside while you catch a smoke in the courtyard. The Ballroom delivers as usual - I've never had a bad time here! She plays here again on August 4th, 2010........ http://www.myspace.com/seacrest http://bernadetteseacrest.com/

I love this place! Great times, cheap drinks, pretty ladies and lots of smiles! There's something happening almost every night of the week and it's a really festive vibe. I've been know to play their on Thursday nights; I'm a proud member in good standing of the Kirkwood Baller's Club. Leslie is my cute bartender friend, she'll pours strong and fast with a smile that's genuine.

I'm sure that I haven't experienced the full potential of this place. Positive in fact. That doesn't mean I cant give a glowing review of my experience. I was here on Saturday afternoon for a record show. It's was about 5 vendors who had lugged in crates and crates of their records to sell. It was completely free and they offered $2 growler beers as a special, which was awesome because it was a fantastic IPA. There was plenty of space, yet quite a few shoppers. It was the perfect venue for this because the vendors were taking turns showcasing certain albums from their beloved record racks. The attendees were anyone from your normal soccer mom, to the hardcore kid with green hair. Very cool to see everyone mix together with the same appreciation for music. It was such a cool vibe, I would definitely go again. It beats the hell out of going to the normal Mariott conference room where you might as well be at a star trek convention. It was great being able to drink some good beer, discuss some music, and leave with a nice stack of vinyl.

Great fun for all. Although 60's mod is difficult to dance to, I really enjoyed the easy going vibe of the place. Drinks were reasonable, but the bar in front that accepts credit card was an adventure each time. I'm confident that each personality in a group wouldenjoy this place. Smoking outside if you want to talk. Games and tables if you want to compete, and a dance floor if you want to get to work. I've been when it's empty and for Fringe Factory. Both work for me.

This place gets a 3 as a nice venue for what it was. My girlfriend and I went to see a really great performance. As a venue for seeing things awesome. My review is on the bar. This bar has a staff of people who can't tell the difference between Guinness and Yuengling. We went on a Wednesday night to see a local show that was being put on We thought ordering beer would be a simple process but when they messed up what was ordered they acted like she was being rude and just handed money to her and saying that's the best we can do. No only did they over charge more than two drinks but they felt they deserved to keep the tip for their screw up. I'll go back, but don't support their bar.

Great staff, and a fun space. Open very late and they pour some tasty beverages. The only time I went there was a bad DJ, but the outdoor patio was great.

This was our last stop during our SantaCon pub crawl (not the official one as my boyfriend and I were the only ones dressed up). Upon entering there was a $5 cover, which I was not too keen about as there were no bands playing when we got there. Anyway there were quite a bit of people and their two bars accommodated the crowd quite nicely. The smalled bar was near the lobby and the other one, which was a little larger was inside the larger room on the right of the small bar. This large room had plenty of tables, a stage, and plenty of room to dance. The restrooms were located behind the bar, but I didn't check out their condition. Their beer prices were decent and the bartenders were pretty friendly and easy to get their attention, but I think that was due to my costume. Upon leaving the doorman was kind enough to call a cab for us as well as give us their number, so I def have a favorable impression of the their staff.

Sometimes, I just gotta bust out of that back door and get some fresh air. (But they wont let me.) For me, things get crazy at the Highland Inn Ballroom. Usually, tons of dancing, friendly bartenders, the 'strooms aren't nasty (but a tad on the crowded side.) My favorite area of the HI is the alley right outside. It just screams "time to misbehave". Overall, always a good time, good shows, cheap drinks and uh.."unexpected company". For example.... Laser-eye space kitty in a banana hammock taking prom photos and (maybe) showing us his travel sizer. Just use that imagination folks. Bada BING! I'm glad I didn't pass up such an epic show of robot heads and indecent exposure.

#Yelp365 6/365 Not a bad spot. Came here for the 2011 Creative Loafing Fiction Party thingamabob. I missed the free Savage Pizza but oh well! Anyway, this is a cute little spot, reminds of those 1950s style bars I see on tv, that might be a bit of stretch, but whatevs. There was one bar open tonight for the reading with pretty good drink specials. Having seen hello ocho perform here, I'm going to guess that this is what other shows here are like. The stage is really tiny and the acoustics seemed a little weird from where I was standing...which, given the size of the lounge, wasn't even that far away. But...I don't know. Don't know if I'd come here again to listen to a band play loud, raucousy music. At either rate, this place was okay, I may come here again, but at least I've satisfied my curiosity in the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge (yes this was my first time there).

Another place I frequent way too often. Come for the great music- see DJ Adam Bomb spin on Fridays- stay for the cheap beer and big dance floor. Never gets super crowded, mostly because the space is so large. If the main bar is packed try the other bar on the dance floor- even after this long, most people forget about it. There are covers on the weekend, but it's not expensive at all. During warmer months there's a great courtyard out back for smokers and people that need to cool off.

The Ballroom is one of a kind! This place is located under the Highland Inn in a great location. The lighting is low and I love the disco ball. It's tight to make it to the bar but the tenders are fast and friendly. Good selection of beer and Schlitz for $2! Ha, nice! Good acoustics and decent sound system makes this place a must for local bands/fans.

This place is quite the find actually. Crowd is lively and all over the map. Ohhh...and drinks are cheap.

Scotty Pipins: High Life, gin and grapefruit juice, $5 -- ask for it by name Five dollars grants you entrance to this underground haven. It feels like a rec room in the basement of your college student union but with cheap drinks, life music and events like a cardboard robot meet up group-- how can you ask for more? There's a huge patio out back for lighting up and if you need to crash-- the motel/hotel area is just a stumble away.

The Highland Inn is a fantastic historic hotel. The staff is friendly and amazing, the rooms are clean and each is different. The Ballroom is gorgeous and always have something fun going on.

Nice. Love the laid back vibe, crowd, cushy sofas and location. This just may be on my new favorites list. There's a small bar area, lots of little tables around, and a cool roster of happenings. There's also a largeish courtyard area in the middle of the inn... though not sure how the actual inn guests feel about loud bar noises wafting up into their rooms, a fun time for those swarming to the ballroom lounge!

Not the fanciest of places, but Highland Inn Lounge is a great spot for events. The owner is a real supporter of the neighborhood. They host both free and paid admission events for the public. You can also reserve the space for your own event. Follow them on Facebook to see all their events!

The bar is pretty tiny you would probably never know about it if you were stumbling from Manuels up Highland Ave, but when I went tonight to see the Syrens of the South show, the drinks here were pretty big and strong and cheaper than most places!

Great little underground (literally) spot in Poncey Highland to grab a drink. I love the vintage decor and jazzy music. The bar is pretty small, but you'll still manage to get a drink from the friendly ladies. A fun place to hang out.

AKA "the Moose Lodge". All expenses were spared in the opening of this joint and I love it. Wednesday night is the only regular place to hear country in the hood. The Fringe Factory parties are not to be missed. And if you are lucky David will be video emceeing along with the grooves on any other evening. I like that there is a courtyard for the smokers (since I do not) and am shocked that parking isn't more of an issue since that lot already seemed packed with Cafe di Sol, the Inn, and Pura Vida. So far, so good. And if you get too drunk to drive home, get a room upstairs :)

My review of the Highland Ballroom would be better if people were actually there. I've only been once on a Saturday night, and it's seriously a ghost town... no wonder they have to charge cover all the time. I mean, the layout of the place is alright. There's a patio outside and the music is actually really good. But the lack of a crowd really brings down the atmosphere and we ended up leaving and going somewhere else. Maybe management should consider making one night free to rejuvenate and re-publicize the place.

I'm quite curious to know if there are any other people in here, but the people I come with, but it's a nice lil basement getaway reminiscent of frat parties. Bring the party and you can have all the space you need to dance. The Ballroom is keepin it real.

Dropped into a show here on Thursday evening and was pleasantly surprised. They have a really big, interesting space, the cover was CHEAP ($5), and cheap drinks. Pretty good sound quality for a space that big, I thought, and I can only hope that more bands I want to see end up playing here soon. I'd love to have a reason to return.

I love this place. Where else can you see a classic country cover band followed by Kraftwerk-inspired electronica played to video game images on TVs? All played in what will remind you of a psychedelic high-school lunch room cafeteria. It's so odd but so fun. Every time I've been there it's been a totally different experience... you never quite know what you'll see. It's a great hidden gem in the area. Cool spot!

I have to confess, I've been back a couple more times & the music has sounded better, the crowds have thinned out and the drinks gotten more expensive. I don't know what's the deal.

If you are like me and like to dance a little after a few drinks, this is a good option. Not super crowded, and very laid back.

If you like being treated with grace and hospitality all while in the middle of the best location, then this is the place for your event. A short walk to the Plaza Theatre, Little 5, Soul Vegetarian, the Carter Center and VA Highlands, even a grocery store! There is no other place to be in the south's largest city. Completely walkable. I've participated in several events here. You will love it.

The Highland Ballroom Lounge is a fantastic space to host an event! I held my husband's 40th birthday party there this past weekend and it was a huge hit. Valerie was great to work with and the space was easy to set up and was perfect for a casual evening of fun. We brought in party trays from Pura Vida and had a Smilebooth for pictures. The entire event was fantastic. Would definitely recommend hosting a party at this location!