By Lindsay Field Penticuff

One of Atlanta’s fastest-growing neighborhoods is still gleaming over the opening of one of its newest boutique hotels: Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

A sophisticated hot spot that boasts 161 inviting yet contemporary suites and guest rooms, Bellyard is managed by Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group, and owned by Three P Partners. The chic property is conveniently located in The Interlock, a $450 million modern, industrial-inspired mixed-use development, which quickly is becoming known as the place to be for working, playing and staying. Bellyard opened in May 2021 and has provided visitors not only with outstanding, lavish accommodations, but also easy access to West Midtown and its incredible amenities, which include refined boutiques, coveted restaurants and more.

Making the Connection

West Midtown has a long history of industry and commerce that dates back to the cotton gin and railroad era. This district has been active since 1837, and Bellyard pays homage to the history of the area and how industry and commerce continue to hold a key place in the neighborhood’s identity.

To start, the hotel’s design immerses guests in the rich history of West Midtown Atlanta and The Interlock, nodding to the area’s historic stockyards and railroads with thoughtful touches curated by local artisans and designers, including warm, white oak wood flooring contrasting against dark wood accents, handcrafted custom suite tables, woven rugs and natural, industrial-style walls and ceilings. It also includes more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, rooftop pool and bar and an outpost of the Saint Germain French Bakery.

“Our vision for Bellyard is a destination that mirrors the soul and surroundings of Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood, where both residents and travelers can create genuine connections,” says General Manager Brendan Abraham. “Bellyard embodies a refined yet approachable escape that replicates the feeling of staying at a lifelong friend’s home.”

Based on first-hand experience with their approach to Hotel Bella Grace in Charleston, South Carolina, the team at Pivot is confident that they will be able to continue to innovate and deliver the same level of excellence for this unparalleled new hotel, Chip Patterson, partner with Three P Partners, explains. “In partnership with a best-in-class lifestyle operator, we are excited to create an inventive journey for guests that celebrates the hard work and character of the historical stockyards that shaped the landscape of West Midtown and Atlanta at large,” he says. “Bellyard will be the place to come together with kindred spirits in a thoughtfully creative and inspiring environment.”

In the Neighborhood

“It is truly an honor to be involved in such an important, revitalizing development here in our hometown of Atlanta, and with partners we respect so much,” observes Thom Geshay, president of Davidson Hospitality Group. “Bellyard was the first hotel to open in this bustling entertainment and shopping hot spot. Through relentless passion for delivering bold, memorable experiences, we look forward to not just meeting, but also exceeding the expectations of our partners at Three P Partners.”

In addition to being located in The Interlock, with its outstanding social scene, Bellyard allows guests to enjoy access to a wide array of arts and culture venues throughout the City of Atlanta, such as the National Center of Civil and Human Rights, the Woodruff Arts Center, Piedmont Park, the Georgia Aquarium and more. The combination of walkability to neighborhood locales and proximity to world-renowned venues citywide helps put Bellyard in its own category when it comes to features and amenities.

Wine and Dine

While surrounded by a host of exceptional fine dining spots and delectable local eateries in West Midtown, Bellyard has an advantage that other properties do not: Drawbar.

Bellyard recently selected a local culinary powerhouse as executive chef for its onsite restaurant experience. Christina Wai was the appointed culinary visionary for Drawbar, which is the hotel’s ultramodern dining and drinking destination. Wai brings a wealth of experience in executive and sous chef positions to the hospitality hot spot, and at Bellyard, she spearheads the culinary program, executes menu creation, drives culinary outlet operations, builds strong relationships with purveyors and fosters a positive culture within her team.

A Year in the Life

In May, Bellyard celebrated one year since its grand opening with a mystical birthday bash. It was a salute not only to the hard work that brought the hotel to fruition, but also to the mark it has made on metro Atlanta’s hospitality scene.

“With the debut of Bellyard, Atlanta’s hotel portfolio continues to expand and offers visitors new experiences within the booming West Midtown neighborhood,” notes William Pate, President and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The property brings refreshed options within walking distance of chef-driven restaurants and local shops, keeping Atlanta top-of-mind as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers.”

For more information, visit bellyardhotel.com.