If you’re considering turning your property into a short-term rental in Atlanta, one of the first and most crucial steps is obtaining the necessary license. Operating without the proper license can lead to legal troubles and fines. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a short-term rental license in Atlanta, ensuring that you can start your vacation rental business legally and confidently.

Step 1: Understand the Regulations Before you begin the application process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Atlanta’s local regulations for short-term rentals. These regulations may include zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, safety requirements, and tax obligations. Check with the city’s official website or relevant local authorities to access up-to-date information on the rules and regulations that apply to your area.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents and Information As you prepare to apply for a short-term rental license, gather all the necessary documents and information. This might include:

• Proof of property ownership or permission from the property owner
• A copy of your property’s Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable)
• Proof of liability insurance
• Floor plans of the rental property
• Contact information for emergency purposes
• Any other documentation required by the city

Step 3: Complete the Application Visit Atlanta’s official website or the relevant local government portal to access the short-term rental license application. Ensure that you complete all sections accurately and thoroughly. Double-check the information you provide to avoid delays in the application process.

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees Short-term rental license applications comes with an annual fee. These fees can vary. Be sure to include payment as required with your application.

Step 5: Property Inspection In some cases, Atlanta may require a property inspection before granting a short-term rental license. An inspector will ensure that your property complies with safety and health regulations. If an inspection is currently required, schedule it promptly to avoid delays.

Step 6: Obtain Necessary Approvals Depending on your property’s location and the specific regulations that apply, you might need to obtain approvals from neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, or other local bodies. Be sure to follow any additional steps or requirements outlined by these organizations.

Step 7: Await Approval After submitting your application, required documents, and fees, the city’s licensing department will review your submission. This process can take awhile. Be patient and ensure that you’re reachable in case they need additional information or have questions.

Step 8: Display Your License Once your short-term rental license is approved, you’ll receive an official license document. Display this document prominently within your rental property as required by the city’s regulations. This not only shows that you’re operating legally but also instills trust in your guests. You will also need to add it to any websites your property is listed on. There should be a section on your listing page.

Starting a short-term rental business in Atlanta involves adhering to local regulations to ensure a smooth and legal operation. By following these steps and obtaining the necessary license, you’re taking a responsible and professional approach to your vacation rental venture.

Remember that regulations can change over time, so it’s a good idea to periodically check with the city’s official sources for any updates to the licensing process. Consulting with legal professionals can also provide you with valuable guidance throughout the process.

If you need more help, reach out to us at Mastering Hospitality – we offer consulting!

And of course if you’re one of our clients, we hold your hand through the entire process!

Whether you’re a local ATLien or a first time guest in Atlanta, one term you’re sure to hear as you spend more than an hour in the A, is “The Beltline.”

So… What is the Atlanta Beltline?

The term “Atlanta Beltline” makes the project sound malleable enough to be equally simplistic and interesting. The name is only a fraction of the genius behind this city-altering endeavor.

Here is your crash course into the Atlanta Beltline.

Preparation and Anticipation

When describing the Atlanta Beltline, creator Ryan Gravel says: “The Beltline is a really transformational project for this loop of old railroads downtown.”

He continues his description by citing the problems that can come about as we continue to grow in this region at the rate that we have been for the last 60+ years. 

The focus, in Gravel’s words, is “shifting where people choose to live” as continual growth is anticipated.

Let’s be honest, if you sit in our rush hour traffic for more than twelve seconds for even two consecutive days you’ll notice the growth.

No… Seriously! There are a lot of people in this city, but for good reason, obviously.

When completed, the Beltline will transform the city, connecting forty-five neighborhoods with multi-use trails, streetcars, and parks. And all of this based on railroad lines that once encircled the city!

A work in progress…A LOT of progress.

As you wander through the Beltline, the graffiti, the restaurants, and the access to city parks will give a feel for the unique personality of Atlanta.

What’s brought to light rather flawlessly is the blend of business, entertainment, artistry, and suburbia.

All of this, and the project has yet to reach completion. Crazy, right?

At its completion, the Beltlne will circle through forty-five different neighborhoods covering thirty-three miles with several trails and parks along its path.

There are spacious lawns, playgrounds, art exhibits, and even short references on Atlanta’s history.

There’s literally something for everyone.

With multiple entry points in several high traffic areas all over Atlanta, including Piedmont Park, it provides a one of a kind tour of this amazing city. 

If you’re only here for a visit the Ponce City Market is a must. With the Beltline only steps away, you can shop, eat, have some wine, and grab coffee all in one place.

Connecting the city

As the population of Atlanta continues its rapid growth, the Beltline is connecting our city and boosting the economy significantly.

Access to this landmark solidifies Atlanta as home to locals and ensures the return for the visitor.

Whether you’re looking for food, fun, or fitness, you are guaranteed to find it on the Beltline.

For a more in-depth look at all the Atlanta Beltline has to offer, take a look at https://beltline.org. I highly recommend checking out this site. There’s so much going on with this project, it’s hard to describe in one blog post!

Leave us a message in the comments about your favorite spots on the Beltline or what you’re most excited to see during your next visit!

Whether you’re looking to get your morning started or to reinvigorate your late afternoon, here are some of the best coffee shops in Atlanta (which happen to be in some of our most historic neighborhoods!): 

The Best Coffee Shops in Atlanta

When you come to Atlanta, whether for a visit or an extended stay, one thing you are guaranteed is a strong dose of southern charm.

You’ll find it everywhere, from the fanciest of restaurants, to the most casual of our city parks, and especially in our increasingly popular coffee shops.

Coffee is a key point of connection in our city, so we’ve gathered the top 12 best coffee shops in Atlanta for your sipping pleasure. Enjoy!

Dancing Goats Coffee Bar – Old 4th Ward

In the Historic Old 4th Ward district, just as you’re clearing the residential area on North Avenue, you will find Dancing Goats Coffee Bar.

The lay out of this coffee shop is perfect. They have a smaller, cozy indoor space for the introverts among us, and a large outdoor space that is great if you want some fresh air.

The staff is amazingly friendly, and they are located right next to Ponce City Market, and just a stone’s throw away from Midtown. 

Map to Dancing Goats Coffee

Octane – West Midtown

With locations in Grant Park, West Midtown, Buckhead, and inside the Woodruff Arts Center Octane uses local products to make up their menu of coffee, tea, craft beers, cocktails, breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert items.

Octane is for everyone whether it is bright and early before heading to work, or those in need of a happy hour spot after a completing a long day at the office. 

Map to Octane

Grant Park Coffeehouse/Revelator/Community Grounds – Grant Park

Venturing into the neighborhood of Grant Park which is becoming one of the most targeted areas to settle down in, you will find 3 absolute gems: Grant Park Coffeehouse, Relevator Coffee, and Community Grounds.

Revelator’s trendy setting and fast paced vibe will satisfy the more energetic of us, while Grant Park Coffeehouse and Community Grounds are much more suited to those of us looking to relax a bit.

If you’re a savvy woman looking to connect with other like minded women, I strongly suggest Grant Park Coffeehouse’s “Savvy Women Connection”, and if you’re a performing artist of any sort, Community Grounds holds some of the best open mic nights you’ll find anywhere.

Map to Revelator

Map to Grant Park Coffeehouse

Map to Community Grounds

Brother Moto – Grant Park

There’s a street called Memorial Drive that runs through a lot of Grant Park and on it you can find one of the dopest coffee shops I’ve ever seen: Brother Moto.

Brother Moto combines a coffee shop, D.I.Y garage, and motorcycle goods store in one. Yep, you read that correctly!

If you leave Atlanta without experiencing the uniqueness that can be found here, you’re doing yourself a massive disservice. 

Map to Brother Moto

Buteco – Grant Park

Our last stop in Grant Park is at the Brazilian-inspired Buteco Coffee and Bar. Here you can find a great selection of coffee, tea, beer, wine, and Brazilian street food.

If you’re feeling creative join them for their open mic nights on Tuesdays thru August.

You can also enjoy their house Samba band early in July, and they have several other musical acts in the upcoming weeks. There’s definitely something for everyone here. 

Map to Buteco

Taproom – Kirkwood

The Kirkwood neighborhood, which sits right between East Lake and Edgewood, is home to Taproom Coffee and Beer.

I love how true to Atlanta Taproom is. The majority of the coffee and beer they provide comes from companies based right here in our backyard.

They have a great space for events, or just your normal catch-up, and they give you the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious adult beverage in the same place. What more could you ask for?

Map to Taproom

Gilly Brew Bar – Stone Mountain

Atlanta’s east side is home to an area called Stone Mountain, there you will find my personal favorite, Gilly Brew Bar.

Gilly, named after the owner’s grandfather, is housed inside what used to be the governor’s mansion and its hardwood floors with its white exterior is the definition of southern charm.

The menu is one of the most creative you’ll ever find, and if you’re free on the first Saturday of every month, “Bars behind the Bar” is not to be missed. 

Map to Gilly Brewing Co.

Refuge Coffee – Clarkston

Heading just a bit west from Stone Mountain is the Clarkston neighborhood which just so happens to be the home of the largest refugee population in the state of Georgia.

It’s also the home of Refuge Coffee Shop. Refuge was created so that refugees in our city would have one less worry while trying to build their lives here. They are the ones running the joint, and they make some damn good coffee!

Map to Refuge Coffee

Hodepodge Coffee – Reynoldstown

One of the main streets in Atlanta is called Moreland Avenue, and in addition to one of the most popular and diverse areas in our city called Little Five Points, on this street you can find Hodgepodge Coffee.

This shop is for coffee lovers and art enthusiasts alike. You can enjoy your coffee while checking out the amazing art galleries or the dope spoken word artists. 

Map to Hodgepodge

Drip Coffee Shop – Hapeville

When your tour of Atlanta is done and you’re heading back to the airport to return home, the best way to calm your nerves before the busyness of Hartsfield-Jackson slaps you in the face is to stop by the Hapeville location of Drip Coffee Shop.

It’s the perfect calm before the storm, and even boasts a pretty solid breakfast and lunch menu.

Map to Drip Hapeville

Need a dose of java? Hit up one of the best coffee shops in Atlanta today!

We could all use a little pick-me-up every once in a while. The next time you’re in Atlanta, make sure to give one of these coffee shops a try! 

How about you? What is your favorite coffee shop in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments.

Let’s be honest, brunch is not breakfast. It’s so much better! But where do you go to find the best brunch in Atlanta? In this Atlanta city guide, you’ll find the 10 best brunches in Atlanta.

Atlanta has some of the best restaurants in the South East, but no taste of the city would be complete without experiencing the best brunch. We’ve done the research (and taste testing!), so you don’t have to. Check out the amazing restaurants below and discover the 10 best brunch spots in Atlanta!

Where to Find the Best Brunch in Atlanta: Here Are Our Top 10

1.  Bread & Butterfly
French Style Bistro

You can sit and enjoy a baguette with butter and strawberry jam while drinking a cappuccino at Bread & Butterfly in the heart of Inman Park. Or sit outside and enjoy a cappuccino and buttery croissant with a seasonal breakfast.

The beautiful patio with steel doors open to Elizabeth Street! The tranquility and beauty paired with the delicious foods make this one of our top picks for best brunch in Atlanta.

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (678) 515-4536

2. The General Muir
Upscale Jewish Delicatessen

The General Muir has become indispensable for its upscale New York-style Jewish inspired menu and is one the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta.

Featuring homemade bagels with lox and schmear and its to-die-for pastrami sandwich.

What to order: Fluffy omelets, latkes with applesauce and sour cream, and poutine topped with chopped pastrami are just a few of the amazing and delicious and creative dishes at the General Muir!

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (678) 927-9131

3. Buttermilk Kitchen
Comfort and Homemade Foods

A Buckhead rock star brunch spot is Buttermilk Kitchen, known for their buttermilk biscuits and eggs. Their special Pimento Omelet is a must-try and everything on their menu is all the rave.

Chef Suzanne Vizethann makes everything from scratch every day. And you can enjoy the classics like fluffy buttermilk pancakes with melting Banner butter alongside an ivory mug of Rev Coffee.

It is no wonder why this is one of the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta!

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (682) 732-3274

4. Murphy’s
American Contemporary

Murphy’s has been a part of the Atlanta scene for more than thirty years and is one of the best places to brunch in Atlanta. It’s a restaurant, bakery, and wine shop all rolled into one.

Murphy’s serves American Contemporary comfort food, desserts and baked goods, and an extensive collection of wines. Murphy’s makes everything with fresh, local ingredients.

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (404) 872-0904

5. Folk Art
Comfort Food with a Twist

Folk Art has perfected comfort food with a twist. If you are big on having your plate loaded up, you will enjoy the southern comfort meals of shrimp & grits, fried eggs, and Texas toast, among other soul-settling mid-morning meals.

You can’t go wrong with Folk Art. Which is why it made this list of the top best brunch spots in Atlanta!

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (404) 537-4493

6. Sun in my Belly
Refined and sophisticated

Sun In My Belly is without a doubt one of the best brunch spots in Atlanta. They are located in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta just off of College Ave.

They champion seasonally fresh, local fares! Sun in my Belly brings their catering and artful expertize to the table with their dishes stand out both in taste and design, giving customers a sophisticated and delicious brunch experience!

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (404) 370-1088

7. Staplehouse
Haute Cuisine

Staplehouse is one of the top 10 best brunch spots in Atlanta and serves delicious dishes like duck with ramps and fava and scallops with cabbage.

Chef Ryan takes the vegetables the south offers and makes the most of them, reaping the benefits of Atlanta’s local farms while bucking its deep-fried stereotypes.

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | Online Only

8. Barcelona
Spanish Tapas Inspired Brunch

Barcelona is one of the top 10 best brunch spots in Atlanta because of the incredible social aspects as well as their food and wine. Imagine sitting out on one of the best patios in Inman Park, with a pitcher of sangria, a variety of tapas along with some of the chef’s specialties.

Both locals and out-of-towners rave about the service and atmosphere as well as the delicious tapas!

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (404) 589-1010

9. Homegrown
Greasy Spoon; Family-Owned

Homegrown is one of the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta for its laid-back atmosphere and the fact it serves locally sourced breakfast and Southern fair.

The retro country-diner is the perfect place to kick back with friends and family while enjoying greasy spoon favorites along with homemade biscuits!

What to order: Classics with a twist like the fried chicken sandwich on Texas toast and the BBQ Shrimp & Cheese Grits will leave your mouth watering.

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation | (404) 222-0455

10.  West Egg Cafe
American Cuisine; Specialty Coffee

West Egg is notorious for its long wait time, but it’s only because the food is that good! It is one of the top 10 brunch spots in Atlanta! A local trick is to put your name down first and then taking a stroll through the Westside Provisions farmers market.

Be sure you get one of their specialty coffee drinks, such as the Milky Way latte. West Egg’s coffee is roasted locally and delivered regularly, making it a quality product. Enjoy one of their killer brunch cocktails and delicious dishes.

Brunch Menu

Make a brunch reservation| (404) 872-3973

Ready for YOUR Best Brunch In Atlanta?

As you can see, brunch really is not breakfast. It’s way better, right?

Atlanta has some of the best brunch spots in the country, so when you’re planning your Saturday or Sunday morning, remember to check out one of these amazing restaurants!

Which one of these 10 best brunch spots are you most looking forward to trying out during your stay in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments below!