EXHIBIT 5.1

                     [MORRIS, MANNING & MARTIN LETTERHEAD]
                        A LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP
                                ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                         1600 ATLANTA FINANCIAL CENTER
                           3343 PEACHTREE ROAD, N.E.
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30326
                            TELEPHONE (404) 233-7000

                            [FORM OF LEGAL OPINION]

Lodgian, Inc.
3445 Peachtree Road, NE
Suite 700
Atlanta, GA 30326

         Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-1

Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel for Lodgian, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the
"Registration Statement"), of a proposed offering of an aggregate of _______
shares of the Company's common stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Common
Stock"). In addition, the Company has granted to the underwriters an option to
purchase ______ shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any (the
"Over-Allotment Shares").

         We have examined such documents, corporate records, and other
instruments as we have considered necessary and advisable for purposes of
rendering this opinion.

         In making the foregoing examinations, we have assumed the genuineness
of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as
originals, and the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted
to us as certified or photostatic copies. As to various questions of fact
material to this opinion, we have relied, to the extent we deem reasonably
appropriate, upon representations or certificates of officers or directors of
the Company and documents, records and instruments furnished to us by the
Company, without independent check or verification of their accuracy.

         Based upon and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that
the Common Stock and any Over-Allotment Shares being sold, when issued, sold
and delivered as contemplated in the Registration Statement, will be duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         The opinions set forth herein are limited to the laws of the State of
Delaware and applicable federal laws.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this Opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.

                                    Very truly yours,



                                    MORRIS, MANNING & MARTIN
                                    a Limited Liability Partnership



                                    By:
                                       -------------------------------------
                                       Jeffrey L. Schulte, Partner