Regional Roundup: Stunning Boutique Hotels To Try Throughout The Southeast
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Even before going to design school, I always had a fascination and interest in beautiful spaces. Through school projects and studio internships however, I found a love and appreciation not only for residential spaces, but also for hospitality design. Much like hospitality with the home, the boutique hospitality design industry is a blend between creating a home away from home that welcomes guests, invites them in and provides an environment that speaks of who the company is behind the environment. Seeing this blend of design, hospitality, and travel, I wanted to highlight a few boutique hotels throughout the Southeastern region that not only have gorgeous design, but also provide unique ways to experience the local culture of each area. Large hotel chains certainly have a place and are fabulous for their rewards programs, consistent service / offerings, and vast array of locations, but finding a local hotel that can provide an inside experience to a different portion of the country is always worth the investment in my opinion.
Whether you are looking for your next travel destination and are dying to experience a new area or are local wanting to embrace a lovely staycation, these next 10 boutique hotels throughout the southeast can provide a beautiful start for your summer getaway. While I certainly have not tried all these fabulous spots, they definitely are added to my travel list as they truly are too beautiful to stay away!
The Highlander – North Carolina
Tucked into the Western North Carolina mountains, the Highlander Mountain House is a cozy English countryside inspired hotel that seems to be the perfect springboard for mountain adventures. Complete with 18 rooms and a Tavern called The Ruffed Grouse, this retreat was originally built in 1885 and has since been featured in Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Conde Nast Traveler, and other such publications. With unique guestrooms, moody colors and rustic accents, this boutique hotel truly provides a step into a timeless local mountain aesthetic. Only a couple of hours outside of Asheville / Atlanta and located in the charming town of Highlands, there is plenty of shopping, hiking and overall relaxing to do at the Highlander Mountain House.
The Oliver Hotel – Tennessee
Another beautiful boutique hotel, the historic Oliver Hotel provides a quaint stop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally the Peter Kern Bakery built in 1876, the building for The Oliver is centrally located to art museums, local music, restaurants and parks and is now considered one of the city’s gems as it has changed overtime. Today, this boutique hotel features 28 rooms and three onsite restaurants, including the Oliver Royale, Peter Kern Library (speakeasy bar), and Tupelo Honey Café. With a mix of jewel toned colors, rich wood accents, paneling and art deco styled tile, this hotel was given the 2020 Traveler’s Choice Award by TripAdvisor and is part of the Southern Living Hotel Collection. With such accolades, the Oliver certainly offers a fun launching point to fully experience all that Knoxville has to offer.
The Betsy – Florida
Moving from charming mountain towns and quaint cities, the next beautiful boutique hotel to experience is The Betsy in Miami, Florida. Designed with vintage glam in mind, The Betsy offers 130 stunning guest rooms, two dining options (LT Steak & Seafood and The Alley), rooftop decks, two pools, a library, and a spa. This boutique hotel offers beautiful, sophisticated tropical suites that will definitely inspire a luxurious beach stay. Whether you are experiencing the hotel beauty while listening to jazz in the lobby, participating in an artist meet and greet (they have hosted more than 1,000 artists), lounging on the beach or visiting one of Miami’s many offerings (including the Miami City Ballet or the New World Symphony), The Betsy offers a plethora of ways to experience the local beauty of design and culture in Miami.
The Chloe – Louisiana
Continuing with the theme of first named hotels, The Chloe gives a beautiful look into the local design flair of New Orleans. Enriched in history, this renovated 19th century Louisiana mansion features eclectic artwork by local artists, intricate molding details, stylish parlors, and antique furniture pieces throughout the 14 guest rooms, onsite restaurant, bars and pool area. Each space has been so successfully curated to maintain southern hospitality while providing a mingling of old and new that The Chloe has been featured by Conde Nast Traveler, The New York Times Style Magazine and Travel & Leisure. Unlike the large-scale boutique hotel of The Betsy, The Chloe provides an intimate look at New Orleans culture, both past and present.
Hotel Trundle – South Carolina
Set in the Capital of South Carolina, Hotel Trundle is a boutique hotel treasure. Having worked with the design firm that helped to create this hotel and having stayed here myself, I can truly attest to the fun quirky atmosphere that is integrated into the framework of this hotel. Set within the historic West Auto / Rose Talbert Paints building, this hotel features 41 rooms, lobby, and fitness spaces that all reflect the unique arts and local flair of Columbia. Between the mix of handmade plaster tiles for their logo wall, fun gallery of art, exposed brick walls and custom live edge gathering table, this hotel (now apart of the Southern Living Hotel collection) is a special place blending history and design into a cohesive whole. While other hotels on this list feature a list of amenities within their location, the husband-and-wife team behind Hotel Trundle sought to create package offers to help guests experience the local atmosphere of Columbia. Whether taking part in their Picnic Fancy package, Artsy Package, Brewery Package, Foodie Package, or many other package adventures, you can create memorable experiences while staying in a beautiful, welcoming environment.
The Grady Hotel – Kentucky
Nestled into downtown Louisville, The Grady Hotel brings hospitality to its guests. Once home to Swann Abram Hat Company (known for their Kentucky Derby hats) and built in 1883, The Grady Hotel has classic Kentucky design with a touch of modern flair. I particularly love the black and white penny tiled bathroom floors, blue leather headboards and expansive windows that adorn each of the 51 rooms throughout the hotel. With food and drinks available at The Wild Swann, guests can get a taste of traditional Louisville cocktails while enjoying the spirit of Kentucky. Whether going to visit Churchill Downs, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory or any number of other downtown sights, this boutique hotel will provide a glamorous backdrop to your Kentucky experience.
The Clifton – Virginia
Unlike the downtown vintage glam of The Grady Hotel, The Clifton provides a 100-acre Virginia countryside escape. Located in the Virginia wine country near Charlottesville, this 1799 historic boutique hotel offers the 1799 restaurant and Copper Bar in addition to 20 unique guest rooms and suites within the Manor House, Collina Farmhouse, Livery Stables and Garden Cottages. Full of history and overlooking both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, The Clifton is marked by beautiful paneling, integrated bookcases, colonial architecture and chic, romantic design. Whether exploring the sights of Charlottesville or enjoying the infinity pool, hot tub, walking trails, or croquet lawn onsite, guests will have many treasures to explore within their stay at The Clifton.
Hotel Emeline – South Carolina
Given Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2021, Hotel Emeline is a darling boutique hotel gem in Charleston, South Carolina. If you have not visited Charleston before, I most certainly would recommend, as it is a city full of southern charm, delicious low country seafood, gorgeous architecture, and fascinating history. Built in 1852, the building that now hosts Hotel Emeline is situated in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. The contrast between the rich wood tones, deep velvets, white moldings, and beige caning provides both colorful and textural interest at each point. Whether using one of their complementary bikes or Emeline Countryman MINI Coopers to explore the city, or simply exploring the Frannie & The Fox (Italian Restaurant) or Clerks Coffee Co onsite, Hotel Emeline is a beautiful way to start off your summer vacation.
Blackberry Farm – Tennessee
If you are looking for a hidden oasis tucked away in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is most certainly the spot for you. Situated on 4,200 Tennessee acres, Blackberry Farm offers Farmstead tasting tours, a clays course, archery, carriage rides, cycling, fly fishing, hiking, a spa, paintball, paddle sports, horseback riding and much more. Beyond just its many amazing activity offerings however, Blackberry Farm has a lovely variety of accommodations ranging in historic rooms to entire cottages. Their very own Blackberry Farm Design firm (who also helped to renovate The Clifton) has brought sophistication and luxurious living to every part of their facilities which provides a warm home away from home feel for each of their guests. This boutique hotel most certainly qualifies for a stunning find in whichever season you experience it.
The Drayton Hotel – Georgia
Lastly, but certainly not least, our list of stunning hotels would not be complete without The Drayton Hotel located in Savannah, Georgia. Another historic gem, Savannah is the Charleston of the Georgia coast. Featuring 50 rooms and suites, The Drayton Hotel provides a unique springboard to explore the city with its seafood restaurant, rooftop bar and walkable location. Built in the 1890s, the design of The Drayton Hotel features a blend of tropical lush greenery within the lobby, Victorian architecture, and colorful mid century modern furnishings. While this blend might seem unique, I believe it is a perfect representation of the colorful local atmosphere of Savannah, which balances history, the arts (brought by the Savannah College of Arts and Design / SCAD) and southern charm all at once.
Final Thoughts
While certainly not a complete list of all the stunning boutique hotels throughout the Southeast, these 10 properties were findings that I believe beautifully marry design, travel and hospitality. As I have only had the privilege to stay in one of these amazing places, I look forward to adding the others to my travel bucket list to enjoy for summer travels, weekend trips or fall retreats in the future!
Have you been able to try out these locations or found other boutique hotel gems in the region? If so, I would love to know in the comment section below!
Happy traveling!
