Tuck In At These Hotels In The South

Looking for luxury in a trip? Stay the night at one of these stand-out new and updated inns and hotels in the South. Dine at acclaimed restaurants on the water, surround yourself with 20th century architecture, and listen to live music right from your lobby. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or relax by the pool, these hotels provide the perfect temporary home.

COZINESS IS KEY

Virgin Hotels | New Orleans

Central to all the city’s hot spots but in a neighborhood all its own, Virgin Hotels is only elevated by the dining options on site. Modern maximalism and artful luxury make for a comfortable stay here. A drink at Dreamboat is the best way to get a birds-eye view of the neighborhood and cuisine at Commons Club stretches far beyond classic New Orleans fare.

W Nashville | Nashville

W Nashville epitomizes Music City with live acts that take the stage inside the lobby and a retail shop carrying a range of music-inspired art and clothing. Out of more than 340 rooms, sixty are suites. They boast extra living space, divider walls, and often corner windows, offering 180-degree views of downtown. Anchoring the hotel are three restaurants and eight bars to fuel your stay.

Post House Inn | Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The Post House Inn beckons with a smartly designed, seven-room inn set atop an effortlessly cool yet homey dining room and bar. Each room has its own character, outfitted with classic furnishings and a mix of modern and antique artwork. Perks include an in-room breakfast option (think: a tray delivered with warm, super-buttery croissants, a coddled egg, slivers of prosciutto, Taleggio, and fresh fruit) and pink bicycles to borrow.

Thompson and tommie Austin | Austin

Two different hotel experiences reside under the same roof here. Thompson is for the immersive traveler, one looking to dig in, relax, and unwind. Tommie is for the ones who want to get-out-and-go. All guests get to enjoy the amenities, though, like the rooftop pool and neighboring bar Wax Myrtle’s. Downstairs, Diner Bar and the Grey Market meld Port City cuisine with local-to-Austin ingredients.

HISTORIC HOTELS IN THE SOUTH

Kimpton Sylvan Hotel | Atlanta

Set inside a 1950s-era adaptive reuse, the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel shows off a mod, mid-century aesthetic inspired by the building’s historical past. The rooms are graciously laid out, with wraparound headboards and stylish seating areas. Downstairs, the Betty has become a neighborhood hot spot—go for the duck rillette, stay for the over-the-top lobster and shellfish roast. A rooftop bar, St. Julep, features panoramic skyline views, aperitifs, and bar snacks.

Heights House Hotel | Raleigh, North Carolina

Just a short walk from downtown Raleigh, this Italianate-style mansion sits on the edge of a quiet residential district, Boylan Heights. An amalgamation of the original historic property and seamlessly blended modern additions, the 10,000-square-foot hotel houses nine luxurious guest rooms and several lounge spaces. A European-inspired breakfast buffet is served daily in the dining room. It also boasts a mini-fridge of sparkling waters and a wall-mounted custom espresso machine.

Hotel Forty Five | Macon, Georgia

Inside the circa-1920s building, Hotel Forty Five has taken up residence. Though the hotel group renovated the space, as evidenced by the modern rooms and restaurants, the first three floors still hold their historic charm with marble walls and tiled flooring. Go to Reckon for frittatas in the morning or Loom for dinner. Inspired by the city’s once-booming textile business, a fried green tomato napoleon and pork belly carbonara await.

CHANGING IT UP

JW Marriott Plant Riverside | Savannah

Marked by two glossy, twin smokestacks, the JW Marriot Plant Riverside serves as the anchor for all the buzz along the water. A suspended, chrome-dipped dinosaur introduces the space’s Mesozoic theme. The accommodations, however, turn the clock forward with marble and crystal juxtaposing exposed brick at every turn. A phone book’s worth of eateries are within arm’s reach, from oysters at District Seafood to an African-inspired menu at Baobab Lounge.

Shady Villa | Salado, Texas

Hidden between Waco and Austin, the former Stagecoach Inn entered its next chapter by returning to its original name. Along with the rewind, though, came upgrades to the rooms and common spaces. This 7-acre stretch is home to the all-day, full-service Stagecoach Restaurant, which hones produce and meat from local farms. Check their events page to see what special meals are being served or what live music is on deck.

LUXURY AWAITS AT HOTELS IN THE SOUTH

Four Seasons | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Standing at twenty-two stories with uninterrupted ocean views from the furnished balconies in each guest room and suite, guests can enjoy poolside service while dipping their toes into two horizon-edge pools. Grab a beach picnic basket packed by the Honey Fitz Cafe and explore the city’s 300 miles of intracoastal waterways on a complimentary bicycle. Head to Evelyn’s for a Southern-inspired Mediterranean menu curated by chef Brandon Salomon.

South Seas Island Resort | Captiva Island, Florida

Outfitted for families, this 330-acre resort, wildlife preserve, and estuary houses 434 accommodations, from single rooms to three-bedroom condos and private homes. Guests can enjoy a week’s worth of activities here. Cool off in one of the twenty swimming pools, play a round of beachfront golf, or charter a fishing trip. Chow down at casual, cabana-style spots like Attitudes & Latitudes or a more upscale option like Harborside Bar and Grill.