When travel abroad comes to a halt, it’s time to explore our own backyard. If stateside travel is on your bucket list for this year — or you just love drooling at beautiful hotels — this story is for you. Some of your favorite or yet-to-be-explored Southern destinations are abuzz with hotel openings, and most all of them come with exceptional dining and imbibing options on the premises. We’re dishing on the South’s newest, hottest and most unique boutique hotels that are definitely worth the quick flight or road trip!
Commodore Perry Estate: Austin, TX
Tucked away in the heart of Austin’s Hancock neighborhood, The Commodore Perry was originally built in the Jazz Age in 1928 as the country home of businessman Edgar Perry and his wife, Lutie. Recently reimagined as an intimate urban getaway, the Estate has been restored into a boutique hotel reminiscent of the glamour associated with the 1920 era. Amenities include one-of-a-kind rooms and suites featuring vintage touches and scenic views of the property’s gardens. Experience a cocktail-making class, or lounge and listen to a vintage collection of classic vinyl while sipping on special reserves. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dine at the Estate’s highly anticipated restaurant Luties, which offers a garden-inspired menu rooted in Texas heritage. With no detail spared, this Austin treasure is a sophisticated and glamorous experience reminding guests of a world gone-by.
Route 19 Inn: Maggie Valley, NC
Fulfill your road-trip dreams at Route 19 Inn, Maggie Valley’s newest retro resort. Recently restored to its former glory, the hotel offers a laid-back and nostalgic experience for all. Mid-century modern guest rooms are nestled amongst hardwood forests and mountain streams, creating a relaxing and picturesque ambiance. Whimsical hotel attractions include a classic neon sign, and a mural of the infamous nearby “Tail of the Dragon.” The property’s courtyard also features a life-size teepee and a carousel up-cycled from a nearby theme park. Off-site attractions include the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway. With so much to do and see, you’re guaranteed an exciting yet serene mountain getaway.
Emmeline Hotel: Charleston, SC
Recently opened in May, Hotel Emmeline is Charleston’s newest boutique hotel to grace historic 181 Church Street. Previously home to a chain-hotel, the property was completely redesigned to embrace Charleston’s low-country aesthetic. The new space features locally curated amenities, such as ceramic vanity accessories by local Charleston artist Susan Gregory, and “Keep Shop,” an artisan shop that offers one-of-a-kind clothing, goods, and print designs by Charleston-native makers and artists. Guest rooms and suites also feature custom Crosley turn-tables and field guides to the city. Dining amenities include Clerks Coffee Co, and Frannie and the Fox, which the hotel website describes as an “all-day dining experience featuring wood-fired regional dishes with Italian sensibilities.” They are currently offering a grand-opening special, which includes a $60 food and beverage dining credit, and a complimentary room upgrade. Run, don’t walk.
The Drayton Hotel: Savannah, GA
New to Savannah in 2019, The Drayton occupies one of Savannah’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1890s. Situated in the center of the city’s Historic District, the hotel boasts a rooftop bar with picturesque panoramic views of both City Hall and the Savannah River. Their 50 rooms and suites feature reclaimed wood floors and fine linens with unbeatable views of the surrounding historic neighborhoods. Be sure to enjoy a meal at their signature restaurant, St. Neo, a seafood brasserie and oyster bar that celebrates the South while leaning on French influence. The sophisticated spot features delicious and innovative menu items such as an oysters Rockefeller salad, sea scallop with country ham and apple brown butter, and green tomato gazpacho. Take advantage of their “Summer Escape” offer, where you stay 2 nights and receive a complimentary 3rd consecutive night. We’re on the way!
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Higgins Hotel: New Orleans, LA
New Orlean’s newest and highly anticipated hotel opened this past December. Higgins Hotel was named in honor of Andrew Higgins, who was a New Orleans-based entrepreneur that designed and built over 20,000 boats used in WWII assaults. The boutique hotel is an extension of New Orlean’s WWII Museum, one of the city’s most popular attractions, and is almost as much a museum as it is a place to stay. Black and white photographs adorn the hotel walls, depicting aspects of the war and 1940s New Orleans. Art deco guest rooms mimic the style of the time. Higgin’s lobby lounge, Kilroys, even features replica bomber jackets and aviator-style chairs. Be sure to venture to Rosie’s on the Roof, a rooftop bar that pays homage to Rosie the Riveter. Favorites include their loaded Riveter Fries, and Rosie’s Smashed Hamburger. Already receiving notable attention, Higgins Hotel is quickly becoming a must-stay when visiting the Big Easy.
Graduate Hotels: Knoxville, TN & Chapel Hill, NC
The Graduate continues to make a splash with two new openings – one in Knoxville, and the other in Chapel Hill. Just steps from the University of Tennessee and Neyland Stadium, the Graduate Knoxville features a festive palette of Volunteer orange and white, with added touches that specifically honor the Marble City. There’s even a high-end western themed bar in partnership with UT alum and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning. Other awe-inspiring details include Smokey wallpaper in each bathroom, and a front desk designed to mimic the appearance of a Vol navy boat.
Also embracing the college town’s celebratory spirit, the Graduate Chapel Hill is “tailor-made for Tarheels.” Located in the center of downtown, the hotel is walking distance from Chapel Hill’s campus. Guest rooms are bedecked in Carolina Blue, and elements honoring notable Chapel Hill icons can be spotted throughout. Mentionable details include the front desk, which forever flashes the iconic score from 1982. The Graduate’s knack for nostalgia ensures that you will be able to relive your college glory days at either of these new and exciting spots.
The Joseph: Nashville, TN
Describing itself as “an embodiment of Nashville at its most refined,” The Joseph is a highly anticipated hotel recently opened in the city’s SoBro district. James Beard award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano heads the hotel’s food and beverage program, with dining outlets including a fine dining restaurant, a rooftop lounge, an espresso bar, and even an Italian-style tea service. In addition, guest rooms salute local Nashville brands by offering products from Olive & Sinclair, Poppy & Peep, Colts Chocolates and Bearded Iris Brewing. Other notable highlights include an unparalleled art collection specifically selected with Nashville’s unique beauty and complexity in mind. The Joseph is a Nashville accommodation guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy these exciting new Southern accommodations!
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