Did travel find a place on your vision board this year? If so, you’ll want to lean-in to this story and take notes. While heading abroad is always a dream, the truth is you don’t have to venture too far to have an amazing vacation. In fact, hitting the newest and most noteworthy spots is just a short jaunt away. This year, the South is abuzz with boutique hotel openings. From accommodations steps beyond your front door to a few destinations worth the drive or quick flight, we’re dishing on the South’s newest and most swoon-worthy boutique hotels that you’ll definitely want to add to your travel bucket list.
The Foundry | Asheville, NC
Asheville, one of our favorite mountain escapes, debuted its latest accommodations in late November 2018. The Foundry Hotel, an 87-room property, is the result of the restoration of Asheville’s original steel foundry. In fact, the historical building once supplied steel for some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the storied Biltmore Estate. Exposed beams and brick remind visitors of the building’s past, while the latest amenities, like a complimentary, first-come, first-serve Tesla car service, look towards its future. Of course, Asheville is well-known for its food and beverage scene, and the hotel rises to the occasion. Diners will find a marriage of comfort and class at Benne on Eagle, the property’s soul food-forward restaurant.
Asheville’s The Foundry is an 87-room property that your gear-loving man can get excited about; the hotel offers a complimentary Tesla for exploring the mountain town. Image: The Foundry
Exposed brick and beams pay homage to the building’s historic past. Image: The Foundry
RELATED: 6 of the South’s Newest Boutique Hotels
The AC Hotel and Moxy | Atlanta, GA
When two hotel brands join forces, the result is bound to be epic, and that’s exactly the case with the dual-branded AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown and Moxy Atlanta Midtown. Technically two hotels in one, this could be the future of boutique hotels as we know them. The hotels are situated on one of Atlanta’s city blocks central to the art district, which includes The High Museum of Art and Symphony Hall. As a result, the hotels place emphasis on their curated art collection. A mural by famed local street artist Greg Mike is the focal point of the Moxy’s lobby. Walkable amenities provide guests with a variety of experiences right at their fingertips. Before exploring the neighborhood, stop at High Note, the hotels’ shared rooftop pool, bar, lounge and fitness space.
Greg Mike’s vibrant mural is the artist’s first permanent indoor installation and can be found inside Atlanta’s AC Hotel Atlanta Midtown and Moxy Atlanta Midtown. Image: Moxy Atlanta Midtown
Hotel Bennett | Charleston, SC
Officially the newest hotel on our list, Hotel Bennett opened to the public on February 1, 2019. The 179-room hotel is located in the heart of Charleston at the corners of King Street and Marion Square. In true Charleston fashion, the historic property once held the original west wing of The Citadel, and at one point, it was home to the Charleston Library. Its strong historical footing will surely mean a sturdy place among Charleston’s finest accommodations. Visitors to the hotel will find a five-treatment-room spa along with several eateries, meaning that you won’t have to go far to enjoy fabulous experiences. Choose from Gabrielle Restaurant and Bar helmed by Executive Chef Michael Sichel, the hotel’s chic rooftop bar Fiat Lux, on-site champagne bar (mais oui!) Camellias, or La Patisserie, a French cafe like no other.
Charleston’s Hotel Bennett opened to the public on February 1, 2019, making it the newest hotel on our list. Image: Salamander Hotels and Resorts
Hu. Hotel | Memphis, TN
Memphis’s Hu. Hotel, which debuted only recently, is named for famed resident Hugh Lawson White Brinkley, the man who is credited with putting Memphis on the map as a desirable shipping hub as well as the one responsible for planning the building that now houses Hu. The 110-room hotel aims to honor Hugh’s history and embody his forward-thinking spirit. Rooms are decorated in a subtle color palette with art deco-meets-mid-century-mod-inspired furnishings. The star of the hotel show just may be the restaurant, Hu. Diner, an upscale diner concept, but we’re also big fans of the on-site coffee bar, Hu. Cafe and rooftop lounge, Hu. Roof.
Hu. Hotel is named after historic Memphis resident, Hugh Lawson White Brinkley, the man credited with planning the site on which the hotel now sits. Image: Hu. Hotel
Art-deco meets mid-century mod in each of Hu.’s 110 guest rooms. Image: Hu. Hotel
Holston House | Nashville, TN
While Holston House is nearing its first birthday, we couldn’t help but include it on our boutique hotel round-up. The first Hyatt Unbound Collection property in Nashville, the hotel offers all of the expectations of a Hyatt with all of the luxury of a boutique experience. The 191 guest rooms feature C.O. Bigelow bath products, and many offer incredible views of the city below. If you’re really looking to splurge for your stay, book the 12th floor’s Presidential King Suite, which comes complete with a private balcony and a stunning green marble fireplace. Our favorite spot at Holston House, however, just may be the lobby; it’s simply breathtaking.
The Holston House lobby is the best possible first impression for hotel visitors. Image: Holston House
If you’re ready to splurge for a night in Nashville, consider booking Holston House’s Presidential Suite. Image: Holston House
Hotel Peter and Paul | New Orleans, LA
Literature lovers will delight in Hotel Peter and Paul, one of New Orleans’ latest on the accommodation scene. After all, how many people can say they’ve stayed in a building that appeared within the pages of A Confederacy of Dunces? Built in the restored remains of a former school house, rectory, church and convent, Hotel Peter and Paul is named after its namesake saints. Rooms are housed in the school (59 rooms), the rectory (5 rooms) and the convent (7 rooms), while the church serves as an event space. Of course, what’s a fantastic hotel without an equally fantastic watering hole? The Elysian Bar is located on the ground floor of the rectory and offers several gathering spots in various corners of the space for small bites, coffee and cocktails.
Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans is comprised of 71 rooms that are housed in a renovated school house, rectory, church and convent. Image: Hotel Peter and Paul
The ground floor of Hotel Peter and Paul’s rectory offers several spots to steal away for peace and quiet (and a drink too!). Image: Hotel Peter and Paul
Enjoy your travels — and these amazing Southern accommodations!
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