Whether you’re ready to travel or simply enjoy dreaming of your next escape, there are some dreamy new accommodations throughout the South that await your arrival. Indeed, as the world shut down for much of 2020, these new boutique hotels moved forward with their openings, and we’re thankful they did. Here are the new places where you can book a room during your next travel adventure.
6 New Boutique Hotels in the South
Commodore Perry Estate
4100 Red River St., Austin, TX 78751
Tucked away in the heart of Austin’s Hancock neighborhood, Commodore Perry Estate 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 Roaring ’20s.
In terms of accommodations, options include rooms and suites at the inn, or stay in a room in the mansion. Suites at the inn are spacious and well-appointed. Accessible suite options are available with features like grab bars in the bathroom, visual fire alarms and the like. Living areas lead to patios and terraces, which offer a glimpse at the surrounding grounds. If you opt to stay at a room in the Italian Renaissance Revival-style mansion, you can select from one- and two-bedroom suites with sitting and dining areas, and with breathtaking garden views.
There are a variety of activities available to Commodore Perry guests. Experience a cocktail-making class, or lounge and listen to a vintage collection of classic vinyl while sipping on special reserves. Or take part in a meditation and mindfulness session or yoga class. Or enjoy a picnic lunch created by the culinary team as you take in the sights and sounds of the beautiful Commodore Perry Estate’s grounds.
Starting early next year, guests can enjoy a meal at Lutie’s, the on-site dining option offering a garden-inspired menu with Executive Chef Bradley Nicholson at the helm. With no detail spared, this Austin treasure is a sophisticated experience reminding guests of a bygone era.
The Commodore Perry Estate is a 10-acre property hidden in the heart of Austin, TX. Image: Commodore Perry Estate
Rooms and suites are well-appointed with thoughtful vintage touches. Image: Commodore Perry Estate
Lutie’s is on schedule to open in early 2021. Image: Commodore Perry Estate
Route 19 Inn
4898 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley, NC 28751
If you grew up going on family road trips where you pulled off for the night at a roadside motel, then get ready to relive your childhood. The Route 19 Inn is Maggie Valley’s newest retro resort, and it evokes all sorts of nostalgia. Located in a lush, wooded setting, guests can enjoy the sounds of bubbling creek waters and crisp mountain air. Room options include the “classic” hotel room, deluxe balcony rooms and two-room suites. Each space is tastefully decorated with a retro vibe and equipped with modern amenities.
Peruse the grounds and you’ll discover a life-size teepee and a carousel up-cycled from a nearby theme park. Wade in the streams, play some shuffleboard or let the kids burn off some steam on the playground. And while there is plenty to enjoy at the inn, its proximity to many nearby attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains make it that much more appealing. With so much to do and see, you’re guaranteed an exciting yet serene mountain getaway.
The Route 19 Inn’s retro neon sign has quickly become an Instagrammable icon. Image: Route 19 Inn
Tastefully decorated rooms offer a retro vibe with modern amenities. Image: Route 19 Inn
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Emeline
181 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Open since May, Emeline is Charleston’s newest boutique hotel. 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 offer everything you need for a comfortable stay. Choose from king- or double-king bedrooms, which are spacious and well-appointed — spa robes, custom linens, complimentary WiFi, purified water dispensers and more.
Dining options include dishes for all palates. Frannie & the Fox offers up a wood-fired Italian dining experience, while Clerks Coffee Company will get your day off to a caffeinated start. Or opt for an authentic Charleston dining experience at Hanks Seafood Restaurant, which overlooks Charleston City Market.
Emeline embraces the charm of historic Charleston. Image: Emeline
Frannie & the Fox specializes in shareable dishes with a wood-fired concept. Image: Emeline
Rooms feature thoughtful design details and amenities to make guests’ stay comfortable. Image: Emeline
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Graduate Hotels
Graduate Knoxville: 1706 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
Graduate Chapel Hill: 311 W Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516
The Graduate continues to make a splash with two new openings — Graduate Knoxville, and Graduate Chapel Hill. Just steps from the University of Tennessee and Neyland Stadium, Graduate Knoxville does what Graduate hotels do best: create an amazing experience packed with local flavor. Look for a festive palette of Volunteer orange and white, with added touches that specifically honor the Marble City. Other noteworthy details include Smokey wallpaper in each bathroom, and a front desk designed to mimic the appearance of a Vol navy boat.
In terms of dining, UT alum and former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning partnered with Graduate Knoxville to create a western-themed concept called Saloon 16, which is a great destination during college game days. Grab a seat at the bar, or a table on the patio. The menu features additional nods to Knoxville and Peyton, such as the Rocky Top Pork Rinds and Peyton’s Chicken Parm Sandwich. For a more subdued dining option with lighter fare, check out Poindexter, which features coffee, sandwiches, smoothies, salads and the like.
Graduate Chapel Hill is described as “tailor-made for Tarheels.” Located on Franklin Street in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill, choose from king- and queen-bed guest rooms, or go big with the presidential suite located on the top floor. All rooms are packed with comfortable amenities and tasteful decor, bedecked in Carolina Blue, and elements honoring notable Chapel Hill icons can be spotted throughout. When you’re not relaxing in the comfort of your room, enjoy the hotel’s complimentary bike rentals, squeeze in a workout in the fitness facility, or check out Chapel Hill on foot.
No detail goes unnoticed in the Graduate Knoxville’s lobby. Image: Graduate Knoxville
Peyton Manning’s vision comes to life in the Graduate Knoxville’s saloon-inspired bar. Image: Graduate Knoxville
Graduate Chapel Hill captures the nostalgia of college days — and the National Championship game-winning score by UNC alum Michael Jordan vs. Georgetown from 1982. Image: Graduate Chapel Hill
Rooms are tastefully furnished with understated nods to points of local importance — like these basketball backboard headboards. Image: Graduate Chapel Hill
The Joseph
401 Korean Veterans Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203
Nashville’s newest option for stylish accommodations is The Joseph, which opened just last month. The pet-friendly hotel is a Luxury Collection Hotel, which is part of the larger Marriott brand. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features stylish rooms, a pool, and a full-service spa. From standard rooms all the way to presidential and penthouse suites, each space features luxury linens, Italian marble, an in-room iPad, and the works of local artists.
Dining options are plentiful and include Yolan, an Italian-inspired option led by James Beard award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additional options include Denim and Four Walls — both American eateries, and the Lobby Bar.
The Joseph is located in the vibrant SoBro district in downtown Nashville. Image: The Joseph
The lobby features custom leather paneling and art by local artists. Image: The Joseph
Elegant guest rooms offer thoughtful touches in an inviting and comfortable space. Image: The Joseph
Enjoy these exciting new Southern accommodations!
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