The 10 Must-See

Hotels of the South

From the luxurious to the curious, 

Click explores the best places to stay in the region

 

Story by: Click Staff 

1. Inn on Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina

This expansive bit of Asheville acreage is home to the Biltmore Estate, a sprawling estate known as “America’s largest home”. This French Renaissance chateau, which once belonged to famed art collector George Vanderbilt, offers a guided tour of the finer things in life, featuring an 8,000-acre backyard, a winery, dozens of pieces of fine art and architecture and a picturesque azalea garden that plays host to a number of rare plant species. The Inn on Biltmore Estate provides the perfect hub to explore the grounds, with round-the-clock amenities ranging from cozy comforts like customized bath robes and slippers to complimentary room delivery from nearby shops.

 

 

2. 21c Museum Hotel  - Louisville, Kentucky

Contemporary art and luxurious trappings come together in Louisville’s 21c Museum Hotel. This 91-room boutique packs an array of eclectic sculptures, paintings and ever-changing modern art exhibits, available for visitation 24 hours a day. Rooms come stocked with an array of amenities, including pewter mint julep cups and a deluxe coffee maker, as well as ergonomic chairs and office space for the busy traveler. The nearby award-winning hotel bar, Proof on Main, offers a bevy of conventional dishes from local farmers and artisanal producers. Additionally, the historic Churchill Downs is just a 10-minute drive away, making this an ideal destination for Kentucky Derby fans.

 

 

3. Capital Hotel - Little Rock, Arkansas

The iconic red-and-white front of the historic 94-room Capital Inn should be familiar to most visitors – this historic hotel has earned the nickname “The Front Porch of Little Rock” over the years. The roomy suites present a living area featuring a sofa, lounge chairs coffee tables and a large desk and the nearby Capital Bar & Grill has been hailed as an Arkansas oasis by numerous publications for its top-notch service and use of all-natural ingredients in both cooking and cocktails, providing the perfect mix of business and pleasure. In addition, this beautiful downtown hotel is just a short walk from the Clinton Presidential Library, one of Little Rock’s most frequently visited destinations.

 

 

4. Blackberry Farm  - Walland, Tennessee

Run away to the Great Smokies with the lavish lodgings provided at Blackberry Farm, which has earned recognition as one of the top food and wine resorts in the country, earning accolades from Southern Living and the James Beard foundation for outstanding service and uniquely Southern, farm-fresh delicacies. The lavish 9,200-acre East Tennessee trappings offer a mix of luxury resort settings and traditional farm living, with a number of seasonal foods including cheeses, jams and other artisanal goods. And speaking of seasonal, a growing on-site brewery is on tap, with seasonal small-batch beers released year-round. 

 

 

5. Hotel Monteleone - New Orleans, Louisiana

The historic, family-owned Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter of New Orleans offers one of the best ways to take it easy in the big easy, with services and amenities that include a rooftop fitness center, a pet care package that includes treats and a brochure chocked with pet-friendly places to visit, and the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge. The Carousel, the city’s only rotating bar, provides the perfect place to sip Sazerac and watch the world go by. And for a taste of authentic creole cuisine, check out nearby Criollo Restaurant for a selection of fresh seafood and gumbo.

 

 

6. River Inn of Harbor Town - Memphis, Tennessee

Whether you’re seeking riverside relaxation or the booming blues of Beale Street, it doesn’t get much better The River Inn at Harbor Town. Each of the four floors boasts library-style seating areas infused with rich Southern and European décor. Located on the edge of the Mighty Mississippi, this 28-room hotel is just a short drive from major Memphis attractions like the FedExForum, live music and tasty barbecue from joints like Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous and The Blues City Café. Those seeking a traditional Southern dining experience can enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast at Paulette’s Restaurant.

 

 

7. Postcard Inn  - St. Pete Beach, Florida

At the sandy getaway of Postcard Inn, no two rooms are the same and the informal dress code is comprised of bathing suits and bare feet. This hip, charming boutique hotel right off the Pearly shores of St. Pete Beach provides the perfect escape just minutes away from nearby Tampa. Each room is a personally decorated in a throwback surfer style with enough gusto to sway even the staunchest of beach bums. For hungry surfers, PCI Bar & Grill offers all you’d expect from a beachfront snack shack, from burgers to barbecue and fresh seafood. The nearby downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa areas offer a ton of activities, including the surreal Salvador Dali Museum and Busch Gardens.

 

 

8. Planters Inn - Charleston, South Carolina

This 64-room hotel is packed with Charleston charm and lowcountry style with a design that serves as an ode to antebellum. Located right in the heart of the city’s historic district, Planters Inn features high ceilings, four-poster king size beds with hemstitched Mascioni bedding and lavish marble bathrooms. Amenities include a concierge service, perfect for a little assistance when exploring the city that was recently hailed as “the most polite and hospitable city in America” by Southern Living. The nearby Peninsula Grill proudly espouses Southern cooking with high-class culinary expertise, with a variety of crab and oyster dishes, traditional meat-and-potatoes dining and their famous “Ultimate Coconut Cake.” 

 

 

9. Gorham’s Bluff  - Pisgah, Alabama

When it comes to gorgeous views, few can top the spectacular perspective granted by Gorham’s Bluff. This charming inn overlooking the Tennessee River sits high atop Sand Mountain, just a little more than half an hour to the hiking trails of Chattanooga and several state parks. Guests are given the choice between staying in the lodge area or one of several cottages for added privacy. Each suite of the lodge offers a massive stone fireplace and whirlpool tubs for the ultimate in rest and relaxation in between exploring the all-in-one community flanked with picket fences. 

 

 

10. Como Inn - Como, Mississippi

The tiny, quaint Como Inn is among the best-kept secrets of the eponymous North Mississippi town it calls home.  This six-room inn boasts a unique and rustic 19th century style alongside modern amenities like wireless internet, flat screen televisions and a fully-stocked kitchen. Loaded with antique furnishings and Southern charm, the Como Inn’s proximity to Como Steakhouse and the popular 211 Main reception hall make it a popular wedding destination. And with just a 45-minute drive to the nearby Oxford, Tunica and Memphis, the Como Inn can provide a much-needed small-town getaway from the busier burgs.