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Souths Best
The South's Best New Hotels 2020

Souths Best

The South's Best New Hotels 2020

By Southern Living Editors

March 10, 2020

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Robbie Caponetto

From the Noelle’s water stations—with still or sparkling water on tap—to the Quirk’s adjacent art gallery and afternoon tea at the Adolphus, it’s the total experience that makes these hotels so special. Going way beyond plush linens and fine dining, they offer everything from stellar rooftop views to inventive cocktails to an especially warm welcome for your pets—all in some of the South’s best destinations.
Readers voted the top spot to The Dewberry in Charleston. With a chill but sophisticated 60s vibe, it offers Charleston fans an exciting new modern stay. Chosen for very different reasons is the beachfront Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Hilton brings affordable style and comfort to this popular park. Read on to discover more reader picks—and maybe spot a few of your own favorites among them—as we highlight the top ten new hotels across the South.

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10. The Line DC (Washington, D.C.)

James Jackson

Housed in a 110-year-old former church, The Line aims to capture the eclectic character and diverse cultures of its Adams Morgan neighborhood, especially in the food and drink. Pets stay for free.

thelinehotel.com/dc, 202-588-0525, 1770 Euclid Street NW, Washington, DC, 20009

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9. Noelle (Nashville, Tennessee)

Robbie Caponetto

You couldn’t pick a better corner for a Nashville base camp than this boutique hotel sandwiched between parallel streets Printer’s Alley and 4th Avenue North at Church Street. Rare Bird is the hotel’s popular rooftop bar, but seek out the speakeasy Hidden Bar beneath the hotel. Pets welcome with no extra fees.

noelle-nashville.com, 615-649-5000, 200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN, 37219

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8. The Adolphus (Dallas, Texas)

Courtesy of The Adolphus Hotel

The historic property was reimagined during a two-year renovation that began in 2016. Its luxe elegance remains, including the experience of afternoon Tea at the Adolphus. Pets welcome, with restrictions; extra fee.

adolphus.com, 214-742-8200, 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX, 75202

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7. Amelia Schoolhouse Inn (Fernandina Beach, Florida)

Courtesy of Amelia Schoolhouse Inn

Built in 1886, the first schoolhouse on Amelia Island is now a 17-room boutique hotel with a lobby bar fittingly called The Principal’s Office, where you can order a Dunce Cap cocktail. (Southern Living Hotel Collection Member)

ameliaschoolhouseinn.com, 904-310-6264, 914 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL, 32034

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6. Hotel Clermont (Atlanta, Georgia)

Robbie Caponetto

You might want to style your hair into a flip when you step inside this cool-and-quirky renovation of the 1924 Clermont Motor Hotel, located in the Poncey-Highland neighborhood. (FYI, the Clermont Lounge, Atlanta’s oldest dive bar and strip club, is alive and well in the basement, though not part of the hotel.) Limited pet-friendly rooms; extra fee.

hotelclermont.com, 470-485-0485, 789 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA, 30306

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5. Quirk Hotel (Richmond, Virginia)

Robbie Caponetto

Housed in the former J.B. Mosby department store, the Quirk reclaimed the original maple and pine floors (and named its signature restaurant, led by executive chef David Dunlap, Maple & Pine). Dogs welcome, with restrictions; extra fee.

destinationhotels.com/quirk-hotel, 804-340-6040, 201 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220

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4. Hotel Bennett (Charleston, South Carolina)

Modus Photography

Charleston native and developer-restaurateur Michael Bennett created this new King Street property, where Southern hospitality meets European style. Dogs welcome, with restrictions; extra fee.

hotelbennett.com, 833-331-9616, 404 King Street,Charleston, SC, 29403

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3. The Lodge at Gulf State Park (Gulf Shores, Alabama)

Courtesy of Hilton Hotels and Resorts

This Hilton property has won accolades for its commitment to green practices and sustainability, but also for its style, comfort, and incredible Gulf views. Some rooms come with Murphy beds or bunks.

lodgeatgulfstatepark.com, 251-540-4000, 21196 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, AL, 36542

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2. Perry Lane, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah (Savannah, Georgia)

Courtesy of Perry Lane Hotel

A boutique property in the historic district, Perry Lane somehow manages to be both sleek and modern, yet totally Savannah. Don’t miss the rooftop bar, Peregrin. Dog-friendly, with restrictions; extra fee.

perrylanehotel.com, 912-415-9000, 256 East Perry Street, Savannah, GA, 31401

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1. The Dewberry (Charleston, South Carolina)

Peter Frank Edwards

A midcentury wonder in historic downtown Charleston, The Dewberry features furnishings and décor that update, without diminishing, its 1960s panache. The hotel’s Living Room bar is a standout—even in this city.

thedewberrycharleston.com, 843-558-8000, 334 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29403

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