The Best Places to Stay in Every Southern State

March 12, 2019
Peter Frank Edwards
Check into a fantastic resort, an elegant hotel, or an intimate little hideaway with authentic character, and your vacation is all but made. There’s no question that lodging matters—a lot. But Southerners don’t have a cookie-cutter definition of a dream location. Maybe yours is a romantic, historic inn with hidden courtyards, loads of charm, and a gourmet breakfast for two—or a tropical resort that offers as much pool space as floorspace, along with fruity drinks you can sip under an umbrella. Of course, there will always be a place for sophisticated city hotels with lavish lobbies, skyline views from rooftop bars, and upscale restaurants where dinner really is an event. When we asked our readers to name their favorites across the region, they chose all of the above. And why not? The South has some of the best places you’ll find anywhere. We are, after all, famous for our hospitality, and these spots take it to a whole new level. So treat yourself, and book a room. You can trust us with your wake-up call.* Southern Living Hotel Collection Member
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1 of 17

Alabama

Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
  • The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa
  • Mobile
  • marriott.com
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2 of 17

Arkansas

Credit: Courtesy of 21c Museum Hotels

3 of 17

Florida

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
  • The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
  • St. Petersburg
  • marriott.com
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4 of 17

Georgia

Credit: Peter Frank Edwards

5 of 17

Kentucky

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

6 of 17

Louisiana

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
  • Ace Hotel New Orleans (pictured above)
  • New Orleans
  • acehotel.com
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7 of 17

Maryland

Credit: Deborah Jaffe

8 of 17

Mississippi

Credit: Allison Miksch

9 of 17

Missouri

Credit: Nancy Nolan

Big Cedar Lodge (pictured above)
Ridgedale
bigcedar.com

  • The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis
  • St. Louis
  • sonesta.com
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10 of 17

North Carolina

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

11 of 17

Oklahoma

Credit: Art Meripol

12 of 17

South Carolina

Credit: Rob Tipton
  • Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
  • Myrtle Beach
  • marriott.com
  • The Sea Pines Resort* (pictured above)
  • Hilton Head Island
  • seapines.com
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13 of 17

Tennessee

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
  • Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
  • Nashville
  • marriott.com

14 of 17

Texas

Credit: Wynn Myers
  • Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
  • Grapevine
  • marriott.com

15 of 17

Virginia

Credit: Robbie Caponetto
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16 of 17

Washington, D.C.

Credit: Courtesy of Kimpton Glover Park Hotel

17 of 17

West Virginia

Credit: Bill and Albanese
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