9 Cool Hotels in the South Where All Your Friends Are Staying

Your next visit to the American South might call for a night in one of the country’s oldest cities, but that doesn’t mean you have to sleep somewhere historic. Instead of checking in to an old haunt, consider switching things up with a stay at one of the cool hotels below. Though some occupy centuries-old buildings, they’re far from antiquated. With playful design, contemporary cuisine and a slate of events that bring together travelers and locals, they aim to infuse new energy into venerated Southern cities.

Take, for example, Hotel Bardo, which is housed in a mansion dating to 1888 overlooking the largest and oldest park in Savannah, Georgia. There’s nothing old about the property’s interiors, though. Everything from the rooms to the two restaurants is decorated in a whimsical style, and the members-only social club is the hottest ticket in town. There’s also Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans, where the combination of canopied beds and claw-foot tubs feels surprisingly modern. Whichever you choose, you’ve never seen the South quite like this. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Peter & Paul.)

Chase Travel is the first stop for your next adventure. At chasetravel.com, eligible Chase cardmembers can earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points for hotels, flights, car rentals and more. Plus, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book a hotel stay through The Edit by Chase Travel will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special cardmember benefits including daily breakfast for two and a $100 property credit, along with early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade, when available.

Hotel Bardo (Savannah, Georgia)
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Despite its location on Forsyth Park, which is widely considered the historic heart of Savannah, Hotel Bardo isn’t too concerned with the past. The pink- and green-tinted guest rooms embody modern luxury, with open floor plans, brass light fixtures and lots of pale wood, and its bar and two restaurants livened up the Savannah dining scene when they opened in 2024. The hotel also boasts a members-only social club, Club Bardo, which draws inspiration from an early-20th-century salon but offers cool perks like use of the hotel’s pool and fitness facilities, priority restaurant reservations, complimentary valet parking and more.

The Drayton Hotel (Savannah, Georgia)

The Drayton occupies a late-19th-century building that once housed the American Trust and Bank, but it still feels contemporary. The 50 rooms and suites have Tivoli Audio Bluetooth speakers and gem-colored velvet chairs, while the restaurants and bars function as downtown Savannah’s extended living room. Start your day at The Coffee Bar with a strong brew, hit the rooftop Pendant Terrace and Bar for a sunset cocktail, grab dinner at the seafood-focused St. Neo’s Brasserie and wind down with music and drinks in The Vinyl Room.

FORTH Hotel & Club (Atlanta, Georgia)

Part hotel, part social club, FORTH brings an elevated vibe to Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. The hotel’s biggest brag is its 15,000-square-foot fitness center, complete with a sauna, steam room, outdoor pool and forthcoming spa. But its rooms and suites are equally chic, with floral wallpaper, dark wood finishings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can also look forward to a quartet of different food and beverage options: Bar Premio transforms from a café to a wine bar come evening; rooftop bar Moonlight offers skyline views; Elektra serves Mediterranean-inspired fare; and Il Premio is a modern steak house.

The Ryder Hotel (Charleston, South Carolina)
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Located in downtown Charleston, The Ryder is all about having fun. Case in point: The bottom of the pool is decorated with the phrase “a good time state of mind.” Rooms are elegant but still laid-back, with muted earthy hues and handcrafted furniture, and the two dining outlets (a poolside restaurant and a backyard bar with an outdoor fireplace) are great for hanging around all day. Stays here start with a seasonal cocktail at check-in and include perks like access to the Gear Garage, where bikes, beach towels, Polaroid cameras and more are available to borrow.

The Pinch (Charleston, South Carolina)
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Spread across two 19th-century structures and a new building, The Pinch seamlessly blends Victorian-era style with modern comforts. You’ll want to move right in to the residential-style guest rooms, which have washers, dryers and full kitchens, plus cute design details like floral wallpaper, vintage rugs and bouclé chairs. And you could spend all your time between the two restaurants, enjoying shellfish towers and rare Champagne at The Quinte, then moving on to inventive Southern dishes at Lowland. It’s the ultimate place to center your stay in Charleston.

Hotel Peter & Paul (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Set in a historic church, schoolhouse and rectory, Hotel Peter & Paul is now one of New Orleans’ most eye-catching stays. The property comes courtesy of Ash, known for making old buildings new again, and features 71 unique guest rooms inspired by their respective buildings: Rooms in the rectory are moody and luxe, while those in the convent are more tranquil. More great design can be found in The Elysian Bar, which serves Mediterranean and European cuisine in maximalist surroundings, and Sunday Best, the hotel gift shop, which sells artisan jewelry, vintage clothing, home goods and more.

Drift Nashville (Nashville, Tennessee)

Drift isn’t your typical hotel, and it’s not trying to be. The check-in process is entirely virtual, and a digital concierge team handles everything from providing local recommendations to sending more towels to your room. Rooms are minimalist in that trendy sort of way, with concrete floors, low-slung furniture and works by local artists on the walls, and the on-site Dawn Cafe is just as much for locals as it is for guests. Still, there’s a cool restaurant for cocktails and shareable plates, plus a pool with cabanas for true vacation vibes.

Hotel Magdalena (Austin, Texas)
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Once a popular motor lodge known for hosting local musical acts, Hotel Magdalena embraces its roots with rooms featuring photos by Scott Newton (a regular photographer for a famous music venue that used to be down the street) and regular concerts on the hotel lawn. It’s also home to Equipment Room, a vinyl listening bar with one of Austin’s most impressive record collections and a menu of music-themed cocktails. Check the hotel schedule before your stay and save time for special events like vintage markets, sound baths, sunset yoga classes and more.

The Manchester (Lexington, Kentucky)

The Manchester occupies the site of the first registered bourbon distillery in Lexington, and it takes its history very seriously. In each of the 124 rooms, you’ll find a cabinet stocked with local bourbons and ryes. The hotel’s experiences are also on theme, with popular options including distillery tours and bourbon tastings. If you’re seeking something other than brown liquor, they have that, too: Try the on-site restaurant, Granddam, which serves creative Southern fare, and the rooftop bar that nods to south Florida with palm trees, cabanas and tropical drinks.

Booking With Chase Travel

Eligible Chase cardmembers can visit chasetravel.com for even more trip inspiration, including hotel recommendations, travel guides and editor-curated itineraries, and to earn and redeem points when booking hotels, flights, car rentals and must-do local experiences.

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