We’ve got the 25 of the Best Carolina Lodgings so you can start planning your trips now.
The South is a region full of second homes. The exuberantly hospitable mentality of southern folk means that nearly every house you walk into will seem a home away from home. Carolinians proudly share in this heritage. From breezy Appalachia to the marshy Lowcountry, we tend to embrace the stereotype ardently, treating our guests like family — a fact never more evident than in the Carolinas’ vacationing and getaway spots. In the right places, southern hospitality isn’t a stereotype or a figment of the public imagination. At these 25 hotels, inns, and resorts, it’s an enchanting reality.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst, NC
Situated in the heart of the North Carolina sandhills, Pinehurst is the home of American golf…and hopefully your home for a few days, at some point. There are actually four choices of accommodations at golf Mecca, but only one is the “White House of Golf,” The Carolina Hotel.
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Cary, NC
Here guests are surrounded by 12-acres of calm and beautiful wooded land, gardens, and Lake Crabtree. Step out and explore the food culture of Durham and the sights and sounds of Raleigh.
The Ritz-Carlton
Charlotte, NC
Conveniently located in the vibrant heart of Uptown Charlotte, the Ritz-Carlton needs little introduction. The Charlotte location accentuates its luxury with the delectable treats at Bar Cocoa and mixing wizard Bob Peters’ The Punch Room.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Highlands, NC
An untouched rustic backdrop greets guests of this Highlands hotel on the outside, while the interior is graced with period antiques and European style bedding.
The Fearrington House Inn
Pittsboro, NC
Just west of Raleigh is Fearrington Village, which houses this suitably quaint village inn. Hidden amidst rolling pastures and southern gardens, this hotel’s 32 rooms are all individually designed for small town comfort.
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Asheville, NC
This Tudor-inspired hotel sits just on the fringe of the Biltmore Estate, welcoming guests into a European hunting lodge setting full of velvety couches and stone fireplaces.
Inn on Biltmore Estate
Asheville, NC
Aside from the wonders of the Estate, the Inn at Biltmore’s amenities include a gourmet restaurant, bar, and a library lounge. It’s mere minutes from Antler Hill Village shopping center and the southern fringe of Asheville.
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Asheville, NC
The Grove Park has over a century’s reputation of exquisite southern hospitality to uphold. This oldest of Asheville resorts never disappoints.
The Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge
Charlotte, NC
With 30,000 square feet of versatile event space and resort-style amenities including spa, golf, fitness, dining and leisure offerings, The Ballantyne remains the finest Charlotte stay outside of the bustle of uptown. Chef David Moore serves up some of the most elegant Charlotte dishes at Gallery Restaurant.
Sanderling Resort
Duck, NC
Braced on two sides of its property by Atlantic blue, this barrier island resort is known as one of the most romantic stays on the North Carolina coast for good reason. It’s amenities are numerous, and its memory-making spots are even more so.
Henry Hotel
Greensboro, NC
This grand red brick building full of soundproofed accommodations houses a beautiful garden courtyard where a southern style breakfast is served daily.
Haywood Park Hotel
Asheville, NC
This downtown hotel near all the best Asheville shops is renowned for its attention to the little things — from the chocolates left on guest pillows after nightly turn-down service to the “welcome champagne” at check-in.
The Duke Mansion
Charlotte, NC
Nearly five serene acres of gardens and grounds and 20 individually decorated guest rooms prove that The Duke Mansion remains epitome of southern splendor in Charlotte.
Graylyn Estate,
Winston Salem, NC
Originally the home of wildly successful businessman Bowman Gray, Sr., this estate’s unique blend of old world charm and innovative technology make it both a sophisticated conference center and an enchanting temporary residence.
The Graystone Inn
Lake Toxoway, NC
Built in 1905, the Graystone, which has recently undergone an extensive restoration to its original turn-of-the-century beauty, rules over historic downtown Wilmington.
Chetola Resort
Blowing Rock, NC
An 87 acre resort comprised of two hotels, a restaurant, and spa, Chetola’s proximity to one of Carolina’s most idyllic mountain villages is just one of its many amenities.
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, SC
Nestled on the May River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is village, nature preserve, marina, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, rolled into one.
Wentworth Mansion
Charleston, SC
A 21-room testament to Charleston’s historic grandeur, the Wentworth Mansion’s downtown location embraces the winding brick pathways and decades-old canopies of the Holy City. It’s countless accolades are well earned.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, SC
This oceanfront resort offers some of the largest king rooms on the east coast and five golf courses, for 90 total holes of championship golf.
The Sea Pines Resort’s Inn at Harbour Town
Hilton Head, SC
The Sea Pines Resort’s Inn offers three world class golf courses on the serenity of Calibogue Sound. This is the definitive Hilton Head golf experience.
The Vendue
Charleston, SC
This art-filled boutique hotel in downtown Charleston sits within a collection of historic warehouses. Its rooftop bar locates guests with one of the best vantages in the city’s French Quarter.
Wild Dunes Resort
Isle of Palms, SC
Whether you’re staying in one of the two Four Diamond properties, The Boardwalk Inn and The Village, or family-friendly condominiums and cottages, this Isle of Palms resor is a “place you can make all your own.”
The Westin Poinsett
Greenville, SC
The Poinsett, open since 1925, has been praised for its ability to preserve its historical integrity, while emphasising its contemporary touches. With its magnificent ballroom events and location near the main thoroughfares in Greenville, guests never find themselves without something to do.
Rosemary Inn Bed and Breakfast
North Augusta, SC
Antebellum exterior and Gilded Age interior define this almost-in-Georgia Lowcountry mansion, a welcoming historic site where the breakfast is a necessary part of the experience.
Rhett House Inn
Beaufort, SC
Hidden among Beaufort’s canopy of live oaks and just a short walk from the waterfront, this 1820 “in-town plantation house” radiates southern hospitality.
