Charleston.
Charleston has one of the deepest independent-hotel inventories in the South. Zero George, The Spectator, 86 Cannon, the Wentworth Mansion, the Governor's House Inn — actual family-run or owner-operated historic townhouses, not chain lobby-lounges. The city has the density of New Orleans but the restraint of New England — which is exactly why the design crowd goes. We exclude Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry's sister properties, and everything under the Charlestowne / Main Street Hospitality / Hotel Management umbrellas.
86 Cannon Historic Inn
Eight suites in a restored 1862 mansion — adults-only, Cannonborough-Elliotborough, deeply romantic.
Governor's House Inn
A 1760 mansion — home of a Governor, now 11 rooms South of Broad, National Historic Landmark.
John Rutledge House Inn
The 1763 home of a signer of the Constitution — 19 rooms downtown, ironwork balconies.
The Spectator Hotel
A 1920s-Charleston-speakeasy ethos — butler service, Pacific Box & Crate cocktail lounge.
Wentworth Mansion
An 1886 Second Empire mansion — 21 rooms, cupola views, Circa 1886 restaurant on-site.
Zero George Street
Five restored 1804 townhouses around a courtyard — 18 rooms, on-site culinary school, Michelin Key.