Twelve Comfortable Southern Hotels Boasting Warmest Hearths
Twelve Comfortable Southern Hotels Boasting Warmest Hearths
To the general public, the South is often associated with beach vacations and excessive heat; those who have lived in this region for an extended period, however, understand that this is merely a portion of the whole story. While Southerners are undoubtedly adept at surviving in tropical conditions, we also excel in relishing the chillier seasons. In fact, it's during these colder months that our dedication to comfort and hospitality shines most brightly.
There are numerous ways we cherish the colder weather—such as donning comfy flannel pajamas, wrapping up in homemade quilts, and indulging in hearty meals passed down through generations. However, few things are as delightful as spending an evening around a blazing fireplace. A traditional wood-burning fireplace is often preferred due to the calming scent and sound it produces, but gas and electric alternatives can also create a similar ambiance, especially when paired with a good book or a strong drink.
If fortunate enough to possess a fireplace within the confines of your own home, winter's approach can be greeted with great anticipation; if not, then travel plans must be made. To ensure that you get a generous dose of fireside delight during the upcoming season, we've compiled a list of twelve Southern hotels boasting outstanding fireplaces—ranging from a South Carolina resort with a luxurious library to a Tennessee mountaintop retreat offering in-room fireplaces.
Blackberry Mountain
Walland, Tennessee
Privacy and tranquility are paramount at Blackberry Mountain, a high-end resort renowned for its serene atmosphere and commitment to mountain charm. Each of the property's Watchman Cabins—which can be booked as a single king bed or two queen beds—features a wood-burning stove, ensuring that coziness reaches an all-time high during the winter months.
blackberrymountain.com, 1507 E Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South Carolina
An ideal location to unwind while awaiting your room or dinner reservation is the library at Montage Palmetto Bluff. Leather armchairs provide an ideal setting for relaxing by the fire, while those who prefer fresh air can venture outside to the firepit, where s'mores are highly encouraged.
montagehotels.com/palmettobluff, 477 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910
Snowbird Mountain Lodge
Robbinsville, North Carolina
At Snowbird Mountain Lodge, an all-inclusive resort in Western North Carolina, the quiet moments spent by the fireplace either in your room or in the Fireside Bar are certainly NOT to be overlooked. The ambiance provided by the leather furniture, antler decor, and overall comradely atmosphere creates an unparalleled experience as the winter chill sets in.
snowbirdlodge.com, 4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Middleburg, Virginia
From October through early April, guests of The Red Fox Inn & Tavern can indulge in the warmth of no less than six fireplaces scattered throughout the property's dining rooms. The historic four-story building boasts two double fieldstone chimney stacks on the east and west walls, as well as a single chimney on the north wall, making for a welcoming experience from the moment of arrival.
redfox.com, 2 E Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117
Highlander Mountain House
Highlands, North Carolina
The two wood-burning fireplaces at Highlander Mountain House—one in the main lobby and the other in the property's dining room—are precisely the types of architectural features you'll want to make the most of on a chilly day in Highlands, North Carolina. These cozy gems provide the perfect setting for stimulating conversations, captivating reading, and unforgettable evenings.
highlandermountainhouse.com, 270 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Columns
N Orleans, Louisiana
If your visit to the Columns in New Orleans happens to coincide with the activation of the gas fireplaces located in the ballroom, coffee shop, and chapel room, be prepared to be enveloped in their enchanting warm glow. While the unpredictable Louisiana weather may impact the exact timing, the fireplaces are typically turned on by November, offering the perfect respite after an exhausting day of sightseeing.
thecolumns.com, 3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
The Campbell House, Lexington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lexington, Kentucky
A fireplace isn't hard to come by at The Campbell House, as it's present in the lobby from September through April, and then in the restaurant, The Rackhouse Tavern, as well as the property's outdoor wood-burning fireplace. Partake in some local bourbon while you bask in the fire's glow to truly savor the unique experience this historic property offers.
thecampbellhouse.com, 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has no shortage of fireplaces, particularly within its hotel scene. However, a truly unforgettable fireside experience awaits at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville in the lobby. The impressive hearth and surrounding mountain decor create the epitome of coziness during those colder winter mornings.
grandbohemianhotels.com/asheville, 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28801
kesslercollection.com/bohemian-asheville, 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803
The Mountain Lodge at Sunrise
Asheville, North Carolina
If you're hunting for a hotel that blends elegance with Southern charm, settle into a cozy seat near the fireplace in The Mountain Lodge at Sunrise's Living Room. It's the perfect spot when the Blue Ridge Mountains welcome the colder weather—whether you're returning from an invigorating hike or a round of golf on one of the scenic courses.
kesslercollection.com/bohemian-asheville, 47 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
The Austin 'Ticker' Tower
Austin, Texas
Texas might not be the first spot that comes to mind when you think of fireplaces, but The Austin 'Ticker' Tower, a part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, isn't your ordinary Austin hotel. As soon as you step inside the "modern take on a residential estate," guests are whisked away into an opulent, European-style retreat. When the mercury starts to drop, take a seat by the fire in the Mansion Living Room, where you can unwind with a creative cocktail or a comforting cup of tea.
aubergeresorts.com/commodoreperry, 4507 Bee Cave Road, Austin, TX 78746
The Orange Sanctuary
Orange, Virginia
If a hotel claims to be an "enchanting countryside hideaway," you can be certain that it will feature at least one or two fireplaces. The Orange Sanctuary takes it up a notch for its visitors, particularly during the winter months. You'll find gas fireplaces in the Main House, the parlor, the library, the spa, the Vintage Restaurant & Pub, and even the outdoor lounge space. Additionally, the majority of the guest rooms are equipped with their very own private fireplaces.
innatwillowgrove.com, 14219 Plantation Way, Orange, VA 22960
The Charleston Grandeur
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston's The Charleston Grandeur isn't lacking in historical allure, indulgent amenities, or fireplaces, for that matter. Eighteen of the 23 rooms boast their own fireplaces, and the exquisite Grand Mansion Suite even has three. In case guests wish to mingle fireside, they can make their way to the Harleston Parlor, where the hotel's hospitality—complimentary brandy, port, and sherry—coincides with the crackling flames.
wentworthmansion.com, 153 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
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After appreciating the charm of a fireplace at home, the thrill of winter travel becomes even more appealing. Considering the chilly weather, SouthernLiving recommends several hotels with remarkable fireplaces for an unforgettable winter escape. For instance, Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee, offers a serene ambiance with cozy cabins equipped with wood-burning stoves.
While exploring Southern hotels with exceptional fireplaces, consider Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, where guests can unwind by the fireplace in the library or in the outdoor firepit, allowing for the warmth of s'mores during a chilly evening.