Weekends

Inside the South’s Revived Historic Hotels

In cities across the South, the hotel business is booming, and it’s not all hypermodern boutiques or big-box chains. Thoughtful hoteliers are turning their attention to reviving the region’s century-old grande dames and midcentury marvels, transforming onetime bellwethers of luxury into some of the most transporting stays in the country. These stunners prove that what’s old is new again—and better than ever.

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A nook by the entrance to Dwell Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

Bright printed wallpaper at the Dwell Hotel.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

Reclaimed mid-century furniture is a hallmark of the Dwell Hotel‘s style.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

The original lobby staircase inside the Dwell Hotel.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

Southern hospitality with Old Hollywood glamour and a bit of South Beach flair at the Dwell Hotel.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

The front desk at the Dwell Hotel.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

Each room at the Dwell Hotel is like its own gallery—complete with vintage art.

Photo: Kathryn McCrary

St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Photo: Molly Winters

A room key at the St. Anthony.

Photo: Molly Winters

An exterior view of the St. Anthony Hotel.

Photo: Molly Winters

The St. Anthony is known for its omnipresent parrot-green hue, pulled from china that the famed designer Dorothy Draper custom created for the hotel in 1959.

Photo: Molly Winters

The St. Anthony Hotel doorman Tony Mayonal.

Photo: Molly Winters

A very Texas breakfast at the St. Anthony.

Photo: Molly Winters

A bartender at work inside the refurbished St. Anthony Club.

Photo: Molly Winters

The St. Anthony’s 1924 Steinway piano once again entertains guests inside Peacock Alley.

Photo: Molly WInters

The oak-shaded St. Charles Avenue entrance to the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans.

Photo: Christian Horan

Cocktails at the Pontchartrain’s rooftop bar, Hot Tin.

Photo: Christian Horan

Local artist Ashley Longshore’s portrait of the rapper Lil’ Wayne outside the Pontchartrain’s Caribbean Room.

Photo: Christian Horan