Scouted Boutique Hotels You Should Know About
The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Photography by Nick Mele.
After putting travel plans on hold for the past year, many people are starting to think about their next vacation (or staycation)—dreaming, perhaps, about a luxury boutique hotel experience and the comforts it can offer. For those feeling a tinge of wanderlust, we asked our editors to recommend the hotels in their areas where they not only like to send visitors, but also utilize as an extension of their living rooms. With unique bars, award-winning restaurants, plush robes, inviting outdoor pools, and more, this list has everything one might want in a getaway.
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HOTEL: The Colony Hotel
LOCATION: Palm Beach, Florida
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: This iconic Palm Beach landmark is the perfect place to stay on the island. Coined “The Most Instagrammable Hotel” by Vanity Fair France, this “Pink Paradise” has become a place for both visitors and locals to gather. Owner Sarah Wetenhall’s vision for this celebrated Palm Beach destination includes the launch of The Living Room and a partnership with both Kemble Interiors and Degournay that was a love letter to Palm Beach.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “The Colony is one of my favorite spots in Palm Beach. I visit to meet friends around the pool, grab a drink in The Living Room, and am often there for events,” says Stacey Leuliette, editor of The Scout Guide Palm Beach. “The Colony is truly a special, iconic piece of Palm Beach that should not be missed.”
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
The Quirk Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. Photography by Alston Thompson Photography.
HOTEL: Quirk Richmond
LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: Located in the arts district of Downton Richmond, Quirk Hotel is a boutique art hotel offering 75 rooms, each with their own quirky art. The hotel has a fabulous lobby with a bar offering craft cocktails, coffee, and an art gallery/boutique. Make sure to check out the rooftop bar for a view of the city.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love this spot not only as a hotel to recommend to friends visiting Richmond but also as a hub for locals to gather and discover new artists while grabbing a cup of coffee or meeting up in the lobby bar for cocktails and a bite to eat,” says Cheney Edmunds, editor of The Scout Guide Richmond. “The architecture is inspiring and very cosmopolitan. It’s a favorite spot for sure!”
HUNT COUNTRY, VIRGINIA
Glen Gordon Manor in Huntly, Virginia. Photography by Jumping Rocks.
HOTEL: Glen Gordon Manor
LOCATION: Huntly, Virginia
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: This boutique B&B traces its hospitality roots to the 1860s as a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop. The main house brims with nostalgic settings, including a fire-lit entrance hall, baronial oak hunt room, stone wine cellar, and a charming country kitchen. The onsite spa and world-class in-house chef/owner serving up a coveted pre-fixed menu nightly by reservation pampers guests.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Glen Gordon Manor is my favorite spot for a staycation or celebratory dinner. As soon as you head up the driveway you know you’ve landed in a sanctuary of natural beauty and luxury,” says Nelina Loiselle, editor of The Scout Guide Hunt Country. “The owners, Dayn and Nancy, host you like family—family with a manor house and a professional chef, that is.”
COLUMBUS, OHIO
Hotel LeVeque in Columbus, Ohio. Photography by Gabe Roth of Photo Fusion Media.
HOTEL: Hotel LeVeque
LOCATION: Columbus, Ohio
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: Since 1927, the historic LeVeque Tower has been a shining star lighting up the skyline of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Waiting inside is the stunning Hotel LeVeque—a destination that welcomes discerning travelers with the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, Hotel LeVeque is situated within walking distance from some of the city’s most loved attractions,” says Abigail Fredelake, editor of The Scout Guide Columbus. “I personally adore getting a cocktail at their intimate bar and then dinner at The Keep, one of our city’s best restaurants.”
NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
Harborview Nantucket. Photography by Rebecca Love Photography.
HOTEL: Harborview Nantucket
LOCATION: Nantucket, Massachusetts
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: Guests of Harborview Nantucket experience the quintessence of Nantucket Island living and the luxuries of a resort hotel in the privacy of their own personal cottage. Harborview’s rental cottages offer easy access to the cobblestoned streets of the Town of Nantucket and incredible views of the panoramic harbor, allowing guests to enjoy the many conveniences of island living and the luxuries of a vacation rental on Nantucket.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “The perfect Nantucket getaway, Harborview is my favorite spot to stay in town,” says Stacey Leuliette, editor of The Scout Guide Nantucket. “Their team is wonderful to work with, anticipates my every need and can help plan fun activities for the family and ways to explore the island. I love that they have cottages for those of us that travel with our pups. Every time I leave, I’m ready to book my next trip!”
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Oakhurst Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia. Photography courtesy of Oakhurst Inn.
HOTEL: Oakhurst Inn
LOCATION: Charlottesville, Virginia
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: This Inn is home to 35 modern guest rooms, nine furnished apartments and cottages, a gourmet café, a cocktail bar, and pool, all set in a historic residential neighborhood.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Oakhurst Inn is the perfect little well-appointed inn,” says Christy Ford, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville. “Located right next to UVA, the location is ideal for quick walks downtown or short drives to wineries and breweries.”
Quirk Charlottesville. Photography courtesy of Quirk.
HOTEL: Quirk Charlottesville
LOCATION: Charlottesville, Virginia
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: The second outpost of this highly Instagrammable hotel (the first being in Richmond) has won multiple awards for their design. Unique and beautiful hotel features include an upscale restaurant, a rooftop bar with glorious views, a coffee shop, and an art gallery featuring local artists’ works.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “This hotel has such a fun, artsy vibe,” says Susie Matheson, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville. “It is so thoughtfully curated to be representative of Charlottesville, from the restaurants serving local beverages and fare to the regional artists featured throughout.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
The Chloe in New Orleans. Photography courtesy of The Chloe.
HOTEL: The Chloe
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: The Chloe is a lively 14-room hotel with a restaurant, bar, pool, and patio. Housed in a 19th century Uptown mansion, their 21st Century Southern hospitality draws from the old-world glamour, creative culture, and unique charm that make New Orleans feel like home. This has been a dream project of owner Robért LeBlanc, who also manages other popular spaces in town, including Cavan, Sylvain, Longway Tavern, and Barrel Proof. He tapped uber-talented and chic designer Sara Ruffin Costello for the interiors and Todd Pulsinelli as the chef. This is the place to be in New Orleans right now.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “After much anticipation, The Chloe has finally opened its doors and it does not disappoint. The welcoming veranda is the perfect perch to watch the streetcar drive by on St. Charles Avenue while enjoying a cocktail,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans. “Alternatively, you can escape to the pool bar in the back and feel as if you’ve roamed hundreds of miles away from New Orleans.”
CARY, NORTH CAROLINA
The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. Photography courtesy of The Umstead Hotel and Spa.
HOTEL: The Umstead Hotel & Spa
LOCATION: Cary, North Carolina
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: Tucked into 12 acres of woodlands overlooking a private lake, The Umstead is located near the protected forest setting of the William B. Umstead State Park. As the state’s highest rated hotel, The Umstead boasts stunning interiors accentuated with a privately curated fine art collection, 150 spacious guest rooms and suites, world-class cuisine by chef Steven Greene at Herons, an eco-friendly and wellness-driven spa, and a gracious staff. The hotel surprises, delights, and enriches at every turn: a Dale Chihuly sculpture greets guests as they enter the lobby; artistic fresh flower arrangements provide pops of color throughout the space; home-cultivated and handpicked produce are incorporated into each day’s menus; contemporary rooms feature stunning nature views; and a gift shop is filled with exquisite finds. Seasonal vacation packages are offered for tailored experiences.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love The Umstead because it’s top notch in every way,” says Hopie Avery, editor of The Scout Guide Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill. “It’s so sophisticated and relaxing and one of my favorite places to celebrate anniversaries and special occasions. I am obsessed with the floral centerpiece when you walk in; they’re always so whimsical and creative.”
ARGENTA, ARKANSAS
The Baker in Argenta, Arkansas. Photography courtesy of The Baker.
HOTEL: The Baker
LOCATION: Argenta, Arkansas
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: The Baker, just across the Arkansas River in Argenta, is a freshly renovated new concept in a boutique hotel originally built in 1886. It features touchless check-in, full service housekeeping, and the privacy of a VRBO.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “We love any family-run business, and at The Baker in Argenta you can feel the love Stacy and Nathan Hamilton put into every detail,” says Valerie Shively, editor of The Scout Guide Little Rock. “We also know the work and investment renovating a historic hotel takes, and it’s become such an important recent addition to the community over the past year.”
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Hotel Emma in San Antonio. Photography by Nicole Franzen.
HOTEL: Hotel Emma
LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: A historic, authentic, and welcoming property, Hotel Emma was once a 19th century Brewhouse. Now it’s an extraordinary 146-room riverfront hotel and the flagship for Pearl’s culinary and cultural community on the northern edge of downtown San Antonio. When you stay at Pearl’s Hotel Emma, you’ll experience San Antonio as if you are staying at the well-appointed home of extremely interesting friends, your visit peppered with warm social experiences, genuine cultural flavor, insider knowledge, and delightful surprises unique to the hotel, the neighborhood, and the city.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Hotel Emma is not only a gem in the heart of San Antonio and the Pearl, but the history of the hotel is something to be highlighted,” says Francie Mannix, editor of The Scout Guide San Antonio. “The hotel, the original brewhouse of the Pearl, was built in 1814 and has been a San Antonio landmark ever since. Hotel Emma is named in honor of Emma Koehler, the woman who ran the Pearl Brewhouse after her husband’s death. She kept the brewery going during Prohibition while keeping her entire workforce employed. When you check into Hotel Emma, you are immediately greeted with a complimentary signature margarita, La Babia. Be sure to spend time walking around the hotel, notably the library, and you’ll be greeted with many extraordinary details.”
Canopy Hotel in San Antonio, Texas. Photography courtesy of Canopy Hotel.
HOTEL: Canopy Hotel
LOCATION: San Antonio, Texas
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: Located in the heart of San Antonio, this ultra-modern addition to downtown is located right off of the Riverwalk. Canopy, slated to open in late-April 2021, the hotel will include Otro, an outdoor terrace bar serving elevated libations, and Domingo, an exciting new eatery showcasing the flavors of South Texas.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Notable newcomer to our city by Lake Flato Designs, The Canopy Hotel is an architectural wonder that canopies the majestic cypress trees nested along the San Antonio Riverwalk,” shares Francie Mannix, editor of The Scout Guide San Antonio. “Adorned with world class art and offering a flavorful, new, contemporary twist to South Texas cuisine at their restaurant, Domingo, this is a wonderful addition to the San Antonio hospitality scene.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
The Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis. Photography courtesy of Hewing Hotel.
HOTEL: The Hewing Hotel
LOCATION: Minneapolis, Minnesota
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A STAY: The Hewing Hotel is uniquely tied to the rich history of Minneapolis and reflective of what some consider to be the most progressive neighborhood in town. The historic building has been refined, but not stripped of its former life as a farm implement warehouse. Exposed timber and brick, tall ceilings, and original industrial elements mix with high-end interiors to create an original and inviting experience.With exceptional service, regionally-inspired dining, and well-appointed rooms, The Hewing Hotel is a luxurious and authentic local experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Since its inception five years ago, The Hewing Hotel has become the most loved hotel by locals,” says Kerry Ciardelli, editor of The Scout Guide Minneapolis. “We’re thrilled to have such a great partner in them. Their support of local events, shopping local, and keeping the community involved is a crucial reason they are successful in our city. A stay at The Hewing Hotel ensures a true Minneapolis-St. Paul experience while visiting our city.”
