by Denise K. James

Chain hotels often cannot provide the true flavor of a region, but for those of us traveling around the Southeast, we’re in luck: independent lodging options aplenty are waiting to check us in. All of them honor our favorite locations with corresponding art, cuisine, architecture and excursions, which create a memorable sense of place.

In this three-part series on Southern Boutique Hotels, Inns, and Bed-and- Breakfasts, we’re introducing you to a few of our regional favorites. These spots have everything you need and want from an overnight stay – cozy linens, great coffee – as well as special scenery, surprising touches, and, because we’re Southern Flavor, great food and drinks. We’re kicking it off with the coastal region, just in time for your winter trip to the seaside. Happy travels, and rest easy.

EUROPEAN FLAIR IN CHARLESTON: ZERO GEORGE HOTEL

Named after Captain George Anson (1697-1762), a 26-year-old sailor who sailed the H.M.S. Scarborough, Zero George Hotel is situated on the tract of land purchased by Capt. Anson after he won a card game.
Five buildings from as long ago as the 1800s make up the current hotel, all surrounding a picturesque garden courtyard. Beyond the hotel, Charleston’s Ansonborough neighbor- hood awaits with beautiful downtown spots to explore – but guests need not step foot off the property for fantastic food and drinks.

The Restaurant at Zero George, led by Executive Chef Vin- son Petrillo, is known for chic, unusual pairings, such as the recent palate from early fall featuring Krug Champagne and edible flowers. For caviar aficionados, the Caviar Bar located on the hotel piazza is a must, with a menu of dishes highlight- ing the delicacy, plus fabulous wine and cocktails to enhance the experience.

Following dinner, guests can choose from a queen or king suite with original heart pine floors and prepare for a peaceful, relaxing evening. Beds are appointed with Sealy mattresses and topped with Italian Frette linens, and lavish baths are equipped with soft robes and Malin + Goetz skincare. Wake up the
next morning to a European-style continental breakfast and 24-hour Nespresso bar – which is necessary to energize for the day ahead in Charleston.

WATERFRONT RELAXATION IN BEAUFORT:

ANCHORAGE 1770 INN

Beaufort’s Anchorage 1770 Inn has quite a storied history. Built in 1770, as the name suggests, this stately, Southern abode has served as many different things: a “cottage” for wealthy landowners in the summer season; a Union hospital during the Civil War; and a raucous social club for sea captains passing through the Lowcountry.

Owners Frank and Amy Lesesne purchased the property in 2014, and for the last decade, this beautiful inn and restaurant has welcomed vacationers (and staycationers) to Beaufort. The Anchorage offers more than 1,500 square feet of porch space,

ANCHORAGE 1770 INN

all overlooking the waterfront and ideal for reading a Southern novel – as well as a top deck on the fourth floor for sunset gazing and cocktails. The Inn’s restaurant, Ribaut Social Club, offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday, plus a Sunday brunch, and is the only property in downtown Beaufort where you can dine where you stay. Winter is the ideal time to visit Ribaut; the restaurant hosts frequent wine dinners and is open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Valentine’s Day.

Rooms at Anchorage Inn feature four-poster beds, rain showers, and paintings by award-winning artist Michael Griffin. The next day, indulge in complimentary breakfast on the second floor before heading out for a day of fun. Beach cruiser bikes and beach towels are available for guests’ use, and the Inn offers a 26-foot World Cat powerboat, perfect for excursions on the Beaufort River.

COASTAL ROOTS IN GEORGETOWN:

THE GEORGE HOTEL

Open as of spring 2024, The George Hotel in Georgetown is located right on Front Street, facing Winyah Bay. Featuring a fantastic restaurant and bar – as well as walking proximity to shops and attractions – The George has become a hub not only for Hammock Coast visitors but locals as well, according to General Manager Drue Ford.

A visit to The Independent is a must for seafood lovers. The menu is a coastal feast of raw bar offerings such as little neck clams, peel-and-eat shrimp, and oysters on the half shell; small plates; and chef selections like the Crispy Grey Fox Farms Chick- en Livers and South Carolina Red Snapper – all honoring local farmers and fishermen. After a delicious dinner, enjoy cocktails at Eliza’s – named for Elizabeth “Eliza” Lucas Pinckney – a water- front bar with rum-forward boat drinks such as frozen painkillers, plus local brews and light bites.

Guests lodging at The George can relax in rooms with vintage seating, bespoke headboards, local artwork, and a variety of coastal details hand-selected by Jenny Keenan Design and art consultant Allison Williamson of Charles- ton Artist Collective. All 56 rooms are appointed with Ma- lin + Goetz bath products, Bellino linens and towels, cozy robes, in-room safes, and beverage stations with coffee and gourmet tea. The next morning, enjoy the hotel’s exclusive pontoon boat tour to Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre wild- life refuge offering a glimpse into South Carolina’s past.

HISTORY AND LUXURY IN SAVANNAH:

HOTEL BARDO

Built in 1888, Savannah’s Hotel Bardo is a bridge between the past and present located in the city’s famous Forsyth Park. According to Jess Berkin, Chief Brand Officer for Left Lane Development, the resort property maintains original structures and design elements, such as original floors and moldings, yet incorporates a “whimsical sensi- bility” that aligns with Savannah’s culture.

Hotel Bardo offers four options for dining and imbibing. Saint Bibiana, the coastal Italian eatery, beckons with flavorful entrees, such as the Dover Sole Piccata or the Olive Brined Chicken, plus pasta dishes, daily oysters, and tuna crudo. The restaurant – as well as the poolside Bar Bibi, the Green Room lobby bar, and the exclusive Club Bardo – are helmed by Executive Chef Derek Simcik, with the wine and cocktail expertise of Eben Klemm.

Rooms and suites for overnight guests offer stunning views of Forsyth Park or the resort’s sparkling swimming pool. Some suites offer full kitchens and living areas; the Abercorn Suite, Hotel Bardo’s largest, is 1,420 square feet. All rooms are thoughtfully appointed with original art, Nespresso coffee machines, Corpus Naturals bath prod- ucts, and linens and robes by Frette. To jump-start the day in Savannah, guests have access to daily complimentary fitness classes, including yoga and pilates, as well as a bicy- cle and athletic gear borrowing program, and two custom Mokes, which can be rented to explore the city.