Sometimes the best vacations are those we stumble upon or have intentionally been kept secret! Scattered and stashed away in some of the most here are 20 Hotels & Hideaways to check out. Since most travelers have a preferred type of vacation, we've done the hard part and placed the hotels by natural resources or noted when they are a bit more in town. 

By the Water 

1. Beachside Village Resort in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 

A literal stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean this remodeled 1950s hotel is the place to stay in town. Complimentary weekly cocktail parties and a coffee bar open daily, this retro-chic hotel will satisfy a vacation itch that's been stirring for years. 
thebeachsidevillageresort.com 

 

2. The Vendue in Charleston, SC 

Steps from Waterfront Park this hotel houses some of Charleston's most impressive artwork. With wide plank floors and brightly painted walls, it's easy to feel the history of the town in each room. Grab a courtesy glass of bubbly when you check-in and peruse the grounds while your luggage is taken to your room. 
thevendue.com 

 

3. Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, AL 

A sanctuary set on the water. The Kiva Beach Club serves drinks and food poolside making this gem an even more rare find in Southern Alabama located on the peninsula close to Fort Morgan. Home to one of the top five golf courses in the country, its luxury is at its peak. Great for large family or friend vacations with a house or a condo rental.  
kivadunes.com 

 

4. Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key in Marathon, FL 

Tucked away and secluded yet its equal distance between Miami and Key West is a small key called Duck Key - a lot of people find their happy place on Duck Key. With an option for a room view of the pool, lagoon, or ocean there is water for all to see especially when the sun rises on the Atlantic Ocean and sets on the Gulf of Mexico. A water lovers paradise there are award-winning pools, a world-class marina, and any water excursion a person can want. Room, suite, and villa options are plentiful.   
hawkscay.com 

 

5. Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, GA 

A storied past with prominent American names calling this their favorite resort makes this low country resort a historic haven. Snuggled in the wonderful sandy beaches on the east side of this charming island it's paradise. Continuing to bring elegance and top-notch service to those staying, the newly opened boutique hotel housing only suites for those wishing for the utmost in amenities. Oceanfront and riverfront dining awaits resort members.  Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the island on bicycles available for all abilities or by any number of pools.  
jekyllclub.com 

 

Close to the Mountains 

6. Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC  

Located in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, set as a delightfully European- style resort the suites, cottage, and vacation homes host amenities, restaurants, and spas that are beyond world-class. Set on the Southwest plateau, the resort is established on 4 blocks in downtown Highlands. No matter the time of year, dining, music, shopping, and outdoor activities are abundant.  
oldedwardshospitality.com 

7. Valhalla Resort in Helen, GA 

A small Bavarian alpine town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA is almost a secret. Taking a short picturesque route from town leads to Valhalla Resort based on the charm of an old-world Scottish castle. With wineries to visit, the outdoors and sightseeing there won't seem to be much time to spend in the comfortable rooms. There are also on-property bungalows and villas available.  
valhallaresorthotel.com 

 

8. The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC 

On top of Sunset Mountain sits the gorgeous Omni Grove Park Inn. A favorite for over 100 years one step on the property will show the beauty and grandeur of the Inn. Accommodation options are for all tastes: historic rooms, large more modern rooms or suites and for those wanting to be spoiled - an exclusive Club Floor. With an offering for every season, pampered is an understatement at this immaculate property.
theomnigroveparkinn.com 

 

9. The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV 

An icon all in its own right, this almost-ostentatiously colorful hotel was decorated by none other than the Dorothy Draper.   Just enough off the beaten path to feel secluded and like a private hideaway, it tops the ranks of America's best hotels. A former little-known fact and now an activity all its own, this resort houses an underground bunker that would have saved Congress during the Cold War. A fascinating portion to these deeply rooted pieces of American history- anyone who stays here will be among Presidents, royalty, and celebrities alike.  
greenbrier.com 

Downtown Digs 

 10. Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, VA 

From the time it opened in 1865, the hotel had radiated luxury. The opulent lobby will boost even the weariest of travelers' moods. Updated to provide the most indulgent and current of amenities. 
Jeffersonhotel.com 

11. Fairmont Austin in Austin, TX 

State-of-the-art spaces, views of Lady Bird Lake, and rooftop pools are only the beginning of this perfectly polished downtown hotel. With stellar service and options for every upgrade imaginable, it's hard to believe anyone leaves.  
Fairmont-austin.com 

 

12. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, LA 

Residing on the corner of Bourbon Street and Orleans Street in the middle of the famed French Quarter a stay here will check all the boxes. Luxury on Bourbon Street is not an easy find but no matter if bedtime is early in the evening or early in the morning after a plethora of cocktails, sleep will come easy in this opulent hotel. 
bourbonorleanshotel.com 

 

13. Hotel ZaZa in Austin, TX 

In the stylish and posh Warehouse District, this boutique hotel is the best of both worlds -Texas, and luxury! With a stellar pool and a wonderfully on-point cabana bar on the 7th floor, there is almost no reason to leave the hotel. Accommodations offer suite options for those looking to dial in the luxury, each suite boasts a different theme. Perfect for a couple's getaway or fun friends trip! 
hotelzaza.com  

 

14. The Read House in Chattanooga, TN 

A fantastically remodeled historic hotel, this art deco show stopper will become a repeat on anyone's list. The recently opened bar in the lobby is exquisite. A tourist favorite, Room 311, is supposedly haunted by the spirit on Annelise Netherly and contains period-specific 1920s items for those wanting to tour or stay in the room.  Do not fear, the rest of the hotel isn't where she lingers.  
thereadhousehotel.com 

 

15. The Galt House in Louisville, KY 

Located Riverfront and the official Host Hotel to the Kentucky Derby the rich traditions of Louisville are alive and well here. The hotel is home to seven spectacularly diverse bars and is close to 4th Street Live. A historic landmark, the hotel has a celebrated past including assassinations, arson, and mystery. The original hotel built by architect Henry Whitestone was erected in 1869 only to be destroyed.  The hotel as it stands now was an attempt to revitalize Louisville in the early 1970s. Having recently undergone renovations the Galt House is now a sought-after stay in the city. 
galthouse.com 

Secluded Spots

16. Monmouth Historic Garden and Inns Natchez in Natchez, MS 

A scenic drive along the Mississippi will lead to Natchez, located in the famed Mississippi Delta. Centuries-old homes, cemeteries, and architecture allow for breathtaking beauty all over. The hotel and mansion – built-in 1818- sits on over 25 acres of pristinely manicured landscape. Before retreating to the room or suite for the evening make sure to enjoy the ambiance and complimentary hors d'oeuvres on the elegant veranda. The antebellum ambiance will make anyone feel like a step back in time to an easier and more elegant way of living.  
monmouthhistoricinn.com 

 

17. Pot N' Kettle Cottages in Leiper's Fork, TN 

A short drive from Nashville Leiper's Fork is a small town dotted with very beautiful equestrian farms.  Charming from the drive into town Pot N' Kettle Cottage spares no detail. With multiple cottage offerings, there is something for all types of travelers. Having been renovated to perfection a stay here will leave anyone relaxed and pampered.  
Potnkettlecottages.com 

 

18. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort Braselton, GA 

Close to Atlanta, this property evokes grandeur and opulence with its French Country Estate appeal. Located in the Rolling Foothills of Georgia, hospitality is taken to the next level. With multiple world-class dining options, golf, a spa, and a winery, there is no shortage of things to unwind with.  
Chateauelan.com  

 

19. The Grand Bohemian in Mountain Brook, AL  

Nestled in the upscale and posh Birmingham suburb of Mountain Brook is a tiny little gem with a luxe and opulent feel. Part Edgar Allen Poe crushed velvet romance and a lot of rich and lavish finishes feeling like royalty is built into the stay. Home to the Habitat and Social Feed restaurant drink, food, and play become intertwined. With one-of-a-kind painting spread among the space, no room or experience is the same- options for fireplaces, soaking tubs, and all things luxe are available.  
kesslercollection.com/bohemian-mountain-brook 

 

20. Graduate Oxford in Oxford MS 

A charming and smart hotel, it feels like you've stepped into your favorite prep school magazine. Preppy and fresh it's the perfect place to spend a football weekend.  
Graduatehotels.com