Americans are traveling again. In fact, according to a recent Forbes report, nine out of 10 travelers intend to hit the road or skies this summer—a post pandemic high.
Turns out, you don’t have to go far to discover world class, design-centric hotels. Here, four superbly stylish properties guaranteed to inspire and delight, all just a drive or short flight away.
The Chloe in New Orleans
This former 19th-century mansion is the collaborative handiwork of restaurateur Robert LeBlanc, interior designer Sara Ruffin Costello, and architect Thomas Sully. The result is a 14-room hotel that imbues NOLA’s eclectic style, from the Spanish-tiled porch full of rocking chairs to the clubby, bohemian parlors leading to the backyard bar.
Cool details include turntables in every room along with records featuring New Orleans inspired musicians. Fridges come stocked with beers from local breweries.
“The interior design highlights The Chloe’s historic 1850s architecture, riffing on popular period elements like exotic Orientalism, a moody color story, and a whiff of the occult,” Costello told Architectural Digest. “The hotel is meant to feel as if it has been in the same worldly, bohemian family for generations but made culturally relevant with contemporary art and photography.”
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin
Renowned designer Ken Fulk spent two years sourcing the plethora of antiques inside this 10,800-square-foot 1928 mansion and terra-cotta-roofed inn. Interiors mix Texas heritage style with Italianate and Spanish Revival—think swirling staircase, star-and-cross tiles, and an iron light fixture illuminating artist Deborah Phillips’ hand-painted fresco.
Texas-born artist and photographer Delany Allen’s “A Reverberation” art installation adds to the allure. Vivid floral motif centering around the rose perfectly complement the property’s maximalist design.
Local artist Delaney Allen photographed roses and other flowers semi-submerged in liquid baths to create striking trompe l’oeil floral wallpapers. (The Commodore)
“I grew up around the corner from the estate without realizing it even existed,” says Allen. “To discover that it was there all the time – this incredible calmness in a city setting – was my first impression. Then I noticed the incredible detail. The design aesthetic carried throughout blends a playful charm with the most elegant of backdrops.”
21C Museum Hotel in Bentonville
This chic, art-filled property ranks fourth on Conde Nast Traveler’s list of top ten Southern Hotels. Founded by collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, the Arkansas hotel is part of the 21C Museum Hotel group, known for its rotating art exhibitions, boutique lodging, and chef-driven cuisine.
We were especially intrigued by one review: “This crowd feels like they came straight from Art Basel. Upon arrival, the lobby played host to a coven of chic, Rick Owens-wearing folks who sported sunglasses indoors and glared at the art.”
Carr Mansion in Galveston
Interior designer Shannon Eddings transformed this 19th-century Greek Revival residence into a charming destination hotel just an hour from Houston. “I used many classic paint colors that are considered ‘historic’ and kept as many original details as possible,” she told Architectural Digest.
Completely redesigning the interiors of the Carr Mansion was a dream project for Eddings, a Dallas native who studied fine art and history at the University of Texas. Rooms in the 8,000-square-foot home feature a mix of old and new. The intent? To transport guests to the glamorous eras of the past.
“My goal was for people to have a visual experience when visiting the Carr Mansion,” Eddings added. “I wanted to create something that they wouldn’t forget, aesthetically speaking. Color is powerful, so that was my primary tool for leaving a lasting impression on this incredible circa 1800s house.”
