12 Southern Hotels With The Coziest Fireplaces

Come winter, there’s nowhere else you’ll want to be.

To the outside world, the South is synonymous with beach trips and oppressive humidity; those of us who have spent a significant time in the region, however, know that’s only part of the narrative. Because while Southerners can certainly thrive in the heat, we’re also more than proficient at appreciating the colder seasons. In fact, it’s this time of year when our dedication to comfort and hospitality shines the brightest.

While there are a variety of ways we embrace the colder weather—including flannel pajamas, homemade quilts, and warm, hearty recipes, passed down from generation to generation—there’s perhaps none as cozy as sitting around a roaring fireplace. A woodburning fireplace is usually preferred, as the aromas and sounds produce a distinctly soothing atmosphere, but gas and electric also provide a similar ambiance, particularly when paired with a good book or a strong drink.

If you’re lucky, you have a fireplace at home, one you can curl up next to as winter knocks on the door; if not, it’s time to arrange some travel plans. To make sure you get a healthy dose of fireside cheer this season, we rounded up a dozen Southern hotels with excellent fireplaces—from a South Carolina resort with an elegant library to a Tennessee mountaintop getaway with fireplaces in every room.

Blackberry Mountain

Walland, Tennessee

Seclusion and relaxation are paramount at Blackberry Mountain, a luxurious resort known for its privacy and dedication to mountain charm. On top of the amenities the Blackberry brand is known for, each of the property’s Watchman Cabins—which are available as a single king bed or two queen beds booking—are outfitted with wood-burning stoves. In the winter months, cozy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

blackberrymountain.com, 1507 E Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

Montage Palmetto Bluff

Bluffton, South Carolina

Whether you’re waiting for your room or your dinner reservation, the library at Montage Palmetto Bluff is the perfect spot for relaxing by the fire. Leather armchairs included. And, if you prefer fresh air alongside the flames, head out back to the firepit, where making s’mores is highly encouraged.

montagehotels.com/palmettobluff, 477 Mt Pelia Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910

Snowbird Mountain Lodge

Robbinsville, North Carolina

You don’t need to worry about a thing at Snowbird Mountain Lodge, an all-inclusive property in Western North Carolina. This sentiment rings particularly true when relishing a quiet moment by the fireplace, either in your room or with a drink in hand at the Fireside Bar. The leather furniture, antler decor, and general congenial atmosphere are unbeatable companions as winter settles in.

snowbirdlodge.com, 4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern

Middleburg, Virginia

From October through early April, guests of The Red Fox Inn & Tavern can seek out the six fireplaces throughout the property’s dining rooms. The four-story building—which is one of the most recognizable sights in Middleburg—has two double fieldstone chimney stacks on the east and west walls and a single chimney on the north wall, creating a welcoming feeling from the second you arrive on East Washington Street. 

redfox.com, 2 E Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117

Highlander Mountain House

Highlands, North Carolina

The two wood-burning fireplaces at Highlander Mountain House—one in the main lobby and the other in the property’s dining room—are the exact type of architectural features you want to find yourself by on a chilly day in Highlands, North Carolina. Conducive to deep conversations, long reads, and unforgettable nights, the cracking flames are a key part of the boutique hotel’s homey ambiance.

highlandermountainhouse.com, 270 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741

Columns

New Orleans, Louisiana

If you time it right, your trip to the Columns in New Orleans will be accented by the warm glow of the working gas fireplaces in the ballroom, coffee shop, and chapel room. While the famous Louisiana weather may postpone the exact timing, the fireplaces are typically on by November. After a long day exploring the Big Easy, nothing sounds better than kicking your feet up fireside.

thecolumns.com,  3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

The Campbell House, Lexington, Curio Collection by Hilton

Lexington, Kentucky

You won’t go far at The Campbell House without running into a fireplace. Start in the lobby, where, from September through April, the fireplace greets those checking in to the hotel, and then make your way to the double-sided gas fireplace in the property’s restaurant, The Rackhouse Tavern. From there, head outside to the outdoor wood-burning fireplace—and imbibe some local bourbon while you’re at it.

thecampbellhouse.com, 1375 S Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville has its fair share of fireplaces—particularly within its hotel scene — but for a truly memorable experience, take a seat by the one in the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville lobby. Not only will it add a bit of heat to colder winter mornings, but its impressive hearth and surrounding mountain decor give it an extra dose of cozy.

kesslercollection.com/bohemian-asheville, 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803

The Lodge at Sea Island

St. Simons Island, Georgia

If you’re searching for a hotel that pairs grandeur with Southern comfort, find yourself a spot by the fireplace in the Living Room at The Lodge at Sea Island. It’s the ideal setting when the Golden Isles are greeted by the colder weather—whether you’re coming in from a long walk on the beach or a round of golf on one of the championship courses.

seaisland.com, 100 Retreat Ave, St Simons Island, GA 31522

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection

Austin, Texas

Texas may not be the first place you think of when you think of a fireplace, but Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection isn’t your typical Austin hotel. Upon entering the “modern interpretation of a residential estate,” guests are immediately transported into a European-inspired, elegant retreat. When temperatures do begin to drop a little, park yourself by the fire in the Mansion Living Room, where you can sip on a fun cocktail or soothing cup of tea.

aubergeresorts.com/commodoreperry, 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751

The Inn at Willow Grove

Orange, Virginia

If a hotel describes itself as an “enchanting country escape,” then you should probably expect at least one or two fireplaces. The Inn at Willow Grove, however, goes above and beyond for its guests, especially in the wintertime. There are gas fireplaces in the Main House, parlor, library, spa, Vintage Restaurant & Pub, and outdoor lounge space. Plus, most of the guest rooms also come with their own private fireplaces.

innatwillowgrove.com, 14079 Plantation Way, Orange, VA 22960

Wentworth Mansion

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s Wentworth Mansion isn’t short on historical charm, luxurious touches, or fireplaces, for that matter. Nineteen of the 21 rooms have their own fireplaces, and the magnificent Grand Mansion Suite even has two. In case guests want to socialize fireside, they can make their way to the Harleston Parlor, where the hotel’s hospitality—there’s complimentary brandy, port, and sherry—goes hand in hand with the roaring flames.

wentworthmansion.com, 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401

For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Southern Living.