Photo courtesy of Weyland Ventures
All That Glitters
The new Myriad Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, shines for many reasons, but perhaps sparkles most brightly when reflecting the original building’s history as the world’s largest disco ball factory. Starting with the shimmering disco ball installation hanging in the lobby, a groovy 1970s aesthetic pervades, including retro wooden paneling and a “party button” in the elevator that triggers funky music and glowing lights. Even the hotel’s name draws its inspiration from the allure of glittering disco balls, which were originally patented as “myriad reflectors.”
Photo courtesy of Weyland Ventures
The pool area, dubbed the Myriad Swim Club, has a lively lounge and bar in the shade of a tower from the original factory. And Switchboard, the hotel’s speakeasy-themed bar by night and cafe by day, pays homage to the telephone company that once occupied part of the building.
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Photo by Will Price
Garden of Eden
A Coconut Grove icon originally designed by celebrated Florida architect Kenneth Treister in 1985, the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Miami is now open after a $50 million renovation. Its lush, open-air atrium feels almost like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the rooftop pool enhances the tropical vibe with an island-inspired rum bar and menu of Caribbean snacks. Each room has a private terrace, but no two spaces are the same; some feature outdoor rain showers, while others have clawfoot bathtubs or well-stocked bars with cocktail sets.
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Photo by Jess Homburg
Sweet Retreat
For 125 years, the Gingerbread House has been an eye-catching fixture on Savannah’s Bull Street, turning heads with its intricate Steamboat Gothic architecture, a rare Southern style inspired by the ornamental steamboats that traversed the Mississippi River in the 1800s. The restored home, which sleeps 10 and is available for short-term rentals and events, features eclectic artwork, original wood flooring, and colorful furnishings that match the personality of its elaborate exterior.
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No Kids Allowed
Three adults-only spots for a romantic getaway
Little Palm Island | Little Torch Key, Florida
The country’s only private island resort is an intimate escape from the moment you arrive by seaplane or boat. Highlights include outdoor copper tubs, 30 thatched-roof bungalows with private beach access, and an indoor/outdoor spa offering a wide selection of couples massages.
86 Cannon | Charleston, South Carolina
This restored 1860s-era home turned boutique inn comprises eight tasteful rooms featuring a mix of contemporary furnishings and original architectural details. Multi-floor verandas, a tranquil courtyard garden, and a library stocked with vintage books and an honor bar add inviting appeal.
Photo courtesy of Keen Eye Marketing
Snowbird Mountain Lodge | Robbinsville, North Carolina
This secluded, all-inclusive resort in the Great Smoky Mountains offers rustic, cabin-like rooms with private hot tubs, cozy fireplaces, and gorgeous views. Complimentary picnic lunches and three-course prix fixe dinners every night round out the exceptional experience.
This article appears in the Winter 2024 issue of Southbound.
