Places to Stay: Design-Forward Mississippi Hotels

From superbly styled guest rooms showcasing works by renowned Mississippi artists, to a sprawling luxury spa, to natural settings shaded by stunning oaks, these sophisticated (and inviting) design-centric hotels offer still more enticing reasons to visit Mississippi. Because checking in for a leisurely dose of Southern hospitality never goes out of season.

The Alluvian Hotel

Greenwood, MS

Situated deep in the Delta in historic Greenwood awaits The Alluvian Hotel –– whose name itself is an homage to its Delta roots, a reference to the mineral-rich soils on which it stands. Boasting 45 luxurious rooms and five suites, guestrooms are richly appointed with the colors and textures of the delta, down to their taffeta-curtained windows, plush linens, marble bathrooms, and exquisite collection of works by Mississippi artists. The Alluvian, which was established by Viking Range Corporation founder Fred Carl to bring a luxury hotel to his childhood hometown, also encompasses the award-winning restaurant Giardina’s, the 7,000 square-foot Alluvian Spa, and the Viking Cooking School, at which aspiring cooks and gourmands can sign up for a wide variety of culinary classes. visitmississippi.org/things-to-do/history/the-alluvian-hotel/

The Travelers Hotel

Clarksdale, MS

More than a century’s worth of history is preserved within the walls of The Travelers Hotel, which originated as an overnight stopover for railroad workers during the 1920s. Today, the Clarksdale-based hotel, whose mantra is “creativity, community, and Southern hospitality,” is run by a cooperative of creatives both local and from farther afield, and functions as equal parts hotel and community gathering place. Guests are invited to rest and recharge their creative energies in rooms that feature writing desks, handmade furniture, and artwork by Mississippi artists—but from which televisions are deliberately omitted. The cooperative also runs Collective Seed & Supply Co, a garden center and general store, the proceeds of which fund community ventures. The Travelers’ comfortable lobby is the place to mingle with local artists, residents, and fellow travelers while sipping coffee from local favorite Meraki Roasting Company and a selection of rotating regional beers. www.stayattravelers.com

The Roost

Ocean Springs, MS

This boutique hotel in coastal Ocean Springs has evolved from an early 20th-century residence-turned-restaurant to its current incarnation, a beach-chic destination property, where fashion-forward suites await within a restored historic building shaded by majestic oaks. Coastal-chic touches are everywhere: there are vaulted ceilings, a private balcony overlooking Porter Avenue, a walk-in spa glass shower, and a fully equipped kitchen. Several suites are inspired by and feature the work of beloved Mississippi artist Walter Anderson. Common spaces include porches with plush seating, an outdoor heated pool with gorgeous landscaping, and rocking chairs within the gallery space. Guests seeking libations onsite will enjoy The Wilbur, where they can enjoy a craft cocktail or glass of wine. The hotel is within walking distance of the waterfront as well as a vibrant downtown filled with shops, galleries, and local eateries. visitmississippi.org/things-to-do/boutique-hotels/the-roost/

That’s just a taste. For scores more ways to build an artistic Mississippi getaway, see visitmississippi.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/