3 Best Hotels in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina

Greenville's new centerpiece lodge—directly on the Reedy River at the Liberty Bridge—is also the grandest of Richard Kessler's Grand Bohemian chain. A life-size Native American on a rearing horse sculpture, a stone buffalo, and a 10-foot tall geode greet you before even entering the resplendent lobby, with its bespoke glass antler chandeliers, art gallery, restaurants, and wide porches overlooking the river. Rooms are equally dazzling, furnished with stunning art, and on the 5th floor, 15-foot ceilings.

This extremely colorful (think: plaids over pastels) yet tastefully decorated boutique inn expands upon a century-old historic home, whose original parlors and living rooms serve as a bar, library, and communal areas. You don't have to be a University of South Carolina fan to appreciate the funky aesthetic of a headboard adorned with giant chickens. The Trophy Room restaurant serves breakfast and dinner.

Sleek and modern, this new build on a family estate offers an escape to a bucolic setting that's still close to the city and includes upscale amenities like a spa, a large pool, and two restaurants, including the superb Patterson Kitchen + Bar, a stand-alone, glass-walled venture that may be the city's best date night destination. The spacious rooms sport a lustrous, neutral-tone aesthetic, and the cozy sitting room features gold chandeliers, two fireplaces, and lots of marble.