Recent travel reports have shown trips to smaller cities trending, and it makes sense as Northeast travelers have turned to more frequent and shorter trips in order to prioritize travel among their new year’s resolutions. More and more, boutique destinations are popping up in these so-called “secondary cities” that offer unique luxury experiences with a bit more intimacy and without the logistical complexities and crowds. If you are looking for somewhere a little less “trafficked” for your 2026 travel plans, consider one of these beautiful and luxurious “secret” stays.
Charleston, SC
86 Cannon
Located in downtown Charleston, 86 Cannon is a luxury 10-room boutique hotel that blends traditional elegance and updated southern luxury. It’s a five-minute walk to King Street where travelers can find shopping, antiquing and sightseeing, but guests can opt to stay in for their zero-edge saltwater pool and common area to escape the tourist scene. Locally sourced breakfasts, coffee and tea in the café provide guests with tastes from the neighborhood as they start their day. “Our quiche is sourced from Babas, which is a popular café located down the street,” says co-owner Lori Hawkins. Curated concierge services help you plan your time here as you explore the city’s historic buildings and arts scene, and the team can recommend dining options at their favorite local restaurants like Chubby Fish, Vern’s or Xiao Bao Biscuit. The library on the third floor has a selection of books and a wine bar with locally sourced snacks. “Our daily European breakfast service as well as our [happy hour] wine and cheese pairings are always a highlight for our guests,” says Hawkins. “It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers, start the day or end the day relaxing with a glass of wine.” Each night, guests sink into Boca terry bathrobes and slippers before settling into bedding of Italian frette linens. Guests are treated with nightly chocolate truffles and complimentary Linus bicycles are available for getting around the city during your stay. “Hopping on one of our complimentary Linus bikes and ‘getting lost in the city’ is a great way to experience all the unique architecture and beautiful gardens, allowing you to learn more about the city,” says Hawkins. “The Aiken Rhett House Museum is a very informative self-guided historic home tour and Drayton Hall is always a must.”
Tampa, FL
Palihouse Hyde Park Village
This Palisociety boutique hotel is a bespoke residential hotel set in Tampa’s historic Hyde park neighborhood. Small in size, there are only 36 guest rooms, an intimate lobby lounge and a cocktail bar. The vibe here is European hideaway. Guests enter via a private paved walkway into a terrazzo checkerboard lobby with grand, white oak staircase. A handmade amber glass three-tier chandelier takes center stage. Luxury finishes include a framed collection of Hermès scarves, vintage artwork, antique furniture, kitchenettes with Smeg mini refrigerators, Waterworks fixtures in the bathroom and Bellino fine linens on the beds. A carefully curated neighborhood guide is provided to all the guests as well as exclusive partnerships like a specially priced class at Barry’s Bootcamp in Hyde Park Village make each stay feel personal and customized. Pets are welcome here and proximity to coffee shops, farmer’s markets, premier retailers and dining makes finding things to do easy.
Nashville, TN
Starr Piano Suites
For something that blends the luxury vibe of a five-star hotel with the freedom of an apartment rental right in the midst of Nashville, TN, Starr Piano Suites is a unique option that puts you close to the action in The Music City. Named after the original occupant of the historical building, the accommodations include four penthouse suites—each on its own private floor with luxury finishes, frette linens, an exclusive custom blend coffee, luxurious robes and, of course, an antique piano. “We want it to be comparable to the very fine hotels downtown,” says Courtney Ross, CMO for Starr Piano Suites. Guests of the accommodations have access to the property’s concierge, who can arrange for a range of add-ons like daily room cleaning, private in-suite dining, restaurant reservations and booking activities at local venues and attractions. The in-suite piano is yours to play or the concierge can schedule a piano player to come in and play for a private dinner or party. With a location just two blocks from Broadway, it’s at the center of activity in this burgeoning city. Guests to Starr Piano are often families looking for more space and privacy and small groups planning a getaway for a special occasion like a birthday or bachelorette. Aside from the music, they come for the growing culinary scene, sporting events and an evolving list of local distilleries offering tastings. Each April, Nashville plays host to a lively food and wine festival, which also draws visitors. Symbolically, Starr Piano’s logo depicts the S in Starr as a sanyo, which in sheet music means a return. “Investors really took the time and attention to make sure that Starr Piano Suites is something special. They’ve left no stone unturned,” adds Ross. “We always want our guests to feel like they have a comfortable place to return.”
Raleigh, NC
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Set on 12 acres, The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC, is a five-star rated luxury hotel with 150 guest rooms and suites just outside of Raleigh, NC. A frequent destination for weekend getaways, The Umstead is appointed with fine linens, deep soaking tubs and private balconies to take in the serene lake views. “The Umstead offers a rare sense of retreat within easy reach of a thriving city,” says Christin King, marketing manager at The Umstead. “Guests are immersed in a serene woodland setting with lakeside trails, curated art and thoughtful wellness experiences, yet they are only minutes from the cultural, culinary and innovation hubs of the Triangle.” Experiences here include such soothing activities as afternoon tea, modern and traditional spa services by skilled, five-star dining at Herons with ingredients from the hotel’s own One Oak Farm, and guided tours of the local wineries. “Many guests are surprised by how immersive and tranquil the property feels,” adds King. “Others are pleasantly surprised by how holistic the experience is, from farm-driven cuisine and eco-conscious initiatives, to wellness offerings like sound baths and nature-based programming. Guests often remark that The Umstead feels more like a destination resort than a hotel near a city—with a level of personalization and serenity that is difficult to capture in research alone.”
