AN MBJ FOCUS: MEETINGS, CONVENTIO
5 boutique hotels we think yo » A trend is growing among travelers for more intimate lodging with a bit of surprise By LYNN LOFTON mbj@msbusiness.com
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Courtesy of Old Capitol Inn
Each room at the Old Capitol Inn is decorated differently, such as this Elvis Sleeps room.
OLD CAPITOL INN 226 North State St., Jackson, MS 39201; 601-359-9000; 888-359-9001; oldcapitolinn.com The Old Capitol Inn offers luxury accommodations with typical hotel amenities, including hair dryer, ironing board, cable TV, high-speed Internet, but toiletries are high-end and housekeeping cleans twice a day. Each room is decorated differently and boast names such as Elvis Sleeps and Magnolia Vale. Jacuzzi/ Honeymoon suites, one-bedroom suites and standard rooms are available, and feature views of the city or the garden.
arge hotels and chain lodgings sell consistency so travelers know what to expect. However, an increasing number of travelers prefer intimacy and an element of surprise which have fueled the popularity of boutique hotels. Generally defined as a small hotel with 10 to 100 rooms, boutique hotels are not part of a chain and each one is different. They began appearing in major world cities in the 1980s and the trend continues. Mississippi has several boutique hotels scattered about the state. Rickie Lillian, manager of Jackson’s Old Capitol Inn, thinks the more personable feel and service of boutique hotels contribute to the growing popularity. “It’s like staying in someone’s home. It’s not generic,” she said. “Our guests return and we know who they are and what they like. We develop relationships with them, and they tell us if they see anything that needs to be done.” She describes the Old Capitol Inn — now in its 20th year — as a full-service boutique hotel with amenities that include a garden, meeting and reception rooms, and a recently opened rooftop bar with live music that’s open to the public. Sukie Mollendor, who with her husband David owns Hotel Chester in Starkville, shares Lillian’s sentiments. “A boutique hotel is bigger than a B&B but not like a cookie cutter chain hotel,” she said. “The Art Deco Hotel Chester was built during the Gilded Age and has a sense of history. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey said it reminds him of hotels in Europe.” A brief tour of five of Mississippi’s boutique hotels includes the Alluvian in Greenwood, Hotel Chester, Hotel Whiskey in Pass Christian, Old Capitol Inn and the White House Hotel in Biloxi.
The Alluvian displays artwork by state a
THE ALLUVIAN
318 Howard St., Greenwood, MS 38930 The Alluvian features 45 guest rooms the heritage of Mississippi with works by guests who want to stay longer, the Alluv speed Internet and more.
Hotel Whiskey, one of the state’s newe
HOTEL WHISKEY
115 Davis Ave., Pass Christian, MS 3957 The state’s newest boutique hotel is lo rious 1,000-square-foot suite. Specialty se on property. Other amenities include free shops are within a short walk.