Beaufort Hotel

Porches facing Taylor Creek set the tone at this waterfront hotel in old Beaufort, where the marsh sits close enough to remind you you're on the Carolina coast. Rooms lean into the nautical without going overboard, shiplap walls and rigging-line details keeping things grounded. The Michelin Guide has it among its selected hotels. Live music on weekends pulls in locals alongside guests, which is usually a good sign about a place.

One honor, in evidence: