Azalea Inn and Villas

Azalea Inn and Villas is a Victorian-style inn at 217 East Huntingdon Street, set in a Queen Anne Italianate mansion built around 1885 and extended with villa accommodations in the neighboring buildings. It sits near Forsyth Park in the historic landmark district, a short walk from the squares and the Design District's shops. Expedia lists 4.5-star accommodation, 10 room types and a free full breakfast each morning from 8 to 10, with coffee and tea available in public areas. The grounds include heritage gardens, a terrace, a barbecue grill, a picnic area and an outdoor courtyard pool with lounge chairs, a combination rare among historic inns. Some rooms have fireplaces, and named spaces include the Cotton Exchange suite with a two-person air tub and fireplace, the Forsyth Place room with a balcony and the Live Oak Canopy king room. Guests rate the inn 9.6 out of 10 from more than five hundred reviews, with the location scoring 9.8.

The inn is a good answer to the question of where to stay when you want a pool and a garden in a historic neighborhood. In summer, an afternoon in the courtyard is a welcome break from the heat, and the veranda rockers and gardens offer shade for mornings with coffee. The villas, in one- and two-bedroom configurations, suit couples who want more space and families or friends traveling together, and the inn promotes packages for photography excursions, proposals and elopements, which signals its romance-focused clientele. The staff offer concierge service and a complimentary newspaper, and the breakfast is Southern in character.

Check the practicalities. Expedia says there is no on-site parking while the state tourism page lists private off-street parking for a daily fee, so confirm what is available for your dates before arriving by car. The property has no elevator, pets are not allowed, and the buildings are historic, so rooms vary in size and layout; read the room descriptions carefully before you choose a category. Weekends in spring and fall sell out, so book early, and ask about last-minute and military discounts listed on the state tourism page if your plans are flexible.

Fit and strategy: choose Azalea Inn and Villas for a leisurely stay with a pool, a fireplace and a garden, within walking distance of Forsyth Park and a stroll of the squares. It is particularly good for couples celebrating an anniversary or a quiet escape, and for families who want a villa. Combine it with a morning at the Saturday farmers market, a Midnight in the Garden walking tour that ends in the park, and dinners on Broughton Street or in the Starland area. It sits a notch below the grand mansion hotels in price and formality, and offers a more home-like experience.