1.
The Duke Mansion Rating: 3.5 Pearls
The Duke Mansion, a quaint 20-room bed and breakfast, is a decidedly regal southern experience -- as you'd expect from an authentic southern mansion. The rooms are elegant and individually furnished with original artwork housed in ornate frames, oak furniture, and large porches. Unlike other historic hotels, the bathrooms are surprisingly spacious and modern, the ceilings are high, and there's a working elevator. The mansion's location in the upscale Myers Park neighborhood is also a plus, with shops and restaurants within walking distance.
2.
Morehead Inn Rating: 3.0 Pearls
This Colonial revival house located in an historic neighborhood is charming and romantic. Even though all rooms at the inn differ, they each have something to offer: The Cleveland Suite sports a comfy four-poster bed, and the Solarium Suite is roomy with plenty of natural light. But some rooms feature tube TVs, and the bathrooms -- while clean, with some updated fixtures -- are a bit cramped and generally dated. Furniture and decor can look a little worn at times, and there's no pool, but overall, the large porch overlooking pretty grounds and the southern hospitality help give the place the feel of a grand manor.
