{This page is sponsored by the Southern Hotel}
In the small, sweet town of Covington there is a little hidden gem called the Southern Hotel. This boutique hotel is a retreat for the mind and a sanctuary for the soul. You should Come to Covington…
The thing I have always loved about the Southern Hotel is that it has a story. When you walk into the hotel you can tell there is more to this place than what meets the eye. I don’t know if it’s the fact that you know it’s been fully restored to its former glory or that each room is more beautiful than the next, but there is something truly unique about the space.
That is what makes the Southern Hotel the perfect location for a local romantic overnight with your spouse or the perfect destination that any wandering travelers heart could desire. It’s truly a breath of fresh air just outside of New Orleans.
The Southern Hotel
{Discounted hotel rates are currently available with code: W5K}
You can tell the Southern Hotel is different the moment you walk in. Built in 1907 this hotel hosted guests for more than 50 years before it ceased operations. In 2011 the hotel was purchased and a restoration to a modern interpretation of what the hotel once was over 50 years earlier was begun. The hotel reopened it’s doors to guests in 2014 offering 40+ hotel rooms.
The Southern Hotel’s 40 guest rooms include Deluxe Doubles, Traditional Kings and seven lavish suites. Guests of the property are welcome to explore the four different sitting rooms on the first floor of the hotel as well as the hotel bar and outdoor patio area adjacent to the bar. It is easy to find a nook in this hotel just for yourself and a good book or a bright and airy area to have a drink and listen to piano music.
When you stay at the Southern Hotel you aren’t going to be treated like you are just a guest. You are treated like you are at home.
The Garden House
The Garden House is the building adjacent to the Southern Hotel. This part of the property was originally the rose garden and tennis courts to the hotel in the early 1900’s. The city bought the land in the 30’s and built a post office. Years later it would become the school board offices. The hotel was able to obtain the property back from the city and kicked off a complete renovation, eventually reopening the Garden House in June 2018.
The Garden House is home to five suites, one interior king room, the Lily Conference Room and surrounded by a luscious garden area. All of the rooms are available to be rented individually or a group can rent out the entire building.
Amenities
Southern Hotel Spa
The Southern Hotel Spa is a luxurious retreat for your body. This spa is beautiful, serene and relaxing. The spa offers facials, massages, waxing and body services.
Pool – You do not want to forget your suit when you come for a stay at the Southern Hotel. Secluded in the back corner of the courtyard this oasis is surrounded by lush greenery and the beautiful architecture of the hotel.
Stone Creek Spa – All guests of the Southern Hotel are eligible for the membership rates at the Stone Creek Spa. Looking for a couples massage? Stone Creek’s Spa is the next best place to go.
Love More Hot Yoga – Use the “weekender” rate and keep up with your yoga practice while on vacation.
Money Hill – Guests of the hotel ae eligible for Money Hill’s membership rates.
Where to Eat
OX LOT 9
Ox Lot 9 is located inside the Southern Hotel and is one of the premier restaurants on the Northshore. Their Gulf Inspired Southern Fare is sophisticated using seasonal ingredients that are available locally. This restaurant is truly inspired by the area and people of Covington, the gulf and the heritage of the south.
Chef Jeffrey Hansell’s menu changes frequently because of their fresh, seasonal approach to ingredients. Things you can always expect to find on the menu: seafood and inspired pairings. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for brunch on Sundays from 10 to 2.
Mattina Bella – Around the corner from the hotel you will find this sweet little spot for lunch or brunch. You can find a variety of benedicts, omelets, classic Italian dishes and burgers. The food is delicious and the family who owns this spot is kind and inviting.
Del Porto Ristorante – Located across the street from the hotel, Del Porto is offering contemporary Italian cooking with a focus on house made, seasonal, farm to table ingredients. Chef team David and Torre Solazzo were semi-finalists for James Beard Best Chef South in 2009 – 2011 and Del Porto was named one of New Orleans 10 Best Restaurants by New Orleans Magazine in 2018.
Toad Hollow Cafe – Right down the block and around the corner you will find this cozy breakfast, brunch and lunch cafĆ©. The menu is all fresh, mostly organic ingredients and everything is made to order. Bowls, tacos, sandwiches, pancakes, French toast and omelets just to name a few. The menu items are delicious and different and you will leave satisfied.
LOLA Restaurant – In downtown Covington you will find LOLA in the cities historic train station. The kitchen is located in a train caboose and the original doors and brick make this restaurant truly unique. You can now also reserve space to dine in their newly renovated train car. Their menu is exciting and different and all locally sourced.
What to do
Louisiana Tours and Adventures
Let Captain Mike with Louisiana Tours and Adventures take you on an excursion down the Tchefuncte River. Their spacious 24 foot boat is available for 3 and 5 hour trips and comes with all of the amenities needed to have an amazing day on the water. The boat comes equipped with adult and youth life vests so these trips are available to all ages. Trips are available for day fun like swimming at the sandbar or stopping at popular restaurants that are only available by boat. For your evening pleasure you can see the Louisiana sunset from a whole new vantage point. Either trip you choose, Captain Mike is a seasoned boater and will show you historical points as well as learning about our complex river system. Follow them on Instagram for more details on their trips!
Bayou Adventures – Louisiana is home to some of the most fun and beautiful waterways and offers something for every level of adventurer. Looking for a romantic canoe ride, kayak swamp tour or a SUP adventure? This is your place. Everything from guided tours or boats rentals to take out yourself, Bayou Adventures is here to help you enjoy all of the outdoor life Louisiana has to offer.
Dew Drop Social Hall – This is considered to be the oldest unaltered rural jazz and dance hall in the world. Built the same year that is considered to be the birth of jazz in New Orleans it still stands in a neighborhood in Mandeville nestled in the oak trees. Friends of the Dew Drop successfully orchestrate more than 12 concerts per year during the spring and fall.
Brooks Bike Shop – With locations in Mandeville and Covington, Brooks Bike Shop gives you full access to the St. Tammany Trace which gives you biking access to the communities of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell.
Antiquing and Shopping – Covington is home to some beautiful antique shops and clothing boutiques. Get your pocketbook ready for shops up and down Columbia Street.
Covington Farmer’s Market – This market is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings each week. You can find a variety of goods from produce to homemade foods.
St. Tammany Art Association – The STAA is open Tuesday through Saturday each week and offers 3,000 feet of gallery space. Current exhibition information can be found here. STAA provides cultural enrichment and programs for St. Tammany Parish. Their mission is also to support established artists as well as promote emerging artists in the local community.
Other Ways to Enjoy the Hotel
Cocktails on the Patio. The patio area and courtyard is one of the most beautiful places in the hotel. They are perfect for hosting a small cocktail hour with friends or just a place to relax during a beautiful southern afternoon.
Girls Overnight. Looking for a fun way to spend a night or two with your friends? The Southern Hotel is a great place to host your girls night giving you access to the hotel bar, common areas and the pool.
Garden House Take Over. The Garden House holds 5 suites and 1 interior king room. Renting all of these rooms will allow you to take over the Garden House for the weekend. The hotel will also allow you access to the Lily Conference Room to use as a hospitality or gathering space.
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