Rooftop bar independent inns

Tucked onto Vendue Range a block from Charleston's waterfront, this self-styled art hotel treats its rooms as galleries — each one refined and uniquely appointed, with work that rewards a slow walk down the hallway. Evenings bring wine receptions and a rooftop bar with the city's steeples and harbor spread out below, and the day closes with milk and cookies left out nightly. Ballroom and event spaces make it a frequent choice for weddings, and guests have rated it warmly across more than 2,000 reviews.

Named for its address a block off Camden's harbor, 16 Bay View trades the fussiness of a country inn for something more polished — refined rooms, a rooftop bar where the masts of the working harbor come into view, and breakfast included before you wander out into the village. Guests rate it highly (4.7 across nearly 400 reviews), and the harbor-town setting does much of the work. A small-scale boutique stay rather than a rambling B&B.

Set at the corner of East Bay in Charleston's historic district, Market Pavilion leans unapologetically opulent erecalling the mahogany beds, marble baths and dark-wood formality of an older South. A rooftop bar crowns the building, and a steakhouse anchors the ground floor, making it as much a destination for locals at dusk as for guests returning from a day on the cobblestones.

Set on Wentworth Street in the heart of Charleston's historic peninsula, the Grand Bohemian leans into a plush, slightly theatrical maximalism — an on-site art gallery doubles as a lobby to wander through before dinner. A farm-to-table restaurant anchors the ground floor, while the rooftop bar draws a crowd for evening views over the city's rooflines. The property also hosts weddings and events, and holds a 4.5-star average across nearly 750 reviews.

Set at the corner of Broadway in downtown Asheville, this art-filled property leans modern and urbane, with warm rooms outfitted with minibars. The rooftop restaurant and bar is the main draw, lifting guests above the street for a drink after a day in the city. Strong marks from guests — 4.5 stars across more than 1,600 reviews.