Charleston, SC
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When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Charleston, keep in mind that rates are among the highest in the Southeast, typically averaging $150 to $300 a night, but accommodations here are among the most sumptuous and romantic in the country. Take comfort, however, if you're looking to save a little money - the city is represented by virtually every chain hotel you can think of. The Hampton Inn Charleston Historic District is one of the nicest moderately priced options, and it's a short walk from gay nightlife.

Among the top-of-the-line lodgings, the very gay-friendly Market Pavilion Hotel has become a clear favorite since it opened in 2002, just a stone's throw from the historic City Market. This stately 70-room boutique hotel offers plenty of stylish touches, from Hermes bath amenities to museum-quality paintings and artwork. There's also a rooftop bar and pool affording panoramic views of Charleston's historic skyline. On the ground floor, be sure to plan a meal at the hotel's Grill 225 restaurant, where tender steaks and decadent desserts (such as banana bread pudding with hot caramel sauce and homemade caramel ice cream) dazzle gourmands.

Another exceptional choice is the painstakingly restored Planters Inn, many of whose luxurious rooms have whirlpool tubs. This dashing hotel sits close to City Market as well as a number of tiny boutiques and antiques shops. One of the city's most historic options is the John Rutledge House Inn, which has rooms in the main 1763 mansion as well as in two adjacent carriage houses. The romantic, Italianate-style main building was built by a signer of the U.S. Constitution - its rooms, with 13-foot ceilings and elaborate plaster moldings, are supremely opulent, but those in the adjoining carriage houses offer a bit more privacy.

Operated by the owners of the John Rutledge House Inn and two other similarly outstanding properties (the Fulton Lane and Kings Courtyard inns), the Victoria House Inn is a dramatic Romanesque Revival hotel that combines the best of the old and the new. Rooms are filled with antiques and period-style fabrics but also have all the amenities you'd expect of a larger chain hotel, such as high-speed Internet and phones with voice mail; many rooms have fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.

The city's one gay-owned B&B, 4 Unity Alley, is a gem hidden down a tiny alley off historic Bay Street. This 18th-century former colonial warehouse, in which George Washington is said to have housed his horse for a night, contains airy, light-filled rooms with fine antiques. Keep in mind that the four guest rooms here often book up quickly - it's wise to make your reservations well in advance. Guests can relax in a sunny garden, and off-street parking and a full breakfast are included in the rates.

Andrew Collins is the author of Fodor's Gay Guide to the USA and as well as numerous other guidebooks.