National Geographic Traveler on 21c Museum Hotel

According to Editor Keith Bellows, there is no greater letdown than a hotel that isn't original and fails to exhibit any understanding of its cultural context. Hence the creation of National Geographic Traveler's "Stay List" that celebrates 150 hotels in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean region that are among the best at blending location-inspired architecture, ambience and amenities, eco-stewardship and an ethic of giving back to the community. Backed by extensive research, including input from local experts and seasoned travelers, in-depth questionnaires to more than 600 nominated hotels and detailed follow-up by magazine staff, the list showcases overnights that range from rustic to luxurious, dirt cheap to splurge. Yet all the featured hotels cherish a sense of place and offer a sweet night's sleep. Organized by country, state and city, this is a list that travelers will refer to repeatedly.

The list, included in the publication's April issue, features hotels with a "sense of place" - those that incorporate details of local surroundings, respect the environment and contribute to the community.

21c, which opened in 2006, is a 91-room boutique hotel that includes 9,000 square feet of art exhibition space. Guest rooms feature mint julep cups, iPods with custom music and HDTV flat screen televisions.

National Geographic Traveler said 21c's Southern roots are expressed through the mint julep cups and the locally grown food in the hotels' restaurant, Proof on Main.

The hotel also holds free art exhibits and educational seminars for the community and used reclaimed wood and other eco-friendly materials in its construction to reduce its environmental impact.