Auburn University Auburn, Alabama
Opened
2022
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Wellness LocalOutside the door
Culinary hospitality atelier
Welcoming drinks and clubby lounge spaces create an unhurried, intimate collegiate retreat where campus energy stays just outside.
What it’s good at
Notable
Automated smart rooms feature marble-framed soaking tubs, rain showers, and fragrant Bvlgari amenities opposite campus landmarks.
Notable
A serene rooftop infinity pool, yoga pavilion, and dedicated spa with eucalyptus steam and salt rooms.
Notable
Direct hospitality school partnership brings campus-grown produce, local apiary honey, and student sommeliers to the stay.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Things start off impressively at check-in from the hardwood-floored and neutral-toned Library.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set directly opposite Samford Hall, the property puts Toomer's Corner, Jordan-Hare Stadium, and downtown Auburn within an easy walk.
The rooms
Plush velvet seating, gold accents, and marble bathrooms with rainforest showers give guest quarters the feel of a scholarly residence.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated rooftop infinity pool looks out at Samford Hall, joined by private cabanas and a dedicated fitness studio.
The spa
Treatment suites join a eucalyptus steam room and a Himalayan salt room, beside a light-filled relaxation lounge.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
1856 – Culinary Residence
Culinary students prepare multi-course tasting menus alongside visiting master chefs in an intimate dining room facing an open kitchen.
At the table
Up on the terrace, Walt's pours craft cocktails beside vertical gardens that supply fresh produce to the tables.
How it began
Opened in 2022, this teaching hotel pairs hospitality students with seasoned mentors to manage everything from service to wine cellars.
Good to know
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The Laurel Hotel and Spa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.