Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

Overlooking the Tennessee River, the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa is described by recent guests as a pleasant surprise in the northern Alabama town of Florence. Guests say Southern hospitality is alive and well here, noting that everyone — from the front desk staff to the restaurant servers — is polite and friendly. The hotel offers two distinct dining venues, the 360 Grille (which offers revolving 360-degree views of the river) and the more casual Swampers Bar and Grill that features live music in the evenings. When it's time to bed down, guest rooms feature balconies, pillow-top mattresses, minifridges, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access, as well as bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. Recent guests said they found the rooms to be clean, spacious and comfortable. When they venture outside their rooms, visitors can spend their time getting treatments at the 6,000-square-foot Spa at the Shoals, working out in the fitness center or swimming and sunbathing at the outdoor pool. The only complaint from recent guests: the entrance to the hotel isn't clearly marked so finding it can be a little tricky. Members of the Marriott Rewards program can earn and use points here.