High level, I thought we’d share some quick snapshots we took of the hotel, and also throw in our two cents regarding the establishment.

Overall, it’s a well-appointed hotel. Darn nice rooms, quiet, free wifi, and flat screen tv’s.. The distance to town (5 miles) actually didn’t bother me, but we did have a few small sticking points. Outside of those, it’s well worth consideration when visiting town.

Our pros/cons:

pros:

• during football season, you can usually find a room here on somewhat late notice
• full bar
• restaurant on-site
• new’ish construction
• views
• pool

cons:

• steep stairs – like climbing a small mountain
• no shower in peggy’s room – just a tub (I found this out the hard way)
• exit and entrance from Hwy 6 – tough both ways, ie. floor it / slam on brakes

And if you decide to stay a weekend, and love the place, you could drop a cool $3.9 Mil(now $2.5 Mil) and own the place yourself..(as it seems to now be for sale..)

Photo Set:

If you drive by the location today, though, you’ll see Star Liquor, but you won’t see the Ava Hotel. You’ll see an empty grass lot and some exposed dirt. With the economy the way it is, it may lead some folks to believe the project is dead in the water.

It ain’t. Just yet, at least.

Yesterday, Jondi Brackeen-Roberson – the hotel’s Executive Director – gave me an update on the property. Here’s the story …

First off, the project is still alive. Financing for the operation simply became a challenge due to the odd economy, and they’re currently working on completing terms which would enable them to kick things off again soon. Terms which could be completed – possibly – before September.

Secondly, the condo portion of the development has been scrapped (and wisely so). She, and the developers, are quite aware of the kudzu-like abundance of unsold condominiums in the market, and decided to simply shift those units to hotel rooms.

Portions still planned include the spa, fitness center, specialty shops, and the in-house restaurant.

It’s a development Oxford’s been in dire need of for years, and one which – I expect – becomes a resounding success after launch.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

[UPDATED 7.24.09 - ADDTL PICS]

Photo credit: Derek Moreton

My greeting was a hair different, as I blatantly ignored good judgment and arrived without notice. While parked in their driveway, had to call and see if they’d be nice enough to let me poke around. (Luckily, they were)

Normally, I’m much better prepared, but in this moment – driving by, reminding myself of a needed visit – my hands and legs decided, wisely, to step on the breaks and turn in. I commended them on their decision.

Located at 1008 University Avenue, Puddin Place is steps away from the Square, the University, Rowan Oak, and even Chicken-on-a-stick Chevron at University & Lamar.

The bed & breakfast itself features 3 total suites (2 in the main house, and the third in a detached cottage). The main house separates suites by floor – the downstairs providing one Queen bed, and upstairs offering 3 total (Queen, Single, Single). The carriage house out back has a Queen, plus a mini-kitchen.

In comparison to The 5 Twelve, which oozes a Gramercy Park Hotel vibe, Puddin Place presents a more subtle atmosphere: Old South Country
Farm ‘ish. The eleven *working* fireplaces (yes, 11, yes, working), plus dozens of antiques help cement that vibe (for me at least).

Children are also allowed at the inn, which is unique for a B&B. Great news for families, but worth noting for the single crowd…

My impulsive visit finished with a flurry of photographs, featued below… enjoy!

FRONT

UPSTAIRS SUITE

DOWNSTAIRS SUITE

SHARED AREAS

COTTAGE HOUSE SUITE

Puddin Place Bed & Breakfast
1008 University Ave.
Oxford, MS
(662) 234-1250
http://www.puddinplace.com/

The original exterior (seen here) added to my hesitations. It reeked of a dormitory setting, and although it had no shared bathrooms, worn-out beds, or stanky rooms, it’s appearance led me to believe otherwise.

What a difference a renovation can make.

After nearly 2 years under construction, The Inn re-opened in August of 2008. The re-opening features a new eight-story addition, a new hotel entrance & lobby, 38 new two-room suites, eleven larger special suites, multiple new meeting rooms, and a new large 5,600 square-foot ballroom. Even the original section of the Alumni House was spruced up – and spruced up well.

Suffice to say, it’s a darn nice expansion & renovation.

A few small points to mention.

• Small Bathroom Counters (in the original Alumni House wing)

Not a dealbreaker in my book – just something to realize before you visit.

• Not Easy to Locate

It’s location on Alumni Drive is easy to miss. The new expansion was created at the bottom of the hill, so it doesn’t rise above the surrounding buildings (fyi). And in addition, signage for the hotel is virtually non-existant (as of press-time that is, which I’m sure will change as they’re still completing final touches). If you’re driving from the Square, simply head into campus, turn right onto the Grove Loop, and the next right is Alumni Drive. Head to the bottom on the hill, The Inn will be on your right.

All in all, an impressive renovation. And the sheer fact it’s located on campus, anchored steps away from the Grove, and a few minutes walk from the Square, cements it as prime lodging for any outside visitor (in my opinion).

http://www.TheInnAtOleMiss.com/

The new name is ‘The 5 Twelve’, as in 512 Van Buren Ave. In addition to the name, the place has undergone an impressive renovation. One we thought we’d share with everyone, as we particularly like this inn, due to it’s amazingly close location to the Square(a few blocks), as well as the University.

High level, the inn offers 6 rooms, features 12 ft ceilings, full breakfast, an amazing (new) brick patio, a wraparound porch, and one immensely hospitable Innkeeper, Ilene.

The atmosphere and feel of the new inn is, quite honestly, unlike anything Oxford has had before – and that’s a good thing. The feel, in my opinion, is a mix between old South and the W hotel. Clean lines and polished rooms inside a great historical home (I need to do an Oxford Time Machine on this place, really).

The 5 Twelve Bed & Breakfast
512 Van Buren Ave.
Oxford, MS
http://www.the512oxford.com/
1-662-234-8043

Take a peek, enjoy.. see what you think:

photo credit: Derek Moreton