On our recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina, we had the most perfect visit at the Charleston Place Hotel. It was our first visit to the city as a family and we could not have asked for a better location to make as our base. Built in 1840, the hotel is very elegant yet comfortable, cozy, and the service defines southern hospitality to a tee. As soon as we walked though the door into the refined lobby with a grand staircase and chandelier shining down from the ceiling, we were enchanted. We knew we were in for something special. Something historical, something quaint, something unique.
From the moment we entered the hotel, we were treated royally by the bellboy (dressed in old-fashioned, Southern garb) who showed us to our room and told us all about the hotel and our area. We were welcomed by a lovely double room with a balcony overlooking downtown Charleston. The vintage fabrics and textiles used to design the room are classic and tasteful yet not overwhelming and the bathroom is tastefully decked out in marble.
At first glance of the hotel, I was worried that my children would not be comfortable and that I would have to worry about their behavior in such a posh environment. It was night time and people in the lobby were dressed in their finest clothes and appeared to be out on the town. But on the contrary. We all got a wonderful night’s sleep and got all the pampering we needed during our visit. Plus, the hotel offers free Wifi, which we always love and don’t get at every hotel.
The pool with a surrounding deck is a real stand-out and we spent an entire morning there. It overlooks the city of Charleston with exquisite views. We relaxed while the kids played in the pool with other children their own age visiting from Boston. We caught sight of a few people taking conference calls from their lounge chairs, and I can’t blame anyone for conducting their business from there. It’s one of the best mornings we’ve had on this trip.
Located in historic downtown, the hotel is really close to the public market and within a few blocks of really good shopping, cultural attractions, historic homes and restaurants. We were able to leave our car in self-park the whole time ($14 per day) and just stroll out the door and into the streets. Charleston Place is right near the synagogue, Hyman’s Sea Food, our carriage tour pick-up and a ton of shopping. More of what we did and saw to come in a future post on Family Vacation Critic and more to come on this hotel in Travel Savvy Mom.
The hotel also offers a restaurant and spa but we didn’t make use of those facilities on this trip. We really hope to return for a much longer stay and are thinking of staying for a week in the future. We were very much taken with Charleston, a beautiful city rich with culture and history. Although it’s a five-star hotel, Charleston Place does offer excellent deals and you can get a room for as low as $245 a night.
Here’s the skinny on the hotel:
Location: 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
Tel: 843-722-4900
Web site: http://www.charlestonplace.com
Family-friendly? Definitely. We met one family that comes back every year. It’s also only 15 minutes from Sullivan’s Island, a lovely seaside town and only two hours from Savannah.
Highlights: First-class service. A location that you can’t beat.
Good to know: Check their web site for packages and special rates before you book.
Disclosure: I did receive our room on a complimentary basis but I have meant every word stated in this review. It was an honor to stay in this hotel and we will be back.
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Sounds like a great hotel!