While it’s not hard to find a charm-filled stay in Charleston, The Spectator appeals to boutique hotel lovers who prefer a more intimate, adult atmosphere. Ideal for a romantic getaway, it’s a hidden gem that’s tucked away on a quiet side street near Charleston City Market.
The property evokes a sense of nostalgia for the glamor and grace of the Art Deco era but doesn’t skimp on contemporary comforts either. Upon arrival, guests enter into the lobby where a velvet-clad seating area, bronze check-in desks backed by whimsical floral wallpaper, and tasty welcome drinks await.
The 41 residential-style rooms and suites strike the perfect balance between traditional and modern. The hues, refined furnishings, and hand-selected art create a timeless aesthetic. Spa-like bathrooms flaunt white Carrara marble, heated towel racks, and double vanities. Slumber-inducing mattresses, custom pillows, and sumptuous linens guarantee restful zzzs after days filled with sightseeing and savoring.
Southern hospitality is the norm in the Holy City. The Spectator takes it up a notch with personalized butler service (it’s the only hotel in town with such an offering). Want your ice bucket refreshed? Need a firmer pillow? Curious about where to get the best shrimp and grits? It’s as easy as sending a text. After a good night’s sleep, waking up to breakfast delivered right to your door is a thoughtful way to start the day.
Whether you’re a guest, a local, or a visitor thirsty for some of the tastiest tipples in Charleston, be sure to hit the speakeasy-style bar that’s inspired by the Roaring Twenties. The jewel-tone palette, shelves filled with old books, and eye-catching decorative accents like a majestic white peacock give off Great Gatsby energy. Suspender-clad bartenders mix up classics like martinis as well as artisan cocktails (or mocktails) for patrons who sit at emerald leatherback chairs or cozy up at a corner table. Besides the hard stuff, wine and regional craft brews are also available. Feeling peckish? Nibble on some tasty bites.
Speaking of non-alcoholic sips, for folks looking for an easy and elevated babymoon escape, the property offers a package for expectant mamas that includes an assortment of fast treats to satisfy “pregnancy cravings,” a five-foot body pillow to use during your stay, and a $50 gift card to a cute local kid shop called Under The Almond Trees.
Top Takeaways
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Contemporary Southern refinement with nods to the 1920s.
Food + Drink: The hotel doesn’t have a full-service restaurant. But with so many excellent dining establishments nearby, that’s quite alright. Instead, the F&B offerings lean heavily into the beverage side of things with a bar menu that steals the show. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary gourmet breakfast in the same space, which feels calm and quiet in the morning.
Amenities: cocktail bar; personalized butler service; complimentary in-room mini bar; complimentary bicycles; complimentary gourmet breakfast; free WiFi; valet parking
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Sipping cocktails (or mocktails) at the jewel-box bar.
What’s Nearby? The hotel is located around the corner from Charleston City Market and a short walk from Joe Riley Waterfront Park.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Charleston is a foodie hotspot. Staying at The Spectator puts guests within minutes of some of the best restaurants in the city — including 167 Raw and FIG.
Rooms: 41 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $259/night
Closest Airport: Charleston International Airport
