Voted best in the U.S. time and time again; an absolutely incomparable mix of architectural splendor, refined amenities, culture and history, Charleston, South Carolina should be on every luxury traveler’s bucket list. The soft breeze dances off the bay as you stroll White Point Garden, then, a quick turn down the street to explore the colorful architecture and beautifully manicured window boxes of Rainbow Row. Carriages pass sharing folklore and gossip as you travel towards market street filling your cup with sweet tea and old school Southern charm.
Travelers would not need an ounce of interest in American history to enjoy the sites and sounds of Charleston. But history enthusiasts or not, travelers can not help but trip over the stories, and cobblestones so please be careful, that built America as we now know it. They call it the “Holy City” but it may be better be defined as the “Holy Grail” of early American history.
Founded in 1670 in honor of King Charles II of England, the city of Charleston is one of the oldest and was by far the wealthiest city thriving in colonial America. The merchants and landowners built their wealth through maritime and agricultural endeavors becoming a major exporter of rice, sea island cotton and indigo among other commodities. This advantageous economic position supported the city in becoming a cultural and political mecca in the new world.
The social elite of the time were amassing fortunes faster than some could spend them. These families displayed their wealth by building magnificent townhomes and country plantations, collecting art and cultural artifacts from overseas, and by building businesses and civic organizations like America’s first public college, museum and playhouse. The first golf club in America was also established in Charleston in 1787. Many of these structures still stand to this day; relics of a once glutinous community of movers, shakers and revolutionaries.
“Charleston is a well-preserved but dynamic livable city that has not been subject to museumification; where preservation is so unmoving that it is stagnant. The historic culture and daily life are still very intertwined.” shares Roualeyn de Haas, Chief Operating Officer of Historic Charleston Foundation.
“It’s all about balance; respecting the past while also planning for the future. Preservation has been an ongoing and thoughtful effort at the Foundation beginning in 1947 with our founder and first President Frances R. Edmunds. She was a true pioneer in preservation with a strong understanding of Charleston’s unique character and the importance of protecting it.”
A unique character that helps Charleston attract tourists from all over the globe. Experience all this vibrant coastal city has to offer by booking a stay at one of the city’s many historically rich luxury hotels.
The Mills House Hotel
Once deemed the “finest hotel south of New York City” and a favorite of presidents and socialites alike, book a stay at Charleston’s beloved pink landmark The Mills House Hotel.
First opening its doors to the public in 1853 the grand hotel’s original 5 floor building façade was ornately decorated with an iron balcony, terra-cotta cornices and elegant arched doorways. Those that had the pleasure of a stay marveled at its modern equipment like gas lighting, hot water for baths along with “bathing rooms” for both ladies and gentlemen and even in-house laundry. The hotel survived Charleston’s Great Fire of 1861, the Civil War and continued to service Charleston travelers well into the early 1900s.
Just like Charleston itself, the hotel has gone through a handful of evolutions but has never lost its style or its reputation for modern enhancements. The hotel’s 2022 reimagining is absolutely delightful; eclectic, playful and refined. The design scape perfectly captures the modern Charleston aesthetic while also paying homage to the traditional Southern home. The Mills House Hotel transitioned to Curio Collection by Hilton, becoming the portfolio’s first hotel in South Carolina. This historic property is a favorite for luxury travelers who enjoy traveling with points.
Wentworth Mansion
Experience the romance, elegance and charm of a Gilded Age home when staying at the Wentworth Mansion.
Built in 1886 as a family home for cotton merchant Francis Silas Rodgers, this converted mansion exemplifies the grandeur and opulence of the late 19th century. Easily rivaling some of the museum homes found throughout Charleston its artful parquet floors, exquisite wood moldings, hand-carved marble fireplaces, Italian crystal chandeliers, stately staircase and impressive collection of original Tiffany’s glass are just some of the preserved elements that make this architectural gem a treat for travelers and historians alike. So much more than a nice historic stay, this 5-star hotel features a luxury spa, guest tailored amenities and excursions and an onsite restaurant. The 21 unique guest rooms and suites transport guests back into time, allowing them to rest among antiques and period replicas.
This charming inn is part of the Charming Inns network, a hospitality group that prides itself on curating bespoke experiences for every guest. Guests of the inn are treated to complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, wine and hors’ d’oeuvres on the sunny porch and a concierge built itinerary that might just include a ride in a 1928 Model A Ford Sport Coupe. Then after a seasonally inspired dinner onsite at the Circa 1886 Restaurant, guests are invited to the parlor for homemade chocolates, evening port or brandy followed up by unbeatable panoramic city views from the coppola. The Wentworth Mansion is the perfect historic property for couples and those seeking a more romantic adventure.
The Francis Marion Hotel
Marvel at the Renaissance Revival design of this “Jazz Age” masterpiece The Francis Marion Hotel.
Charleston’s tourism was growing in the early 1900s welcoming new properties to the already historically rich downtown district. Opening its doors in 1924 the 12 story, 234 room property named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion attracted instant attention with its striking lobby, contemporary finishes and convenient location off Marion Square that made it walkable to the city’s many gardens, museums, art galleries, restaurants and nightlife.
Whispers of folklore tell us The Francis Marion Hotel was once the most popular socialite hub of its time. Historians would note that the original location of the Swamp Fox restaurant on the top floor was consistent with other popular “speakeasies” throughout the country that would have entertained elite guests with contraband spirits, music, dancing and even gambling. Unfortunately hotel records from this time are minimal and there is no documented history of such merriment occurring; however, one could still imagine the interesting characters, lush parties and historical events the hotel would have seen throughout Prohibition, World War II and during the mid-century period. Historic and functional, the Francis Marion Hotel is excellent for large groups and corporate travelers.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024
John Rutledge House Inn
Take afternoon tea in the room where John Rutledge wrote parts of the U.S. Constitution when staying at the John Rutledge House Inn.
An inn that should be on every history lover’s bucket list, the John Rutledge House Inn might just be one of the most historically relevant hotel properties in the country. The only home of a signer of The United States Constitution that now serves as both a living national historic landmark as well as an inn, guests are treated with a concierge curated experience that effortlessly blends the culture, comfort and history of this meticulously restored home.
Its teal wrought iron balconies and signature black and white tile demand attention as guests walk up to the stunning home. As they enter, guests are greeted with striking architectural details, museum quality decor and a welcoming staff ready to guide travelers to one of their 19 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites. The 24-hour concierge ensures each guest receives the perfect experience offering deluxe continental or cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and hors’ d’oeuvres, evening port, sherry, brandy and more.
Built in 1763 by John Rutledge for his young bride Elizabeth Grimke, the home was more than just a residence while the Rutledge’s owned the property. The home became his political headquarters when he served as President and then wartime governor of South Carolina. Targeted during the Civil War by Union Troops the property was almost destroyed and still showcases scars of a cannon ball strike on its 3rd floor. This property makes an excellent home away from home for international travelers looking to stay engaged with American history.
The Inn at Middleton Place
Live out your antebellum fantasies at The Inn at Middleton Place nestled in Charleston’s historic plantation district.
A distinctive 55 room boutique hotel where history dances with contemporary hospitality. Featuring a dining room, pool, equestrian center, conference facilities and numerous tour experiences, the award-winning architectural masterpiece built by W. G. Clark sits off the banks of the Ashley River on the once fruitful rice fields of the historic plantation. The Inn at Middleton Place lives effortlessly in the landscape of Middleton Place National Historic Landmark allowing guests to rest comfortably while also immersing themselves in America’s oldest landscaped gardens, remnants of the site’s stately manor, plantation and stable yards.
Founded in 1741 and built in several stages over the 18th and 19th centuries the property showcases the grandeur and wealth of Charleston from the Colonial period through the Revolution and into the Civil War. Although the inn itself may not be an antique structure, the property has a rather historically relevant excuse considering the original grand home was burnt down just months prior to the Confederate surrender at Appomattox and the remaining family home leveled during the Great Earthquake of 1886. This sprawling property is fantastic for luxury family travel, offering contemporary rooms and family friendly amenities.
One last note
The legacy of Charleston’s great wealth and economic prosperity requires one last note.
Travelers should understand that it would have been impossible for this fledgling colonial port city to grow without those who were enslaved and indentured during that time. Today, the city of Charleston offers an educational and somber reminder of the impact of the trans-Alantic slave trade and works to celebrate the blending of cultures that built the city. History enthusiasts can learn about the injustices of slavery in early America and tour slave housing, the Old Slave Mart Museum and the newly built International African American Museum. Additionally, anthropology loving travelers can dive deeply into Gullah culture enjoying the decadent food, artistry and traditions of this beautiful community that still proudly lives and flourishes in the Lowcountry.
The Lowcountry possesses an almost unfair amount of historical adventures for travelers to choose from. Those curious to visit the many historic and cultural sites throughout the region would benefit from a review of Explore Charleston‘s website. Explore Charleston offers many online resources that can help identify what experiences might be most appropriate for your itinerary. Additionally, the Historic Charleston Foundation offers a complimentary app that features an easy-to-navigate city guide that highlights notable locations like The Battery, Fort Sumter National Monument and Charleston City Market.
Anna Marie Imbordino
Anna Marie Imbordino is an award-winning communication artist from Charleston, SC. Her love of history and the arts keeps her traveling, looking to experience not just the places, but the people who create our story.
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