When I first moved to Charleston, the building the Dewberry Charleston now occupies was a sad place.
As time passed, it was steadily becoming more and more depressing.
It’s sometimes hard to remember what used to be there now, what with the impact the Dewberry Hotel has had on downtown Charleston.
Southern charm and modern elegance blend seamlessly here. This 5-star hotel promises (and delivers) a luxurious getaway in a vibrant corner of Charleston’s historic district. The hotel is especially famous for its iconic design and top-notch amenities.
Table of Contents
Quick hits:
- Experience luxurious comfort and opulence at The Dewberry Charleston in downtown Charleston.
- Enjoy unique dining, spa services, fitness center & rooftop yoga classes for ultimate relaxation.
- Explore nearby historic sites or outdoor activities while staying in the city’s Historic District!
Unveiling The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry Charleston is now one of the most iconic historic Charleston district hotels. With thoughtful touches like:
- Its cherry panel walls and marble floors in the lobby
- The mahogany and cloth armoires in the guest rooms
It’s clear that every aspect of this hotel was carefully designed to create an atmosphere of opulence and comfort.
Of course, the hotel features the standard hotel amenities:
- Air conditioning
- Free daily newspapers
- Iron/ironing board
- LED lighting
- Safe
- Free WiFi
- And uncovered valet parking
But there’s even more here to ensure a memorable stay.
Location and Surroundings
The Dewberry Charleston is right in the city center, overlooking Marion Square. It’s the perfect spot for exploring Charleston’s vibrant downtown. A few of the many Charleston attractions within walking distance include:
- The Gibbes Museum of Art
- College of Charleston
- Historic Charleston City Market
- Aiken-Rhett House
- And Port of Charleston Cruise Terminal
The Dewberry is easily accessible from the airport. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the famous King Street. The hotel’s prime location allows a smooth immersion in the city’s rich history and culture.
Architecture and Design
The official name of the building is the L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building. While the history of the former Federal building is deeply rooted in the 1960s Federal era, its renovation has brought it to new heights. The Dewberry’s transformation into a 155-room hotel pays homage to its mid-century modern heritage. The hotel’s design effortlessly combines classic and contemporary elements. Some of the most memorable features include: a grand staircase, marble floors, and a custom-made chandelier in the lobby.
The guest rooms, meanwhile, are adorned with:
- Custom-made furniture
- Windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling
- Luxurious fabrics and slippers
- Vermont marble accents
- And state-of-the-art amenities, like flat screen TVs, mini-bars, free toiletries
Accommodations at The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry Charleston offers a range of guest rooms, from 290 to 511 sq ft, all designed with your comfort in mind. Each room features mahogany and cloth armoires, cloud-like beds, and dimmable lighting. So each guest room guarantees a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The spacious bathrooms are equally luxurious. They boast Vermont Danby marble, floating double vanity, glass walk-in shower, soaking tub, and brass hardware.
Room Amenities
In each guest room at The Dewberry Charleston, you’ll find a variety of top-notch amenities to elevate your stay. A few of the high-end touches include:
- Mahogany and cloth armoires
- Cloud-like beds
- Floor-to-ceiling drapes
- And dimmable lighting
Bathroom Features
The bathrooms at The Dewberry Charleston are designed with your utmost comfort in mind. Featuring unique, luxurious touches, like:
- Vermont Danby marble
- A floating double vanity
- A glass walk-in shower
- A soaking tub
- And stylish brass hardware
Every visit to the bathroom will feel like a trip to the spa.
And complimentary toiletries as:
- Bathrobes
- And slippers
Add to the luxurious experience.
Rooms and suites
All rooms and suites at the Dewberry include features guests consider standard in hotels:
- Free wifi
- Flat screen TV
- Mini bar
That said, the Dewberry Charleston offers a unique spin on the boutique hotel experience, with some special touches:
- Floor to ceiling windows of the surrounding city
- Wall-mounted reading lamps
- Chandeliers
- Original local artwork
Different rooms are perfect for romantic retreats and girlfriends’ getaways.
The most unique and luxurious accommodations include:
THE JOHN DERIAN FLAT
Experience a new, one-of-a-kind designer suite at The Dewberry. Jaimie and John Dewberry’s travels and personal collections inspired the John Derian Flat. And designers actualized it by combining Derian’s signature decoupage pieces, vintage-inspired goods, and textiles. They all combine to evoke the feeling of a well-traveled collector’s escape. The apartment includes:
A gracious living room
An in-room dining area
A king canopy bed
And a glass enclosed marble bath suite with a cast iron soaking tub
Each suite guest receives a copy of the John Derian Picture Book, a New York Times bestseller.
CHARLESTON FLAT
The bright Charleston Flats, located in the corners of each floor, could be your pied-à-terre in Charleston. These lofty sanctuaries feature hardwood floors, gracious living rooms with leather wingback chairs, in-room dining areas, and glass-enclosed bath suites.
ONE-BEDROOM SUITE
Their one-bedroom suites have wide-plank oak floors, a sofa, a leather wingback chair, and a traditional writing desk in the living room. A separate bedroom features views of Marion Square and Historic Charleston.
Property amenities
While the guest rooms are splendid, this building is more like a resort in the center of the city.
Dining Experiences
Satisfy your culinary cravings at The Dewberry Charleston. Here, you’ll find two exceptional dining options: Henrietta’s and Citrus Club. You can indulge in a Southern brasserie at Henrietta’s. Its unique flare is its combination of classic French techniques with Lowcountry cuisine.
Citrus Club offers a rooftop bar and lounge where you can enjoy craft cocktails and small plates. No matter your preference, both establishments promise a delightful dining experience.
Henrietta’s
Henrietta’s is on the ground floor of The Dewberry Charleston. The menu of this on site restaurant features delicious dishes like:
- Shellfish on ice
- Steak frites
- And moules
You’ll also find modern options like lamb with vadouvan curry and sizzling meat cooked on the wood-burning grill.
The outdoor seating area, called the Tree House, is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by lush greenery.
Citrus Club
The Citrus Club is a rooftop bar and lounge at The Dewberry Hotel. It offers stunning views of the city while you sip on craft cocktails and savor small plates. Sample delicious dishes you can grab here with your drink include:
- Steamed bao buns with tempura chicken oysters and citrus slaw
- Suzy’s summer rolls with Key West shrimp and Hanoi slaw
- And classic club breakfast with two eggs any style, home fries, and your choice of sausage or bacon
The atmosphere and gorgeous views make Citrus Club one of the best rooftop bars in Charleston.
Wellness and Fitness Facilities
Pamper yourself at The Dewberry Charleston with a range of wellness and fitness facilities. The hotel designed the entire service to help you unwind and rejuvenate. The hotel offers:
- Spa services
- A fitness center
- And rooftop yoga classes
Spa Services
Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at The Dewberry Spa. The spa offers signature and customized treatments. Some of th services to try include:
- Anti-aging facials
- Body rituals with seaweed from the Atlantic
- Waxing
- And manicures
The spa has five treatment rooms, including ones for couples. Your stay isn’t complete without treating yourself to a soothing massage or facial, or a pampering body treatment.
Fitness Center and Rooftop Yoga
You’ll be able to maintain your exercise regimen during your stay at The Dewberry Charleston. The well-equipped fitness center features top-of-the-line cardio equipment, free weights, and yoga accessories.
For a unique workout experience, request a rooftop yoga class and enjoy stunning views of the city as you stretch and strengthen your body.
Additional Amenities and Services
The Dewberry Charleston goes above and beyond to cater to your every need with a range of added amenities and services. Guests can take advantage of:
- Business and event spaces
- Family-friendly features
- And top-notch concierge services
All to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.
Business and Event Spaces
The Dewberry Charleston offers a variety of event venues to suit your needs. Options include: the grand Ballroom, the beautiful outdoor Wallen Garden, and the cozy Swanston Room.
Their versatile spaces are ideal for anything from a wedding to a gala, conference or an intimate private dinner.
Family-Friendly Features
Families are more than welcome at The Dewberry Charleston, where you can add extra beds or cots to rooms for the comfort of your little ones. Babysitting services are not available. And yet, the hotel’s central location and range of amenities make it an ideal choice for families looking to explore the city together.
COMPLIMENTARY BICYCLES
Guests of The Dewberry Charleston can borrow free bicycles on a first-come, first-served basis. Racks and baskets are included in their top 21-gear system. Riding a specialized bicycle around the peninsula is a unique way to experience Charleston. The concierge team is happy to assist you in planning your route and offers guided routes to take in the breathtaking scenery.
FIELDSHOP BY GARDEN & GUN®
Buy, enjoy, and share the best of the South and beyond. Fieldshop by Garden & Gun is a unique shopping experience inspired by the pages of the venerable Southern lifestyle publication. The store features must-have items in:
Fashion
Barware
Jewelry and accessories
Objets d’art
And more
As well as a collection of one-of-a-kind products and exclusive collaborations with Southern artisans and craftsmen.
When to stay at the Dewberry Charleston
If you’re looking for a cheap room, book elsewhere. That said, a low-season stay at The Dewberry Charleston is a safer bet. Like all hotels, the average nightly price depends on the time of year, time of week, and how many people want to visit Charleston at any given time. In general, the best months to visit in terms of cost are January, when it’s bitterly cold for here, and August, when it’s swelteringly hot. The day of the week you check in can also have an impact on the cost. To get the best rates, stay at The Dewberry Charleston on a Sunday or Monday. Thursday is usually the most expensive day of the week to check in.
Exploring Charleston from The Dewberry
The Dewberry Charleston’s prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring the historic city. There’s plenty within walking distance of this luxury hotel. Top picks include: horse-drawn carriage tours, walking tours, and sunset cruises.
And if you have a car, the options expand to include: Charleston plantations and Charleston-area beaches.
There’s no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in the charm and history of Charleston. Be sure to read the full guide to attractions, activities, and things to do in Charleston, SC, before you come.
Historic Sites in Charleston SC
Discover the rich history of Charleston by visiting nearby historic sites and landmarks. Some of the most popular attractions include:
- Middleton Place
- Joe Riley Waterfront Park, especially the Pineapple fountain
- Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
- And Fort Sumter
Some more very close-by attractions include:
- The Charleston Farmer’s Market
- The American Theater
- And the Charleston Museum
All and more made it to our list of the best museums in Charleston, SC.
Outdoor Activities around Charleston, SC
Take advantage of the stunning natural beauty around Charleston with a variety of outdoor activities. Check with the Dewberry Charleston’s front desk staff for recommendations on:
- Guided kayaking eco tours
- Or exploring the avian conservatory
To discover the local waterways and ecology.
For a leisurely outdoor experience, visit Cannon Park and Marion Square to soak up the picturesque scenery and fresh air.
Start by checking-out our guide to the best outdoor activities in Charleston, South Carolina.
More Charleston Historic District Hotels
The Dewberry Charleston may now be the most famous of Charleston historic district hotels, but they still have a lot of competition.
Each of the hotels offer their own unique charm and amenities. Though all offer the standards, like free wifi.
Wentworth Mansion
Wentworth Mansion is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. Some of the coolest amenities here are a grand staircase, rooftop terrace, and spa.
Guests rave about: complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres and wine, and exceptional service. Wentworth Mansion promises a memorable and indulgent experience for its guests.
The Spectator Hotel
The Spectator Hotel is a boutique hotel. It overlooks the historic Charleston city market. And its a combination of modern amenities and classic, true Southern hospitality make it unique. Its central location allows easy exploration of the historic district.
Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi, Deep Steep Bath Amenities, and a range of luxurious room amenities.
Zero George
Experience the cozy atmosphere and delightful culinary offerings at Zero George. This boutique hotel is right across the street from the Gaillard Center. With a courtyard, restaurant, and bar, this charming hotel provides the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Planters Inn
One of the oldest hotels in Charleston, the Planters Inn is another luxurious option. Enjoy its restaurant, bar, and spa, all while being just steps away from the city’s most popular attractions.
Take in the sights and sounds of the city, from the cobblestone streets to the iconic architecture. Explore the nearby shops and restaurants, or take a stroll along the waterfront from its ideal location.
Hotel Bennett
Hotel Bennett offers a lavish stay in Charleston’s historic district with a rooftop bar, pool, and fitness center. Indulge in the hotel’s full-service spa and enjoy the convenience of its central location. Overlooking Marion Square, the Hotel Bennett and the Dewberry Charleston are within eyesight of each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
And now, random facts about the Dewberry hotel that I couldn’t fit into the larger text:
Who owns the Dewberry?
John Dewberry is the owner of The Dewberry Charleston. He is also:
- The Chairman and CEO of Dewberry Capital Corporation
- Founder of The Dewberry
- And the visionary behind its “Southern ReimaginedTM” style.
What did the Dewberry used to be?
The Dewberry was formerly a federal office building located in the heart of downtown Charleston, near Marion Square. Originally built in 1964, it was later vacated due to damage inflicted by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
After years of standing empty, The Dewberry was renovated and opened as an upscale luxury hotel in 2016.
