For better or worse, there are a lot of boutique hotels to choose from in downtown Charleston, SC.
And of them, the Spectator Hotel is a delightful option to consider!
What about this hotel in particular makes it stand out?
Read on to find out.
The Spectator Hotel, located on the corner of State and Linguard Streets, is just a block away from the Historic City Market.
The hotel’s furnishings and architecture pay homage to an era of flair, grace, and glamor. The name, in fact, comes from the popular spectator shoes of the 1920s and 1930s. The curved wrought iron fences, reminiscent of the stitching on the shoes, add some refinement to the hotel.
Interior designer Jenny Keenan’s rooms exemplify a combination of old charm and modern elegance. It makes them an ideal refuge for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The hotel is an excellent starting point for visiting the many sites that make Charleston such a popular tourist destination. The Spectator Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Charleston, SC, for a romantic break.
History of the Spectator Hotel
The Spectator Hotel is the result of Batson Hewitt and Jay Keenan’s own hotel experiences in their hometown. The three-level, 41-room property was designed by LS3P Associates Ltd architect Steve Ramos. Local interior designer Jenny Keenan managed the inside of the hotel.
Construction
The developers named the Spectator Hotel early in the development process. And its identity was a guiding force in the final concept. Ramos and Keenan drew upon inspiration from the eclectic Art-Deco style to design the hotel.
When it opened in the summer of 2015, this boutique hotel south of Charleston’s historic market drew fantastic reviews. And continues to do so to this day.
Amenities and services at the Spectator Hotel
The Spectator’s personality will captivate, with a blend of:
- The alluring charm of the Southern belle
- The flair of the flapper
- And the grace of the socialite
The property’s beautiful 1920s-inspired décor, as well as its superb service, is sure to captivate.
After all, it’s the only hotel in town that assigns guests a personal butler. They’re always on hand to deliver breakfast in bed, arrange transportation, and more.
Other notable features include a popular bar and complimentary bike rentals.
Guest rooms
Rooms are designed with the utmost comfort and luxury in mind. Lowcountry millwork and Indonesian specialty-crafted furniture set the scene. Private bathrooms, luxurious beds, and modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi are standard in all rooms.
Natural light illuminates the guest rooms. Luxury velvet headboards and furnishings with Art Deco details and plush carpet define the spaces. Locally manufactured mattresses and pillows promote a restful sleep. And in-room Nespresso machines will help you get going in the morning.
In the mini-bar, you’ll discover a solid representation of local products, such as:
- Key lime sweets
- Benne wafers
- And South Carolina-grown peanuts
All included with your room rate and restocked daily. And the bathrobes in the guest rooms are as fluffy and thick as the ones in your dreams.
Book a Premier Balcony Suite, which has its own porch, for convenient access to the open air.
The bathroom
You’ll enter the Carrera marble-clad bathroom through French doors from the guest room. Each is decorated with abstract local art, a heated towel rack, C.O. Bigelow bath products, and big double vanities. All have a spacious walk-in glass shower; Grand Suites also have a soaking tub.
Butler service
The Spectator Hotel treats its guests like kings and queens.
With a focus on personal service, the hotel pampers guests with pre-arrival concierge planning. The service allows for a customized experience tailored to their individual preferences.
A signature spirit is served on arrival. Turndown also includes a tiny nightcap, such as a shot of mudslide.
Throughout your stay, a personal butler is available to attend to your every need, from:
- Designing itineraries
- To fulfilling extra requests
Ensuring an unforgettable journey in the Holy City.
Every morning, your butler will deliver a continental breakfast to your room. It will be complete with:
- Fresh bagels and pastries
- Fruit and drinks
- And options for quiche, hard-boiled eggs, and other meats
If you’ve splurged on a Grand Suite, your butler will even fill the bath for you, replete with spa-quality salts, so there’s no need not to indulge.
And for a 20% premium, your personal butler can pick up meals from a nearby restaurant and deliver it to your room.
The hotel also provides various packages, ranging from culinary expeditions to historical lectures. You’ll be free to thoroughly immerse yourself in the Lowcountry’s rich cultural legacy.
The lobby and bar
The lobby exudes Jazz Age grandeur, with:
- A gently falling waterfall wall
- Hand-painted bird mural
- Stuffed white peacock
- Gilded lighting, including a spectacular chandelier
- Mirrored ceilings
- And amethyst-colored draperies
All chosen to evoke 1920s splendor with a modern twist.
In the lounge-meets-library-style bar right off the lobby, you’ll be dying to relax on a leather sofa. One of the city’s swankiest bars, the hotel’s talented mixologists create ’20s-inspired libations.
The bar seats are upholstered in green leather with slim brass legs, and the marble bar is gorgeous. The low-slung seating configurations make the bar a favorite gathering spot for both residents and visitors.
It’s the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail, wine, or beer.
Even more amenities
In addition to its exceptional service, the hotel also provides a fleet of complimentary bicycles that guests can use to explore the city. The bike roster includes antique replicas, high wheels, and tandems.
The Spectator Hotel is a marvel that promises to offer its guests an unforgettable experience. With its unique architecture, luxurious interiors, and exceptional service, this hotel is a true gem in the heart of Charleston, SC.
The Spectator Hotel’s central location and surrounding attractions
The Spectator Hotel’s spot between the market and the French Quarter puts other hotels to shame. It’s within easy walking distance of many attractions such as museums, historic homes, and other landmarks.
Attractions within walking distance of The Spectator Hotel
All that opulence isn’t terribly impressive in Charleston if it doesn’t get you where you want to be here.
And The Spectator Hotel does not disappoint in that regard. Some top Charleston attractions within walking distance of the hotel include:
- King Street
Charleston’s finest shopping and dining destination, with a diverse selection of boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
A must-see destination, this historic market offers a wide assortment of local goods, including handmade crafts, jewelry, and cuisine.
- The Battery and White Point Gardens
Located at the peninsula’s southern extremity, this historic seawall and park offers gorgeous views of the port.
Just a few blocks from the Spectator Hotel, this row of bright, historic residences is a popular photo location.
Just a few blocks away in the South of Broad neighborhood, the Nathaniel Russell House is a historic house museum built in the early 1800s. The National Historic Landmark has magnificent interior and exterior decorations.
Close-by, where East Bay and Broad Streets meet, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is a historic edifice. It operated as a public exchange, customs house, and military jail in the 18th century. The building is open for visits and has exhibits about Charleston’s history.
Restaurants within walking distance from the Spectator Hotel
Considering what a major draw to the city Charleston’s culinary scene is, this list requires its own gravitas (and section).
Some top restaurants within an easy walk from the hotel include:
- Slightly North of Broad (SNOB)
This renowned restaurant serves Lowcountry fare like as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and she-crab soup.
This wine bar has a large selection of wines from all over the world. It also has a menu of light foods like charcuterie platters, artisan cheeses, and oysters. And all in an art-filled, rustic-chic setting.
This historic restaurant serves Southern cuisine such as fried chicken, cornbread, and macaroni & cheese.
This renowned restaurant serves Lowcountry food such as shrimp and grits, crab cakes, and fried green tomatoes.
More Charleston hotels to consider
Charleston’s boutique hotels provide a truly unique experience. Immerse yourself in Charleston’s rich history and culture while staying in a stylish and private location. These boutique hotels, with comfy accommodations and opulent services, provide an ideal setting for a great trip.
Want to experience something truly unique or just to unwind?
Charleston’s boutique hotels provide an ideal balance.
- The Vendue: This historic hotel offers a unique blend of contemporary and classic designs, with an emphasis on art and design.
- Zero George Street: This modest hotel offers a variety of apartments and private residences, each designed in a unique way.
- The Fulton Lane Inn: Located in a restored 19th-century structure, this tiny hotel has lovely rooms and a charming courtyard.
- The Restoration: This hotel is housed in a collection of four restored 19th-century buildings. A fine dining restaurant, a spa, and a rooftop bar are among the hotel’s amenities and services.
So pack your bags, grab your sense of wonder, and get ready for an unforgettable tour of one of the world’s most beautiful cities!
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