Belmond Charleston Place is not short of accolades. It has been consistently voted amongst the best hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and has both AAA four-diamond and Forbes four-star designations, for good reason. The hotel is evocative of a grand, 17th-century residence, from its Italian marble lobby with signature Georgian Open Arm staircase to its 12-foot crystal chandelier and lush personal suites. Southern hospitality is the hallmark of Belmond Charleston Place. The staff is dedicated to indulging its guests, and the property has played host to numerous celebrities, politicians and royal families.
The hotel features 435 luxurious guest rooms, including 48 suites. Traditional historic detailing, including wainscoting and moldings, are blended with soft textures and a layering of patterns in subtle muted grey blue and green, imparting an air of tranquility. Elegant inlaid mahogany furnishings, inspired by the Georgian era’s original designs, along with antique velvet upholstery pieces, lend panache to the interior décor. All rooms include large flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations and conveniently-located USB charging outlets at the desk and nightstands.
Belmond has a trio of restaurants: Charleston Grill, Palmetto Café and The Thoroughbred Club. Charleston Grill is recognized as one of the best restaurants in the US, having been awarded the coveted Forbes four-star, the AAA four-diamond and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America designations. Executive Chef Michelle Weaver features fresh, local produce, seafood and game in her contemporary Southern cuisine. The menu is, quirkily divided into ‘Inspirations,’ and diners can mix-and-match appetizers, entrées and desserts from each menu section: Southern, Pure, Lush and Cosmopolitan.
Breakfast is served at the Palmetto Café, which draws inspiration from Charleston’s famed courtyard gardens. Saturday and Sunday brunch are hugely popular, amongst locals and hotel guests alike, featuring eggs Benedict, applewood smoked bacon, housemade caramel brioche and gourmet omelets. Last, but by no means least, the Thoroughbred Club provides the casual sophistication of a social club within a bar setting. Cocktails, appetizers and mouthwatering desserts are served from 4 to 11 p.m. daily.
After a culinary indulgence, The Spa at Belmond Charleston Place offers a comprehensive range of services to relax and unwind. I enjoyed a blissful 50-minute deep tissue massage and then spent the afternoon lounging by the rooftop, horizon-edge salt-water swimming pool. The pool area features a retractable roof and a sun terrace, perfect for topping up a tan. There is a fully-equipped gym located next to the pool, and the hotel also offers a running map for those who prefer to work out al fresco.
The hotel is located in the center of what has been Charleston’s premiere shopping district for over two hundred years, and The Shops at Belmond Charleston Place offer a variety of spending temptations, housed within two galleries flanking the hotel, including Gucci, Godiva and Louis Vuitton.
Were any other excuse needed to visit, Charleston itself has been ranked as the number one destination in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler since 2011, thanks to the city’s unique blend of historicism and urban-resort character. Narrow cobblestoned streets, Georgian architecture and a European ambiance all contribute to Charleston’s charm. Positioned in the heart of Charleston’s celebrated historic district, Belmond Charleston Place is perfectly positioned to enable discerning travelers to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Prices start from $340 per room, per night based on a stay in a deluxe room and includes breakfast.
