"Set the scene for us. What's this hotel all about?Steps (literally) from the market, an ivy-covered archway promises cool shade as you make your way down a brick pathway off Church Street into the hotel. Sure, you can enter from the valet area (Linguard Alley) or directly from Market Street, but the lobby is actually on the second floor from the street, so it's a little quieter, a little more removed, with high-backed chairs and comfortable seating that invite a respite from the busy market vibe below. What's the backstory?The French Quarter Inn is part of Charlestowne Hotels, a management company founded in 1980. Before there were hotels on seemingly every corner in Charleston, this hotel was welcoming and wooing guests, so while it's not necessarily flashy or a destination for locals (like, for instance, The Dewberry Hotel), what it does have is a loyal following of guests who return. The rooms themselves—what are they like? What should we try to book, given the option?The Queen Junior Suite was very spacious, so we didn't feel cramped, but rather, cozy. (It also helps that there was space for a full-sized couch.) Linens were luxurious, and design details such as dark, carved headboards and real draperies gave the space a classic feel. There was also a separate garden bath tub and glass shower, the aforementioned perfect for a cool, reviving soak after a long day on foot. Other delicious luxuries include complimentary chocolates and sparkling wine, and a turndown service that included a "Sound Sleep" pillow menu, a selection of pillows—from buckwheat to memory foam—for your perfect night's sleep. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?One of the winning things about this hotel is the included continental breakfast you can have delivered to your room if you wish. The fare is pretty standard—including fresh fruit, pastries, pre-packaged cereal, and a variety of beverages—but the best part is not having to try and look presentable in order to traipse down to a room filled with people who got up earlier than you just to score some coffee. As far as dinner goes, there's a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is onsite, a chain restaurant that seems at odds with the otherwise "local Charleston" feel of the experience. Plus, there are plenty of steakhouses on the peninsula, so this one seems frequented almost exclusively by tourists. How do the staff treat you? The service is very personal as this is a place that has built a rapport with its guests through the years. There's an admirable attention to detail—remembering names and preferences—all served with a dose of quiet hospitality. The idea is that upon arrival, you're in a special place (cue the Champagne greeting) and throughout the stay, staff is eager to accommodate without being cloying, stopping admin work at the front desk to help facilitate a complimentary bike rental or providing walking directions versus driving. Who tends to stay here?Charleston's hotel construction comes in waves, and this one is of an earlier era, though impeccably maintained; so those that have an established relationship with the property most likely have been visiting for years. This is a popular spot for multi-decade wedding anniversaries it seems, and a peek around the lobby on any given afternoon is likely to yield this scene: women with short cropped hair in sporty visors and shorts, and groups of men (presumably their husbands) relaxing and talking golf games. Although Charleston has its share of artists, actors, and musicians who visit, they don't stay here. Anything good to see and do in the surrounding area?The hotel is a respite of elegance from the undeniably kitschy and touristy Market Street, where you can buy fake poop from a novelty shop, wander the market stalls for T-shirts, and finish it all off with a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. Market Street used to have restaurants and shops that the locals also enjoyed, but recent years (as those spots closed) have seen this street overwhelmed by throngs of visitors. Another thing to note is the existence of a hotel construction site directly adjacent to it on Linguard Alley, which could impact daylight noise and dust levels. Is there anything you'd change?It's not the hotel's fault at all, but the construction site can impact the stay. Any other hotel features worth noting?For those with mobility issues, the inn is especially mindful and accommodating (something that can be hard to come by in an historic district) with bathroom doors at least 32 inches wide, ramps, and strobe alarms. Staff is well trained to tailor your stay to individual needs, and while this is not uncommon, the French Quarter Inn does a stellar job at making guests with mobility challenges feel welcome. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Yes. It's the details that count." - Stephanie Burt
