HarbourView Inn

"Why book? Who doesn’t love being near water? From the lobby and rooftop terrace, you can watch kids playing in the public fountain below, sweetgrass basket weavers on the pier, windsurfers, paragliders, and sailors in the harbor beyond. Set the scene: The street Vendue Range was once Charleston’s historic wharf district, now populated with condos, hotels, shops, and art galleries. Head east until you hit the harbor, where you’ll find the inn. Walk through lobby doors, up the curved stairs, and into the 2nd floor lobby, surrounded by windows overlooking the water. On a hot day, it’s a blessing to hang out here, beneath whirling fans, with driftwood design features and a marble fireplace for winter. The backstory: This hotel has long been a popular one, but it recently underwent a full-scale interior revamp, so it’s worth revisiting. The aesthetic is much lighter: gone are the traditional dark wood furniture and heavy green curtains, replaced by soft blues, pale creams, and woven accents. There’s a barely visible hint of blue tartan in the rug, and nice caning in the armoire. The rooms: Not all of the 52 rooms have harbor views, unfortunately, because a new hotel is under construction due east, so you’ll need to request a balcony overlooking water if that’s what you’re after. (There’s a top floor suite with two private, furnished balconies, and a working gas fireplace, if you can snag it.) Personally, I prefer bedrooms in the hotel’s historic wing along Vendue Range. This wing transforms an old warehouse into lofty units with 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and arched windows. Some of these rooms have wide soaking tubs, but walk-in showers are more common. Technology is great and up-to-date, with well-placed USB ports, convenient outlets, and strong, free Wifi. Food and drink: Although there is no onsite restaurant, the hotel sources breakfast goodies from local Saffron Bakery. You can take breakfast in bed (delivered to your room), on the rooftop terrace, or in the hotel’s atrium where multi-storied balconies overlook a sociable lounge below. The atrium is a great place to relax on couches, play board games, flip through newspapers, and here you’ll find fresh fruit, a Keurig, and infused waters. Room service is limited to breakfast and a cocktail menu (which certainly comes in handy). The harbor-facing lobby hosts daily wine and cheese receptions, plus evening milk and cookies. The neighborhood/area: Head east to the pier, south to explore, west to shop. Dining venues are plentiful here, from Brazilian steakhouses to oyster bars, a great BBQ joint, seafood restaurant across the street, and a French brasserie a short walk south. The service: There’s always someone on-hand to greet you at the main door, assist at the front desk, or deliver you a celebratory beverage. The inn is smooth and professional. For families: Kids will enjoy the Waterfront Park and dancing in the high-jet fountain, plus there’s a Belgian ice cream place downstairs. Guests can borrow hotel bicycles to roam waterfront streets and to explore the nearby historic residential district, just a few blocks south. Accessibility: Be sure to request the hotel’s ADA-accessible unit if needed, and there’s a lobby elevator if you want to bypass the opening staircase." - Allston McCrady