John Rutledge House Inn
"How did it strike you on arrival?This statuesque 1763 home was built as a wedding gift from groom John Rutledge for his 19-year-old bride. It also happens to be a place where portions of the U.S. Constitution were drafted. Deep green wrought iron balconies, full of hidden imagery (look for eagles and palmetto trees), are stunning from the street, but guests have an even better view. Cushioned seats on the second floor balcony offer vistas of passing horse carriages below and St. Michael's Church steeple beyond. What’s the crowd like?History buffs, ladies getaways, traditionalists, honeymooners, even families (you can book the whole house, and/or the two carriage houses out back). The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Luckily, staying in a centuries-old house does not mandate sleeping on a centuries-old mattress. Here you get Tempur-Pedic comfort with the timeless aesthetic of a period cotton throw. Bold hunter green walls in the living area of my "Main House Mini Suite" segued to muted greys and soft creams in the marble bathroom, with a full jacuzzi tub positioned just beyond a walk-in glass shower. Bonus: 12-foot ceilings, marble fireplace, and king-sized canopy. How about the little details?There’s lots of eye candy here, in particular the exquisite star-patterned parquet flooring on the first landing of the grand staircase, and Revolutionary musket balls (unearthed during the house’s renovation) on display in the ballroom. Room service: Worth it?There's not technically room service, though breakfast can be delivered upon request. Breakfast is truly sumptuous, with eggs made to order, a full continental selection, great biscuits, and unique daily specials like corned beef hash, veggie quiche, shrimp & grits. You'll have to hold out for late afternoon's tea, lemonade, and savory canapés prepared by the property's sister hotel (Wentworth Mansion's restaurant Circa 1886). There are two excellent restaurants a block away though: Millers All Day, and Fast & French. Bottom line: Why are we staying here?A classic and classy abode steeped in history." - Allston McCrady
