"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? You can’t miss the vivid yellow-ochre stucco façade of this under-the-radar inn, a striking assemblage of 19th century structures straddling Pinckney Street. The check-in lobby tucks into what was once a blacksmith’s shop and stable (thus the giant brick archway). This is a little workhorse of an inn, running smoothing for the past few decades, with the notable perk of having recently completed a two-year top-to-bottom restoration and refurbishment. You can find amazingly affordable rates, particularly on weekdays, while enjoying a brand new interior. What's the backstory? The redesign channels the traditional color palette of the British West Indies: chocolate, cream, and pale blues, interpreted through a modern lens, so instead of a chunky mahogany bed you get a tall crosshatched leather headboard the color of cappuccino. Levered plantation blinds are a nice touch, as are floor length mirrors framed in ornately carved wood. Guests have access to a private three-story atrium in the south property, onto which some of the rooms open, a hidden temple of calm. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? You get what you pay for. The cheapest rooms are quite petite, with a shallow closet and snug bathroom. If you want to stretch out, there are plenty of other options, from doubles to kings to townhouse suites. My favorite room by far is the St. Philip Suite in the inn’s north property, whose arched window frames the St. Philip’s Church steeple to the south (it’s the only suite with an exposed brick wall, and has a luxurious freestanding soaking tub in addition to its walk-in shower). But no matter what size room, you’ll find baths surrounded by hand-laid wavy Travertine tile, granite vanity counters, softly illuminated mirrors, and faux-wood porcelain tile flooring (no splinters!). Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-fi is free and excellent, and all rooms are outfitted with flatscreen TVs, safes, Keurig coffee makers, and water stocked fridges tucked into cabinetry. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? There’s no restaurant here, but four of the best restaurants in town are literally a block away in each direction: FIG, Peninsula Grill, Hank’s, and Cru Café. The inn offers a generous breakfast spread (included) and sources fresh-baked goods from two local bakeries. The lobby serves up lemonade, cucumber water, and fresh-baked cookies in afternoons. Plus complimentary wine and cheese at dusk. Best of all, you can enjoy any of these while lounging in the glassed-in, temperature-controlled solarium deck on the top floor of the south property while listening to sentimental croonings of Sinatra and Nat King Cole. From there, you can see the harbor. And the service? The front desk is very hands-on and can help you plan outings, make dinner reservations, or set up a private horse buggy tour. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? The inn is two blocks above the historic market, so smack in the middle of everything yet on a quieter street. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? A timeless façade, up-to-the-minute interior, and reasonable rates, at the heart of downtown." - Allston McCrady
