How did it strike you on arrival?
Look for the plate-glass façade, a strikingly modern accent in an otherwise historic area. The Restoration plays a clever trick in that it unites five buildings into one internal maze—the layout follows wonderful twists and turns: a little courtyard, intriguing hallways, fabulous large-scale photography by local phenom Benjamin Gately Williams. Williams is also an avid open road motorbike aficionado whose wanderlust aesthetic helps set the mood here.
What’s the crowd like?
City dwellers, international and business travelers.
The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
I chose a Signature Suite in The Restoration's newer addition. At 750 square feet, the combined living room, galley kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and king-size bed were larger than many New York apartments. On my bucket list: a Residence room for an audaciously roomy condo-style hotel experience (one with a full ping-pong table, another its own private rooftop deck!). Beds are super comfy, with giant shag throw pillows. Bathrooms are grey, with vertical "light saber" style lighting, and my suite also came with a full soaking tub and separate glass shower.
How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies? Any of that worth a mention?
Weathered Hemingway boots propped against my sitting room wall, next to a vintage Underwood typewriter—impossible to resist a strike or two. My minibar came thoughtfully stocked with pimento cheese & crackers (a classic southern combo), La Croix, and mixers from On the Rocks. The breakfast wicker basket is so adorable, the hotel occasionally needs to remind guests not to steal it.
Room service: Worth it?
During service hours, the hotel's rooftop restaurant The Watch is happy to make in-room deliveries, from deviled eggs, to market-priced raw oysters, to dinner's ample shrimp and chorizo. You can also order bottles of wine or bubbly from The Watch. But why eat in your room when you can join the rooftop crowd? It’s a bustling, sociable spot, with a small bites menu, very popular for sunset cocktails and breezy brunches. The Rise is the hotel’s ground-floor coffee shop serving up truly delicious pastries and signature brews.
Anything we missed?
The hotel’s “relaxation pool” was more of an oversized hot tub than a swimming pool, but still a great soak. Guests can arrange a complimentary ride around town in the hotel’s Jeep Wrangler, then schedule an in-room massage to wind it down. The Restoration also has a sister hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, with a vintage bowling alley bar.
Bottom line: Why are we staying here?
Spacious rooms, exposed brick walls, ample kitchens, intriguing photography, premium fixtures, and rooftop happy hour views of Charleston.
75 Wentworth St., Charleston, South Carolina 29401
United States
http://www.therestorationhotel.com/
(843) 518-5100