We are looking for a splurge for two couples at Christmas and are going to Savannah and Charleston. We're all set on the Gastonian Inn in Savannah but haven't decided yet on Charleston. How do you arrive at a decision? We are undecided at this point but have narrowed it down to:

Two Meeting Street
Governors House
Lodge Alley
Wentworth Mansion

The Planters and Vendue both look a little too commercial for our taste. More on the hotel idea than the inn kind of place we would prefer.

In your research did you look at any of the above? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Hope you have a really nice trip!

What about Ansonborough, Mills House, Elliot House? Any others to look at?



Regards,

Brian Hyde
brhyde@mediaone

Brian, I think you should know that Lodge Alley is hawking time shares or vacations shares. They've been doing this for the last year or so. They have a couple of locations around Charleston where their people hand out vouchers for a free stay just for listening to a sales pitch. I haven't stayed at the other places, but I did have my birthday dinner at the Wentworth Mansion. If the Inn is anything like my dining expierience then I'd recommend it. What a wonderful place. Very small and intimate, and we were treated like royalty. Good Luck.

Stayed at Lodge Alley 3-4 years ago; good location, acceptable room, but not the ambience you seek on this particular trip. While I've not stayed at the Indigo Inn, I've been curious about its accommodations. Can a fellow Fodorite comment on this particular property? Would it fill the bill for the type of getaway Brian describes?

The Wentworth Mansion is the most elegant property in Charleston, but very expensive ($400.00 per night). I would also Give the Pennisula Grill Restaurant at the Planters Inn a try, it's one one the truly classic Charleston Restaurants. Have you ever heard of The Woodlands Resort in Summerville ( 20 miles from d'town Charleston). Amazing!!!!

Hi RB -

I've stayed at both the Indigo Inn and its' sister inn, The Jasmine House (which is right across the street from the Indigo Inn). Both were very pleasant and I would certainly stay at both of them again. For a romantic getaway, I'd recommend the Jasmine House over the Indigo Inn, simply because it is a more intimate setting. Easy walking distance to everything from both places, with a nice spread for breakfast and social hour.

I'd vote for Two Meeting Place. Very pretty and marvelous views.

In August, I had a chance to stay at both the Wentworth Mansion and the Governor's House Inn. Both were fabulous. The Governor's House Inn was most comfortable, in a great location, and, when my plane was late and I arrived much too late to eat dinner (except at a fast food place), the host fixed me a very substantial snack that made up the lack of dinner. They have a light, but very nice breakfast in a beautiful dining room, as well as a nice afternoon tea. The public rooms are all fabulous. The location is great, they have on site parking. You just feel like you are visiting a very elegant home in 1800's (with the comforts of 2001, of course). The Wentworth Mansion was also a treat. One of the most luxurious rooms I have ever had, with a great whirlpool tub. Breakfast was good, the restaurant on the grounds is also fantastic. It is expensive, but may be well worth a splurge. The view from the coupola is certainly not to be missed. They also have on site parking, and a range of room prices.

Brian,

My husband and I (with another couple) stayed at Governors House Inn May'00. On an earlier trip to Charleston we saw Vendue Inn and wanted accommodations more 'authentic'. Our decision to stay here was based on lots of research. When returning to Charleston, we would most definitely again stay at Governors House for the following reasons: the location, private off-street parking, the verandahs, the amenities, and the staff who were terrific. Two Meeting Street is lovely. The owners are parents of Karen, who owns Governors House.
(Note: Governors House gets booked early; you may want to check the inns you list re: availability. This may help you decide).

As per The Woodlands in Summerville - it's a great place, but quite far from all Charleston activities. However, the restaurant and facility always earn the highest rankings. Christmas would certainly be lovely there, but plan on at least 45 mins. to get to downtown Charleston.