Fodor's Expert Review Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston

Built in 2015, this 50-room boutique hotel houses artfully designed rooms and a host of amenities and special packages. Being an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, you can expect top-notch service, comfort, and convenience. As it’s a Kessler Collection property, you’ll get a heavy dose of art and architecture (there’s a gallery on the ground floor that sells locally and internationally made paintings, jewelry, and more) and unique experiential touches like a signature scent and mood-setting music. Though there’s plenty to do within the luxe property, you’ll want to take advantage of its stellar location, too: it’s just steps from some of King Street’s best shopping and a short walk from some of the city’s hottest bars and restaurants.

Photo: The Kessler Collection

room

Bold and beautiful design elements—including a crushed velvet French headboard, oversized lantern lighting, graphic floor-to-ceiling curtains, and a soft gray and yellow color palette that’s spotted with orange accents—make this a room you’ll remember. Meanwhile, the pillow-top mattress, coffee maker with Starbucks roast, 48-inch TV, Bose speaker, and mini-fridge will provide all the creature comforts you’d want during your stay.

If you’re an art-lover, request one of the atrium rooms, which overlook the hotel’s atrium—the walls of which are bedecked with paintings.

Photo: The Kessler Collection

bathroom

You’ll walk through French doors to access the spacious and marble-clad bathroom that contains an enclosed water closet, large walk-in shower, and chic vanity.

Stock up on the toiletries, which are custom-made for Kessler Collection hotels and smell fabulous.

lobby

Funky art, bronze sculptures, ornate furnishings, and cool, eclectic music make the lobby a place worth soaking up on your way to and from your room. You’ll want to spend time in the ground floor’s public spaces, as well, which include the Grand Bohemian Gallery, a wine tasting room, and a wine blending room. Smiling attendants and valets allow for easy check-in and are quick to help with any questions you may have.

YOU SHOULD KNOW From its signature scent and music to its art and furnishings, this hotel is an experience in itself; however, it’s not necessarily reflective of Charleston. Though French-inspired motifs pepper décor as a nod to the Holy City’s French Quarter (located further south on the peninsula), you may feel like you’re in another city—or country, even—during your stay.

Photo: The Kessler Collection

Photo: Art Gallery / The Kessler Collection

Photo: The Kessler Collection

gym

With complimentary headphones, apples, and flavored water offered alongside the standard aerobic machines and weights, this clean space will encourage you to sweat.

dining

Breakfast and espresso drinks are currently sold in the Maison Café located on the hotel’s ground floor; though in 2018, that space will be transformed into Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Savannah-based ice cream, coffee, soup, and sandwich shop. On the fourth floor is the spacious Élevé Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge, which serves up French-themed lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch (along with impressive views of downtown Charleston) in a chic, modern space.

Photo: Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge / The Kessler Collection

Photo: Private Dining Room / The Kessler Collection

Photo: Wine Tasting Room / The Kessler Collection

Photo: Wine Blending Room / The Kessler Collection

drinking

You won’t have to go far to get your drink on. Take your pick from 32 varietals on tap in the swanky wine tasting room or reserve a spot in the wine blending room to create your own bottle with help from one of the hotels’ seasoned sommeliers. Craving a cocktail, beer, or fresh air instead? Head to Élevé to sip a libation in the open-air portion of the rooftop bar, which is outfitted with faux grass, plush furniture, and fire-pits.

Photo: Wine Blending Room / The Kessler Collection