Fodor's Expert Review Market Pavilion Hotel

You’ll feel luxurious indeed sleeping at the Market Pavilion Hotel, which oozes 18^th-century charm despite having been built in 2002. Top-notch onsite food-and-bev options make treating yourself easy, while staff goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable (housekeeping stops by twice a day to ensure your pillows are fluffed and towels are clean, and leaves a plate of sweets for you at turndown). If that wasn’t enough, you’re perched at the corner of Market and East Bay Streets, putting you at the hub of the historic district.

room

In all suites, 18^th-century period reproductions and stunning antiques reign. Two- and four-poster beds are dressed in crisp sheets, while windows are framed with heavy drapes. The Presidential Suite is particularly lavish, boasting a baby grand piano, huge parlor, and oil paintings of past presidents.

Rooms on the fourth-floor concierge level are pricier, but most consider it worth the expense, as you’ll get a full self-serve hot breakfast spread, afternoon tea and pastries, and evening wine, champagne, and hors d’oeuvres.

bathroom

Filled with ornate gold mirrors, brass hardware, loads of Italian marble, and Hermes toiletries, bathrooms delight. They offer roomy walk-in showers—some suites include a stand-alone soaking or Jacuzzi tub, as well.

You’ll feel like royalty in the Terrace Suite’s 800-square-foot Italian marble-clad bathroom, which features French doors to a private balcony and a trio of shower heads.

lobby

Uniformed bellhops usher you through Grill 225 to the reception desk. The concierge level has a homey living room where guests on that level can sit back and relax.

pool

A petite pool and chaise lounges are located within the rooftop Pavilion Bar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Modest sunbathers, beware: The Pavilion Bar is a hotspot among locals and travelers not staying at the hotel, too. The rooftop stays busy, meaning you may have a crowd surrounding you in your suit—especially during weekends.

gym

There’s a fitness room on site, but it’s not so inspiring. A small, carpeted space with only three cardio machines and a couple of free weights, you’d likely prefer an outdoor jog.

dining

In the lobby is Grill 225, one of Charleston’s most lauded steak houses, which serves up Maine lobsters and 42- to 50-day-aged cuts of beef in a romantic, intimate setting for both lunch and dinner. All guests receive complimentary continental breakfast—those on concierge floors enjoy hot items, too—and elevated bar fare is served throughout the afternoon and evening at the Pavilion Bar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The entrance to the hotel and the public rooftop bar runs through Grill 225, so there will be a bit of foot traffic during your meal.

drinking

If you’re dining at Grill 225, grab a seat at the swanky bar for a pre-supper cocktail. Otherwise, head to the rooftop’s Pavilion Bar, which offers sweeping views of the Cooper River and historic district. Outfitted with a picturesque pool, checkerboard floors, handsome wrought-iron bistro sets, and café light-lined umbrellas, you’ll want to sit and stay awhile. Those on concierge floor will also enjoy complimentary evening wine and bubbles.

Impress your fellow drinkers by ordering a Nitrotini. Infused with liquid nitrogen, the hotel’s trademarked martini is chilled to negative 320 degrees Fahrenheit and comes out amid a cloud of smoke.