Fodor's Expert Review The Spectator

A swanky Art Deco aesthetic fills The Spectator boutique hotel, which sits less than a block south of the bustling City Market. You’ll be charmed by the property’s artful 1920s-inspired design, along with its exceptional service: it’s the only hotel in town that assigns guests a personal butler who’s ever on hand to deliver breakfast in bed, line up transportation, and more. Other amenities of note include a bar that locals flock to and complimentary bike rentals.

Photo: Deluxe King Courtyard Bed

room

Natural light floods guest rooms, where local designer Jenny Kennan mixed luxe velvet headboards and furnishings with Art Deco accents and plush carpet. Locally made mattresses and pillows encourage a peaceful slumber, while the in-room Nespresso machines help get you going in the a.m.

For easy access to the outdoors, book a Premier Balcony Suite, which boast their own private porch.

Photo: Deluxe King Courtyard Bed

Photo: Deluxe King Courtyard Bath

bathroom

You’ll walk through French doors into the Carrera marble-clad bathroom, outfitted with abstract local art, a heated towel rack, C.O. Bigelow bath products, and spacious double vanities. All have a roomy walk-in glass shower; Grand Suites offer a soaking tub, too.

If you’ve splurged on a Grand Suite, don’t let that tub go to waste. Your butler will draw the bath for you—complete with spa-worthy salts—meaning there’s no excuse not to treat yourself.

Photo: Deluxe King Courtyard Bath

lobby

The lobby oozes Jazz Age glamour with gilt lighting, mirrored ceilings, custom-painted wallpaper, and a stunning chandelier. You’ll want to sink and settle into a leather sofa in the lounge-meets-library-style bar, located just off the lobby.

gym

Though there’s no gym on site, guests have access to a fully loaded fitness center just a few blocks away.

dining

Your butler will bring continental breakfast to your room each morning, with fresh bagels and pastries, fruit, and juices, plus options for quiche, hard-boiled eggs, and other proteins. Your room is also stocked with locally made gourmet snacks and a mini-fridge with Charleston Tea Plantation tea, sodas, and sparkling and still water—all of which are included in your room’s rate.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Other than breakfast, you’ll have to go elsewhere for food.

Photo: Hotel Lobby Bar

drinking

You’ll receive a specialty spirit during check-in then have easy access to one of the swankiest bars in town, where ‘20s-inspired libations are carefully concocted by the hotel’s skilled mixologists. Turndown includes a small nightcap, too—like a shot of a mudslide.

Photo: Hotel Lobby Bar