Fodor's Expert Review Tides Folly Beach Hotel

At the end of Folly Beach’s main drag stands this recently revamped oceanfront property—the only of its kind on the island. In addition to the amenities you’d expect from a hotel and clean, coastal-inspired rooms, you’ll be just feet from the shore and have a gorgeous vista of the Atlantic Ocean. Boasting a laid-back, bohemian vibe, Folly—which is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston—is known by locals for having the best surf in town, plus a host of lively bars and restaurants.

Dogs are welcome at the hotel (for a $95 fee) and on Folly Beach. From May 1 to September 30, though, pups are only allowed on the shore before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., and they’re always required to be on leash.

room

An oceanic teal colors guest rooms, which are filled with hardwood floors, crisp white bed linens, sleek, sand-friendly furniture, and sea-inspired art. Ground-floor Beachfront Patio Rooms boast verdant semi-private patios, while Oceanfront Rooms have a petite balcony; all suites come with a view of the ocean.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The balconies aren’t big enough for furniture, so it’s standing room only.

bathroom

Bathrooms are spacious enough to properly de-sand yourself and include a tiled floor, wide granite vanity, and shower-tub combo.

lobby

An open, airy, artful lobby greets you upon arrival. Curved ceiling tiles, textured wall panels, and blue lights make you feel like your riding waves. Comfy furnishings and driftwood décor fill a lounge space that has wall-to-wall windows overlooking the beach.

pool

Take a dip in the hotel’s open-air pool as you gaze out at the Folly Beach Pier and the shoreline itself. During cooler months, the pool is heated.

dining

A day’s worth of meals can be found at BLU Restaurant & Bar, the ground floor’s indoor-outdoor restaurant. Breakfast, brunch, and lunch are quite casual (sandwiches, shareables, salads, etc.), and dinner delivers fresh catches and other more elaborate seafood entrées.

drinking

The lobby’s Roasted coffee shop serves up specialty Starbucks espresso drinks, while BLU Restaurant & Bar offers libations right on the beach.

Friday through Sunday, BLU sells mimosas and make-your-own bloodies for $5.