Zero George

0 George St., Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Fodor's Choice

Why We Like It

Zero George offers the best of old and new. The impressively restored circa-1804 buildings offer the historic charm visitors seek from Charleston, while the guest rooms and common spaces are fresh, elegant, and comfortable, pleasing the pickiest of modern travelers.

Fodor's Expert Review

Comfortable luxury is the name of the game at this perfectly modernized boutique inn housed in a charming quintet of historic properties. The 18 studios and suites are spread out among the interconnected historic structures—three former homes and two brick carriage houses, with private piazzas throughout—and many feature original elements like pine floors or millwork details. Rooms have a varied decor inspired by different elements of Charleston's past—tailored British trade, airy French Romantic, and nautical Yachting Design—and feature natural linens and fabrics, marble bathrooms, and custom furniture. The Zero Cafe + Bar serves breakfast and light fare in the evening and has a full bar; libations can also be enjoyed in the Garden courtyard. The original brick-and-stucco kitchen hosts private cooking classes with the chef. Packages themed around sailing, history, art, and architecture are also available.

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Room

Original hardwoods and mantles plus plantation shutters add old-world character to the otherwise fresh space. A neutral color palette, comfy furnishings, floor-to-ceiling blackout curtains, and simple art set the stage for total relaxation—as do the room’s dimmable lamps and sound machine. Plus, built-ins chicly hide a mini-fridge stocked with plain and flavored sparkling water and a closet with silk hangers.

You Should Know The property’s original hardwoods are—well, original and made of wood. Though the guests above you likely won’t be rowdy, if you’re sensitive to overhead noise, play it safe by requesting a top-floor room.

Bathroom

The roomy white-and-gray-tiled walk-in shower equipped with both a waterfall showerhead and a handheld sprayer is the star of the show. A dental kit and standard-sized hairdryer are practical perks, while a marble-topped vanity and dimmable lights both in and out of the shower create a spa-like experience.

Lobby

The ground floor of the main house is the hub of activity, housing the reception space as well as Zero Restaurant + Bar’s open kitchen, bar, and dining room. It’s a bustling—but not overly busied—area during breakfast and happy hour, though many guests gather their goodies and head to the second floor’s various parlors and smartly furnished piazza. In-the-know locals filter into common spaces for happy hour; even so, the atmosphere remains calm and convivial.

Gym

There’s not a gym on site, but guests have complimentary access to a nearby fully loaded facility, Pivotal Fitness (12-minute walk).

Dining

Housed within the property is Zero Restaurant + Bar, a fine-dining restaurant that serves up adventurous tasting menus. With seating in the intimate (read: petite) indoor dining room and the property’s immaculate courtyard, both guests and locals flock here for fancy suppers. A delicious complimentary European-style breakfast is served each morning, and a posh “snacks” menu (featuring artisanal cheeses and other charcuterie fixings) is offered via room service.

Tip In the breakfast spread you’ll find fresh homemade jams paired with Callie’s Charleston Biscuits—locally coveted puffs of deliciousness handmade by lauded baker Carrie Morey.

Drinking

You can order from a carefully curated selection of wine via room service or head to the bar for a full menu of spirits.

Tip Guests are treated to a complimentary wine and cheese hour from 5 to 6 p.m. The libations and fare are delish—the vibe, happy and chatty.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

You’re in the heart of the historic Ansonborough neighborhood, meaning you're within walking distance of East Bay bars and restaurants, King Street shopping, Marion Square (home to Saturday morning farmers markets and festivals), and the City Market. Borrow a Zero George bike or hail a pedicab for a faster commute downtown, or hop on the free DASH trolley. To access the Lowcountry’s beaches and plantations, drive or use a ride-share app.

Restaurants

The proprietors of Zero George also co-own Cannon Green (11-minute drive), an upscale eatery that offers a buzzed-about Sunday brunch as well as dinners in a light, airy space. Walk to 167 Raw (5-minute walk) for a to-die-for lobster roll and raw bar. And make a reservation a month out (or try to squeeze into the community table) at FIG (10-minute walk) to savor supper from James Beard award-winning chef Mike Lata.

Bars

Head to The Bar at HUSK (18-minute walk) to sip a strong cocktail within a cozy historic carriage house, or to Bin 152 (18-minute walk)—a wine bar that offers 40 wines by the glass and more than 200 unique bottles.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 843-817-7900