The Dewberry Charleston
334 Meeting St., Charleston, South Carolina 29403, United States
Why We Like It
After purchasing the defunct Federal building in 2008, owner John Dewberry took eight years to bring The Dewberry to life. His attention to detail shines in common spaces and rooms alike, and the staff is beyond eager to make your stay a remarkable one.
Fodor's Expert Review
What was once a vacant Federal office building is now The Dewberry: one of Charleston’s chicest hotels. Offering world-class service in a swanky, Southern, and sophisticated setting, the property is rife with handsome midcentury mod furnishings, original artwork, and first-rate amenities (from a tranquil day spa to a delicious onsite restaurant and a first-of-its kind field shop by the Garden & Gun brand). Overlooking Marion Square, the hotel is neatly situated between the busting food-and-bev scene of upper King and the historic district south of Calhoun Street, making it oh-so easy to experience all facets of the Holy City.
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Room
Ranging from 290 to 511 square feet, guest rooms vary in layout. All are outfitted with mahogany and cloth armoires (the latter portion was hand-designed by local artist Becca Barnet), cloud-like beds dressed with Irish linens, floor-to-ceiling drapes, and dimmable lighting. Larger suites offer plush sofas and a writing desk, as well.
Tip For ample elbowroom, book a Charleston Flat. Request an “07” suite—located on the southwest corner of the hotel—and you’ll get tons of natural light, plus a dreamy view of a nearby church steeple from your soaking tub.
Bathroom
You’ll walk through a sliding door to find a spacious bathroom dripping in Vermont Danby marble. The floating double vanity, glass walk-in shower, luxurious soaking tub, and brass hardware are as fetching as the rest of the suite (closed-off water closets even feature original art by Douglas Balentine). Fluffy towels and terrycloth robes finish off the luxurious experience.
You Should Know Though the shower is truly stunning, its water pressure isn’t as impressive.
Lobby
The marble cornerstone of the original building sits just behind the concierge desk in the historic lobby. Cherry panel walls and fresh marble floors harken back to the 1960s Federal building’s aesthetics. If you enter via the parking lot, located on the opposite side of the ground floor, you’ll find yourself in the Living Room—a Mad Men-style lounge dressed in Danish antiques, gauzy drapes, distressed mirrors, and wood salvaged from a Virginia tobacco barn.
Spa
The day spa puts massages, facials, manis, and pedis just steps from your room. Cypress walls exude a delicious peppery scent and the Zen-like relaxation room invites you to sit and stay for hours after your treatment.
Gym
Though petite, the onsite gym has everything you’d need for a proper workout (natural light, complimentary headphones, chilled water, and TVs, in addition to the equipment). Rooftop yoga classes can be arranged, as well.
Dining
Located on the ground floor is Henrietta’s (open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch), a Southern brasserie where chefs apply classic French technique to Lowcountry fare like shrimp and grits and fried chicken.
Tip If the weather’s nice, request a seat in the Tree House: a tucked-away portion of Henrietta’s outdoor seating space that features a bar table salvaged from a decaying oak tree that once stood on the property.
Drinking
The Living Room stars a stunning brass bar, where complimentary coffee is offered in the a.m. and classic cocktails and wine served in crystal stemware can be enjoyed from midday to midnight. Guests and locals alike flock to the Living Room for its refined yet welcoming vibe, stellar spirits, and occasional live jazz.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
You’ll valet your car in the lot out back ($36 per day). From there, walk or borrow one of the hotel’s chic cruisers to bike around downtown—for longer days of exploring you can use the complimentary DASH trolley or hail a pedicab. Ride-share or drive your way off the peninsula.
Restaurants
Don’t leave Charleston without experiencing the raw bar at The Ordinary (12-minute walk) or a lobster roll from 167 Raw (13-minute walk). And the intimate European vibe of Chez Nous (17-minute walk) will be a home run for date night.
Bars
Stroll up King Street and you can bar hop from classy establishment to classy establishment. On your tour de cocktails should be the Belmont (9-minute walk), Vintage Lounge (11-minute walk), and Félix (13-minute walk).
Photos
Quick Facts
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