Checking In: Charleston

As the International African American Museum opens, the city’s hotel scene is heating up. Jen Barr reports.

Charleston’s welcoming Southern charms, distinctive sense of place and layers of history are reflected in its best hotels—like The Dewberry, the mid-century modern design haven John Dewberry launched in 2017; the historic 18-room Zero George, which just turned 10; and new grande dame Hotel Bennett, overlooking Marion Square, which developer Michael Bennett opened before Covid. And now, the battle of independents is on again in this city that takes its hospitality seriously.

On a recent visit, we learned more about the revamp of The Charleston Place (formerly a Belmond property) being led by the Beemok Hospitality Collection, founded by local businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro, who is committed to generational ownership. The BHC is also behind The Cooper, which promises to transform the city’s waterfront by 2025. The 209-room hotel will have multiple restaurants and shops and a 7,000-square-foot spa, along with a rooftop bar, pool and marina, space for events—and some of the city’s best harbor and skyline views. Union Pier, a boardwalk project in the works, plans to extend northeast from Concord Street to the new International African American Museum (IAAM) that’s opening this summer (see Know Before You Go). It’s an essential stop in this city for a fuller understanding of Black history and Gullah culture. Building cranes are visible from the rooftop of The Loutrel, a 50-room property that opened just south of City Market, post-Covid. We also checked in at The Pinch, the stylish newcomer with 22 rooms, The Quinte Oyster Bar and suites and three residences that make you want to stay a while; its sister residential-style property, Roost, will open nearby in early 2024.