I want to be thoughtful with this review, the staff was so lovely and it's obvious the owners care a great deal about this place, it's history and their responsibilities as innkeepers. Five stars on all those fronts.
The reasons for the two star review are very straightforward.
1. The decor is so steeped in history that it's like being in a museum, which for some people is probably thrilling. We found it somewhat austere and definitely not comfortable or conducive to lounging around. Red ropes cordoned off the public rooms unless it was the designated "wine and cheese hour" so we never really felt welcome to go in and sit. It was confusing and a little off-putting. Not sure who said it would be a good idea to paint the whole thing is a vivid bright white with an eggshell finish on the walls but it's really bad. Glaring white and super cold. To add to the austerity of that, the lighting is at max wattage, the most unwelcoming - not remotely cozy - feeling of any place I was in all of Charleston over four days. The totally period furniture was in bright red velvet OR turquoise. Those two make unwelcome companions. Really rough.
2. There is no bar and the breakfast is take out from a nice bakery- perfectly tasty and thoughtfully presented- but don't be under the impression that breakfast is truly "made to order". The cheese plates are cute, individually presented and sweet.
3. The mattress was an absolute disaster. Nightmare! Pillows like foam bricks. The sheets were nice though.
4. Price for value ratio totally out of alignment. Priced like a high end hotel but totally lacking in amenities, not even enough to label it a bed and breakfast. I'm not really sure what it is? But it's too expensive comparatively in the city for what you get. I think you're paying for the experience of staying in a museum, which is not of interest to us but might be just right for some other people.
All in all, important to know what you're signing up for and that your expectations are in line with your experience. Our expectations were not met based on how this place presents itself on their website, thus why I took the time to write such a detailed review.
Lastly, and to reiterate- wonderful young staff who are what earned the stars, to a person-they are each five star individuals. read more