I haven’t posted a hotel review for a while. But recently I booked a room through Jetsetter.com at the Belmond Charleston Place. The whole experience inspired a new Hotel Love feature. You can read about the entire trip here – but for now, let me tell you about the hotel…

We arrived to one of my favorite greetings of all time – “you’ve been upgraded”.

Those three little words set the tone for the three days that followed. We’d come to the hotel directly from horseback riding in humid 99º weather and we felt hot, sweaty, messed up and – well – stinky. The staff seemed to overlook this completely (which I appreciated very much!) and treated us like visiting dignitaries.

We were ushered from the spacious, marble lobby to our suite. And I do mean suite. This was one of the largest and most beautiful rooms I’ve ever stayed in.

The bellman was helpful without being pushy. (I don’t like having long chats with strangers when I check into a hotel. I just want to get settled in.)

He lead us through the first room…a decent-sized sitting room with pale, icy-gray walls, elegant furnishings and a flatscreen television mounted on the wall. He showed us that the armoire was actually a Murphy-bed that folded out effortlessly. Although we had no need of this extra bed, Mr. H found its operating mechanism fascinating…(as you might expect).

Next, we walked through a single French door and into a larger sitting room with a sofa, arm chair, antique writing desk and large, mirrored sideboard that contained a well-stocked minibar. Here, another flatscreen sat atop the sideboard. The space was comfortable and well-appointed, with contemporary marble table lamps, reading material and soft carpet.

Then we passed through double french doors and into the bedroom itself. This room was airy and spacious. The walls had an elegant, sophisticated sheen and the drapes, bedding and upholstery were all done in subtle, textural layers.

The classical moldings and tone-on-tone color scheme was restful and enveloping.

One particularly nice touch was the adjustable reading light provided on each side of the bed. You can see the curving arms against the bedposts, in the photo above. We also loved the multi-tasking switch plate on the wall, within arms reach of the bed, that operated lights in the front two rooms, the bedroom, the dressing area and the bathroom. Everything was designed for maximum relaxation and comfort.

Through a separate dressing area (complete with vintage style mirrored wardrobes and another writing desk) was the large, marble bathroom. The shower was spacious and featured dual showerheads, including a large rain shower. Gilcrest & Soames soaps, polished chrome fixtures, a makeup mirror, robes and slippers rounded out the luxury amenities.

We washed that stinky saddle smell off right away and settled into our plush surroundings!

Feeling fresh and decadent, we decided the room was just too nice to leave and we ordered room service. The next morning, we did the same before heading out sight-seeing. Each time the food was fresh and tasty.

While at the hotel we enjoyed the saltwater pool and the spa, both located on the rooftop.

And the location was perfect. We were within walking distance of all of Downtown Charleston’s best shopping and many great restaurants including Brasserie Gigi which became a favorite.

We didn’t pay extra for our upgrade – I assume it was a Jetsetter perk, but I don’t know that for sure. In any case we enjoyed it. And if you’re traveling with kids or friends, I’d imagine the extra cost for this one-bedroom suite would be totally worth it. For the two of us, it was decadent overkill and we LOVED it!

It seems that all of the guest rooms have had a recent renovation and we’d happily stay in any one of them, any time. The service level was complete perfection. The rooms are beautiful and the location can’t be beat.

If you are heading to Charleston, consider this the perfect stay.

After all, this is Belmond – the same international chain that manages the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, my fantasy getaway that hasn’t quite happened yet.

But if anyone knows classical elegance and quality service, this company does.

If you’d like to book a luxury hotel at a special price, in Charleston or elsewhere, try Jetsetter.com. I’ve always had a great experiences using this service and I’m happy to be affiliated with them.

You can find out more details, see more photos and book great deals directly on the hotel’s website: www.belmond.com/charleston-place.

HOTEL LOVE DETAILS:

Belmond Charleston Place is located in historic Downtown Charleston at the Shops At Charleston Place, 205 Meeting St, Charleston, SC. Their telephone number is: (843) 722-4900.

Happy Travels!

_____________________________________________

{affiliate links are contained in this post}