With a hint of residential charm and nods to its historic home base, Charleston’s latest hotel, the Palmetto, offers up a comfortable, modern stay for those looking to explore the Holy City. Opened in March 2023, the space was recently renovated (it was previously a hotel under a different name) to update its 45 rooms and communal space. With that upgrade comes a lobby bar, stylish living area spaces, and a well-appointed presidential suite that features its own 500-square-foot balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows for sweeping views of East Bay Street. Named for the tree found on the state flag, the hotel also has a potpourri of delightful design elements to discover, such as antique seating upholstered in fabrics transposed with a set of 1910 postcards from Isle of Palms and an 1800s map of the city, a custom-designed palmetto-shaped chandelier, and a gaming nook for backgammon and chess. Combine that with luxurious multihead showers, Nespresso machines in each room, and access to complimentary bicycles, and the Palmetto feels like the right place to put down roots.
The Neighborhood: The Palmetto is perched at the edge of Waterfront Park, which means you’re steps from the Pineapple Fountain and views of sailboats and ships cruising the harbor. You’re also a few blocks away from the striking new International African American Museum, where exhibits honor the historically sacred site.
The Food Scene: Park at the Palmetto’s Lobby Bar and order up one of their playful cocktails like the Mind the Gap (fresh strawberries, Pimm’s, ginger, lemon, mint, and cucumber-infused vodka) or the dragonfruit-infused Zwissler’s Spritz, a play on the Aperol-based classic. Although the Palmetto doesn’t offer a full kitchen, there are hearty small plates that feature Charleston makers such as pimento cheese from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits (they also supply muffins each morning) and locally based Olinda Olives. The continental breakfast supplies an array of baked goods—scones, biscuits, muffins—plus a hot dish and stellar coffee. Looking for a nightcap? One of Charleston’s best cocktail spots, the Gin Joint, is just a short stumble away.
The Digs: From the Bamford toiletries to the well-stocked minibars, a stay at the Palmetto is full of luxury touches, not least of which are the showers, showing off multiple nozzles and pressure options. While the windows offer glimpses of the city’s brick-front charm, the palmetto-themed accents make this feel more like a beachside escape.
