Charleston is a popular city for tourists. In the historic district or close to the downtown, there are dozens of full-service hotels and national chain properties. However, this city offers so many options for enjoying food, shopping, activities, and entertainment, that travelers should look beyond the four walls of their hotel for amenities and experiences. We have visited Charleston several times over the past 40 years. During a 2021 fall trip, we decided to stay at a popular boutique hotel rather than a brand hotel or one of the converted historic buildings. We were glad we did since the Spectator Hotel has a prime location, a modern design, stylishly furnished rooms, and special amenities that make it the perfect complement for enjoying the attractions of Charleston.

Location and Background

The Spectator Hotel is located one block away from South Market Street in the heart of downtown Charleston. It is one of the best locations in the historic district if you are looking for convenient base of operations. It is a few steps away from the Charleston City Market. If you enjoy scenic walks, the popular attractions, shops, and neighborhoods of the area can be reached in 5 to 15 minutes. The inexpensive DASH downtown shuttle service stops a block away as do the ever-present horse drawn carriages which leave from the City Market and travel a variety of routes.

The hotel was constructed in 2015 and is currently operated by Charlestowne Hotels, an independent management company with a portfolio of more than fifty hotels. The company has been self-described as "specializing in lifestyle, adaptive reuse, collegiate, and condo properties spanning a range of markets including urban city centers, suburban and resort destinations". Eleven of the company’s properties are in Charleston including the French Quarter Inn, located next door which provides meeting space and event facilities for guests at The Spectator Hotel.

Design and Rooms

The Spectator Hotel is a four-story building within a modern, architecturally pleasing design, which contains forty-one rooms and suites. Some rooms have small balconies, and all rooms have large floor to ceiling windows and drapes. Although there are no water views or beautiful parks to look at, the room design coupled with the light-colored bedding and carpeting, furnishings and ample lighting creates an open air, bright feeling to the rooms. The traditional king and two queen rooms are about 380 square feet in size and the suites with additional sitting areas are larger. All the rooms have a spacious bathroom containing a white marble floor, mirrors, a large soaking tub, a separate tile shower, and heated towel rack. Other room amenities include a Nespresso machine and a small refrigerator. 

The Spectator Hotel has styled itself a throwback to the roaring twenties during which "The Charleston" was a popular way of dancing to hot jazz and ragtime music. This is evident in the design of the main floor of the hotel which includes a generous lobby and a comfortable lounge area for socializing. The lounge resembles a fancy gin joint with couches, a bar, and decorations reminiscent of that era. The drink offerings and light fare food follow along this theme.

Amenities

The extra amenities provided by the Spectator Hotel are critical to its appeal. First, the hotel provides a time scheduled, full breakfast to its guests. The hotel offers various selections of prepared eggs, breakfast meats, pastries, fruits, cereal, yogurts, coffee, and juice. The breakfast is excellent and can be leisurely enjoyed in your room or in the lounge downstairs. Second, each guest is assigned a complementary butler upon check in who serves as a personal concierge, bellman, and coordinator of in room and external preparations for the day. Third, the lounge provides a relaxing place to chat with your fellow travelers, enjoy some tasty light fare, and sample the creations of the hotel’s heralded cocktail artisan. Finally, there are lots of special touches provided free by the hotel such as good Wi-Fi service, a welcome cocktail, in room snacks and sodas, bicycle rentals, and cots for children. 

The Spectator Hotel is clear as to the services it does not provide. There is no restaurant although lounge food items can be ordered as room service. Given the dozens of fine dining establishments and rooftop cafes in the neighborhood, however, this is not the major drawback it would be in most other cities. There is also no swimming pool, spa, or fitness facilities on site although complimentary access is available to a full-service gym a mile away. 

Parking is tough to come by in the immediate vicinity, so it is most convenient to use the valet service for a daily fee. 

Summary

The Spectator Hotel is becoming well known nationally as an excellent place to stay for a romantic interlude, a getaway among friends, or a weekend stop in Charleston. Anyone who has travelled in the U.S. since 2020 has experienced the general decline in service, cleanliness and amenities that has taken place at some properties. Recent published reviews of many hotels in Charleston are replete with guest complaints. The Spectator Hotel restored my faith that better days are ahead. The room was comfortable and spotless, the employees were happy and helpful, and the property delivered a boutique hotel experience for a price that was higher than most chain hotels but well worth the extra cost.