Market Pavilion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina

[fredhashway]

Hi all -

I noticed that LL is featuring this property:

http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...?id=168195&nav=



and I happen to be staying there this weekend. So I'll offer a full report on my return. I can say that the service I've received in advance of my stay has been absolutely exemplary. I'm looking forward to my first visit to Charleston and to staying at this lovely property. Here's hoping I'll have good things to report on Tuesday.

Jenna

[Syrene-1]

Hi Jenna,



Yes, please do share your experiences. I have always wanted to visit the south, not sure why I haven't yet but maybe your weekend will inspire me! I'm definitely getting the travel "itch" again. Even though we were just in Morocco in Feb. and spent the weekend in NYC last weekend (at a conference), it's not enough.

Getting away and exploring new places is really the only way I can fully relax. Is it the same for you as well? How often do you get away?



Lynne

[funtimes]

Jenna enjoy Charleston - on previous posts I gave you many suggestions for things to do Please let me know how and what you ended up packing into your travel plans - shipyard tour? homes or garden tours? market - formerly slave market? Did you buy and souveniers??? Hope your trip was GREAT! Funtimes

[fredhashway]

Hi everyone, I'm back! And I can report that Charleston is absolutely lovely! What a charming city. This was our first trip there, but we've already vowed to return. I was attending a conference, so I didn't have much time to do any organized touring. But our hotel, the Market Pavilion, was right next to the old slave market, and I did stroll that, looking over the jewelry, the crafts and the sweetgrass baskets on display. And Fred bought me a lovely pair of earrings while he was strolling there.



There are almost too many good restaurants to choose from. We had a memorable lunch in the outdoor courtyard of Blossom on East Bay St. Mostly what we did, when we had time, was walk. And Charleston is a fabulous city for walking. Broad Street, Meeting Street, East Bay, shopping at Charleston Place, walking along the Battery and then sitting for a spell overlooking the harbor. There's a pier at the end of (I think) Vendue St. which has shaded pavilions and, best of all, large porch swings. It was so nice to sit and swing and take in the passing parade.



The people we met in Charleston were lovely and friendly. They're not joking about Southern hospitality. They take it almost as seriously as they do their cocktails.



And speaking of hospitality...I can't say enough about the Market Pavilion Hotel. What a find! We will definitely return again. The design of the lobby, public rooms, rooftop pavilion and guestrooms is outstanding. The service is wonderful and the hotel is very comfortable. It's located on the corner of East Bay and Market, which means it's right in the middle of everything. It's a small hotel, so you won't find an olympic size pool with 850 lounge chairs. But you will find a perfectly lovely little pool and lounges with such deep cushions you risk sleeping in the sun until you're fried. It's also a city hotel, which means if you're lucky enough to have a room with french doors looking out to the street, you will be able to hear traffic and the sounds of people chatting outside the bars on East Bay. We were on the second floor and none of this was disruptive at all, but if you're a light sleeper, you might want to request a room on a higher floor or the other side of the hotel. There's a restaurant on the first floor called Grill 225. We weren't able to try it, but the menu looked fantastic. We did eat on the rooftop pavilion level and the food and service (thank you, Ayla) were outstanding. We also have a soft spot for Havin, the incredibly charming doorman. If you visit, be sure to chat him up.



The hotel puts out a coffee and tea service in the elevator lobby on each floor, which I thought was a wonderful touch. It was so nice to be able to just grab a cup of tea whenever I wanted. And in the morning, juice and a large tray of fresh baked pastries was also provided.



I hesitate to say this, because I know this will increase the competition when I'll be watching these auctions myself, but if you're considering a trip to Charleston, don't miss the Market Pavilion Hotel. We were greeted warmly, treated famously and we can't wait to return!



If you have any questions about the property, I'll do my best to answer.

Jenna

[kyshel]

Thanks for the prompt report! My sister has been waiting to hear about the hotel. She looked at it [elsewhere] and thought it was too expensive, but now...It's a short trip from Daytona, so it sounds perfect for a romantic getaway. Thanks again.

[funtimes]

Welcome Home Jenna and Fred - It sounds like you got alot in especially while working. thank you for the detailed report. We are looking at the LL Rhett Inn - Beaufort SC for an adventure. take Care ...Funtimes

[fredhashway]

Beaufort is supposed to be beautiful and, if I recall, a short hop from Hilton Head. I've never been there, though, so please give me a full report!

Jenna