Spotlight

Pillow concierge offering seven different pillow types; triple-sheeted European bedding with silky soft linen; complimentary copy of USA Today or a pre-chosen International newspapers headlines; extended brass bar on armoires to hang extra long clothes, like a gown; a CD library at the front desk; a hands-on general manager (Bernard Visscher) who picks up every piece of trash as he walks about the inn greeting guests; complimentary razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, combs in case you forgot them; guest comment cards; proximity of historic Market Square, and terry-cloth kimono robe, weather report and Charleston pralines at turn-down.

(August 2008) The French Quarter Inn is the only AAA Four Diamond rated hotel located in the heart of Charleston’s renowned Market Square historic district with views overlooking the famous market, historic rooftops and the magnificent St. Philip’s church steeple.

A three-story brick building with a decor reminiscent of an 18th Century French hotel de Ville, the Inn faces Market Street, with entrances around the block on Church Street or from Linguard Street. A third entrance, for the knowledgeable, is through the chic AAA Four Diamond rated Tristan Restaurant, which has its own entrance on Market Street.

Vehicles arriving at the inn, approach from Linguard, pulling onto a bricked driveway under a porte cochere. Blooming flowers surround a fountain next to the street. Under the archway, wrought-iron benches offer a resting place for guests coming and going.

Entering the double-glass doors, a kiosk serves as the valet and bell stand atop a black and white granite/marble floor in a circular alcove. All three entrances of the inn converge here.

Ascension to the second-floor check-in desk comes via a brass-door, mahogany walled elevator or a winding, circular stairway with polished mahogany handrails above a wrought-iron design with 900-hand made leaves that extends stylishly upward three floors under a massive skylight.

Entering the lobby from the elevator, a fireplace wrapped in black marble tile and dark mahogany is in the upper right hand next to a glass-enclosed bookcase. Couches, comfortable chairs and potted plants create a warm resting place in front of the fireplace. Another corner has a pair of facing couches separated by a leather hassock.

Behind the elevator is the French patio, a gathering place for guests and a choice location to enjoy the continental breakfast, sip a cup of flavored tea (you might find Mango or Peach) available all day or take a late evening smoke.

The morning continental breakfast includes croissants, bagels, muffins, cereal, yogurt, along with fruit, coffee and a choice of fruit juices.

The patio contains several round wrought-iron tables and chairs with the centerpiece a three-tier lion’s head bubbling fountain. Potted plants, flowers and four wall trellises provide a warm ambiance.

Opposite the fireplace is the check-in desk adjacent to a small gift shop with Gilchrist and Soames bathroom items, books about Charleston and musical CD’s, such as the South Carolina Hallelujah Singers.

The $8 million, 50-room inn opened in January, 2002 with Bernard Visscher, a veteran hotel executive as general manager. Visscher came from Charleston’s Harbourview Inn. Both are owned by Jay Keenan and Batson Hewitt and managed by Charlestowne Hotels Inc. headed by Everett L. Smith.

“This sort of intimate, European style inn can be found in San Francisco or New York but is the first of its kind in Charleston,” said Visscher, who is proud of creating a AAA Four Diamond environment that provides high levels of guest service and hospitality in an elegant setting.

Part of that includes champagne and Lady Fingers served at check-in; gourmet continental breakfast delivered to the room or served in the lobby; afternoon wine and cheese reception; freshly baked cookies and milk each evening and 24-hour flavored tea or coffee service.

Depending on the time of the year and type of room, prices vary from a low of $169 to a high of $459.

ROOMS
Among the 50 rooms - all with a view - are 13 with patios (two third floor and three second floor rooms have patios overlooking the historic market), 33, which are considered traditional, four one-bedroom suites, six business suite and seven deluxe junior suites. Gas fireplaces are found in 14 of the suites and another 14 have Jacuzzis.

The rooms are designed in a French Urban style with heavy brocaded curtains flanking the windows, Charleston area magazines available on the coffee table, and armoires with four drawers, cable television stocked with ice bucket and glasses (no in-room mini-bars).

A fleur de lie design graces the headboards and bed linens are a soft 220-thread underneath a European baffled down cover. A pillow menu lets you choose between down, buckwheat, snore-no more, 5-foot body cushion, hypo-allergenic, double down surround or Swedish massage.

The nightstands hold a combination Sony AM/FM radio, CD player and alarm clock. Every room has a desk, with information, stationery, phone, etc.

Overhead fans, two fold out luggage racks, two-line telephones with data ports; Wired or WI-FI high-speed Internet access, original wall paintings, soft carpeting - all contribute to comfortable working or sleeping environment.

Business suites add extra amenities, such as a computer with a printer and fax machine.

BATHROOMS
Bathrooms have black and white ceramic tile floors with Gilchrist and Soames Spa amenities - dental rinse, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner plus facial cleansing towelette, vanity pack (cotton and cotton swabs) shop shoe polisher, shower cap and French milled soaps.

Granite counters for the sinks are offset with silver faucets, all in front of a French gold-frame mirror. On the wall are hair dryers (they have a built-in night light) and make-up mirrors.

PUBLIC AREAS
Hallways are wider than normal - 7.5 feet - and covered with a 100% wool run sporting a floral design. Sitting areas can be found with small hassocks or couches next to potted plants. Public coffee stands can be found in the hallways.

Wall decorations can vary from a drawing by the NY School of Fine and Applied Arts in 1927 or a copy of a magazine page from an 1886 Harper’s Weekly magazine.

Inside one of the two board rooms used for business meetings artifacts can be found, like an 1858 slave tag or an 1865 2-cent coin.

OUTSIDE
While there is no separate inn entrance from Market Street (except through Tristan’s) the inn showcases its presence with a fountain in an open square in front of the rear of the inn.

Instead of an entrance, boutique shops make up the ground floor of the inn, with ironwork tables and chairs outside the shops. The South Carolina and United States’ flags flutter from a pair of flagpoles. (Updated August 2008)