By Tom Crosby
Harbourview Inn, a AAA-rated Four Diamond 52-room motel located at Fountains Corner in historic Waterfront Park, can offer you a ground floor corner room with two original brick walls erected in 1880, a room overlooking Charleston Harbor with a balcony or a land-locked view of Charleston's colorful and unique skyline. No matter which room you choose - and they can be dramatically different - the Harbourview Inn joins an exclusive, small group of upscale Four Diamond rated properties in Charleston's 300-year-old historic district.
Built to blend into the Charleston architectural style, the Inn opened in June 1998 and won the AAA Four Diamond award for the first time in 2000, as well as several design awards. "We offer a full range of accommodations and amenities in a setting that is relaxed and gracious," said Bernard Visscher, general manger of the Inn. He wants guest to experience the "grace and charm of centuries-old Charleston."
 Upon arrival (the Inn is located at the corner of Vendue Range and Concord Street), there is a single check-in parking space out front of the four-story brick building. It's easily identified by dark "Charleston green" overhangs above walkout balconies. The parking valet will relocate your car to a parking garage next door (Valet cost is $8 a day with unlimited in and out service). Recovering the car for a drive takes only two or three minutes - a plus for Charleston, where convenient parking for hotels is rare and coveted - and a bench is provided in the Porte d' corche for leisurely waiting.
Entering on the ground floor, a circular staircase leads to the second-floor check-in desk and brightly decorated lobby. Open windows and a French-style doors attract the scent of fresh water and allow cool harbor breezes into the lobby from the water only a stone's throw away. In the winter, a gas fireplace creates a warm and welcome atmosphere. The lobby also serves as a breakfast gathering place for a free continental breakfast of fresh-baked pastries delivered daily at 6 a.m., juices, coffee and tea. A huge gilt-edged mirror hangs above a finished dark wood table sporting candy jars. Lobby furniture consists of cushioned rattan chairs and a couch, providing touches reminiscent of the city's early years as a nautical tading hub with the Caribbean colonies.
 On a coffee table, two large books provide restaurant menus, addresses, museum brochures and other information about places to eat and visit, like plantations, art galleries, theaters or tours to take, such as a carriage ride or nightly ghost walks.
The lobby and a four-story atrium in the center of the building serve as the social centers for the continental breakfast and the wine and cheese complimentary serving from 5 to 6 nightly. In the evening freshly baked cookies and milk adda homey touch. From the atrium, a fourth floor open-air terrace, to gaze at the Charleston skyline and enjoy a drink or smoke. (At some point in the future, the Harbourview hopes to add a restaurant and lounge, as well as meeting space for up to 75 people.)
While rooms vary in size, design and furnishings, guests can choose between four penthouse rooms, one suite with a sitting room, 17 rooms with Harbor views, and six historic rooms at street level with ceiling fans and jacuzzis (one even has original earthquake rods) and 24 standard rooms with city views. There are only six smoking rooms. A typical room, with warm wood and wall tones, includes an armoire built locally by Charleston Woodworks with a full length mirror, a television, clothing drawers and glasses with ice bucket. Many beds are four-poster wormwood with matalesse bedding. Walls sport original paintings of Charleston and some ceilings are up to 14 feet high. Black out curtains favor late sleepers. Turn down service comes with chocolates. Only conditioning shampoo is available. Bathrooms have European tile floors and bathtub/shower combinations. Space is provided for his/her toiletries.
 Special features: A bathroom card that says call the front desk if you forgot your toothbrush, razor, comb, etc.; the cracking of the wrapping on the fresh bar of soap so you don't have to claw it apart yourself; plush custom-made terry cloth robes with Harbourview embroidered on them; wall to wall Berber carpet; magnolia-scented soap; Indigo Shop next door with its unique gifts; walk out balconies; a general manager (Bernard Visscher) who picks up every little piece of trash as he walks about the hotel; free upon request silver signature breakfast room service; free copy of the Charleston Post and Courier.
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