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The lobby, and a four-story atrium in the center of the building, serves as the social center for the continental breakfast and the wine and cheese served nightly. In the evening, freshly baked cookies and milk add a homey touch. The Atrium also has relaxing aroma therapy scents piped in to allow for a relaxing atmosphere.
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By Tom Crosby
(August 2008) 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 Jack Geraci, general manger of the Inn. He wants guest to experience the "grace and charm of centuries-old Charleston."
 Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a valet in front of the four-story brick building. It's easily identified by dark "Charleston green" overhangs above walkout balconies (the Inn is located at the corner of Vendue Range and Concord Street). The parking valet will relocate your car to a parking garage next door and bring your luggage to your room (Valet cost is $15 a day with unlimited in and out service). Recovering the car for a drive takes only five to ten 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 and newly 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. A huge gilt-edged mirror hangs above a finished dark wood table sporting candy jars filled with M&M’s and Jelly Belly’s accompanied by iced tea and ice water. Lobby furniture consists of cushioned chairs and a couch, providing touches reminiscent of the city's early years as a nautical trading hub with the Caribbean colonies. In addition there is a business center located in the lobby for guest use at no charge.
 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 add homey touch. The Atrium also has relaxing aroma therapy scents piped in to allow for a relaxing atmosphere. From the atrium, a fourth floor open-air terrace, to gaze at the Charleston skyline and enjoy a drink or smoke.
 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. All rooms regardless of type have been renovated in 2007 to include new carpeting, fresh paint and wall coverings along with handcrafted armoires with Flat screen TV’s, safes and mini refrigerators. Pencil post bed frames created by a local master craftsman accompanied by Tempur-pedic mattresses. Turn down service comes with chocolates and the local weather forecast for the next day. Bathrooms have European tile floors and bathtub/shower combinations; granite counter and wood vanity complete the oversized bathroom area.
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. Along with Continental breakfast being served in the Atrium, you may have the gourmet select continental breakfast delivered to your room or to the roof top terrace. (Updated August 2008)
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