Spotlight

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By Tom Crosby

(August 2008) Charleston's Planters Inn has the most prestigious location in the city at the corner of Meeting and Market Streets in the heart of downtown. The original building was built in 1844 to house Hornick’s Dry Goods, an important emporium in the historic City Market.

In 1983, the inn became a hostelry, and was purchased by the current owner, Hank Holliday, in 1984. Holliday embarked upon an ambitious renovation plan to make the Planters Inn one of the South’s finest small luxury hotels.

Dubbed an historic country inn by AAA, the AAA rated Four Diamond property has earned a reputation over the years as the ultimate romantic getaway for visitors to Charleston.

In 2008, The Planters Inn revealed results of a multi-million dollar renovation project which significantly enhanced the Inn’s core facilities, both internally and externally. Outside, new stucco was added and windows were reframed to provide a more effective barrier to sound and inclement weather. Inside, hardwood flooring was replaced and all furniture in the lobby was reupholstered, creating a fresh, new interior for guests arriving at the hotel. In the rooms and suites, walls were repainted with warmer colors and bathrooms were upgraded with new light fixtures. Accommodations were also enhanced with new drapery and carpeting, providing for a more comfortable stay. A business center was also added for the convenience of business and leisure guests.

Entering the lobby, gusts of cooling air contrast sharply with the typical heat and humidity outside. The visitor's first glance likely will fall upon the commanding visage of Col. Wentworth, a famous Charleston planter in the mid-1800's, whose oversized portrait hangs on the forward wall between two walkways leading to the end of the lobby and elevators.

A pineapple shaped antique crystal chandelier hangs overhead from the 12-foot high ceiling, on the right is a grand fireplace trimmed in brass beneath a gold-framed mirror on top of an ornate wooden oak mantle. On the left wall is an antique breakfront, next to the entrance a sitting room, reminiscent of a Southern plantation's parlor. The floor is polished heart of pine with oriental rugs.

In the parlor, flavored iced tea sits in a large silver pot during the heat of the day, offering a refreshing respite. (Coffee is available from 8 pm to 11 am; tea the rest of the time). Piped music plays in the background as guests enjoy the parlor's restful and elegant ambiance, looking through windows at the hustle and bustle of commerce outside.

Couches and over-sized chairs offer comfort to review two huge concierge-style books - one for Charleston area restaurants, plantations, golfing and gardens; the other for events like the Charleston Symphony, Spoleto Festival, ghost and carriage tours, etc.

American Art Review magazine, a Relais & Chateaux photo book (the Planter's Inn is a member) and the New York Times newspaper are scattered about on side and coffee tables. A black, lacquered Chinese Schinsiserie sits against one wall and generates many inquiries by guests. (It is not for sale).

Between the parlor and the lobby, fresh flowers are found in at least ten different places, changed daily.

After check-in at the lobby desk on the left beyond the parlor, the remaining first-floor features include the Peninsula Grill positioned next to an entrance, out into the Inn's alley gateway, just below the Inn entrance off Market Street.

The hallway from the lobby to the Peninsula Grill, and to the restrooms, is adorned with reviews of the restaurant and its renowned Chef Robert Carter. The Peninsula Grill, rated Four Diamonds by AAA, is one of the most popular and praised restaurants in the city.

A greenery-encircled courtyard with outdoor seating is located adjacent to the Peninsula Grill where guests can dine al fresco, weather permitting. Bubbling fountains, blossoming plants, palm trees and partiers create a mini-oasis from the commercial hub-bub of Market Street.

Frequently, the courtyard hosts weddings and private functions, as it sits outside an indoor first floor banquet area that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Another private area is the Charleston Room located behind the Peninsula Grill, seating 36, and accessed through the gateway and garden.

Of the Inn's commodious 64 rooms, 43 are located in the original building and 21 in the new. Among them are various different design themes, colors, patterns and room shapes.

In the original building's rooms, you find high ceilings, canopied four-poster beds, oversized bathrooms and large closets with some rooms having working fireplaces. Each is appointed with furnishings from Baker’s museum-quality Historic Charleston Collection and distinguished by objets d’art and individual décor palettes.

The newer Southern-style decorated rooms have king-sized canopied four-poster rice or Barbados (pineapple) beds, marble bathrooms with whirlpool baths and breezy loggias (verandahs) for overlooking the garden. All offer 21st Century communications technology including telephones and WiFi Internet access.  

Prices per night range from $250 - $795 year-round, depending upon the season.

Custom interiors by acclaimed Charleston designer Amelia Handegan ensure the echo of the gracious accents of the local landscape throughout the guest rooms. Each accommodation in the Inn’s original building features a courtly, yet superbly comfortable Southern-style décor, traditional four-posted canopied beds and graceful high ceilings. Natural colors relating to the South Carolina Low Country – the wheat, rice and indigo fields of the 1800s, are emblematic of Handegan’s rural upbringing and lend an aesthetic authenticity to the experience. Each guest room is furnished with Baker’s museum-quality Historic Charleston Collection and features a distinct color palette, artwork and décor.

The 21 rooms of the Inn’s 1997 addition exude the same historic charm, complemented by the traditional high ceilings and such additional features as a king- or queen-size canopied beds and Travertine marble bathrooms with oversized whirlpool tubs. Each opens out onto enchanting loggias overlooking the Inn’s courtyard, which invite lounging in their rocking chairs.

In the 1844 building where the lobby is located, half of the wall hangings are original art; the others antique lithographs. All windows were replaced, using double paned insulated windows to help with sound and temperature.

Rooms with windows facing Market Street also come equipped with wooden shutters to help block out noise and streetlights. A sound machine to aid sleeping is available in every room.

On every bed is the Planters Inn trademark, a stuffed Teddy Bear. (It is available for take-home for $55).

For business travelers, the hotel’s recent renovation added a new business center with full workstations, including Internet access.

In the new building, accessed only by activating the alley elevator with a brass room key, the L-shaped second and third floor terrazzo square balcony hallways are wide and decorated with huge potted shrubby and tete a' tete round wrought iron tables for two strategically placed against the walls, overlooking the manicured garden courtyard below. A wooden rocking bench waits outside the elevators. Doors are painted dark green, highlighting the brass doorknobs and brass room number plates.

In the old building, the elevator has warm, amber wood interior with brass railings. Taking it to the fourth floor, guests will find a terrace garden, rimmed on three sides by waist high trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers. Four sets of heavy wrought iron tables provide a place to have a drink or smoke a cigar. Scattered about are 14 huge potted plants. Guests come here for the fresh air since zoning regulations prohibit raising the height of the terrace above rooftop level.

Special features: Nightly turndown; voice mail system, fireplaces; wooden rocking benches on the verandahs; personalized greeting card for each guest from Hotel Manager Bradley Dickerson; over half of all guests are return visitors or have been referred; large bathrooms and high ceilings in the rooms and, finally, a veteran staff that has remained there for several years.

2008 Recognition: Appearing in a feature story entitled “Southern Comfort,” in the August 2008 issue off Condé Nast Traveler's, Planters Inn was prominently featured as a recommended hotel for visitors to Charleston. As well, the three restaurants affiliated with the Inn – Peninsula Grill, Hank’s Seafood and Mercato – were all included as recommended restaurants. (Updated August 2008)