In September 2016, the doors opened to Charleston’s newest boutique hotel, The Dewberry. This 155-room hotel is built in the shell of a 1960’s federal building. After Hurricane Floyd damaged the building it became an empty eye sore people often passed when walking down Meeting Street. In 2008, John Dewberry, an Atlanta-based developer and part-time Charleston resident made a bold move and purchased the building. Everyone thought (and hoped) he would tear it down and start fresh, but they did not see the potential John saw in the building. Thus, leading up to what has become a unique luxury hotel, nothing like any other in Charleston. Dewberry describes his hotel as “Southern reimagined”, which has a mid-century-modern look with a hint of Charleston charm.
My tour guide, Brea Strager, the hotel Senior Sales Manager, dazzled me with stories about the thoroughness that went into each and every detail and furnishing throughout the hotel. Some furniture includes vintage pieces bought at Danish auctions, while others were custom built. Wood flooring in The Living Room was brought in from Dewberry’s hometown in Virginia, and marble throughout the hotel was searched for far and wide to match the marble from the original building. They even used the original marble to make the outdoor tabletops of Henrietta’s restaurant. Throughout the hotel they have original 1950s abstract paintings from Charleston native William Halsey.
In each hotel room, there is not a closet, but an armoire to go along with a long-standing tradition in Charleston homes. The rooms have beautiful chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous marble bathrooms, luxurious linens, and a mini bar unlike any other with delicious local products.
For a boutique hotel, I was very surprised at how big the spa was. They have a variety of full treatment rooms and a very nice relaxation room. I loved the cypress paneling throughout the spa, and while I know many spas smell nice this one was exceptional. It was a woodsy, earthy scent that is appealing to both men and women.
The hotel restaurant, Henrietta’s, is a brasserie designed to feel like you are in a Parisian cafe in the 20’s. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch in the naturally lit room or on the outdoor dining patio.
The communal area of the hotel, called The Living Room, is open midday to midnight. This is the perfect area to enjoy coffee, cocktail or small plate items. The first thing I thought of when entering this room was that I felt like I was on the set of Mad Men and my inner Birdie was going to come out. I wanted to sit and enjoy a cocktail at the brass lobby bar with my Don Draper. The bar manager, Ryan Casey, is a local celebrity and will be easy to spot in his white vest and his big beard. While you can order traditional drinks, if you are looking to try something new choose one of his seasonal specialties.
We cannot leave out the hotel Fieldshop, which is a completely new concept from Garden & Gun Magazine. This consists of two unique stores called Hunt and Gather that sit across from each other and showcase both masculine and feminine luxury products. The presentation of the products alone looks like works of art. The products and presentation change seasonally.
Did I forget to mention the stellar location of this hotel? You are in the heart of Museum Mile, over-looking Marion Square where there is always some kind of event going on. To your right, you are a short walk to all the well-known restaurants and bars on Upper King. To your left, you have all the shopping of Lower King, the Market, and the Battery. If you don’t feel like walking feel free to use the courtesy bikes available to guests.
Whether you love style, design, luxurious amenities, or all the above The Dewberry is the boutique hotel for you. While children are allowed, it is definitely not a property geared towards little ones. It is perfect for an adult getaway, business travel, or even stag and hen groups.
Contact Us:
Contact Jamie to plan the perfect arrangements for your Wanderlust Charleston Package.
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Travel Concierge at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
