3 SC hotels make TripAdvisor best in the US. One is No. 1. Here are the details.
A Charleston hotel was considered the best in South Carolina and one of the top in the United States, according to TripAdvisor.
The French Quarter Inn in Charleston was ranked No. 1 on the travel recommendation website’s best of the best hotel list in the United States by TripAdvisor users.
The 50-room inn was also listed as No. 8 on the international list, the only U.S. hotel to be included.
Also on the list of 25 hotels wereThe Spectator Hotel The Loutrel, ranked No. 12 and No. 18, respectively, located in Charleston’s French Quarter.
TripAdvisor said the list is based on a “high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. “
“Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone,” TripAdvisor said.
Why is the French Quarter Inn considered ‘exceptional’
French Quarter Inn opened at 166 Church St. in 2002 in Charleston’s original walled city, not far from Charleston City Market, Old Slave Mart Museum, and historic churches.
TripAdvisor described the Inn as “a nice mix of old-world charm and modern comfort. Each room features cozy furniture, Italian marble bathrooms, and a gas fireplace and balcony for extra relaxation.”
One TripAdvisor reviewer said, “Beyond anything you’ll ever experience in cleanliness, kindness, hospitality as well as convenience. I’ve stayed in 5-star hotels for 50 years, and this was the best experience I’ve ever experienced.”
Reviewers mentioned the breakfast buffet, charcuterie, and wine offerings daily, snacks, and close to activities, which made it a favorite among visitors.
“Exceptional bed linens. Charming terrace and cute bar. Amazing breakfast, wine and cheese at 5:30 pm, and cookies and milk before bed,” another reviewer said.
Champagne is offered at check-in, and complimentary bicycles are available.
Men’s Journal has also praised the inn for being part of “hospitality’s healthiest new trend—sleep tourism.”
The inn offers a “Suite Dreams” package with seven choices of pillows, lavender-scented sachets, eye masks, “Sleepy Tea” service and turndown chocolates. This package comes with a 1 p.m. checkout time.
The Spectator turns back the clock in the 21st Century
The Spectator at 67 State St. was described by TripAdvisor as having 1920’s-inspired rooms with “soaking tubs, heated towel racks, and plenty of room.”
“The Spectator Hotel evokes the exuberance of the Jazz Age and the genteel glamour of the Old South,” the hotel’s website said.
TripAdvisor praised The Loutrel’s Southern hospitality and free breakfast, happy hour drinks, and snacks served all day in addition to “spacious rooms and ultra-comfy beds.”
There is also a rooftop terrace at the 61 State St. hotel.
What are the top 10 hotels in the U.S?
In addition to the French Quarter Inn, the top 10 hotels on the list, according to TripAdvisor are:
- French Quarter, Charleston
- FivePine Lodge and Spa, Sisters, Oregon
- Atticus Hotel, McMinnville, Oregon
- Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, San Francisco
- Luma Hotel Times Square, New York City
- The Godfrey Hotel Boston, Boston
- Hotel Emma, San Antonio, Texas
- The Evelyn Hotel, New York City
- Oxford Hotel Bend, Bend, Oregon
- The Wallace, New York City