TL;DR Why is this boutique hotel special? Why should I stay here?

Roaring Twenties vibe: stylish lobby bar inspired by the Jazz Age.
Modern yet classic: rooms feel contemporary, but with vintage touches.
Personal butlers: attentive service that’s discreet and polished.
Small and intimate: just 41 rooms, with a friendly, social atmosphere.
Book ahead: very popular and often sells out quickly.
Check prices here

Charleston, South Carolina’s award-winning Spectator Hotel has a lobby bar that is a suave tribute to the Roaring Twenties.

While we find the rooms more modern in their appearance, as are the hotel exteriors, the bygone-era-like effect lingers throughout.

We love the service here – they have a small team of classically trained butlers wandering around, always at your service, but somehow not OTT.

The focal point lobby and bar serve as a kind of living room here for guests, and with such small numbers staying at any one time, the atmosphere is intimate and friendly.

It’s a very popular hotel, and also small, with just 41 rooms, so we’d recommend booking ahead.

What are the rooms like?

41 rooms total: choice between entry-level rooms and penthouse suites.
Good views: many with balconies, though not overly spacious.
Bright & stylish: king beds, plush décor, Nespresso machines, cable TV.
Luxurious bathrooms: white marble with double vanities and walk-in showers.
See each room in detail here

So not many rooms in total, but we have a degree of choice, between 377 sq. ft. entry level rooms and 538 sq. ft. Premier Penthouse Suites.

We think their entry-level rooms are good value relative to the upper-end suites we think, especially the ones with the balconies, and all the rooms seem to come with good views.

None of them are particularly spacious though we have to say. But once that’s out of the way we find it difficult to find fault with anything.

They are bright, cheery, and mainly dressed in white. They have king-size beds, stylish lighting, plush carpets, and velvet headboards alongside modern hotel amenities such as Nespresso coffee machines and cable TV.

The bathrooms are white marble and come with double vanity sinks, walk-in rain showers, and locally made, Deep Steep luxury bath products.

What are prices like?

Enter your dates and take a look here.

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Breakfast in-room: gourmet continental delivered fresh daily.
Butler dining: staff can collect meals from local restaurants.
Famous lobby bar: retro cocktails, snacks, and lively social scene.
Guest extras: daily Butler’s Reception, free vintage bikes, gym access.

Surprisingly perhaps, there isn’t much in the way of food made at the hotel itself. Gourmet continental breakfasts are ordered in fresh from a local bakery and delivered to your room for example.

There are many good restaurants nearby though, and your personal butler can pick up food from any number of them and deliver it to your room.

There are drinks though in abundance at the marvelously atmospheric bar, which is also a popular spot with locals. It does snacks and small bites alongside its famous retro cocktails.

There is also a daily ‘Butler’s Reception’ for guests to be served up cheese, charcuterie and other nibbles.

These butlers are each assigned to different guests and are at your beck and call for room service, concierge service and more.

The hotel has complimentary vintage city bikes for guests to use and also offers complimentary access to a nearby fitness center/gym.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Prime location: right by Charleston’s City Market and Waterfront Park.
Walkable area: King Street just 5 minutes away; Historic Center 10–15 minutes.
Convenient base: easy access to Charleston’s top attractions and dining.

The Spectator is right outside City Market near Waterfront Park. It’s about 5 minutes walk to King Street, and about ten to fifteen to the Historic Center, which makes for a very pleasant walk.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Thank you to the entire butler staff for surprising me with a cake from Carmella’s and a bottle of champagne to celebrate my birthday and master’s graduation!! Very thoughtful staff!! Will definitely be back to visit Charleston again and I will make sure to book the Spectator when I do!!…”

“Luxury hotel a great place for a special getaway or to pamper yourself! Great location in the Historic District, exceptional service with personal Butler. Enjoyed the in room included breakfast and the cool Speakeasy style bar in the lobby….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”They hassle you at check in with a butler who tells you how to use a room key and that snacks are in the fridge!!!!! Constantly feel like they are fishing for tips. Bar was well over priced….”

”A little close to the tourist crowd at the City Market but you are tucked away on a side street….”

> Read all the reviews right here