Hotel Richemont echoes Charleston’s past while creating a residential-style retreat
Part of the recent boutique hotel boom in Charleston, the new Hotel Richemont tucks into two historic buildings in the heart of the city’s shopping and dining district. Yet this setting, just off busy King Street, provides a surprisingly quiet getaway.
What was once a nondescript alleyway between the buildings now forms an attractive walled courtyard that leads to the hotel’s entrance. The courtyard, with its fountain and comfortable lounge seating, serves as an extension of the small lobby, weather permitting.
Before you reach the elevators to head to your room, stop to admire the massive metal vault door. A nod to the hotel’s former incarnation as a bank, it’s just one of the elements that honors the city’s past.
Two Bit Club, the name of the hotel’s on-site restaurant, is another. In the 1730s, a French Huguenot named Elisha Poinsett (Joel Poinsett’s grandfather) was operating a tavern on Elliott Street and struggling financially. To help him, some of his customers would add an extra two bits (about 25 cents) to their tabs, leading to the tavern’s nickname, the Two Bit Club. The group of generous Huguenots eventually formed a benevolent society that survives to this day as the South Carolina Society.
Located off the lobby, Two Bit Club serves delightful Vietnamese cuisine. In addition to the chef’s counter facing the open kitchen and a covered courtyard that’s perfect for outdoor dining in warm weather, the space includes a cozy Garden Room (enclosed in winter) that does double duty as a meeting space.
Hotel Richemont amenities
This Indigo Road Hospitality Group property creates an intimate stay in its 25 rooms, which include five suites with their own private entrance on King Street. These are actually one- and two-bedroom, two-bath apartments, incorporating historic elements like exposed beams and whitewashed brick. Each of the suites is thoughtfully designed with a fully equipped kitchen, including a dishwasher, and dishes, pots, utensils, glassware—everything a family or small group would need for a multi-day stay. All standard rooms come with robes, Nespresso machines, safes, and drawer-style refrigerators. Some rooms even have a glass door leading to a Juliet balcony.
One of the best things about the Richemont is its location, within walking distance of almost anything you’d want to do in Charleston’s Historic District. Chockablock with chic designer boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants, King Street is literally steps from the hotel.
Before you head out in the morning, stop in the lobby to enjoy coffee and mini-croissants supplied by Cristophe artisan chocolatier, a stone’s-throw across Society Street (chocoholics will want to stop by the shop later to stock up on artisanal French bonbons).
For those who eschew the feel of a large, impersonal hotel, the Richemont offers an intimate and peaceful stay, which you’ll appreciate after spending a busy day shopping and exploring Charleston’s many historical sites. Deep teal and taupe hues echo colonial days, while walls adorned with original work by local artists combine with the moody color scheme to create the feeling of staying in a friend’s elegant home.
Walk to dinner
No car is necessary to reach these select restaurants near (or in) the Hotel Richemont.
Two Bit Club – Located off Richemont’s lobby, Two Bit Club highlights the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, such as Coconut Mussels, Claypot Chicken, and Shaking Beef. 93 Society St., richemonthotel.com
Daniel Humm x Charleston Grill – For the rest of this year, Chef Daniel Humm of Michelin three-star restaurant 11 Madison Park in NYC will be in residence in the Charleston Grill space with a craveable à la carte menu. 224 King St., chefhummcharlestonplace.com
FIG – Chef Mike Lata pays delicious homage to Lowcountry ingredients at his Charleston flagship, where Food Is Good, as the restaurant’s acronym declares. 232 Meeting St., eatatfig.com
Lowland – Across the courtyard from The Pinch Hotel, Lowland serves up curated comfort food in a delightfully cozy tavern atmosphere. 36 George St., thepinch.com
93 Society St., Charleston, richemonthotel.com
