Two downtown Charleston hotels, The Pinch and The Ryder, opened within a year and a couple blocks of each other, straddling the Meeting Street border between historic Radcliffeborough and Ansonborough. While they share a few winks and nods to elements of 1970s design, they capture the essence of the Holy City in two distinct but equally authentic ways, both appealing to aesthetically driven travelers.
The Pinch, which opened in April at the corner of King and George streets, spans three buildings, two built in 1843 and 1869 and on the National Register of Historic Places. Drawing inspiration from the property’s rich past and the city’s preservation efforts over the years, the hotel’s twenty-five luxurious and spacious rooms are designed to create a true home away from home.
By contrast, The Ryder ownership transformed the former 1958 Best Western King Charles Hotel into a ninety-one-room Kerouac-inspired destination just in time for the 2021 summer travel season. Under new owners and management as of 2022, The Ryder and its signature poolside Little Palm Bar allow guests to dive right in to Charleston’s fun-loving, free-spirited atmosphere.
In Charleston’s ever-expanding hospitality industry, The Pinch and The Ryder succeed in reflecting the city’s undeniable charisma that continues to draw record numbers to its cobblestone and pastel-lined streets.
The Pinch
Overlooking King Street in Charleston’s historic district, The Pinch luxury boutique hotel was developed and designed by Philadelphia-based hospitality company Method Co. in partnership with renowned New York-based architect Morris Adjmi Architects. Housed in two original Victorian-style structures alongside one more newly constructed building, the property now includes twenty-two luxury rooms and suites, three residences that are available for stays of thirty days or longer, a spa, and two dining options that general manager Alexandra Smith says are expected to open this fall.
Warm tones from traditional materials such as clay, stone, original wood, and unlacquered brass paired with modern design elements create a multi-layered look across guest rooms, public spaces, and residences. An overall crisp, streamlined aesthetic complements the buildings’ Victorian heritage.
A gas lantern-lit cobblestone alleyway connects the main building entrance and the third building—Lequeux-Williams House with George Street. The lobby, where guests are given an Aperol spritz as a welcome cocktail upon check-in, features historically accurate wooden windows and French doors that lead to the lobby courtyard, while contemporary hues in the custom-made BDDW sofa, the vegetable-dyed rug, and a Snoopy table lamp, bring a 1970s-inspired arc and familiarity to the mix. A reclaimed free-standing oxblood leather concierge desk, a vintage McIntosh stereo, and a combination of finishes and vintage fixtures from a range of eras evoke the feeling of a living room, complete with vinyl, books, and artwork.
Guest rooms, while all slightly different in arrangement, range in size from 426 to 1,120 square feet. All feature washers and dryers, full kitchens, sitting areas, and walk-in showers devoid of any typical hotel sterility thanks to herringbone-patterned hardwood floors, marble and black walnut countertops, Italian marble farmhouse sinks, unlacquered brass taps, hand-painted terracotta Moroccan floor tiles, Clé Zellige shower tiles, and carefully maintained live plants. Guests are asked to not water them, however tempting that may be.
Bold wall coverings throughout are by Lewis & Wood and Farrow & Ball, and vintage rugs were curated in collaboration with Old New House. Stacks of curated books ranging in topic from nautical terms to Led Zeppelin rest on each accent and coffee table in the event additional entertainment is needed. Well-appointed in-room bars and whole-bean coffee paired with a grinder and drip coffee maker create compelling reasons to stay in.
36 George St, Charleston. (854) 895-4422, thepinch.com
The Ryder
The Ryder, a group renovation effort by developers, designed by Charleston’s Cortney Bishop Design, and now managed by Dallas-based Makeready, promises a year-round summertime escape across its common areas and ninety-one guest rooms, including four suites. Designed with fresh, playful energy and a nod to bohemian flair, the property is at once distinctly present-day Charleston, with pastel hues that mimic the famous Rainbow Row houses, and a world away, with 1950s California-inspired blonde wood wrapping the concierge desk and custom New Breed furnishings.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the on-site Little Palm Bar’s popular Seven Day Weekend cocktail (Wodka vodka, St. George Green Chile, elderflower, papaya), the promise of 24/7 Counter Culture coffee, and the offer to check out retro lemon-yellow coolers intended for beach excursions.
Select guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the city’s historic quarters or award-winning restaurants, like F.I.G. across Meeting Street, while The Ryder’s premier Hospitality Suite spans 1,045 square feet with an expansive living area, additional half bathroom, kitchenette, and private balcony. Its king suite is connected to a spacious and modern bathroom complete with a glass shower and oversized soaking tub.
Curved 1970s lines can be found as a prominent design motif in the common area seating as well as guest room desks, wardrobes, and platform beds and sculptural Katie Gong wall art. Farrow & Ball Red Earth paint throughout common areas is balanced by hues of mint green, evoking coastal tranquility, seen in backsplashes, signature robes, and various elements inside the Little Palm Bar. The bar, a cafe by day and lively gathering spot at night, features La Palma wallpaper by Mokum. Gingham umbrellas provide shade over pool loungers designed for full-day use, especially with poolside service beginning at 7 a.m.
And there’s more good news for non-hotel guests. For those wanting to indulge in the carefree luxury of a year-round downtown Charleston pool bar, Ryder sales and marketing coordinator Luis Gonzalez says planned entertainment around the pool and restaurant will occasionally be open for non-hotel guests.
237 Meeting St, Charleston. (843) 723-7451, theryderhotel.com
