A hotel is like a book: the good ones usher you into another world. The Loutrel, a new, garden-inspired boutique hotel in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, accomplishes this right from my first step into the lobby by systematically engaging the senses. First, the alluring scent of citrus blooms, tea olive, and jasmine in the air (the result of a candle collaboration with famed Charleston candlemaker Candlefish); next, a verdant landscape for the eyes with lush plants, rich jewel tones in the bar, and a vast marsh painting by local artist Linda Fantuzzo; finally, the refreshing Nice to See You swizzle cocktail pressed welcomingly into my hands.
Upstairs, the hotel’s story continues to unfold expertly.
Botanical touches, a nod to Charleston’s flourishing gardens, appear everywhere, from the artisan cocktail program to the plant-dotted rooftop terrace (an ideal spot to finish sipping that welcome cocktail and take in the many steeples punctuating the Holy City’s skyline). Back in my room, a soothing palette of muted blue and gray calls to mind the color of sky meeting sea.
My contemplation of the room’s details pauses there as my friend and I dash off to a tour and tasting at High Wire Distillery. The Loutrel’s convenient location near The Battery, just a few blocks from King Street, makes it easy to access Charleston’s highlights, whether you have shopping, eating, or exploring in mind.
We follow our High Wire tasting with a stop at The Ordinary for rum cocktails and fresh, inventive seafood, including a lively dish of pickled littleneck clams featuring an electric combination of lemongrass, coconut milk, and radicchio. Upon our return to the hotel, we linger in the Veranda Lounge—dark and cozy at nightfall—for a glass of wine and a shared snack before bed. What do two tired mom friends who have spent the last year waking up all night with their respective babies want from a weekend getaway? Just that—to get away, and The Loutrel’s quiet, sophisticated comforts make escaping easy. I’m not sure if I should credit the California king bed, crisp Matouk linens, or small-batch biscotti that come with turndown service, but I sleep deeper and longer than I have in months.
Fortified by the hotel’s European-style breakfast, we embark on a day of shopping, exploring, and reacquainting ourselves with Charleston. The highlight is a slow tour through the Gibbes Museum of Art, an excellent, tightly curated museum focused on historic and contemporary American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. Sunset viewing from The Loutrel’s rooftop terrace makes a wonderful wind-down, but our dinner reservation at Wild Common beckons. On our final morning, we wake up in time for a beautiful run along the waterfront, and then rehydrate with chilled Les Héspérides nectars from the well-stocked mezzanine clubroom. At last, checkout time approaches, and I feel like I do when I reach the last pages of a captivating book: wistful, grateful, and revitalized by the experience.
The Loutrel, 61 State St, Charleston. (843) 872-9600, theloutrel.com. Rooms start from $239, European-style breakfast included.
Charleston Weekend Highlights
Just a short drive from the Upstate, Charleston’s rare blend of enduring attractions and fresh new favorites makes it more than worth the trip.
High Wire Distillery
Proudly billed as “Charleston’s first distillery since Prohibition,” High Wire produces nationally renowned small-batch spirits from locally grown ingredients, such as artisan grains and heirloom corn.
Go behind the bar—way, way behind the bar—with the distillery’s fun, informative tour and tasting.
311 Huger St, (843) 755-4664, highwiredistilling.squarespace.com
The Ordinary
James Beard Award-winning chef Mike Lata helped put Charleston’s culinary scene on the map, and you’ll understand why once you taste the delicious offerings at his seafood-focused spot. For the most fun, snag a seat at the bar if you can.
544 King St, (843) 414-7060, eattheordinary.com
The Gibbes Museum of Art
Spend a few thoughtful hours in this stunning small museum sharing vibrant past and present perspectives on Charleston and the South.
Don’t miss Patrick Dougherty’s breathtaking Betwixt and Between installation.
135 Meeting St, (843) 722-2706, gibbesmuseum.org
Wild Common
With a focus on hyperlocal cuisine and customized menus, this culinary gem features private dining and chef-driven tasting experiences.
103 Spring St. (843) 817-7311, wildcommoncharleston.com
