"How did it strike you on arrival?Tucked behind wrought-iron gates, you might think you've trespassed into the meticulously manicured grounds of someone's private residence, or five residences to be exact—three restored "Charleston singles" and two carriage houses. Past the climbing roses and espaliered magnolia, a reception sign leads you up the stairs of the main 1804 building, where you'll be greeted on the veranda with a glass of bubbly. What’s the crowd like?Couples mostly, of all ages, both well-heeled travelers and young romantics. Business travelers too, seeking an authentic Charleston home-away-from-home vibe. For travelers who wish to stay awhile, the hotel added five luxurious long-term suites in an adjacent 19th century building. Launched in Summer of 2021, The Residences include kitchens outfitted by Le Creuset. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Despite being in a historic house, my Veranda Queen was not stuffy or dated. Pine flooring and a large fireplace anchored the room, with cream-colored wainscoting, and plantation shutters for leveraging light and privacy. Spotless Italian linens and modern lamps helped lighten things up. Bathrooms are on the small side, but they're state-of-the-art. Mine had a glassed-in shower, gleaming white subway tile surround, dual shower heads, and large dispensers of Malin + Goetz products. It's tempting to linger longer when you have richly lathered spicy rum body wash and a well-pressured rain shower. Bonus: enjoy a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine on the room's porch overlooking the courtyard, with a linen drape for added seclusion. And speaking of wine, the complimentary daily wine & cheese spread reflects the fine taste of the couple who own this spot. Their picturesque Virginia winery Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is a truly divine destination How about the little details? Any of that worth a mention?A Nespresso machine hides within a custom-crafted armoire, as does a roll-out mini-fridge filled with complimentary Izze sodas and waters. At turndown, a rotating selection of locally baked Grey Ghost cookies appear, plantation shutters flip tight, lights dim, and the creams and golds in the room really glow. An optional bedside sound machine plays rolling ocean waves all night long (or country crickets if you choose), enabling a deep sleep, as does the sound-blocking magic of double window panes. The hotel's marine blue bicycles with leather seats are perfect for exploring the city or orchestrating picnics. Take your drink of choice or newspaper and wander behind the carriage house to find the hotel's hidden corner garden with a calming fountain, and love seats poised on crushed oyster shells. Food and drink: What do they have here?A destination in its own right even for those not staying here, Zero Restaurant's menu has shifted from a la carte to a prix fixe multi-course extravaganza (I counted seven courses including small bites). A petite candlelit dining room migrates to the open patio in good weather, so guests dine beneath palm trees, Japanese maples, and moonlight. Button-sized, tucked into the ground floor of the main house, Zero Bar revs up at happy hour with a speakeasy vibe, bespoke cocktails, and excellent bites, including a flight of deviled eggs and Chef Petrillo's whimsical take on a lobster roll. Rumor has it the chef has a few truffle-shaved burgers up his sleeve for those who know to ask. Starting in Spring of 2022, Zero George debuted a truly decadent Caviar Bar. Guests sit on the open porch for a stellar presentation of Regiis Ova Supreme caviar on ice served in fine silver, plus a bevvy of classic accompaniments: custardy eggs, lemon, brioche wedges, crème fraîche, etc., and wine and cocktails (or mocktails) to wash it down. It’s a great start to the evening, or a meal unto itself. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Zero George is pure Charleston fantasy for those who dream of owning a tasteful, historic peninsula residence... without the headaches of actually maintaining one. It's a pristine, top-shelf, boutique hotel." - Allston McCrady
