The Dewberry Charleston hotel review: Midcentury modern with a Southern twist

What is The Dewberry Charleston?

Built in 1964, this once ho-hum federal office building was resurrected by visionary real estate developer John Dewberry and unveiled in 2016. The building was abandoned not long after Hurricane Floyd caused extensive damage to it in 1999. Dewberry’s team spent eight years breathing new life into the structure while beautifully maintaining its midcentury modern character. The luxury boutique hotel has been a member of Historic Hotels of America since it opened.

The seamless blend of traditional Southern materials and midcentury modern elements is impressive. For example, entering the lobby from Meeting Street, I was greeted by an expansive brass map of Charleston Harbor that presides above two leather Poul Kjaerholm sofas imported from Denmark. Inspired by an 1861 Elliot & Ames map, the piece is the work of local designer Peyton Avrett. Her grandmother was an employee in the government building for decades.

How to book The Dewberry Charleston

Unfortunately, the Dewberry is not part of a hotel loyalty program. However, The Dewberry Charleston is part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, which provides you with several elite perks like a room upgrade (when available), daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed late checkout, among others.

Great location

The Dewberry Charleston is conveniently situated on Meeting Street, bordering Marion Square, and just minutes from iconic Upper King Street and near the historic district south of Calhoun Street.

Parking in Charleston can be a challenge. If you’re able to snag a metered space on the street for $2 per hour, you can only park there for two hours. The hotel offers on-site parking for $45 a day, which may seem steep. However, I liked knowing my car was safe on the property while we explored Charleston on foot. For a longer stay, I’d likely consider seeking out a parking garage that allows overnight parking (around $18 per day).

Guests also have complimentary access to the hotel’s Volvo house cars during their stay should they wish to go beyond walking distance. The service covers 5 square miles.

Check-in was a breeze

A week before my stay, I received a call from the concierge asking if they could assist me with setting up any activities or anything prior to my stay. This quick exchange cemented a favorable impression before I even checked in.

On arrival, I stepped into the cherry-paneled lobby with its gleaming marble floors and mid-mod glory, immediately chiding myself for not packing one of my vintage ’60s dresses for my stay. However, I quickly decided that 100% polyester and a Charleston summer might not be the best combination.

The hotel’s signature Dewberry candle fragrance greets you as soon as you walk in, and it’s present throughout every inch of the hotel. The scent is light, though, and not obtrusive at all. “Where can I buy this scent?” may have actually been my first question to the staff. (Candles are available for purchase in the spa, and in-room toiletries are similarly scented.)

The front desk staff was friendly and attentive, and check-in was incredibly quick. I was in my room within 10 minutes, though it would have taken less if I wasn’t so talkative. I also didn’t hesitate to take advantage of the welcome refresher of chilled washcloths and cold glasses of Dewberry tea (a light caffeine-free sweet tea with hints of berries, hibiscus and rose hips).

Rooms are refined yet homey

I had booked a 290-square-foot signature king room but was upgraded to a 324-square-foot superior king room upon check-in. I’m not sure why I got lucky, as I’m not an American Express cardholder (yet), but I wasn’t about to question it. In addition to the extra space, my new room featured a gorgeous chandelier.

Awash in creams and beige, with original artwork and expansive windows, the room exuded calm and sophistication. The custom-designed mahogany armoire, which held the safe, a steamer, slippers and plush robes, featured fabric panels with botanical designs.

The fabric elements carried over to the dresser, which included drawers and a cleverly hidden minifridge filled with Champagne, beer and sodas (for an additional cost). There was also a tray stocked with snacks, candy and alcoholic beverages for purchase. Complimentary bottles of water were replenished daily.

A lush green velvet settee and marble coffee table by the door offered a comfy place to relax or do a little remote work. The beds here are often described as “cloudlike,” and that’s not hyperbole — they were incredibly comfortable.

The room didn’t come with a coffee maker, but complimentary coffee was available each morning at a coffee station on the first floor. Personally, I would have preferred my own coffee maker and would have gladly swapped out the tray of snacks for one.

Gold faucets and fixtures popped against the spacious bathroom’s Danby marble. Double vanities provided plenty of space to spread out and included an electric vanity mirror. The Dewberry’s signature-scented shower amenities were single-use, which I was grateful for. They came home with me, and with every use, I’m transported to a state of luxury and relaxation.

Dining and drinking at The Dewberry

The Dewberry has two dining offerings: the buzzy rooftop bar, Citrus Club, boasting top-notch cocktails and amazing Charleston views, and the Living Room, the perfect spot for morning coffee, a casual meal or an evening nightcap.

Citrus Club

After I checked in and dropped off my bags in my room, I headed up to the Citrus Club, the hotel’s 21-and-over rooftop venue, for a drink before my daughter arrived.

To get there, you must check in with the concierge by the elevator, who provides you with a temporary keycard granting access to the eighth-floor elevator.

I was seated quickly, but several minutes passed before a server greeted me (a couple seated after me were greeted first). After my server took my drink order, it was another 15 minutes before my cocktail arrived. Had I been with other people, I would have likely been engaged in conversation, and the wait wouldn’t have seemed long. And to be fair, 15 minutes isn’t ridiculously long, but worth noting.

My view of Charleston and beyond was lovely, though, and I busied myself with taking an excessive amount of photos.

The price of the cocktails ($20 each) made me wish I was a beer drinker (those were $10), but I sampled two anyway. I chose the Purple Rain (gin, lavender syrup, lemon and sparkling water) and the Long-Time Listener (tequila, dry Curacao, lemon syrup, St. Germain and bitters). Both were light and refreshing — ideal for a summer day in the South.

Living Room

The Living Room is the hotel’s stylish lobby-floor dining and bar area, open from breakfast to dinner. Its wood flooring was salvaged from a tobacco barn in Georgia. Seating is varied — traditional dining tables, a cozy couch and a coffee table, and private nooks with two-tops. Sleek bookshelves with plants, books and chic design pieces separated the seating areas.

Dinner offerings include shareable plates, salads and desserts. My daughter and I grazed on wood-fired flatbread topped with ricotta cheese, fresh peaches and arugula ($16) and a half-plate of the pasta primavera with the shrimp add-on ($24). Both were fresh and delicious. Also, the service was prompt and friendly.

On-site fitness center

I didn’t get a workout in at the fitness center (walking around Charleston more than made up for it), but I did stop by. It was well equipped with treadmills, cycles, elliptical machines, yoga mats, free weights and benches.

At the entrance to the space, there was a large cabinet stocked with hand towels and bottles of cold water. There was also a large glass bowl filled with single-use earbuds. I would definitely make use of the fitness center during a longer stay.

For something a little different, take part in a complimentary rooftop yoga sesh and soak up those Holy City views along with your sun salutation.

Guests can also take out the hotel’s complimentary bikes on a first-come, first-served basis (they include racks and baskets). The concierge team can share guided routes and other areas of interest to explore on two wheels.

Spa offering

Though my brief stay didn’t allow for a treatment, I was able to take a tour of the spa. The space was designed to mirror John Dewberry’s carriage house. Cypress-lined walls bathed in soft light, muted music, and an aromatic atmosphere create instant Zen. The spa features five treatment rooms (including rooms for couples). Choose from massages, hair and scalp treatments, and facials.

Spa guests can purchase signature products like the famous Dewberry candle, body wash and lotion, as well as products from brands such as Supergoop and Marvis.

Accessibility

Select signature king, grand king and grand queen rooms are Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible, with roll-in showers with grab bars and a hand-held diverter. There are grab bars for the toilet as well. Public areas are also spacious and well lit, and there is on-site wheelchair-accessible parking.

Reasons The Dewberry Charleston might not be for you

I enjoyed my stay at The Dewberry and would stay there again in the right circumstance. However, no hotel is perfect for everyone or every type of stay. Here are some times when The Dewberry might not be the best choice:

• Although American Express cardmembers can earn elite perks through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, the hotel isn’t part of a loyalty program where guests can earn or redeem points for a stay there.
• I saw nary a child during my stay (which I didn’t mind), but families visiting with children may want to book elsewhere.
• While there’s everything you’ll likely need for most stays at The Dewberry (including a fitness center and a spa), you won’t find a pool. If that’s important to you, consider another property.

Alternatives to The Dewberry Charleston

For other luxury stays in historic properties, check out Wentworth Mansion and John Rutledge House Inn. Earn or redeem Hilton Honors points at The Mills House, while IHG loyalists will appreciate Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant.

Families seeking extra space and optimum pool time should consider The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.

Checking out

This midcentury modern-loving gal was smitten with The Dewberry Charleston. Creating a space that honors the building’s history yet showcases chic modernity is no easy task, but The Dewberry pulled it off flawlessly.

I would definitely stay here again. However, I’d book during the cooler winter months and make sure to pack my Betty Draper dress.

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