WENTWORTH MANSION® HONORED WITH TOP AWARD BY TRAVEL & LEISURE

#1 IN THE US AND #2 IN THE WORLD

2013 WORLD’S BEST SERVICE AWARD

Charleston, SC—May 15, 2013 — Travel & Leisure Magazine World’s Best Awards survey ranked locally owned Wentworth Mansion® with top spot in the US for best service and #2 in the world trailing The Peninsula in Hong Kong by just one-tenth of a point! Rankings are based on reader votes collected in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey. Travel & Leisure shares the full 2013 rankings.

Travel & Leisure surveyed the general managers at the top 16 hotels in each region on what makes winning service and here is some of what they had to say….

44% Admit to using Google and Facebook to research guests before check-in

31% Ensure each guest is personally greeted by a manager upon arrival

38% Described the service style as “genuine”

13% described the service style as “efficient”

56% Offer room service 24 hours a day

“Winning this award is an incredible honor and validation for the hard work our staff does and their goals to ensure each guest leaves the Wentworth Mansion with memories of a lifetime” said Noreen Marchant, General Manager of the Wentworth Mansion®.

For more information, visit the Wentworth Mansion or call (888) 466-1886.

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Media Contact: Linn Lesesne

Charming Inns

(843)722-8680 ext. 701

linn@charminginns.com | www.charminginns.com

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via Happiness Is

“And as we do at every meal, we gave a toast around the table using one letter of the alphabet. That night, we chose:  H. ‘To Hope. To Happiness. To Humor. To being Here together in Charleston… Heaven on earth.’”

Alissa, Shannon, Melanie and Tiffany met as college students in Southern California. Time has separated these four ladies geographically, so each year they make it a point to find a common place to gather for a girlfriends’ getaway. These trips have become a cherished escape from the norm: a time to catch up and make new memories in a new city.

via Happiness Is

This year, the group chose Charleston and the Fulton Lane Inn as the site for their reunion. These West Coasters had never experienced the southeast and fell in love with Charleston’s charm, history, foodie culture and beautiful vistas. The Fulton Lane Inn proved to be the perfect hotel for their mini vacation. A great spot to experience Charleston for the first time.

Shannon, blogger from the very inspiring Happiness Is, beautifully captured their weekend getaway to Charleston in words and photos  (two posts here and here!)

Here’s what Shannon had to say -

“We couldn’t have asked for a better location. Fulton Lane Inn is located right on King Street in the heart of the city, steps away from shops, restaurants, and parks. Our first day, we got familiar with our surroundings and walked to the nearby market, ate a traditional southern lunch… (where I fell madly in love with authentic cheesy grits), and frolicked along the picturesque waterfront.”

A thorough exploration of our city’s hot food scene should be required on every Charleston vacation. These ladies did it right – and visited many of our concierge favorites like Bin 152 for wine and cheese and the funky Butcher & Bee for lunch.

The four also visited our fine dining sister restaurant, Circa 1886, where guests of the inn are treated to a special fixed price three-course dinner. The food and overall experience got the girls’ stamp of approval:

“Our dinner that night was a special one at Fulton Lane Inn‘s sister restaurant, Circa 1886. We had reservations for a 3-course meal with wine pairings. Chef Marc Collins‘ creations were out of this world. My main course was heart of palm “marrow”, with spinach, crispy fried onions, beluga lentils and grapefruit. Being a vegetarian in the south can be tricky. But I felt welcome and celebrated here. 

The restaurant is located within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, a gorgeous historical property built in 1886. Before our meal, we were offered a champagne tour. We ascended a spiral staircase to the rooftop cupula to admire the 360 degree view of Charleston. Naturally, we sang a song in 4-part harmony, the same song we sung at the top of the Eiffel Tower many moons ago.”

Thank you Shannon, Alissa, Melanie and Tiffany for sharing these fun memories. We have a feeling you’ll be visiting Charleston again!

Planning a Charleston getaway? The Fulton Lane Inn is perfect for friends traveling together. The hotel offers many (spacious) room types – views of King Street, double beds, suites, etc. Amenities like daily breakfast are complimentary, as is an afternoon wine and cheese reception -truly a perfect place to convene after a day of exploring Charleston. Stay tuned in to our special rates and packages, as we have some fantastic summer 2013 travel deals. 

The post Tale of a Girlfriends’ Getaway in Charleston appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

image via Bon Appetit

On Saturday, June 22nd, Bon Appétit will let foodies loose on the Charleston peninsula for a roving, day-long feast. Grub Crawlers will move between a handful of locales to interact with chefs, mixologists and feel the buzz that Charleston’s food scene is getting – firsthand. Bon Appétit describes a Grub Crawl as a “food-lifestyle experience you can’t get anywhere else.”

Two kick-off parties, eight restaurants, award-winning food and chilly cocktails spread throughout our picturesque, flower-lined, historic streets? Yes indeed. You won’t get this anywhere else.

The Grub Crawl is split in two sessions – a Day Crawl and a Night Crawl. In true Charleston style, each session starts with a party. Our Circa 1886 Restaurant will kick off Saturday’s Night Crawl with a party on the patio and lawn of the Wentworth Mansion. Guests will sip specialty cocktails and nosh on Southern specialties prepared by Executive Chef Marc Collins and his team.

Featured on the Day Crawl are many of our concierge’s top choice restaurants. You’ll kick off at Stars Restaurant on King Street then crawl to:

- The Cocktail Club, Xiao Bao Biscuit,  The Grocery, Hominy Grill

… and for the Night Crawl, you’ll kick off Circa 1886 Restaurant before exploring:

- Cypress, Gin Joint,  The Bar at Husk, Charleston Grill

Grub Crawl tickets are $140, including all food and drink along the crawl. We suggest you make a weekend out of it. Both the Fulton Lane Inn and Kings Courtyard Inn are serving a special package to give you a taste of Charleston’s hotter-than-ever culinary scene: the Grub, Crawl, Sleep Package.

With this special, you and a travel companion will experience two nights and three days in Charleston from King Street accommodations. Check in on Friday evening – a rickshaw awaits to escort you to Circa 1886 for a three course dinner. On Saturday (Grub Crawl day!) rev up your appetite with a Savor the Flavor Tour via Bulldog Tour Company. You’ll sample Southern fare like grits, BBQ, collards, pralines and benne wafers – a perfect entrée into the Night Crawl, for which you’ll have two tickets. We’ll provide breakfast each morning and wine and cheese in the afternoon.

For couples embarking on the Grub, Crawl, Sleep adventure, we suggest our historic accommodations at the Kings Courtyard Inn.

Kings Courtyard Inn – 198 King Street

800-845-6119 – get all the details here

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For its large, bright rooms and double beds, the Fulton Lane Inn is perfect for friends traveling together to Charleston.

Fulton Lane Inn -202 King Street

800-720-8600 – get the details here

Sound delicious? This package, built for two people, starts $795 for the entire weekend of June 21-23, 2013.

The post Bon Appétit Grub Crawl Comes to Charleston appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Daisy, Coco and their parents Mr. and Mrs. Urrutia were on the lookout for pet-friendly hotels in Charleston. They searched and stumbled upon our inn on Broad Street – we’re glad they did. Hosting guests as sweet and fun as these four is always a pleasure. We hosted Mr. and Mrs. Urrutia in one of our dog-friendly carriage houses. Set inside our courtyard, just a few yards away from the main house, our carriage houses are perfect for families, especially those traveling with pups.

Our concierge Cassie caught up with the Urrutias one afternoon in the courtyard, just after tea time. They chatted about dog travel in Charleston while Daisy and Coco sniffed around at the first floral scents of spring.

Cassie said-

“The Urrutias were able to take their dogs everywhere while walking through downtown Charleston. Coco and Daisy spent time on King Street, Meeting Street, and an afternoon in White Point Gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Urrutia told us how incredibly pet-friendly they found Charleston to be. One evening, they even took the pups out to dinner at Il Cortile del Re on King Street. They sat in the restaurant’s hidden courtyard and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Here, the whole family was treated to a great meal and a lovely table. Yeah for dog-friendly Charleston restaurants!

Our accommodations suited the Urrutias perfectly. They really enjoyed being nestled away with the dogs inside the carriage house.  Here, they were confident that Daisy and Coco would not be a bother to dog-less guests. They appreciated being in a pet-friendly room on the first floor, as they could easily take the dogs for a walk or out into the courtyard at any time.

Mr. Urrutia told me that they loved their room, and even said it was ‘the best room we’ve ever stayed in that is pet-friendly.’

Pet-friendly feelings aside, Mr. and Mrs. Urrutia enjoyed going up to our piazza after dinner to enjoy a nice glass of port to wind down.”

Sounds like a lovely visit! Thank you to the Urrutias for sharing your memories with us. We can’t wait to see y’all back in Charleston again with Daisy and Coco in tow.

Planning a summer vacation or road trip down south? Stay with us in Charleston and give the whole family a vacation they deserve- dogs included! Here’s a look at our pet-friendly rooms. You can call us at 800-476-9471 to chat with Cassie and the rest of our team about dog-friendly vacations in Charleston.

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Our sidewalk blue stone was laid, leaving our patio clear for paving…

We tested some paint colors on our reclaimed bead board walls…

And just this morning, our custom made windows arrived and are getting settled in nicely at their new home.

While we patiently await the real first taste of breakfast and lunch at Kitchen 208, the team is serving some samples on their blog. Last week, we were treated to the BelleGem Sandwich, an easier-to-eat version of chicken and waffles. This week, we were given a sneak peek at a classic Southern style breakfast dish. Hop over to the Kitchen 208 site to read more about this hearty, “stick your bones” breakfast: The Bluestone.

Follow more Kitchen 208 progress and menu sneak peeks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to stop by for a taste test when you visit Charleston next!

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Looking for some insider advice on making the very most of your time in Charleston? Here are some tips from the Wentworth Mansion team: concierges Aly and Mark and Innkeeper Noreen Marchant.

Where to eat, drink and relax before (and after) a Spoleto show:

Mark says:

“Before a show, I enjoy a Dark n’ Stormy at The Rarebit on Upper King Street.  They have many other specialty cocktails and old-fashioned, upscale diner fare to fill you up! After a show, it’s always fun, to get a drink on the patio at Leaf Café on Beaufain Street or in the courtyard at Pane e Vino on Warren Street (just off Upper King Street).  If you are in the East Bay Street area after a show, then the Blind Tiger or the Gin Joint are my top picks. 

Aly says:

“Try to eat dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of your venue. Since Spoleto venues are pretty widely spaced, I have a few general favorites. I recently re-discovered 39 Rue de Jean on King and John Street and am in love! Beautiful atmosphere, great wine list, and excellent food with attentive wait staff. If you are a fan of sushi, try it here. You won’t be disappointed! If you would like your food to be as creative as your arts, definitely head to McCrady’s on East Bay Street. Or our own Circa 1886 Restaurant, of course! The antelope is as unexpected as it is delicious!

Post show, there are a couple places that the artists hang out. Keep your eyes open and you may run into someone you saw performing earlier! One newer hot spot is The Belmont on Upper King Street. Grab a whiskey from their wide selection and enjoy it with a plate of fresh charcuterie. If you’re looking for some old style cocktails with a speakeasy feel, The Gin Joint on East Bay Street should fit the bill. Have a gin fizz and let the good times roll!”

Noreen says:

“Before a show have a drink on the patio of Il Cortile del re on King Street. It’s a great courtyard – and off the beaten path. Grab dinner at Basil on King Street and make sure to order the Crispy Red Curry Duck.”

Top picks for the best Spoleto Events:

Mark says:

“I am excited about the open garden exhibition put on by the Charleston Horticultural Society.  This event will be on Saturday, May 25th between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.”

Aly says:

“There are two 2013 performances that stand out to me. First is Jared Grimes’s tap showcase at the Emmet Robinson Theater at College of Charleston. It promises to be a fun show that brings the art of dance into the mainstream with Jared’s modern approach. Plus, he trained with Gregory Hines, so that is something I have in common with him!

The second performance I will definitely be attending is A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented jointly by Bristol Old Vic and the Handspring Puppet Company at the Dock Street Theater. Not only is this a well-known, historic play, it is being presented in a well-known, historic venue! The Dock Street Theater is a gorgeous, must-see space for anyone with an interest in the arts. You won’t want to miss a bit of the beautiful interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic romance.”

Noreen says:

“Don’t miss the Finale at Middleton Plantation. I’d suggest having Caviar and Bananas pack you a picnic. Set up on the lawn under the stars and see a really fantastic fireworks display.”

How to beat the crowds:

Mark says:

“My favorite way to avoid crowds in the day is to bike or walk through the neighborhood south of Broad Street.  Even in the buzz and heat of summer, there is a peace to be found amongst the grand mansions and cozy cottages there.”

Noreen says:

“Walk everywhere! If you get tired, hail a pedicab to get around town.”

Aly says:

“Spoleto is one of my favorite times of year in Charleston! Such great art going on all around. (Piccolo Spoleto Festival is pretty cool, too.) Even at a time as busy as Spoleto, you can still enjoy your favorite activities without being overwhelmed. Book a private carriage tour (well in advance!) to see the sights in comfort and quiet. Have some quiet time to yourself and relax with an appointment at the Wentworth Mansion Spa! Take a drive out in the country and visit the Charleston Tea Plantation, the Angel Oak Tree, or Firefly Distilleries. If you really want to have some fun in the gorgeous Charleston sun, rent or charter a boat and explore the harbor and rivers!”

Treat yourself to a luxurious room at the Wentworth Mansion this summer. Check our availability and keep your eye on our specials and packages for new additions.

The post Spoleto Festival 2013: What to Do, See, Eat and Drink appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Blue jeans, boots, beer… a few things that might not necessarily be top of mind when you think of Circa 1886 Restaurant…

Fine dining is typically our schtick, but this summer Chef Marc Collins and the crew at Circa 1886 are kicking back for a fun, super casual Westbrook Craft Beer Dinner. Expect the same creative, high quality Circa 1886 fare, but in a relaxed, blue jeans, beer drinkin’ environment. Charleston’s own Westbrook Brewing Company is a favorite around here, and we’re excited to feature a few of their newly released, summery craft brews.

The party kicks off at 6:30 with a reception out in the courtyard. Dinner will begin at 7:00. Here’s the first look at our four course menu.

First Course – Pickled Ginger n’ Crab Soufflé with Bean Sprouts, Bell Peppers, Micro Basil, Honey Soy Vinaigrette

Paired with Westbrook White Thai, which Westbrook calls “a wonderfully refreshing ale with notes of lemon candy, citrus fruit, and a slight spiciness from the ginger.”

Second Course – Duck Confit “Rueben” with Caper Remoulade, Chow Chow, Swiss Cheese, Waffle Fry

Paired with Westbrook Rye Pale Ale

Main Course – “Chicken Fried” Pork Tenderloin with Horchata Black Truffle Gravy, Roasted Garlic Infused Collard Greens

Paired with Westbrook’s brand new Gose Wheat Beer – described as “an interpretation of Gose (pronounced “Gose-uh”), a traditional German-style sour wheat beer brewed with coriander and salt. Once nearly extinct, this very refreshing style is making a comeback.”

Sweet Finish – Expect a chocolate creation from our Pastry Chef Scott Lovorn. Its special beer pairing will be announced soon.

Join us at 6:30 on Friday, June 14, 2013. The dinner is $50.00 per person, plus 20% gratuity and 10.5% tax. Reservations are required. Give us a call (843) 853-7828 to reserve a seat. See what else Circa 1886 has going on this summer. 

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Today the Kitchen 208 team debuted an item from their whimsical menu. Meet the BelleGem Sandwich, a very special version of Chicken and Waffles, served with hand cut french fries and pickled bread n’ butter okra.

Hop over to the Kitchen 208 Blog for details about this delicious, decadent, bacon-waffle-bread sandwich. Follow our progress and menu sneak peeks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post First Taste of the Kitchen 208 Menu appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

The Family Fun Package shares the best of Charleston: lots of FUN, history, beauty, friendly faces, views of the water and great food! And as our guest, you’ll never have to worry about breakfast. We provide something yummy each morning. You’ll also refresh each afternoon at our manager’s reception. Wine and sherry for mom and dad, pimento cheese and lemonade for the kids, and a breezy, secret courtyard to relax in. With complimentary internet access, you’ll never miss a beat, whether you’re catching up on work or sharing photos with family back home.

Here’s a glimpse at the Charleston tours and attractions you’ll experience with the Family Fun Package.

To start, you’ll choose a day to spend at either the….

South Carolina Aquarium

Set on the Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium features creatures of all kinds. Aquarium exhibits range from local sea life, straight out of Charleston’s marshes, to exotic reptiles and mammals, and fish from the great ocean beyond. You can easily spend an entire day here, drifting from one enchanting exhibit to the next. Plan your trip during the Sea Turtle Hospital visiting hours for an even more memorable experience. The aquarium nurses sick sea turtles back to health, providing love and care to these guys before they’re ready to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean. Take a break and grab lunch at the cafe or find a spot on the sundeck to admire the view of ships passing by.

OR 

Patriot’s Point Naval + Maritime Center

History buffs, rejoice! You will just love Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. On display here are “a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the USS YORKTOWN, Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S. Patriots Point is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum.” The Yorktown- Patriot’s Point main attraction- is celebrating its 70th birthday this year, so now more than ever, is a special time to visit. You can even take in the beauty of Charleston from the flight deck, where you’ll see a clear, beautiful view of downtown and the famous Ravenel Bridge.

Daring family members can climb up the destroyer USS Laffey and peer inside the living quarters. After all that walking around, grab lunch in the Mess Hall and get a feel for the way life was for the men who served on the ship.

You’ll enjoy a tour of Charleston from…

A Horse + Buggy Carriage Ride

Ride through the pretty streets of downtown Charleston in a shaded horse drawn carriage. Get a history fix as you meander through our beautiful streets, admire amazing architecture, Caribbean colors and secret gardens. In the summer especially, you’ll be overcome by the fragrance of jasmine and depending on your tour route, enjoy a sea breeze off the harbor of the famous Battery. An in interview, our innkeeper Lisa Anderson says a carriage ride is one of the best ways to kick off a trip to Charleston. You’ll get a preview of the peninsula’s most famous sites and decide where you’d like to revisit for a closer look.

Carriage rides start at the City Market nearby. You can spend extra time here before or after your tour to pick up Charleston goodies and souvenirs like sweetgrass baskets and benne wafers.

AND

A Ghost + Dungeon Walking Tour

Experience a different view of Charleston, the intriguing, “believe it or not” side of the city. The tour is put on by Bulldog Tours, who say you’ll “hear fun and chilling stories of Charleston ghosts, haunted houses, voodoo, and Lowcountry superstitions.” They also say it’s the only tour in Charleston that grants access to a dungeon, where both pirates and American freedom fighters were kept centuries and centuries ago.

Kings Courtyard Inn’s Family Fun Package is available year round. Prices vary depending on the season. Here more information by calling our staff at 800-845-6119 or book your stay today online.

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Our Innkeeper, Kathy Leslie is entering into her 14th Spoleto season as an Innkeeper in Charleston. She is nearly expert in navigating Charleston during this action-packed three weeks. Our concierge, Cassie Falk, also has some fantastic recommendations for experiencing Charleston’s nightlife. Here’s what the two had to say –

With thousands and thousands of people flocking to Charleston for the Spoleto Festival 2013, what is the best way to beat the crowds?

Kathy says – Be sure to plan ahead, make hotel reservations and dinner plans in advance. You can call the inn for assistance. We can help guests plan ahead for a great, worry-free experience.

Thousands of art enthusiasts flock to Charleston during Spoleto Festival. Our central downtown location means guests can walk just about everywhere and avoid traffic. Many Spoleto venues are just around the block like the Charleston Library Society and recently renovated Dock Street Theater. If you grow weary of walking, a pedicab is a great way to travel around town.

Which events on the Spoleto Festival 2013 lineup are you most excited about?

Kathy says – “One of the favorite performance is the Westminster Choir – they are here year after year and still draw a great crowd.” You can see the Westminster Choir perform at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul on Coming Street on May 30 and June 3.

For guests who typically enjoy the Charleston home and garden tours each spring and fall, check out Behind the Garden Gates. This self-guided tour covers many of Charleston’s most beautiful neighborhoods, including the nearby Church Street and Legare Street. It celebrates Charleston’s own personal works of art: stunning architecture and secret gardens.

What would you recommend a guest do before taking off for an evening at Spoleto?

Kathy and Cassie say – Take advantage of our complimentary afternoon tea! In the Signer’s Ballroom, we serve hors d’oeuvres from Circa 1886 alongside tea and lemonade. Guests can also grab a glass of sherry or brandy. Charleston in May is beautiful, and the view of Charleston from our breezy second story piazza is incredible. Take time to plan your night or recall memories from your trip thus far. This is also a great opportunity to meet and chat with other guests – it’s always great to hear about other folks’ Spoleto experiences.

Before heading back home to the inn for the night, which restaurants and bars would you recommend guests experience?

Kathy and Cassie both recommend unwinding with wine and a quick bite to eat after a show.

Kathy’s recommended restaurant? Muse Wine Bar on Society Street. Grab a seat on the balcony, split a bottle of wine and relish in the restaurant’s Mediterranean atmosphere. Muse serves great seafood dishes and everything is the perfect size to share.

Cassie suggests Social Wine Bar, which is on East Bay Street. They offer a fabulous wine selection, many of which are on tap, serve small plates and woodfired pizzas. Social’s atmosphere is fun, lively and always buzzing. For a more quiet, relaxed setting, she suggests O’Hara and Flynn on Meeting Street, where the proprietors are lovely and live music is featured on Thursday and Friday nights.

Enjoy the John Rutledge House Inn during Spoleto season in Charleston! Our special Spoleto weekday rates start at $289 (Sunday-Thursday) and weekend rates start at $340. Each day we offer a hot, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cordials, free internet access, and the best location in downtown Charleston. Check our availability or take a look at our other special rates and packages.

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