Just like the city in which it sits, Emeline has a rich history that can be traced all the way back to the mid-1800s, when an entrepreneur established a wholesale grocery business within the building that went on to become the biggest in the South. More recently the property housed a DoubleTree by Hilton, but the remnants of that chain have been swept aside completely in favor of a classy and timeless aesthetic.
First impressions at Emeline are impressive: you’ll be given a welcome cocktail shortly after stepping into the chic lobby, after which you can opt to head to your room or hang out on the first floor a little while longer. There’s the wood-paneled Keep Shop packed with fancy trinkets and homewares; a cozy lounge area where guests can relax with a glass of wine; the bright and spacious Clerks Coffee Company if you need a light bite or caffeine kick; and Frannie & The Fox for those in the mood for something more substantial (try to snag a seat at the Foxhole, a secret cocktail window just behind the bar).
Emeline’s rooms are just as beautifully designed as the rest of the hotel, with velvet sofas and leather chairs, smart wicker cabinets and a record player that comes with a selection of classic discs. Coupled with the free tumbler of coffee guests can collect from Clerks each morning, it’s an ideal environment in which to relax with a newspaper or book before heading out to explore the city on one of Emeline’s custom bicycles.
Neighborhood:
Emeline sits in one of Charleston’s most popular areas, with easy access to Charleston City Market, The Battery and some of the city’s most picturesque streets, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy seeing a city by foot. It’s also a short walk from many of the restaurants and bars that have put Charleston on the map when it comes to eating and drinking, including Husk and FIG.
Nearby:
1. Husk: For show-stopping Southern cuisine that’s won countless (deserved) plaudits.
2. King Street: For gawping at pristine architecture.
3. Charleston City Market: For picking up local goods and gifts.
Time Out Tip:
Emeline has a record concierge service – just tell the front desk what music you’re in the mood for and they’ll dive into their archive, pick an album and bring it to your room.
