The Dewberry

This hip hotel is a hub for stylish locals and visitors alike and sets itself apart as a design star.

• The stylish design that celebrates Southern heritage with contemporary flair
• The Citrus Club, a cocktail bar on Charleston’s highest rooftop
• "Hunt" and "Gather" boutiques, curated by Garden + Gun magazine

The Dewberry Charleston is a great reminder to never judge a book by its cover. Overlooking Charleston’s historic (albeit somewhat charmless) Marion Square, the hotel is housed in the shell of the 1964 L. Mendel Rivers Federal Building, and its stark exterior and slightly off-the-beaten path surroundings stand in contrast to its beautiful mid-century modern interiors. Within two minutes of being inside, visitors will find out why this stylish spot one of the brightest stars of the Charleston hotel scene.

After opening in July 2016, the hotel quickly became a favorite of locals and guests alike. The inviting lobby lounge, The Living Room, is always abuzz with an attractive set who congregate for coffee and cocktails or set up shop with their laptops for informal business meetings. Just behind the concierge desk, two adjacent pop-up boutiques stock chic lifestyle products, clothing and accessories. The star of the show, though, is the Citrus Club located on the eighth floor, where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites on Charleston’s highest and arguably most spectacular rooftop.

Special design touches abound throughout, having been carefully chosen by Workstead, the Brooklyn design firm, along with the hotel’s in-house design team, StudioDew. The designers were tasked with creating an atmosphere that is at once a nod to the mid-century heritage of the building along with a celebration of Southern style. Crystal chandeliers in the shape of palmetto trees (an iconic South Carolina symbol) hang throughout the hotel, and a brass map of the Charleston peninsula by a local artist impressively covers the wall above a red leather sofa in the lobby. Another local artist was commissioned to create a charming floral linen print, depicting Lowcountry blooms and the Dewberry flower, that was used to upholster the guest room armoires. No expense was spared in decorating the elegant hotel, which features a neutral palette and materials like marble, rich woods and brushed brass. The hotel also a one-of-a-kind suite given over to the signature decoupage designs of John Derian that is quite charming (even if some of the drawer space is taken up to showcase inspirations and a unique collection of pieces by the designer). The Fieldshop, created in partnership with Garden & Gun, has a curated collection of  pieces by Southern artisans and designers, including jewelry and accessories, clothing, barware and other perfect gifts, like candles in The Dewberry's subtle fragrance.

The 154 guest rooms range in size from quite cozy to somewhat sprawling, but all feel thoughtfully appointed and have plush bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows and minibars stocked with local snacks. The lovely bathrooms are done in Vermont marble and the larger suites feature freestanding soaking tubs. There is a small but substantial gym as well as a spa featuring wood-paneled treatment rooms.

Couples and families with older children looking for a stylish base while visiting Charleston and value the feel of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a five-star property. Those who prefer to be removed from the busy downtown Charleston city streets.