America’s seventh ‘coziest hotel’

The superlatives keep rolling in — the No. 1 tourist destination in the USA! No, make that the world! And now, home of the seventh most cozy hotel in America. Oh my. We always knew the Wentworth Mansion was grand — but cozy? Well, somebody thinks so.

The following is from an article published Monday in The Wall Street Journal, based on an interview with Simon Doonan, “a frequent traveler and creative ambassador at large for Barneys New York.”

“This 21-bedroom 1866 mansion exudes Southern hospitality and charm, and, despite what its august furnishings might suggest, welcomes both children and dogs. The grand common spaces are bedecked with original plaster moldings, crystal chandeliers, English ceramic tiles and a fireplace. Guests gather in the parlor for daily refreshments like tea and lemonade, and later in the day, for wine and hors d’oeuvres, Sherry, port and brandy. Bedrooms are large, most have fireplaces and some have daybeds set under large bay windows to facilitate brilliant daydreaming. Though the hotel is located in the historic district of Charleston, a popular tourist destination, those who don’t leave the grounds can be forgiven. One can spend some lazy hours in the spa (which is a former horse stable) or on the roof, where there’s a lovely cupola accessed by a spiral staircase and offering 360-degree views of the city. Every night, the turndown staff delivers chocolate truffles from the hotel’s restaurant, Circa 1886, to guest rooms.”

Wow! Makes your mouth water, doesn’t it? And what a great commercial not only for the Wentworth Mansion but for Charleston itself, a city that not too long ago was known as “America’s best-kept secret.”