Holiday Inn restoration

Folly hotel expected to reopen in March

A $5.5 million restoration at Holiday Inn at Folly Beach is well under way.

The hotel closed Nov. 3 and is expected to reopen March 5 with a brand new look both inside and out. Even the nine-story building's pink exterior will give way to change in the form of earth tones.

Raymond Smith, construction superintendent, said the work will give the hotel "more of a beach feel. When you walk in, you can see the ocean," he said of the planned new lobby. Previously, the front desk was visitor's first view.

Every one of the hotel's 132 rooms is being made over, with new paint, carpeting, mirrors, glass, marble countertops and balconies that are up to code. The first floor, which now looks like a battle scene, will be redone in weathered hardwood. The grand staircase is now bare and will be redone with a curved glass design.

The front desk will be moved and the new lobby will get a jellyfish-styled chandelier and a sisal covering on the ceiling that mimics the waves outside, according to Avocet Properties, the company managing the hotel.

The work will also leave the hotel with a restaurant ready to compete with downtown eateries, Avocet Properties said.