Charleston's Hidden Gem: The Palmetto Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Charleston's Hidden Gem: The Palmetto Hotel - Unforgettable Stay! Buckle up because this review isn't your average cookie-cutter listicle. We’re going deep, y'all. We're talkin' blood sweat and Wi-Fi (which, thankfully, is FREE in all the rooms – HALLELUJAH!).
First, let me just say, Unforgettable Stay? They aren't kidding. Let's break this down, category by category, because honestly, there’s a LOT going on. And by a lot, I mean a delightful, overwhelming, and sometimes slightly confusing amount.
Accessibility:
Okay, this is important. And The Palmetto… well, they try. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which sounds promising, and has an elevator. But I didn’t actually experience this firsthand, so I can't give a totally definitive answer. Would it be absolutely perfect for someone with mobility issues? Maybe not. But they definitely consider the needs of guests. Which is better than nothing, right?
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges, Wheelchair accessible:
Again, this is a bit of a gray area. I’ll need to investigate more.
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas:
OH. MY. GOD. The Wi-Fi. Okay, so I'm a digital nomad, a Wi-Fi snob, and I'm not going to lie. The free Wi-Fi in the rooms? Pure bliss. Seriously, I could stream cat videos, send massive files, and video call my grandma all at once without a single buffering issue. Even the public areas kept a decent connection, which is crucial for those Instagram-worthy Charleston pics. And there's LAN! gasp! For the old school gamers, that’s an absolute win.
Things to do, ways to relax:
Alright, now we’re talkin’. Where do I even begin? Because let's be honest, the Palmetto gives you options. Need to de-stress after a day of exploring cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages? They got you.
- Spa/sauna, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Listen, I am a self-confessed spa hound. I’m talking, give-me-a-robe, give-me-a-cucumber-water-stat. The indoor pool is gorgeous. The outdoor is even more gorgeous. So the pool with a view? Forget about it. I basically lived in my swimsuit for the first two days. And the sauna? Heavenly. The steam room? Ditto. I may or may not have emerged looking like a prune, but a relaxed prune.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The massage. OH. THE. MASSAGE. I had a deep tissue massage, and let me tell you, it was transformative. I had a knot in my shoulder the size of a golf ball, and by the time I left, it was gone. Poof! Vanished! I'm pretty sure the masseuse could've soothed a rabid honey badger. A total winner.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, so I'm that traveler. The one who thinks she'll hit the gym. I peered in, it looked well-equipped. Did I actually go? Let's just say the Charlestonian food scene offered some stiff competition.
Cleanliness and safety:
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. The Palmetto takes it seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They went OVERBOARD on cleanliness, and I am here for it. I'm talking hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and the constant whiff of sanitizing products (which honestly smells kinda clean, surprisingly). You can even opt-out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch. They clearly care. Very reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Nice to know, if you do something silly like stub a toe.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
This is where things get interesting. Again, OPTIONS. It's like a culinary choose-your-own-adventure.
- Restaurants: I’m pretty sure there are three different restaurants, and a poolside bar.
- Bar: The bar is fantastic, great cocktails. Happy Hour is a must.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Coffee and snacks, what more could you want?
- Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service: The breakfast buffet… okay, so here’s the truth bomb. I’m not a huge buffet person. They’re often lukewarm and underwhelming. But the Palmetto's… wasn't terrible. Good selection of hot and cold items. And breakfast takeaway? BRILLIANT when you have a Charleston day-trip to cram into your schedule. The coffee was hot, however. And there was an Asian breakfast! I’m not sure what it was, but it was there!
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Whew! Yeah…lots. The desserts were divine, room service was prompt, and there’s clearly something for everyone.
Services and conveniences:
The little things? Palmetto has them.
- Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Where to even start? The concierge was super helpful. The daily housekeeping kept the room spotless. The elevator was a godsend (stairs are the enemy after a day of exploring). There’s a gift shop (because, souvenirs!). And they have a shrine?! What could that even mean?
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities: For the business travelers.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: For those with children.
For the kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I don’t have kids, so I can’t personally vouch for them, but the hotel caters to families with children.
Access:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Safety and security is clearly a priority. All helpful.
Getting around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They really covered everything!
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: I’m not kidding when I say these rooms are packed with amenities. The mini bar was well-stocked, the bed was ridiculously comfortable, and the blackout curtains meant I could sleep in until noon (which I definitely did, several times). The complimentary tea? A lovely touch. And the free Wi-Fi, again… A total lifesaver.
My Verdict:
Okay, so here’s the deal. The Palmetto Hotel isn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it is an AMAZING place to stay. It's got character, charm, and enough amenities to keep you busy for weeks.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is a real account of my Charleston adventure, lived and breathed at The Palmetto Hotel, warts and all (and trust me, there were a few).
Charleston Chaos: A Palmetto Hotel Pilgrimage (with occasional sanity breaks)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Mostly Kidding)
14:00 - Arrival at The Palmetto Hotel: Okay, first impressions? Chic. Almost too chic. I swear, the lobby chandelier was judging my decidedly un-chic travel wardrobe. (Pro tip: Pack something other than jeans and a slightly stained t-shirt. Learn from my mistakes). The front desk staff, bless their hearts, were ridiculously helpful. They acted like my delayed flight and general disheveled state were completely normal. Which, let's be honest, it probably is. Got assigned a room on the third floor, overlooking… the dumpster. Kinda killed the mood, if I'm honest. But hey, at least it's authentic Charleston, right? (Joking! … Mostly.)
15:00 - Room Reconnaissance and the Great Unpacking Debacle: The room itself? Gorgeous! Those high ceilings, the plush bed, the… wait, where do I put this suitcase of doom? Spent a solid 20 minutes wrestling with the luggage rack, which clearly preferred designer bags to my trusty, slightly battered roller. Eventually triumphed, but the victory felt hollow. Also, the welcome cookies were crumbly, which made me feel like I was a 6-year-old again. Delicious, though.
16:00 - First Charleston Wanderings (and Mild Panic): Okay, time to explore! Stepped out onto the cobblestone streets. Immediately felt overwhelmed. So. Many. Beautiful. Buildings. And everyone else seemed to be impossibly stylish. Felt a pang of inadequacy, a deep, gnawing fear that I'd somehow stumbled into a very exclusive, very chic, party that explicitly didn't want me there. Took refuge in a coffee shop, fueled by caffeine and self-loathing (kidding! … Mostly.).
18:00 - Dinner at FIG (Food is Good): Reservations, naturally, were a month in advance. Sigh. But oh. My. God. The food. The food! The most delicious porkchop I’ve ever tasted. It was perfection. The waiter, bless his soul. He was probably used to snobby tourists, he didn't even flinch when I asked for a side of ketchup (I’m a ketchup man, you know?). The wine was divine, the atmosphere was buzzing. I left feeling, if not on top of the world, then at least slightly less terrified of the world.
20:00 - Nightcap at The Palmetto Hotel Bar: Back to the hotel, for a night cap, still kind of reeling from dinner, I swear the music was a bit too loud, and the cocktails a bit too strong, maybe I am just sensitive. Anyway, it's time to wind down and hit the hay.
Day 2: History, Horses and a Heavy Heart (and a REALLY good biscuit)
09:00 - Breakfast at The Palmetto (and a Revelation): The hotel's breakfast was included. It was… okay. Standard continental fare – pastries, yogurt, fruit. Then, suddenly, BAM! The biscuits. Fluffy, buttery, heavenly biscuits. I swear, they were the highlight of my entire trip. I ordered three. No regrets.
10:00 - Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour (and a lesson in patience): Okay, tourists. I am a tourist. But the horse carriages were… nice, once you get over the whole "looking at a horse's ass in the middle of the city" situation. The tour guide was passionate, droning on about the history of Charleston, which seemed to have the tendency to blend together after the fourth or fifth building. At the end of the ride, I got the biggest smile on my face but immediately missed having no where to go.
12:00 - Spoleto (or, the Impending Meltdown): I intended to go to the Spoleto Festival, but, well… I got myself lost. Again. Wandered around, slightly desperate, a little hungry (those three biscuits were fading fast). Finally gave up and grabbed a hot dog from a street vendor. (Okay, maybe it wasn't the BEST hotdog; I was hangry.)
14:00 - Historic Charleston City Market (and a souvenir dilemma): The market was… intense. So many souvenirs! So many overpriced, knick-knacks. I was looking, mostly, and felt the urge to buy something for my mother, because she loves that sort of thing. Hours of intense souvenir debating, nearly bought a seashell shaped soap, but figured there was a better souvenir to find. Decided to buy a box of sweet grass baskets (ended up buying a box of sweets for myself, but it'll pass).
16:00 - Rainbow Row (and a moment of sheer, unexpected joy): The pastel houses were… pretty… I'm not sure I'm cut out for any of that. However, I kept smiling.
18:00 - "Dinner" (I'm a messy eater!) Another amazing meal at a recommended seafood restaurant. The shrimp and grits were good, and the key lime pie. My shirt was not so good.
20:00 - Back to The Palmetto, Late Night Ramblings The bar was good, the conversation better, then I fell face first into that bed (I swear, I was awake for a good three hours!).
Day 3: Art, Architecture, and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye
09:00 - The Hotel, Early Morning Coffee The staff was helpful. Even in the morning, they were all smiles. The room was clean and there was no dumpster!
10:00 - Art Galleries, the Artist's Studio The art galleries were a bit above my head, but I am still happy that I went. The work I saw was amazing.
12:00 - Last Meal, Sadness. The last meal was… amazing, in a moment of pure joy.
14:00 - Departure (and a pledge to return, someday, with a much better wardrobe): Saying goodbye to The Palmetto felt… sad. I'd actually started to feel like I belonged, well, almost belonged. As I checked out, I hugged the desk attendant and said goodbye (kidding).
Notes from the Field (aka, Things I Learned):
- Pack better shoes: Cobblestone streets are no joke.
- Learn some basic Charleston history: People will judge your ignorance.
- Don't be afraid to get lost: That's where the best experiences happen (and the best hotdogs).
- Those biscuits: You'll crave them for weeks. (Seriously, send help.)
- And, on a purely superficial note: that shampoo at the hotel was incredible. I need the brand!
Charleston, you were a whirlwind. You were beautiful, you were frustrating, you were delicious. And I, for one, will be back. (And this time, I’m bringing better shoes.)
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So, what *is* "The Thing," anyway? My brain feels like a scrambled egg.
Okay, real talk? Even *I* sometimes struggle to define "The Thing." It's like trying to grab smoke. You think you've got it, then *poof*! Gone. But, for the purpose of this, let's say "The Thing" is… the whole shebang. The everything. The messy, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly captivating chaos that is... well, let's just say it's about understanding yourself by embracing the chaos. I’m still figuring it out, honestly. Like, remember that time I thought I could bake a souffle? Yeah… still have the charred remains seared into my memory. "The Thing" is a bit like that. Sometimes a triumphant masterpiece (rare), sometimes a burnt offering to the gods of awkwardness.
Why should *I* care about "The Thing"? Sounds… exhausting.
Exhausting? Honey, you're already living it! Whether you know it or not. We exist in a world already filled with "The Thing"! Look, I'm not gonna lie, there are far easier ways to spend your time. You could watch cat videos. You could alphabetize your spice rack. But "The Thing" – if you let it – can actually make your life...well, a little less *blah*. It's about finding the joy in the mess, the beauty in the imperfections, and the humor in your own inevitable screw-ups. Like the time I accidentally wore mismatched socks to a VERY important meeting. Mortifying, right? Nope! Best conversation starter ever. Seriously. Everyone remembered me! You just *might* find a little more peace... or at least a little more self-compassion.
Okay, okay… let’s say I’m intrigued, I'm a sucker for self-help. How do I *start* with "The Thing?"
Right, so… here's the slightly less organized plan. Throw away the plan, and embrace the organic chaos of my thoughts. Okay? Okay! First: Ask yourself the dreaded question: "Am I happy?" Like, *really* happy? Don’t lie to yourself. Then: Breathe. Seriously. Deep breaths. And then, I suppose, just start doing the things! Write, paint, whatever. It's about embracing the imperfect, not striving for perfection. Honestly? Just *show up*. And it will grow! Now you’re probably thinking, “oh great another guru asking me to buy their self-help book!” I'm not selling anything, just sharing my experiences. I'm a disaster, and you're no better than me. Embrace the mistakes! We all make 'em.
What if I fail? I'm terrified of failing.
Fail? Oh, darling, you *will* fail. It's practically guaranteed. I’ve failed at pretty much *everything* at least once. That's the whole point. Failure isn't a sign of weakness, it's proof that you're *trying*. It's the bread and butter of the learning process! Like the time I tried to learn the ukulele and ended up sounding like a dying walrus? Embarrassing? Yes. Did I laugh hysterically? Also yes. Just laugh, and pick yourself up. Maybe don't pick up the ukulele again… unless you really, really want to. But it's the failures that give our lives the spice – the texture, the *interest*. It's what makes us, *us*.
Does this involve… feelings? Because I'm not great with feelings.
Oh honey, yes. It’s a whole darn emotional rollercoaster. Buckle up, buttercup, because we're going full-throttle through the feelings factory! Happy, sad, confused, enraged… the whole shebang. It's like opening a pressure cooker, and BAM! Feelings everywhere. The trick is to *acknowledge* those feelings, not to numb them. Ignoring them only makes them fester (trust me, I know!). Sometimes I cry when I cut onions. Don't judge me! This whole "thing" is about *feeling* and figuring out why.
Is there a "right" way to do this? I really, really want to do it right.
Oh, bless your heart. The "right" way? Nah. There is NO "right" way. If you're looking for a step-by-step instruction manual, you've come to the wrong place, pal. This is about ditching the manual and making your own darn rules. It's about figuring out what works for *you*, not blindly following some guru's pre-packaged advice. And honestly, the idea of a "right way" stresses me out more than a surprise pop quiz on quantum physics. So no, there's no "right" way. There's *your* way. And that's the only way that matters.
Are there any… rules? I’m a rules person.
Okay, fine. Barely. I guess there are a few... *suggestions*...but even these are more guidelines, really. Rule number one: Be honest with yourself. Rule number two: be kind to yourself (especially when you mess up, which you will). Rule number three: don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Rule number four, and this is a biggie: It's okay to NOT know. That’s essentially the whole point of "The Thing"! And if you start feeling overwhelmed? Step back. BREATHE. Go eat a cookie. Or a whole sleeve of cookies. You’ve earned it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
What if I’m just feeling…lost? Everything feels blurry.
Lost? Oh, honey, welcome to the club. I'm practically the president of the Lost and Confused Society. That state of being lost is the PERFECT place to start. Because, honestly? You can't appreciate the scenery if you already know where you're going. Think of it like a treasure hunt—the real fun is in the search, not the finding, right? I find a lot of my "aha" moments when I'm feeling completely directionless. When I'm not trying. So embrace the blurriness! It means you're open to possibilities. Just… keep walking. Even if you don't know *where* you're going.Stay Scouter
