Hotel Review: French Quarter Inn Charleston SC

"Timeless elegance at the Market" is how they describe themselves, and I am hard-pressed to improve on that description. As soon as you enter the lower level, you know this is not going to be your average hotel visit.

The curving staircase with the elaborate ironwork soars up to the lobby, which is on the first floor. You are greeted with champagne and lady ladyfingers in our case, with the news that due to booking difficulties, we have been upgraded to a junior suite - I hate when that happens!

THE ROOM

Tastefully decorated the room took our breath away. Our two queen-size beds came with double-sheeted featherbeds. If you don’t like the pillows on the bed, order another type from the pillow menu. We relaxed on our queen-size sofa bed with a matching easy chair and lots of throw pillows. The room had three other chairs and three tables. A desk separated the two beds, and the TV was located in an armoire. A particularly nice touch was the two luggage racks, one on each side of the armoire. Our room overlooked City Market.

A favorite with us was the large Jacuzzi tub. It was perfect for soaking after a long day of walking. The shower was a separate unit.

The bathroom was well equipped with a blow dryer, makeup mirror, full-length mirror, and a wrought-iron cart holding four sets of plush towels. Amenities are provided by Gilcrest and Soames.

You will find two robes in your armoire.

FOOD

Breakfast is provided, and you can choose to have it delivered or can pick it up yourself in the lobby. An outdoor patio is provided for your dining enjoyment, as well as several couches and plenty of chairs. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10  a.m. You can choose from French pastries, toasted bagels, blueberry muffins, fruit, juice, and beverages.

From 5 to 6 p.m., there is a wine-and-cheese reception, and from 9 to 10 p.m., there is milk and cookies. Coffee and tea are available 24/7, and ice tea and lemonade are offered from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are even M&M's and Jelly Bellies
available to snack on. In the morning, you will find USA Today at your door.

In the evening, turndown service is provided. You receive a praline and tomorrow’s weather forecast, with a copy of the breakfast menu tucked into your robe.

PARKING

Valet parking was $32 a day.

Beyond service, the staff at the French Quarter Inn here can handle anything. Joe had some packages he needed shipped home, and it was arranged for him. We needed dinner suggestions, and we had a fabulous meal and a flawless reservation. Need a map? They have it. Forget something and they will provide it. Everyone goes out of their way to be friendly and helpful. I love this hotel and can’t wait to come back.