The Best Boutique Hotel in Charleston: The Grand Bohemian

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Anytime is a good time to visit Charleston, South Carolina. As one of the South’s most popular travel destinations, it’s no surprise I try to find my way to this colorful coastal city as often as possible. I recently spent a week driving up the Carolina Coast with my mom and Annie in tow. It made for an unforgettable road trip filled with adventure, delicious food, beautiful scenery and more.

I’ll be sharing each and every detail on that soon but I wanted to kick things off with how we started said road trip – by spending one glorious evening in at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston. More below! 

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian Hotel

Wherever you decide to rest your head when traveling can make or break your overall trip. Many times, a hotel can be a highlight of a getaway – even when staying in a city with as much to offer as Charleston. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston is just that – a luxurious getaway spot and truly one of the most unique hotels in all of Charleston.

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Surround Yourself in One-of-a-Kind Works of Art

As part of the Kessler Autograph Collection, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston is dripping with art and larger than life glamour at every turn. Its grand lobby boasts gilded decor, bold furniture and exquisite chandeliers that all tie together with Southern charm.

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

We were a bit nervous bringing our little two-year-old travel companion someplace with one-of-a-kind works of art lining its walls. However, Annie was an angel and the staff at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston were more than accommodating to her needs as well. For example, a member of the hotel team just happened to offer Annie her red apple in hand as an afternoon treat! It certainly put a smile on both of our faces.

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Mix Things Up with a Wine Blending Experience

One activity that isn’t so kid-friendly but the over 21-crowd is sure to love is the Grand Bohemian’s special wine blending class. Guests can go beyond a typical wine tasting and learn how to actually mix their own bottles of wine, creating a blend all their own – with the help of expert sommeliers too. Class members also have the opportunity to create their very own personalized wine labels to go along with their blend making a memorable souvenir.

I’d recommend starting off your stay with the class as soon as you’re checked in and settled. A tasty way to kick off a trip to Charleston, for sure!

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Rest Your Head in Style

Like the rest of the hotel, the guest rooms at Grand Bohemian Charleston were decked in elegance too. Striking works of art lined the walls in each room and the larger than life velvet yellow headboards made a bold statement you just don’t see anywhere else.

We opted for room service from ÉLEVÉ, the rooftop restaurant, for a delicious dinner during our night in the city.  We just couldn’t bring ourselves to leave this elegant room!

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Relax on the Roof with a View of the City

I’d have to say that my favorite part of our stay at the Grand Bohemian Charleston was spending a quiet morning sipping on coffee, eating breakfast and relaxing on the stylish rooftop patio. It made for a safe place for Annie to run around and explore while my mom & I laid back and enjoyed the views!

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Explore Grand Bohemian Charleston’s Very Own Gallery

One thing you absolutely can’t miss when visiting this beautiful hotel is a visit through the Grand Bohemian Gallery. This art gallery boasts rotating exhibits and welcomes both hotel guests and anyone else who may wish to pop in for a glimpse. The Grand Bohemian Gallery calls itself one of the “most eclectic and visually stimulating galleries in the nation” and I certainly agree!

I had the opportunity to meet with the gallery’s curator during our stay and it was fascinating to hear about the various events the Grand Bohemian plans for Charleston locals as well as out-of-town visitors. You can see all of the upcoming events at the Charleston gallery here.

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

There was also an incredible gift shopped attached offering trinkets, jewels and crafts from local craftsmen as well as artists who’s works lined the walls.

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

There is a second gallery space right in the middle of the hotel featuring a permanent exhibit. The entrance is almost hidden down one of the guestroom hallways – so it almost feels as if you’ve stumbled upon a secret artist oasis when you find the room!

The Grand Bohemian featured by top US travel blog Lone Star Looking Glass

Location Location Location!

The Grand Bohemian Charleston is within walking distance from many top restaurants and the cluster of shops that line King Street. We were able to walk from our hotel room door to the historic cobblestone streets and waterfront that make this city so famous.

The pastel townhomes lining Charleston’s Rainbow Row is also a signature stop on a tour of the city. At just a few minutes away from the Grand Bohemian Charleston, you can’t miss it!

For more on what to do, where to eat & what to see in Charleston, check out a few of my recent posts on this beautiful Southern city.

And a big thank you to the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston for hosting us during our stay. It was such a lovely experience! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for following along with our adventures and supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.

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