We first visited Charleston, SC a year ago (see our travel post), and were smitten by what the beautiful and historic city has to offer. I know quite a few of you are interested in traveling there, as we’ve gotten several requests for various recommendations! Now that we’ve stayed at four different hotels in Charleston, I’ll be sharing an update later with thoughts on each neighborhood and experience (and the surrounding food options, of course), from the perspective of both first-time and returning visitors.
I wanted to take you guys on a tour of this newly-opened boutique inn we stayed at, 86 Cannon, which combines historic charm with modern luxury. It’s located in an up-and-coming neighborhood, more removed from popular tourist areas but close to several foodie favorites. We visited thanks to the owners Marion and Lori, who kindly hosted us for a few days. They restored this 1860’s Charleston home (with an interesting history) into one stunning place to stay!
The inn has 5 guest rooms, each with a king bed. We’d recommend it for a romantic getaway, a girls trip, or a larger group / family gathering since you can also rent out the entire house.
There’s three different room styles, so let’s start with the piazza king. It’s the smallest in size but also the brightest, opening right up to one of the two spanning piazzas (porches) pictured above. These are common-access, but we almost always enjoyed the whole piazza to ourselves during our stay.
The second room style is the grand king, slightly larger in size with beautiful hand-stenciled pineapples (a Charleston symbol of welcome & hospitality) on the wall with a cozy nook by the fireplace.
Last but not least is the king loft, with a darling striped chaise that matches the wallpaper. Each guest room also has a marble shower with Malin + Goetz products, robes and slippers, as well as a small refrigerator drawer stocked with complimentary drinks.
Gus and Sully, the owners’ two friendly pups who live at a cottage next door!
After checking in, we took the hotel’s bikes for a spin around the block – Nick didn’t trust my coordination abilities to go any farther than that! But if you have even halfway-decent biking skills, it’s one of the best ways to get around and explore Charleston. We always made sure to be back in time for complimentary wine and cheese hour, featuring cheeses from a cute local shop, Goat.Sheep.Cow. You can take a board back to your room or any of the common areas, or stay in the cafe to mingle with other guests.
If the turndown chocolate doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s a little honor cash bar in the third floor library with wine, local beer (which Nick wasted no time in sampling), and Charleston treats.
Each morning, we helped ourselves to a continental breakfast in the cafe. There’s usually local offerings like biscuits from Callie’s and warm quiche in the oven, plus an assortment of pastries, fruit, and yogurt. Nick liked his morning coffee on the piazza, whereas I’m a breakfast in bed girl all the way!
Below is the salon sitting area, located on the first floor. Switching gears to fashion for a moment, I wasn’t kidding before when I said this skirt is a staple! It’s so easy to dress up or down (and to wash), I’ve already worn it countless times with various tops.
It’s rare to find gems that are so thoughtfully designed and run, you can’t wait to go back. If you love boutique inns, also check out my post on where we stayed in Napa Valley (another one of our favorite properties). We know how tough it can be choosing a place to stay, so hopefully these posts are useful for those researching a trip!
Hi Daniela! I wore shorts underneath, but I've seen other ladies mostly use it as a swimsuit coverup by the pool or beach. I have a curvy petite friend with similar measurements as you so I understand that challenge! She usually avoids anything scoopneck or strapless, and favors V necks and wrap style tops/dresses. And as for camera, I use as Canon 6D!
Hi there – it is recent and was called a lace trim duster. I don't know why they don't keep the listing up even if sold out, because that's often how I find re-stocked items! They made it in regular and petite sizing (wish I was able to grab petite), and hopefully will restock it. FYI it definitely is not a "dress" though since it's open in the front : )
Hi Melissa – Jules is so cute herself and her clothing line looks so comfy! Thanks for linking it for me : )
I disclosed it in the second paragraph, but can make it more clear going forward!
Hi Jean –
I was wondering how you wore the AEO duster – what did you wear underneath it?
Also – any advice for best looks for curvy petite – 5'1 32D/hourglass – it's often hard to find items that look classic without taking it in the wrong direction
and
I love the quality of your images – what kind of camera do you use?
Thanks!
I have been curious about visiting Charleston since your post last year. Would not otherwise think to vacation in South Caroline. Thank you for sharing where you stay and eat at! It helps cut down on my research with the picky hubs.
Hi Jean. Did you get the American Eagle cover-up (white maxi dress) recently or is it older? Can you share the exact name of the dress? I know its sold out but still want to try and locate it..thanks.
Hi Jean!
I love your posts on Charleston! I've been wanting to visit! I saw that you said you are a "breakfast in bed girl." Not sure if you've seen this shirt by Sincerely Jules at Nordstrom:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sincerely-jules-breakfast-in-bed-tee/4514895
It says it's sold out online, but if you go to the store, I bet a salesperson could track it down for you! They just recently went on sale!
Wish I could get my hands on that coverup it's adorable!
Hi, Jean !
I prefer to use reliable parcel forwarding services including repackaging and consolidating multiple packages to save money on shipping.
They provide several shipping method including traking option 🙂
Such a beautriful interior! Love the deco!
♥☻♥☻♥
Jeanne
http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thanks Jean! Really appreciate the caveat on the sleeves! I wish they do petite sizing!
Thanks for the reply. Don't you have you disclose if you receive something not at market value? (In this case, the price of the room.)
Jean has a hair curling tutorial on her YouTube channel 🙂
Hi Jean, we'd love to visit either Charleston or Paris next based on your posts! Charleston seems so lovely as we've never been there.
As for Paris, I'd love to go with my boyfriend and stay in the Marais area the next time based on your post about the AirBnB you stayed at. It seems more convenient compared to where I stayed last, which was in the outskirts of the city. Also, I'd love to just explore more without a specific destination in mind so as not to stress out too much about needing to check off things on the to-do list. I sometimes plan too many things during a vacation which defeats the purpose of a leisurely vacation lol!
It's called blush, but I've also seen "natural" in-person before and it looked the same!
Hi Nina – thank you for your sweet comment! I'm going to have to really think about that, especially since we all might have different wardrobe needs due to climate, lifestyle, office dress codes, etc. To get you started I think any wardrobe could use skinny ankle jeans in black, dark blue, and white (in that order), a blazer in a neutral color (like navy or gray), a pair of navy ankle pants, and then blouses in various colors and prints for mixing and matching.
Hi there – I know the stock image shows it on the shoulder, but I have narrower shoulders (quite frustrating when it comes to keeping purse straps in place!) and it won't stay on there for me. If you're able to size down, I think that might fit better for staying up on the shoulder.
Hi Mayu! Those are some great picks – definitely a couple of my favorites! I'm curious, how did you find the ordering and shipping process to be all the way from Japan?
Hi Lia – I was hosted to stay here thanks to the owners. A lot of hotels offer hosted or press stays, and I never accept if I'm required to write anything positive. I've only done a handful of these posts over the years, and it's been on properties that really blew us away.
Hi there! Due to the all-over print, I think you'll be fine with just a skin-toned bra underneath instead of a full cami. However this is coming from someone who very rarely breaks out a cami, and usually just for more sheer solid white blouses.
PS not sure if you're tried on Equipment blouses before, but if you typically wear petites sizing, the sleeves can be slightly long!
Hi Amy – you live in such an amazing city! My husband is big on craft beer so we'll have to explore that more next visit (he only got to sample the ones at the hotel + visit Edmund's Oast this time). Any favorite recommendations you might have are appreciated!
I am so glad you and your husband liked Napa Vineyard House! It's definitely one of those places that we're looking forward to visiting again.
Hi Mizeats – From your comments it sounds like you've been doing a bit of research for your future trips! Hope you're going somewhere fun next!
What color wedges are those?
The interior is stunning <3
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Nice post dear 😉
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What a gorgeous hotel! i love the decoration!
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Hello, Jean,
Your awesome outfits have influenced me to create a platform for fashion tips from the internet’s most stylish, and I’ve added you to the list of the best fashion bloggers to follow! 🙂 Thank you!
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Hi Jean! Thank you so much for all the work and research you put into all your posts. As a petite girl who is really clueless about style, your blog has been so very helpful to me. I know you've done several of these types of posts but can you please do an "all-time wardrobe essentials" post? I am just starting to build my wardrobe and I'm so lost at figuring out the basic pieces that I need. Thank you so much.
Hi Jean, This is a great post! I have a question about the Chelsea 28 striped top – can it be worn on the shoulder as well? Thank you!
Love the photos!
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This place is stunning and photos are lovely!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
I've been seeing a lot of posts about Charleston lately, and would love to go there one day if I'm ever in the US. And guuurl your hair is gorgeous! Please do a hair tutorial one day!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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Hi, Jean!
I do love your Chelsea28 top with Uniqlo skirt they look elegant!
I also love your American Eagle white maxi dress.
If you find quite similar dress, please let us know 🙂
It's fabric looks less sticky in sweaty season.
Maxi dresses sometimes make me look stumpy… maybe maxis cover too much of my tiny body from shoulder to ankle in one tone.I hope off the shoulder detail and long slit lessen coverage, cute and breezy kind of feeling.
Flawless!
FERBENA.COM | One Stop Fashion Ideas
Hi, Jean!
Recently, I purchased..
1)Halogen lace-up d'Orsay pump.
2)Madewell bag in Dusty Clay to pair with Halogen pump.
3)SteveMadden 'Irenee' ankle strap sandal in Tan Nubuck from you old post. Ann Taylor nude block heel sandal was out of stock in my size :-(.
4)'Jamie' shredded skinny jeans.
5)Chelsea28 crossover top in XXS 🙂
I was lucky enough to find XXS in stock.
I always thank you for your post.
I love that top! Omg so cute!
Is this a sponsored post?
Hi Jean, a have a question about the Equipment Adalyn Floral Silk Blouse you wore in one of your Trunk Club posts a few months ago (October 2016 I believe) – how thick is the material? I'm looking for something that I can wear to work without having to wear a camisole underneath – would this blouse fit the bill? (I saw one on eBay but wanted to check on this before purchasing!)
I live in Charleston and have never heard of this place to stay but now I'd recommend it to anyone looking to stay downtown over a hotel. It looks like you got awesome personal service and that made your trip special- way more special than a chain hotel. I did recognize the food brands from your post though! Callie's is definitely well known here and this whole city has a big beer culture. Love that 86 Cannon embraced both of those with your stay with providing good breakfast and the happy hour. Looks like a wonderful time!
So cute! I love the flowy dress 🙂
-Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com
The hotel looks gorgeous and I love your dress 🙂
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That looks like such a stunning place to stay. I love what they have done with the decor, it's truely beautiful! I love that top and the skirt combo you are wearing too – those pieces pair beautifully together! x
The Lilly Mint Blog
What a delightful place to visit! So picture parfait! 🙂
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I like the different variety of places too, like the AirB and Bs you wrote about for Europe.
This place looks like a dream! My husband and I stayed the Napa House you recommended and loved it so much. Keep doing these posts!
Thank you Jean for taking the time to research these types of posts as we benefit from them! After seeing your initial post on Charleston, I added it to my bucket list! Thank you for providing recommendations on different types of places to stay when traveling. You've made planning much easier for us!!