Charleston, South Carolina isn’t short on appeal. When you’re in town to appreciate the architecture, soak up the history or indulge in some of the world-famous low-country cuisine, there’s more than enough local flavor to make clear why the city has reached must-visit status. And while there are some things that every visitor has in mind to prioritize—a horse-drawn carriage tour, bacon cornbread at Husk—others require a tip from someone in the know, like the one we got recently about staying at Zero George.
The boutique hotel, just a few blocks from the busting downtown, has a relaxed (albeit upscale) vibe and boasts 18 studios and suites spread across five historical buildings. In addition to luxe accommodations—including well-appointed rooms, a 24-hour coffee bar, private outdoor plazas and a darling garden courtyard—the hotel also features top-notch dining at the Zero Café and Bar, which prides itself on small-batch wines and locally sourced dishes. Here, owner Dean Andrews tells us about the hotel’s most-requested room.
The Zero Café and Bar
The most requested room:
The Anson Suite
What makes it so special:
It is the original master bedroom of the classic Federal Style residence (circa 1805), which is one of the five historic buildings that comprise Zero George. Originally owned by a well known French tailor, it remained in his family for five generations and had fallen into disrepair when we bought it and renovated it with our restaurant and bar on the ground floor, open kitchen and cooking school. The Anson Suite is on the top floor, with a private veranda and views of the harbor and neighborhood. The original architectural details were restored, and we incorporated contemporary upscale American residential furnishings and a spa-inspired marble bathroom.
A room in the Zero George hotel
The rate:
The room starts at $550 per night.
Your personal favorite:
The Garden Suite
The Garden Suite in the Zero George hotel
Because…
It was the original brick carriage house that was the family’s staff residence. We reconstructed the space into a private suite, off a classic Charleston landscaped oyster shell courtyard. The authentic brick walls, and interior post and beam details have been restored. The scale is intimate with comfortable, contemporary accommodations and furnishings. You step out the door, and you are in a memorable Charleston garden with a cast iron fountain setting the tone.
The exterior of the Zero George hotel
Celebrity guests:
We have been honored to have hosted a number of celebrities, including Daniel Craig, Dave Chappelle, Anthony Bourdain and Rachel Weisz.
Fun facts:
We designed and built a dual-functioning open professional kitchen in the original residence kitchen house. The house doubles as our reception and it is where our chef, Vinson Petrillo, conducts cooking classes, creating innovative dishes on our French enamel range, with our guests sitting alongside, at the butcher-block cooking island.
