The Spectator

This review is extremely overdue and I apologize for its lateness. My parents stayed at The Spectator last November, visiting Charleston for a very special trip. I contacted the hotel a few weeks before their arrival, explaining the visits nature and hoping to plan a surprise for them. Ashley, the Director Of Operations, was amazing, arranging a carriage ride in addition to all sorts of exceptional goodies for their room. My parents said their stay was absolutely incredible and couldn’t stop raving about the hotel– its beauty, comfort and above all the staff. The warmth and kindness shown to them (and me, via our contact) went far above ‘above and beyond’. I don’t have enough words of gratitude for everything that was done and only wish I can one day visit myself to hug these wonderful people for making their vacation such a treasured one. My mom passed away a few months ago, and I can’t imagine a better place for her to have stayed during her final vacation… turning what what have been a wonderful trip to a truly extraordinary one, made ever so much more special by The Spectator. I urge everyone to experience the magic of this hotel for themselves and from the bottom of my heart, thank Ashley and the entire staff for their extreme generosity.

OUTstanding boutique hotel with butler service.
Lobby finishes and lobby bar are tres chic and service is «southern charm» to a tee.
Guestrooms do not disappoint, the velvet headboard, the very fun patterned carpet, glorious bathroom dripping in Carrera marble is very nicely appointed.
Special mention to the hospitality of all of the staff that we interfaced with: the guestroom cleaning staff, the butler, the guest services staff and the gentleman tending bar.
The spectator is noting short of SPECTACULAR.

Review is for the bar only. This has been on my list to check out for as long as it’s been open, and I’m sad to say, I’ve only just gotten around to stopping in. It’s nestled inside the swanky boutique hotel, The Spectator. The bar itself is decorated beautifully with combinations of light and dark shades. I’m into it.
The bartenders — or craft masters — Allen and John were great. They each took their time in curating the drinks, explaining the recipes, and honing the details down to a science. The craft cocktails are seriously a work of art. I saw them make drinks with toasted rosemary, a spritz of perfume-​like spray, foam, you name it. Attention to detail at it’s finest. Allen explained that most drinks are made to strike a balance between sour and sweet, but offered to customize any drink on the menu. While the drinks are pricey, they are totally worth it. We tried four drinks and each was better than the last.
For now, there are no food options. Don’t forget to ask for the happy hour menu — we didn’t know one existed until we settled up. Finally, taking a cue from Mike M., the bathrooms were equally as nice as the rest of the venue. This is definitely a place to impress a date or treat yo’self.

The answer is always yes…
This is the mantra at every Ritz Carlton, and The Spectator took all the pages out of their playbook for sure! In some cases, created a few plays themselves.
There is one place I do not want inconvenience, lack of comfort, feel anything but special, and that is in a hotel I stay with my wife on vacation. Not only perfection, but I appreciate the little touches too.
For being fairly new, The Spectator did not appear to have a single wrinkle to iron out. Yes, it is smaller and doesn’t have every single amenity one may want. But the location is right smack in the middle of Charleston’s great area to tour, so a guest should be out most of the day. But when it is time to freshen up, take a little break, have a drink, sleep, this place will make sure everything is perfect for you.
The bed is so amazingly comfortable. The room sizes are perfect. The appointments in the room spot on… oh, and what a concept — free water, free individual coffee, free snacks and free breakfast served in your room (everything was delicious!)…they know what being a host means (I don’t charge the guests to my home for some water). They have the butler concept here as well… just call and your assisted. Bathroom is very nice as well (though if I were to pick on them at all — toilet closet would have been nice here).
Front desk and staff are amazingly friendly at any time.
Bar is great… perfect drinks. Ok, there is no restaurant on premise, but you seriously don’t need one as there is so much to eat within just a few blocks.
My wife (who used to work at the Ritz) and I have stayed at some pretty nice places, and The Spectator impressed the heck out of both of us.
Thanks for being such a great host on our trip to Charleston!

This hotel was so incredible. The staff was accommodating and seemed genuinely eager to help us with anything we needed. Can’t hate a place where you’re greeted with cocktails upon arrival. Breakfast in bed choices were great, rooms were spacious with comfy beds, and the hotel bar is a good spot to relax.

Better than expected. At first the room looks pretty average, but the bed was as comfortable as they come. And that’s what really matters in a hotel! Service was lovely as well. They could use room service and movies on the TV… and a bathtub would be nice, but overall, really cozy place to stay.

Beautiful hotel, enjoyed my one evening there. Deeply disappointed in a mix up in my reservation that led me to be kicked out of my room and dumped next door. Not what I would expect from a luxury hotel and glad there are other options in the area. Sadly, will not be returning.

Amazing service! One of the best hotel experiences that I have had. Everything from the drinks in the bar to the butler service was top notch. We will be back.

Excellent atmosphere. Vintage and homey. I don’t know cocktails well, but said the type of drink I liked and wanted and was given an excellent recommendation.
My U Can’t Catch Me was spot on. Perfect.
The service was friendly and quick.
You may pay more than you want for your drink, but sip it slowly. It’s worth every penny.

The Spectator and Allen are superb. I love this environment, vintage and classy. Allen, interesting, witty, and a good barkeep.
I had the Flappers Delight and it was excellent.
On a second visit I tried the Kloss. I’m a fan of fruity drinks, so this was recommended but there is an interesting aftertaste. When I asked what it was, I was told it was vinegar to draw out some of the sweetness. Not my favorite drink, but just because of personal preference. I do love the vibe and artistry in the drinks of this place.

I just stayed at the Spectator in Charleston and was blown away by the hospitality! Complimentary mini bar, butler at your service 24 hours a day, and great rooms with super comfortable beds. Some of the most gracious, helpful people that I have ever encountered in a hotel.

Excellent cocktails and the best bartenders. Steven, thanks for a wonderful experience! The owners are amazing people as well.

I have not stayed at The Spectator but have toured a few different rooms, and they are beautiful! They also have a butler program and included breakfast each morning of your stay. I have been to the bar a few times, and the drinks are delicious but very pricey. Their mixologist is amazing, and they have great signature cocktails, but be prepared to pay $ 13-​$ 18 per drink if you want something special.

I attended a Charleston Blog Society event at The Spectator last night. It was my first visit and I was blown away by the hotel’s lobby, bar and rooms.
The hotel has a 1920s feel to it. One employee told me they wanted people to feel like they were walking into Gatsby’s home.
The bar at The Spectator is probably the coolest I’ve ever seen. You felt like you were in someone’s swanky library. We checked out the cocktail menu and were amazed at the unique combinations (butternut squash was in one). I choose the classic Knickerbocker cocktail ($ 12) and it was so good.
We were taken on a tour of two rooms (rooms start over $ 300/​night). The bathrooms were so big and bright. The rooms were pretty and had fridges with complimentary drinks and snacks. Breakfast is also complimentary and brought to your room.
We had a great night and I would love to go back for drinks with friends again soon!

Might just be the best hotel I have ever stayed at. The service was unparalleled. We got there on a rainy Friday and were greeted with nothing but smiles and a few cocktails:)
They kept our room spotless, the butlers showed up every morning with, juice, coffee, hot tea, fresh fruit, meet and cheese and hot pastries.
Bryan! went above and beyond the call of duty. He brought us dinner from a local hot spot and we didn’t even ask for it but we sure did enjoy it!
What can I say, if you want to be taken care of the Spectator is the place to stay in Charleston!

Came here for a week of fun with a childhood girlfriend and we had one of the most amazing experiences. Pulled up to the hotel and the minute we walked through the door we were greeted with a wonderful drink, «The Charleston Strong» and it was good! The staff at the hotel are beyond wonderful and the butlers who took care of us while there were unreal! They made our time there one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a hotel. There was even a Nespresso Coffee machine in the room and towel warmers! Bryan, Keith and Toby are the best at what they do! Wish I could have brought them home with me. Free breakfast served in our hotel room was great as well. All the amenities In the room were free as well. Will be returning again.