For Europeans, even with a strengthening dollar, the first thing to say is that this Inn represents terrific value - we had the VAST Admiral Anson Suite and the adjoining Scarborough Suite for $189 and $169 a night in mid August. We were a family of 5 - both suites easily each would have accomodated 4. Ours was the largest with a rather oddly configured setup. The Inn is a converted warehouse and, to make a bedroom, a couple of incomplete dividing walls have been put up. They don't reach ceiling height but it is no big deal as you are not overlooked - and the windows in the adjoining sitting room area are louvred. The inn is just on the edge of the historic district (tho provided it is not Charleston at its humid worst) within very easy walking distance of just about everywhere a visitor will want to go. Park up in the adjacent carpark and enjoy a pedestrian break in a very un-pedestrian location. Our rooms each came with wetbars,fridges and micro-ovens as well as fireplaces (why are Americans so keen on rooms with chimneys?). Decor is heavy handed Olde Worlde and the inn hosts possibly one of the world's most kitsch painting and repro collections. It would in fact be fascinating to see what a high tech minimalist with a wad of cash could make of this place but I suspect the owners judge that those visiting this lovely historic city want the overdone setup. The complementary breakfast could do with smartening up - given the rooms are not dear I doubt many would grudge paying a few bucks more for better vittels. We popped in to the afternoon cheese and wine having experienced this in smaller US B&Bs and inns. But here there was no friendly mein host dispensing local information and the wine was errrrmm horrible and I'm not surprised the cheese was free. There are excellent restaurants - try Fig and Fleet Landing and the Grill at the posh hotel near Market Street. A 24 hr supermarket is literally across the street. One big bugbear - and probably a bit unfair given the room size- but I was routinely wakened from my sleep by the THUNDERING A/C. Pack earplugs if you think it would disturb you. This place is not really a B&B (though it acts like one) and does not offer the full services (nor room rates) of the plusher Charleston hotels. It's a pretty unique mixter-maxter of decor, friendly and helpful frontdesk,slightly bizarre food and drink and great value esp for family travellers.








