The Shem Creek Inn is really convenient to downtown Charleston -- only minutes away; but it is worlds away for relaxation and ambiance. Located alongside the lovely Shem Creek, it boasts views of pleasure boats and paddle boards going by all day long. Be sure to ask for a waterside room; that's the one with the view. We dealt primarily with Desean at the front desk, and he was extremely helpful in getting us into our room early and seeing to it that we had exactly what we had asked for. He was courteous and efficient, and we appreciated his personal attention -- as well as that of the others we dealt with during our three-day stay. Next time we're in the Charleston area, we WILL stay again at the Shem Creek Inn.

I stayed 4 nights in the first week of January. Just about everything was ideal for me. Indoor corridors - each room has a private balcony. One side faces the creek and the shrimp boats; the other the marsh (parking lot gets puddly; entire building above ground level). I got the marsh and was glad for it - the quiet and the wildlife. Not at all aware of noise inside or outside the building (Inn is between two popular eating/drinking places). Felt completely safe. Room was clean with every possible needed appliance and comfortable bed. Very little interaction with the staff; housekeeping was friendlier than the front desk. Easy drive over the spectacular Ravenal bridge to tourist Charleston (Patriots Point is even closer)

But not so much in the guest care area. On every occasion the staff could have made a difference for a guest -- they avoided the opportunity.

Our room was fine - great view. But balcony door was jammed and lock broken. To open a the patio door, we really had to struggle - even to close it again. Very comfortable sleeping accomodations and room size; expected a bit better though in the feeling of safety/security.

Still, the service was less than great. During the continental breakfast hours -- the few items offered were often empty, and left guests wondering if they would even get some milk, or some butter -- even napkins. No one at the front desk -- though it was right there, would ever step in or pay attention. We noticed this daily. One would have to approach the front desk to request something, and it just seemed so awkward.

Not a very comfortable area to have a continental breakfast in, but when in season the weather would permit outdoor seating which would help.

Nevertheless, the staff was not very approachable. They would respond when asked a question -- but even a simple question like information about an area activity, left us feeling like we were imposing. The only truly friendly people I encountered was the housekeeping staff.

Not that the staff was rude - just "not into us" or any of the guests from what I could see. Too bad for those who chose to work in the hospitality industry -- but worse for those of us who could have been made to feel a bit more comfortable.

The hotel is not luxurious, the parking lot was unpaved and we tracked in a lot of mud. The room was average. We were happy to see a microwave and refrigerator; however, the refrigerator ended up freezing our food solid! The marsh view was nice, and nicer yet was getting out and walking the boardwalk through the marsh along the rivers edge. From the boardwalk you could see the Ravenel bridge to Charleston. There are a lot of shops and restaurants nearby. Our favorite restaurant was Papa Zuzu's. The continental breakfast was average, but the river view from the eating area was great. There were seagulls in the swimming pool (this was in December, so no one was swimming).