Is there another Woodlands Resort and Inn in Summerville, SC? Because our experience was awful and not at all like the previous raves! Wehave stayed in R & C properties all over the world and this one should not be a R & C property. The room we got was PINK, PINK, PINK. Since this was to celebrate my husband's birthday, as reservations knew, it was not an appropriate room. Further, it looked like it hadn't been updated since the 70's. The dressing area had peeling paint, dim light, the bathroom was awful with cracked, chipped and missing tiles. Plus to get into the tub/shower combo you practically needed stairs. Very dangerous getting out. The room had a view of the roof and air conditioners. The TV was so small it was unwatchable. The staff was unhelpful and unfriendly. The grounds were a mess--gardens unmaintained, weeds all over. The only redeeming feature was the restaurant which was excellent, though overpriced. We were absolutely shocked at our unpleasant experience and would never consider going back. Not to mention that there's nothing to do there. It's about 20-30 minutes to Charleston. Better to stay there in one of the fantastic hotels and enjoy great food, service, entertainment and activities.

I rencently stayed at the Woodlands with my family on Christmas Eve. We had two rooms, one suite and one standard queen sized rooms. The rooms were both beautiful and quite large. A small bottle of wine and bowl of m&ms greeted us in the room on arrival.

The common areas of the hotel are cozy and comfortable. Gas fireplaces adorn several of the rooms, including my Mother's suite. We happily took advantage of the parlor in which they had several games and poker tables at the ready.

The reasons I gave this hotel a lower rating are as follows:

- Hotel boasts a year-round heated pool on the premises. Unfortunately the pool heater was broken and the pool was therefore out of commission.

- In a drawer of the vanity in my room I found the bra and panties of a previous guest.

- We had dinner at the bar at about 9pm on Christmas Eve, which was kept open because none of the area restaurants were serving. I asked for a cup of decaf at the end of dinner and the bartender/waiter would not make a new pot of coffee and all the other pots had been poured out. He offered a decaf espresso instead, but that's not really what I was looking for. I didn't understand why a new pot, or even a french press, could have been provided.

- We had Christmas Dinner in the hotel restaurant, which is highly rated. The food was amazing, the service excellent. The only problem was a hair found in my boyfriend's first course.

- The gas fireplace of the suite was not functioning. We had to call twice for someone to come take a look. The maintenance man being off duty, one of the other staff came to look. She visted twice and was unable to fix it. Then the hotel manager on duty came to take a look and couldn't make heads or tails of the problem either. However, I could hear the gas (she could not she said) and just decided to give it a try myself and in 30 seconds had the fire going strong. It was fine, but just disruptive.

I don't get the chance to stay in such a luxury establishment very often, so I was just really surprised by these flaws in service. My family is pretty relaxed and easy going, so in no way did any of this ruin our stay, and I would happily stay there again sometime. But for those who might be seeking a higher level of perfection, please take note.

A worthy member of the "Relais and Chateaux" group located about 20 minutes from Charleston. Food and service were beyond excellent. We are looking foward to a return visit to dine and a stay at the georgeous property.

Woodlands Resort and Inn is a spectacular five star and five diamond classic-style Inn which actually exceeds its rating. From the moment we entered its lush woodland setting near Charleston to the final fond farewell, a feeling of peace and tranquil elegance surrounded us while the natural aroma of fresh pine delightfully tickled our senses. The stately Inn, graced by three story-tall white columns and rockers on the large front verandah is resplendent in all of the beautiful details of a private gracious Old South manor home, "our home" for the stay, with oriental carpets, antiques, and only the best of furnishings. Each room exquisitely decorated with all of the beautiful details as seen in the best interior design magazines, including the bath areas, many with private Jacuzzis, made for easy living and inviting spaces. One large suite includes the cupola that is seen from the outside, a charming touch. I will talk about the chefs plus the spectacular and magnificent cuisine a bit later.

The pool area, set surrounded by lush trees, is nothing short of divine. In the evenings there is a beautiful soft arch of fountains that run length wise in the very large classic pool and lightly splash into the center of the water from each side. We swam morning and evening. A special treat is to take an evening swim where the water temperature is always kept at a perfect level. The clay tennis courts are a tennis lover's dream; be sure to bring a racket. Again, the setting is perfectly manicured and set in a pine forest among the lush acreage of the Inn. A private "home" on property for further VIP experience and a variety of exclusive function space, including "outdoor lawn rooms," croquet court, and solariums, library and other space inside and out sets absolute top marks and exceeds the best standards. Walking or riding the available bicycles around the property makes exercise fun. Then there is the spa area, an intimate retreat for personal services.

The staff is a cut above the rest. They provide personal and impeccable service at every turn. And, instead of the usual mints or chocolates, they provide fresh baked mini-madelines to greet you before bed. It is easy to see why this is a perfect setting for weddings, personal, family, and even business functions which want that person retreat-like top of the line touch. At every turn there is a delightful surprise beautifully presented.

Speaking of food, both the chefs and the cuisine are five star attractions. The dynamic and delightful of Chef Tarver King (his resume include time at some of the top restaurants in America such as the Inn at Little Washington, Le Bec Fin among other of the nation's top restaurants) and Pastry Chef Sheree McDowell, each with a resume other chef's would envy, work absolute magic in the kitchen. First, I should mention that they put on a cooking class for us in first rate style, a great activity for those interested. Their report with each other and the group was easy, professional and very informative. We enjoyed many exchanges in an easy question and answer style, good humor and easy laughter as we explored the depths of cooking techniques, food and food combinations. In addition to the beautiful packet of history, recipes and bios set on a 5-star table setting, the presentation included tastes from the examples of recipes presented plus other surprise courses. Techniques were shared and our culinary group was in heaven. Then came dinner. Every course was presented in eye catching beauty while each bite was a taste treat, dancing on our tongues and curling our toes with delight. Amuse courses and a delightful minted clear broth fruit soup brightened and cleansed our pallet in anticipation for the next course. Desserts were also amazing. With approval, we could not resist sampling the food on each others plates. Whether the course was fish, meat or foul, the taste was elevating. First, second and third courses chased each other in a race to be best. Again, the service was superb. Our meal lasted between two and three hours, and was gladly embraced at all levels. The meal was framed in the classic window and column decked dining room, but those who want, can retreat to the old-world bar or other nooks in the inn for relaxation after the meal. Complete satisfaction and smiles abound.

Finally, what can you do to breakfast? Try the breakfast at the Woodlands - known for their crusted French toast and eggs Benedict with the amazingly silky hollandaise sauce, fresh made juices and breads, but even the fruit plate was worth a photo, it was so beautifully cut and arranged! We cannot wait for the Woodlands Resort and Inn/Chefs cookbook. The Inn knows that they already have advance orders from us.

Yes, the Woodlands Resort and Spa is exclusive and well worth the visit for those looking for luxury, service, style and exclusivity in a friendly personal resort with top flight cuisine, another name for heaven.