Charleston Mills House Hotel

To help fund this trip I decided to cash in some Priority Club points, which limits my hotel choices in the Historic District-“ish” to 3 hotels. All three of which I’ve stayed at before. I would have loved to stay at a boutique hotel, but hey, free wins every time!! Of the three IHGproperties, I have a clear favorite; The Mills House Hotel directly in the middle of the Historic District. This 150-year-old property is so incredibly convenient it’s hard to say no to it when you’re talking free nights. The Mills House is on the corner of Meeting and Queen Streets - smack in the middle of of it all. It's big and pink - so you you can't miss it!

Beyond the historic significance and beauty of this hotel, location is definitely a selling point. It's so nice to be able to conveniently stop by your room while exploring Charleston; your feet will thank you:)

That all being said, there are some definite sacrifices you'll need to make if you want to stay at this property. The little extras like continental breakfasts, in-room refrigerators and free parking are non-existent. (Although I will say I asked for a small refrigerator to be put in my room and got it no problems) Parking will cost you a whopping $22 a day so be prepared. I called around town and it's the norm for the city, so it is what it is.

I highly recommend requesting a patio room that opens to the pool area. You’ll appreciate this extra outdoor space as the rooms are small….really small. Kids, when I say the rooms are small I mean suck-your- gut- in- to- walk- past- your- roommate -small. But hey – you’re not in Charleston to spend it in your room are you?

Other than that, the only thing on the negative side here is cost. In season will run you a little over $300/night - ouch. (Which is why this is a perfect choice for cashing in points:) Off season will run you a little under $200/night so that's a little easier to swallow.

Beautiful hotel, customer service was excellent, location was spot on --- beyond the price, it's a winner!

~Jodie

Charleston 101

If you ever consider a trip to Charleston, there is one steadfast, break-me-or-you'll-be-sorry rule to keep in mind. (Or, if you have already been, you'll certainly relate.) We'll discuss it and a few others below:)

1) Charleston is a walking city so wear comfortable, worn in shoes. This is by far the singular most important rule when going to Charleston. If ignored, you'll be in misery - trust me. Chances are you'll park your car when you arrive and not return until you leave. OK - not every trip, because there are beautiful things outside the city you must explore as well, but for the most part you'll be walking..... ALOT. Now for the Princess (that'd be me) who generally falls in the bucket of "Walk? Are you SERIOUS? Whatever...call me a Cab" club this can present a few challenges. As I type this I have 6 blisters on my feet the size of Texas as painstaking evidence of my trip to Charleston last week. AND - I followed the rule! Not to mention, the fashion sacrifices of wearing my Sketchers or Keds with EVERY outfit. All of the aforementioned, I can happily say - it's well worth it.
This brings up a secondary, almost as important rule. Ibuprofen. Bring it, love it. You'll need it. OK Ibuprofen is for amateurs, I bring the "big-girl" drugs, but that's only because I have a back that thinks it's 80 years old. Once again, chances are if you don't bring your choice of pain killers, you'll be making a stop if you're not well acquainted with walking, all day, every day.

Back to the shoes. Both of my gals that accompanied me on this trip, brought the cutest pair of high-heeled boots for our evenings out. (Bless their hearts they tried!) The first gave them a go on a 5--block walk to dinner the first night. Needless to say there was a decree that we must immediately go straight back to the hotel after dinner, do not pass "Go", do NOT collect $200. The second, put her fabulous boots on our last night...strutted around the hotel room saying "I'll be OK"...after about 10min, luckily, we talked her out of it. So lessons learned....learn my young Padawan learners.....Learn.

2) While we're talking Fashion... Here's the battle: You want to be comfortable we know this already. However, inevitably you will want to spruce yourself up at night because Charleston does have it's fair share of fashionistas strutting about. It is the South and there is a pretty clear air of, well, let's call it "Southern elegance". Dunno what to tell you kids. It's a choice I guess. Best advice I can give is to either be cognizant of the walking challenge, or hire a driver. Although I tout myself as a Princess minus pretentiousness....I chose the Keds-let's-hang-out-in-taverns-route:) Other than that. Layer, layer, layer. Spring and Fall evening can bring a chill with the ocean breezes, but the day is beautiful. Layer, layer, layer.

3) The Best time to go - Spring or Fall. Granted Charleston's beauty will be there come July and August, but trust me when I say, it'll be HOT. Really hot, if you do. With, mind you, you-got-to-cut-the-air-to-breathe-it humidity. For me, I can't stand to be hot and when I get to that point it ruins everything. Don't care how pretty things are when I have a stream of sweat running down my face, back and other sorted areas. To that end, Charleston is best in Spring or Fall. You're comfortable, the sun is shining, and no bugs. And, I promise you will have a moment of walking through the beautiful streets of Charleston, bright sunshine and you'll say, and keepsaying for that matter, "It's just so beautiful"..."It's just perfect"....and you'll have an unmistakable peace come upon you that will likely stay with you for your entire trip.

4) Explore. Although Charleston's beauty is evident everywhere you go, I find the most beautiful spots are those that are hidden, those that you just happen upon while walking around. So explore the little alley, walk

down the seemingly uncrowded street. You'll not be sorry, I promise.

Jodie

Charleston, South Carolina - October 2009

This past weekend I convinced some gal-pals of mine to accompany me to what probably is my favorite city on the East Coast, Charleston. In my humble opinion, for those that love beauty in all its forms, Charleston is for you. Rich with history, Charleston can transport you back to a simpler time and place. But for those of us that love food, it certainly competes with modern-day culinary masters. This trip, however, I found I was mesmerized by the small details of the city. The color, the sounds and the smells of the city had me awestruck. I couldn't seem to snap enough pictures, trying to notice the smallest of details. The color of the buildings, the shape and shadows of statues and the serene, hidden gardens of the historic homes. Although words can't quite capture what you feel and experience walking this through city, I'll try over the next few posts.

Regards~
Jodie