A Date at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina

Thumbing through the local newspaper several weeks ago, I spotted an advertisement that grabbed my attention. "Pack your bags Charleston. It's Date Night at the Wentworth Mansion" the ad beckoned.

Charleston, SC is a tourist destination for a good reason. Sure, we have sparkly beaches and an abundance of great weather - but the peninsula is steeped in history and old world charm as well. As a resident, it's easy to go about your busy life and take all that Charleston has to offer for granted. My husband and I try hard not to do that. We make a concerted effort to visit, enjoy and appreciate the many gems of Charleston, South Carolina.

Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Charleston, the Wentworth Mansion is certainly a gem, with Tiffany stained-glass windows, gorgeous antiques, hand-carved marble fireplaces, detailed plaster and woodwork and a secluded garden courtyard. Staying at the Wentworth Mansion has always been on our list. This special Date Night deal was the very prompt we needed.

For a fixed and reasonable price - during the month of February - Charleston locals were invited to an overnight hotel stay, complimentary happy hour, three-course dinner at the award winning Circa 1886 restaurant, and full breakfast the next morning. Undoubtedly budgeted as an advertising expense, this was a marketing stroke of genius for the Wentworth Mansion. Word of mouth goes a long way in the luxury hospitality business and this place is worth talking about!

When we arrived it felt as if we had taken a step back into a world of refined elegance and genteel grace. We were warmly greeted at the door and offered a glass of port or brandy. Next was a casual yet educational tour of the 21 unit magnificence. We liked the quaint Rodgers Library and the cozy Harleston Parlor but our favorite common area was the glorious cupola. High atop the mansion, this observation dome afforded stunning views of the entire Charleston peninsula.

Our friendly tour guide was as cute as he was smart, and he patiently answered the whacky questions my husband and I threw at him.

We learned that the Wentworth Mansion was originally built by a cotton merchant as a private residence in the 1800s, and restored into a luxurious inn in 1998. A grand example of America's Gilded Age, the Wentworth Mansion is recognized as one of finest and most distinctive five diamond luxury hotels in the world. A recognition that is well-deserved.

After the tour we were escorted to our deluxe guest room. Wow. The immaculate accommodations are over a century old! Each room is large enough to have a well-appointed sitting area, a king-size bed with European triple sheeted bedding, an opulent bathroom with shower and whirlpool tub, and a working gas fireplace. Our room oozed luxury.

Once we were exhausted from the oohs and aahs, we collected ourselves and headed to the Harleston Parlor for happy hour. The wine and hors d'oeuvres were sublime, and we had a blast pestering the gracious staff with more questions and observations. We even managed to extract details about all the famous people that have stayed at the Wentworth Mansion.

After happy hour we wandered through the garden towards Circa 1886 for dinner. Tucked behind the Wentworth Mansion, the restaurant was once a carriage house. Charming, Circa 1886 (named for the year the Wentworth Mansion was built), is the recipient of several national awards for dining excellence. This five-star restaurant offers fresh and local contemporary cuisine. The experience was a sensory delight. The food was delicious, the décor was fitting and the service was exceptional.

Snuggled into the fancy bedding, we enjoyed a restful night's sleep. The next morning we strolled back to Circa 1886 for a hearty breakfast and then, wanting to get the very most out of the experience, we snapped crazy amounts of pictures. The morning sun streaming through those original Tiffany stained-glass windows was worth the price of admission in itself.

One last visit to the gardens and then we jumped in the car and were jolted back to reality in 10 short minutes. Now I'm combing the newspapers in search of another date night deal.

Facilities:
Restaurant; bar; room service; spa; laundry service; dry cleaning; babysitting; banquet facilities; business center; concierge desk; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those with limited mobility; free parking

In-room amenities:
Air-condition; gas fireplace; whirlpool tub; TV; phone with voicemail; complimentary mini-bar (water and soft drinks); safe deposit; Wi-Fi; hair dryer; iron; coffee maker; etc.

Address:
Wentworth Mansion
149 Wentworth Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Phone: 843.853.1886
Toll-free: 888.466.1886
Fax: 843.720.5290
Web site www.wentworthmansion.com

Sources:
Joyful personal experience
The Wentworth Mansion Website