Historic Inns in Charleston, South Carolina

Andrew Pinckney was a freed slave that once belonged to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a prominent plantation owner and citizen of Charleston and one of the signers of the United States Constitution. The Andrew Pinckney Inn, named for Pinckney's freed slave, was built in the 1840s and used for years as a cotton warehouse.

Comprised of two separate structures located on Pinckney Street on the northern edge of Charleston's historic peninsula, this boutique Inn was remodeled in recent times for private accommodations. The planking that forms the floor of the old inn appears to be original woodwork and is somewhat uneven in places, which only adds to the historic fascination.

On the rooftop terrace of the Andrew Pinckney Inn, greet the rising sun over the Cooper River as you enjoy a wonderful continental breakfast. Muffins, cereals, delicious croissants, eggs, coffees, juices, and fresh fruits are laid out in a mouth-watering buffet. Cynthia, the inn's hostess, is ready to entertain you with delightful stories of local color as she maintains the buffet and attends the needs of the guests.

The staff of the inn was friendly, outgoing, and helpful. Sandy, one of the managers at the front desk, provided us with maps, brochures, and advice on how to get around in Charleston. Engaging to a fault, everyone from the managers to the hostess, maids, and porters greeted us with smiles and offers of help.

Take a break from site seeing in the air-conditioned lobby of the inn where staff maintains a ready supply of coffee, juice, and cookies, and, if you time it right, refreshingly cooling lemonade.

Our comfortably air conditioned room featured luxurious wall to wall carpeting, a king size bed, flat screen tv, a wonderful writing desk with a blotter-perfect for keeping up on correspondence while vacationing-plenty of storage space with a closet, full size bureau, and three quarter length windows that sported wooden blinds and shutters. The white crown molding beautifully accented the soft yellows that dressed the room in sunlight and relaxing warmth.

An atrium in our building was attractively furnished in period pieces and each room had free wi fi for those who needed internet access. A smaller lobby in our building was also equipped with a small business center including a computer, copier/printer, telephone, and desk.

The inn is within easy walking distance of many of historic Charleston's most renowned attractions. One block away you can browse through Charleston's notable Market. This blocks-long series of open-air buildings date from the early nineteenth century and house vendors selling South Carolina's acclaimed sweet grass baskets as well as treats, gifts, drawings and paintings by local artists, and clothing.

An easy walk eastward takes you to the buildings and barns that house the horses and carriages used in Charleston's historic hour-long narrated carriage tours. These tours amble over routes chosen by lottery that take you through the most historic areas of old Charleston. The personable drivers narrate tales of pirates, the Civil War-or as it is known in that part of the country, the Recent Unpleasantness-the Revolutionary War, and point out items of interest about the antebellum homes, the beautiful wrought ironwork, and the many cemeteries and public buildings along the way.

Rated as a three star lodging, the Andrew Pinckney inn offers affordable luxury and suitably unobtrusive service in a historic setting. Just as we did, you are sure to enjoy your memorable stay in one of Charleston's noteworthy boutique hotels, The Andrew Pinckney Inn.