3. The Spectator Hotel
For recent guests, The Spectator Hotel’s distinct style and unbeatable customer service are what sets this Charleston, South Carolina, property apart from its peers. Situated just one block from the Charleston City Market and a short walk from the popular Waterfront Park, The Spectator Hotel offers a convenient home base for sightseers. Aside from the location, recent visitors raved about the rooms, particularly the comfy beds and spacious bathrooms. Accommodations also come equipped with minifridges, coffee makers, complimentary Wi-Fi access and personal butlers – perhaps the biggest delight among lodgers. While the property doesn’t have its own on-site restaurant (though it does offer a free continental breakfast each morning), recent visitors didn’t seem to mind; travelers said their butlers and the front desk staff were quick to offer suggestions and advice for guests. But after you’ve explored the Charleston dining scene, consider heading back to The Spectator to sample some of the handcrafted cocktails at its bar, which is designed to look like a 1920s-era speakeasy.
4. The Jefferson, Washington, DC
The Jefferson, Washington, DC has been catering to Washington’s most elite visitors since 1923, providing a taste of European luxury in the heart of the United States capital. The Beaux-Arts era reigns supreme here, with early 20th century paintings and sculptures lining the checkered floors. The Jefferson’s elegant accommodations are appointed with iPads, walk-in showers, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. (For a little more space, upgrade to a suite, which will come equipped with a coffee maker and, in some, a balcony overlooking the Washington Monument.) Recent guests highly recommend making good use of the intimate on-site spa during your stay, and the in-house gourmet restaurants, Plume and The Greenhouse, earn particularly high praise, along with the on-site bar, Quill. Visitors also give props for The Jefferson’s location, which is just a short walk from the National Mall.
