When it comes to welcoming out-of-towners, Charleston has always been the most gracious host. With its walkable, bricked streets; first-rate restaurants; and friendly locals always ready to share their favorite spots, there’s a reason (actually many) it’s been voted our readers’ favorite Southern city for 10 years running.
One of the things that keeps visitors coming back is the city’s impressive ability to continually grow and evolve while simultaneously maintaining the character that makes it a certifiable classic. Charleston’s newest addition, The Cooper, is a perfect example of that.
Located on the Charleston Harbor, The Cooper, is the city’s first luxury waterfront hotel. After opening at the end of March, The Cooper is already cementing its place as one of the Holy City’s newest landmarks. With 191 rooms, including 20 suites, plus four dining venues, a 7,000-square-foot spa, infinity pool, and a private marina, this is a destination in and of itself.
Its interiors are elegant and simple, with just enough coastal flair to give a nod to the hotel’s location on the water. Think wide-plank light oak floors, shiplap walls , and storybook windows letting in plenty of natural light. Details like basket-weave patterns further tell the story of Charleston’s cultural heritage. Several rooms open onto Juliette balconies or patios that make the most of ample waterfront views .
It’s a welcome addition to an already rich collection of boutique, historic, and legendary hotels in the city, but it’s not just visitors that The Cooper caters to. Locals are already showing up to support The Crossing, the hotel’s signature harborfront restaurant. Two other open-the-public concepts, plus a guests-only rooftop bar, are slated to open soon.
At The Crossing, chef Chef Nick Duggan puts a Lowcountry spin on Mediterranean cuisine in a dining room that continues the nautical trend with teak wood floors, polished nickel accents, and views of the water from nearly every table. Breakfast dishes like Baklava Pancakes and a Greek version of an All-American breakfast that features loukaniko (Greek farmers sausage), eggs, lemon potatoes, dolma, and pita are perfect examples of this culinary marriage. For lunch and dinner, a generous raw bar menu and composed seafood dishes take center stage. Dining with a group? The Mediterranean Grill, prepared tableside and featuring grilled octopus, louikaniko, hanger steak, and shrimp, is the way to go.
Other soon-to-come dining concepts include a smashburger and milkshake spot called CurrentBurger and café and wine bar Cooper Wine & Coffee. Bar Marti, which serves coastal-inspired cocktails and small bites near the fourth-floor infinity pool is open to hotel guests.
One of The Cooper’s most unique features is its direct access to the water. Taking advantage of its location on the Charleston peninsula, the hotel’s private on-site marina is home to several luxury vessels that are available for guests to experience. An iconic Hinckley yacht dubbed the Cooper I can be rented for all-day excursions complete with food and beverage offerings. Anyone else ready to book a trip?
Read the original article on Southern Living
