Ever since we heard about The Pinch Hotel, it has been on our list of must-visit places. This charming little boutique hotel, nestled in the historic heart of Charleston, South Carolina, had captured our interest with its combination of Southern charm and modernity. My partner Brian and I decided to make a weekend of it, and booked ourselves into a 2-bedroom suite for our Charleston adventure.
Stepping into The Pinch felt like stepping into another world. The decor immediately struck us with its eclectic blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication. The attention to detail was evident throughout, from the vintage decor tastefully interspersed with contemporary furniture, to the careful selection of local artwork that adorned the walls. As enthusiasts of both modern and vintage aesthetics, Brian and I were completely taken with how the hotel managed to capture the essence of Charleston, while remaining utterly unique in its style.
Equally impressive was the incredible staff at The Pinch. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with the utmost hospitality and kindness. They were readily available to assist with any of our needs and had an intimate knowledge of Charleston’s best sights and hidden gems. This kind of service can truly make or break a hotel experience, and I’m happy to report that the team at The Pinch made our stay even more memorable. The Aperol spritz welcome cocktail didn’t hurt either!
One of the standout features of our suite was the fully functioning kitchen. Unlike standard hotel rooms that may have a mini fridge or a microwave at best, this kitchen was equipped with everything we needed to feel right at home. What’s more, the hotel staff had stocked it with a selection of groceries for our weekend stay. This added touch of thoughtfulness elevated the whole experience from a simple hotel stay to something akin to residing in a private, luxury apartment.
Despite these glowing strengths, our stay wasn’t without its minor discomforts. The air conditioning, unfortunately, left something to be desired. Despite being set at a cool temperature, the bedrooms remained on the warmer side throughout our stay. For travelers visiting during Charleston’s warm summer months, this might be something to consider. The hotel was able to give us a fan, which helped a little. That said, when we mentioned something about this at checkout the hotel was kind enough to comp both our parking and minibar tab—which was truly impressive and speaks to their amazing customer service.
Also, we were a bit disappointed to find out that the on-site restaurant and bar was closed for renovations during our visit. However, the silver lining here is that the hotel plans to reopen it this fall, and to sweeten the deal, they’re also opening another restaurant on the property. While we couldn’t experience the culinary delight of The Pinch on this trip, it gives us a good reason to plan another visit in the near future.
All in all, our weekend at The Pinch Hotel was a delightful escape. Despite the minor hiccups, the thoughtful design, hospitable staff, and the convenience of a home-like setting truly set this hotel apart. We left feeling more like locals than tourists, taking a piece of Charleston’s charm with us. Brian and I eagerly look forward to returning, hopefully with a newly opened restaurant to explore!