Charleston may be known for its historic charm, but it’s not stuck in the past. The city is in the midst of a wave of openings—new restaurants, new shops, and, notably, new hotels. These four recently opened properties, offering both riverside retreats and design-forward pied-à-terres in the heart of downtown, cater to all types of travelers.
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
Who it’s for: Nature lovers and design fans looking for a peaceful Lowcountry stay with organic spa treatments, delicious food, and riverfront views.
Hugging a peaceful bend of the Kiawah River, The Dunlin sits 35 minutes southwest of Charleston on a 2,000-acre stretch of protected marshland. Opened in August 2024 on John’s Island, this Lowcountry retreat from Auberge Resorts Collection offers 52 guest rooms and 20 suites designed by Amanda Lindroth. Interiors evoke a vintage coastal summerhouse, with four-poster beds, cane furnishings, antique birding books, and soaking tubs. Most guest rooms include screened porches that overlook either oak trees or tidal waterways.
The property was built to immerse guests in the surrounding ecosystem. An on-site outpost of Coastal Expeditions leads naturalist-guided kayak trips, creek paddles, and boat tours focused on the flora and fauna of the saltmarsh. Cycling trails, wildlife sightings, and firepit gatherings are part of the daily rhythm. Guests can book facials and bodywork at the Aster Spa, where treatments feature organic and plant-based products.
Dining centers around regional seafood and produce. Linnette’s, the main restaurant, serves dishes like warm blue crab dip, shrimp and Carolina Gold rice, and buttermilk-fried oysters. At In The Willet Room, cocktails highlight local spirits and herbs, with curious guests able to opt in for informal porch-side mixology classes led by the bar team.
Despite its proximity to Charleston, The Dunlin functions as a standalone destination for those seeking quiet, nature, and regional character. The property’s design prioritizes slow days and early nights over urban-style luxury, showcasing preserved marshland views, seafood-forward menus, and low-impact nature-based activities.
Who it’s for: Independent travelers who value design, space, and a central location over extra services.
Opened in June 2025, Hotel Richemont is a 25-room boutique property on Society Street, just off King Street in downtown Charleston. Developed by Indigo Road Hospitality with interiors by B. Berry and architecture by Neil Stevenson, the hotel blends contemporary design with a spacious, residential atmosphere. Guest rooms range from standard kings to bi-level suites featuring balconies, full kitchens, and separate living areas. Custom furnishings, soft neutral tones, and artwork by local artists like Blakely Made and Whitney Stoddard create a stylish yet relaxed aesthetic.
Guests arrive through a courtyard layered with climbing vines, flickering gas lanterns, and a fountain. Inside, bookshelves, handmade mirrors by Charleston artisan Robert Hines, and a mural by artist Jess Kollar lend texture and character to the communal space.
A preserved vault door in the lobby nods to the building’s former life as a neighborhood bank, one of several thoughtful details that connect the new project to Charleston’s layered past.
The on-site Two Bit Club, from Chef Jelo Tria, offers Vietnamese-inspired dishes—think pho, turmeric-fried fish, and chili crisp noodles—and cocktails with makrut lime and lemongrass. Guests can order coffee and pastries here in the morning.
While Richemont provides essential services—including 24-hour front‑desk support, concierge assistance, and daily housekeeping—you won’t find a full-service spa, pool, or room service.
The 24/7 front desk provides support when needed, while the spacious suites and central location offer a comfortable, independent base in the heart of Charleston.
Who it’s for: Seeking space and function of a high-end apartment right in the center of the action.
Opened in June 2025, The Nickel Hotel is the second Charleston property from Philadelphia-based Method Co., following the debut of The Pinch just off King Street in 2022. Developed in partnership with Capital Square and Morris Adjmi Architects, the five-story property sits directly on restaurant-dense King Street.
The hotel features 50 rooms and suites, many designed for longer stays thanks to full kitchens, marble countertops, and in-room washers and dryers. The guest rooms offer private balconies, while penthouse suites include up to three bedrooms and large private terraces.
The hotel layout centers on a leafy, three-story interior courtyard with wrought-iron balconies, a fountain, and a wood-burning fireplace that feels evocative of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Additional common spaces include a library, the guest-only cocktail bar Bar Daniel, and a rooftop lounge with city views, Rosemary Rose, which is open to the public.
The Nickel offers thoughtful extras—complimentary bike rentals, welcome cocktails at check-in, and access to a nearby gym.
Just be warned: the central King Street location comes with street noise, especially on weekends. For light sleepers or travelers seeking a more tranquil setting, this property may not be the best fit. However, for those seeking apartment-style independence in the heart of the city, The Nickel provides a refined home base.
Who it’s for: Stay-like-a-local with a pool and parking without the noise of King Street.
Set within a meticulously restored 1860s Charleston single house in the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, 86 Cannon offers an elegant alternative to the city’s larger hotels.
The adults-only, 10-room inn spans three historic structures—the Main House, Carriage House, and Garden Suites—each featuring heart pine floors, original fireplaces, and sweeping piazzas. Interiors balance classic architecture with contemporary finishes, including Frette linens, Malin+Goetz bath products, and mid-century furnishings.
No two rooms at 86 Cannon are the same—each is individually styled with its layout and architectural details, from vaulted ceilings to antique mantels; balconies to small terraces; or kitchenettes and wet bars.
While 86 Cannon has front-desk staff during daytime hours, it functions more like a private inn or upmarket B&B. There’s no restaurant or spa, but guests are welcomed with a drink on arrival. Breakfast is European in style with fresh fruit, yogurt, and warm, local pastries. Each evening, a wine and cheese hour invites you to unwind on the piazza or in the parlor.
A saltwater plunge pool sits behind the house, framed by brick walls and greenery. It’s an uncommon perk for a property of this size, making it a welcome place to cool off after exploring the city on a complimentary cruiser bike.
Another welcome feature: a private parking lot behind the inn. While many Charleston hotels rely on valet service or require guests to hunt for metered or paid-lot parking, 86 Cannon offers free on-site access. Being able to pull in, unload your bags, and come and go without hassle is a rare convenience in this space-limited city.
With King Street just a few blocks away, 86 Cannon is well situated for travelers who want walkable access to downtown without sacrificing tranquility.