Attention to Detail – Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, SC

The meticulously-restored Wentworth Mansion in Charleston, South Carolina exemplifies grandeur with its twelve-foot ceilings, 21 spacious rooms and suites, original hand-carved marble fireplaces, Italian crystal chandeliers, and Tiffany glass, but it is its gracious hospitality, luxurious amenities, and attention to detail that makes it Bucket List Publications’s Hotel of the Year!

Before you even enter your room, you can enjoy a complimentary bourbon from the honor bar or wine in the sunroom. If alcohol is not your thing, they also have fresh lemonade in Harleston Parlor. You can enjoy it all on the rooftop cupola or from your own whirlpool tub, which might not even be the first thing you notice as you walk into your suite.

Once the bedrooms of the family that built the Mansion, now an elegant escape for guests from around the world. Each mansion guest room is unique both in size and design. As we walked into out finely-finished luxury suite, we noticed the turned-down king-size bed, an expansive bathroom with walk-in shower, an over-sized whirlpool tub, and an original gas fireplace. Although noteworthy, all of those things could be found in several hotels around the world, but what stood out was the locally-made chocolates placed on the bed, the hand-written note next to the bottle of wine and wine glasses on the table, the refreshments in the fridge, and the relaxing music from the CD player. Even the toilet paper was folded in the corners and hand-pressed with the Wentworth Mansion logo. After-all, its the specifics that make a hotel grand.

Exceptional days begin with a delicious breakfast and exceptional hotels offer it complimentary. The restaurant, Circa 1886, held as much splendor as the suites and the complimentary breakfast was certainly a step above the typical continental style found at other accommodations. A very detailed menu, with items you won’t get anywhere else, made my mouth water. We started with local, fresh fruits and orange juice and followed it up with pancakes, bacon, sausage, and Frittata. The service was fit for royalty without being stuffy and Athena, as well as other children, were graciously welcome.

24-hour concierge service guaranteed that if we needed anything, day or night, they would be there. Greeted at the door with a friendly smile and a helping hand, we felt welcome into the mansion as if it was a family home.

They may be a historic Charleston hotel, but they live in modern times and provide complimentary wireless Internet access in all guest rooms and common areas. Free internet may not be on everyone’s list of top things a hotel can offer, but as a writer and daily blogger, its right up there with a bed for me.

Before leaving, we expected to pay for parking, but we were pleasantly surprised to find out that even that was complimentary.

Their promise is that whether you’re in your room or relaxing around the Mansion, you’ll feel exceptionally cared for. Well done, Wentworth Mansion! You’ve captivated us and we look forward to visiting again soon.