The 218-room Mills House, located in the heart of downtown Charleston’s French Quarter neighborhood, has officially relaunched following a complete renovation and conversion to a lifestyle hotel under the ownership of RLJ Lodging Trust. With the relaunch, The Mills House has transitioned to Curio Collection by Hilton as the portfolio’s first property in South Carolina.
Originally established in 1853 by local entrepreneur Otis Mills, the hotel was reconstructed in the 1960s. The hotel’s current renovation is overseen by interior design firm Ealain Studio. The transformation of this landmark hotel includes a complete revamp of all original guestrooms and the addition of suites. The Mills House also offers multiple new F&B concepts.
Upon arrival, guests enter through a lush garden complete with an outdoor fireplace and shade canopies. Throughout the first-level communal areas, including the lobby and courtyard, the hotel’s design blends the indoor and outdoor living style. Just beyond the lobby, the hotel’s courtyard represents an extension of the interior space that pays homage to its original design by landscape architect Loutrel Briggs.
Guests can expect a renovated rooftop pool and terrace, as well as a newly added outdoor terrace bar that serves beverages and light bites. The poolside is lined with chaise lounges and cabanas. Daily yoga classes are also offered on the terrace.
Located on the hotel’s upper floors, the renovated guestrooms have modern furnishings, custom cabinetry, original artwork by Southeastern artist Tracy Murrell, and multi-functional elements in the upgraded bathrooms.
Alongside updates to the community spaces and guestrooms, the hotel also introduces two new dining concepts, The Black Door Café and Iron Rose. The Black Door Café is open all day for guests and locals alike. It offers a robust coffee program alongside roasters La Colombe, artisan pastries, light breakfasts and lunches, grab-and-go items, and a selection of culinary retail items sourced from local purveyors. Situated at street level on the corner of Queen and Meeting Streets, the café offers comfortable seating and high-speed internet. Iron Rose debuts as the hotel’s signature, full-service restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor dining. Led by Executive Chef Gary Mennie, Iron Rose serves contemporary Southern dishes, rotating seasonally and spotlighting local ingredients.
The hotel offers more than 15,000 square feet of flexible, multi-use meeting and function space across the Signers Ballroom, Hibernian Hall next door, and several smaller breakout rooms, making it an ideal venue for seminars, workshops, conferences, weddings, social celebrations and corporate parties. The Mills House is also the preferred caterer for the adjacent Hibernian Hall, providing F&B/AV services to the venue.
The Mills House is within walking distance of local art galleries, shopping and dining establishments, and historic city sites. It is also a short drive from attractions off the peninsula, including beaches, gardens and event venues.
Good to know: The property is offering a “Mills House Reimagined” package, which includes a custom in-room welcome gift and cocktail; dinner for two in Iron Rose; and a credit to The Black Door Café. Call 843-577-2400 for additional details.
For more information, visit www.millshouse.com.
Related Stories
Pink Shell Resort Commences Cleanup Efforts Post Hurricane Ian
Snowmass Resort Joins Autograph Collection After $40M Reno
Hilton, Peloton Partner to Enhance Travel Wellness Experience