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Southern Elegance

Head to Charleston’s The Loutrel for a grown-up getaway.

Article by Erica Moody

Photography by Courtesy of The Loutrel

Originally published in Potomac Lifestyle

A quick nonstop flight transports you to what many consider to be the best small city in the U.S. Beyond its cobblestone streets, candy-colored homes, and proximity to beaches, the port city has exciting new restaurants, cultural attractions, and refined hotels that keep it interesting — among them is The Loutrel, an elegant, 50-room gem that’s the perfect spot for an elevated girls’ getaway. 

Located in the walkable French Quarter of the city, just steps from the Charleston City Market (an open-air market where craft vendors set up shop), the luxurious Loutrel is devoid of raucous bachelorette parties — and that’s on purpose. Instead, you’ll find a refined boutique hotel where every detail has been carefully considered, and the culture and style of the vibrant destination city is illuminated. 

Locally-made treats are complimentary in rooms as well as in the hotel’s cozy Clubroom, where guests are treated to a daily happy hour, board games, and a lending library of local reads curated by Buxton Books. Drinks are also served on the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city in an upscale, but not stuffy, environment. The hotel’s Veranda Lounge, where complimentary breakfast, small plates, and botanical cocktails and mocktails are served, brings the front porch experience inside. (Keep track of time, because you can easily spend the day hanging out in the gorgeous lobby, admiring its biophilic design and chatting with new friends.) 

Optional hotel experiences include a “Beauty Knocks” amenity of skin care products and more delivered to your room. Also not to miss: shopping along King Street to purchase preppy pillows from Sewing Down South and sweet baby outfits from Under the Almond Trees; a deep dive into Southern history at the long-awaited International African American Museum, which opened in June; fried green tomatoes at Magnolia’s; and a walk in Waterfront Park. You’ll return home reinvigorated.