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Charleston's Grandest Mansion
Completed in 1886, the Second Empire-style Wentworth Mansion offers a fine collection of antiques and a sumptuous atmosphere. This outstanding historic hotel originally debuted as the four-story private residence of Francis Silas Rodgers and his massive extensive family. He oversaw the creation of the mansion's brilliant architectural features, including wrought-iron ornamentation, hand-carved ceilings, parquet floors, marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained-glass windows. He even created a winding staircase that led to a cupola that still resides atop the building today.
Take a short stroll to King Street offering world-class dining and shopping; pamper yourself with a spa treatment in the original stables; indulge in our award-winning Southern fare; take a ride through the historic district in a 1928 Model A Ford Sport Coupe.
Gracious hospitality, luxurious amenities, and thoughtful guest experiences await you at Charleston's grandest mansion.
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- Complimentary breakfast: Begin your day with a delicious full breakfast at Circa 1886 Restaurant.
- Afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres served on the porch overlooking the lawn.
- Port, sherry, & brandy: A nod to a rather lovely old tradition that we keep for obvious enjoyment purposes.
- In-room soft drinks and bottled water.
- Bathrobes
- Morning paper
- Housemade chocolates delivered every evening.
- 24-hour concierge service: Day or night, we're here for whatever you may need.
- Athletic Club: Complimentary access to a nearby athletic club with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and an array of classes.
- Compimentary valet parking.
- Spa located on the property.
- On-site dining at Circa 1886 Restaurant.
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Originally the mansion's stables, our intimate and eucalyptus-scented Spa at Wentworth Mansion is an unmatched setting in which to relax, rejuvenate and replenish. Striking architectural details, including 14-foot vaulted ceilings, arched windows, exposed brick, and rustic beams, create an air of tranquility and comfort for facials, massages, body treatments, and other spa services.
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Charleston is one of the top wedding destinations in the country, and there is no better venue that more beautifully exemplifies what the world loves most about the Holy City than Wentworth Mansion®. No matter what the vision for the event might be—an intimate ceremony in our Grand Mansion Suite or a lively cocktail reception on our lush lawn—our warm, talented team ensures every detail from hors d'oeuvres and table settings to champagne toasts and delicious dinners are elegant and effortless.
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DOIN' THE CHARLESTON— IN A 1928 MODEL A FORD SPORT COUPE
Exclusive for Guests—Ride in the rumble seat and experience Charleston as it was in the roaring '20s.SECRETS OF THE SOMMELIERS
Just saying Sommelier can be intimidating. Wine shouldn't be! This experience will cover the basics from how grapes become wine to how to pick a wine at a restaurant. You will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of wine.SHAKING WITH THE SEASONS
Learn the basics of using different spirits and seasonal ingredients to create delicious libations. -
1865-1887
Francis Silas Rodgers, a wealthy cotton factor, phosphate manufacturer, and coastwise shipper marries Mare Elizabeth Evans Cochran and together they raise 13 children. Designed in the Second Empire style by architect Daniel G. Waynes, they guild an expansive and ornate home at 149 Wentworth Street.
1920
Members of the Rodgers family sell the home to the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association for $100,000. The Scottish Rite Masons keep the home until 1940 when it is sold to the Atlantic Coast Insurance Company. It serves as the company headquarters until 1996.
1997
Proprietor Richard Widman purchases Wentworth Mansion and begins an extensive $7 million renovation that preserves the home’s magnificent architectural features, including the inlaid floors, original staircase, and Tiffany glass while adding modern conveniences and luxurious bathrooms in order to transform the mansion into a one-of-a-kind historic inn.
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#9 TOP HOTEL IN CHARLESTON: 2022 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice
#2 BEST HOTEL IN CHARLESTON: 2022 Travel + Leisure
TOP 100 BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD: 2022 Travel + Leisure
#8 BEST HOTEL IN THE U.S.: 2022 Travel + Leisure
#7 BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE: 2021 TripAdvisor
#16 BEST SMALL HOTEL IN THE U.S.: 2022 TripAdvisor
TOP 500 BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD: 2021 Travel + Leisure
#17 BEST HOTEL FOR ROMANCE IN THE U.S.: 2018 TripAdvisor
#4 BEST HOTEL IN CHARLESTON: 2021 Travel + Leisure
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Travelers are always looking for memorable and relaxing experiences. Let’s discover more through the words of our innkeepers. Many thanks to Stacey Bodnar for sharing hisown secrets with BBOnline.com! Why do most travelers stay at your inn? We have found that most of our guests come just to feel like they have stepped back in time and be in close proximity to shopping and dining on iconic King Street.
What are you best known for? What makes your inn unique? What do you love most about your inn? We are best known for our granduer—Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces, and Tiffany stained glass. We are also known for our outstanding Southern hospitality.
If someone has never been to your city, what is the #1 reason to come visit? Travelers should visit Charleston for the food scene, shopping, and of course, history.
What’s the best compliment you have ever received about the inn? We love when our guests tell us that our staff makes them feel like they are visiting family. They feel at home at the Harbour View Inn.
What’s the best kept secret about the area? The Mansion itself is a best kept secret, as it is located off the beaten path within one of Charleston's most historic neighborhoods.
If a traveler is staying at your inn for 4 nights, what should he/she do in the area? For a first time visitor, we always suggest a horse and carriage ride, a tour of Fort Sumter, and a historic walking tour.
Is there anything within walking distance of your inn? We are within walking distance to most attractions in the downtown area. Walk to to Waterfront Park and the Batter, Colonial Lake Park, and the Gibbes Museum of Art just to name a few.
What is your favorite restaurant/food in the area? We always recommend our own restaruant, Circa 1886.
Any good area guides/websites that travelers could reference? explorecharleston.com is a reference guide.
How many rooms does your inn have? 21 rooms and suites.
Do you accept pets? We do accept dogs.
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So Much to Love
Voted "Top City in the United States" by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Charleston is beloved and renowned for its hospitality, beauty, architecture, history, food, and culture. Check out some of our favorite things.
Where To Eat: Staff Favorites
Circa 1886 at the Wentworth Mansion
For an exquisite dinner with an intimate ambiance, our own Circa 1886 at Wentworth Mansion.
Fast & French (G&M)
A taste of Paris just steps from our door. Go for one of the best and most affordable lunches in the city.
Bakehouse Bakery Café
For an afternoon coffee and a "sweet treat."
What To Do: Staff Favorites
Bulldog Tours Walking Tour
Step back in Charleston history with one of the city's best guides.
Rickshaw Ride
An evening rickshaw ride along the Battery is the perfect way to end a day's worth of sightseeing.
Harbor Tour
See the Holy City from one of the best vantage points - our beautiful waters.
Places To See: Staff Favorites
Fort Sumter
Take a long, beautiful glimpse at Charleston as she was through history. Take the boat ride out to Fort Sumter, the site of the first shots of the Civil War.
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Discover this building's integral role in our country's quest for independence and its important service to an emerging country.
Heyward-Washington House
Browse a magnificent collection of Charleston-made furniture in the main house and ancillary structures like the carriage shed that has the 18th-century well just beneath, the kitchen building that was built in the 1740s, and an exquisite formal garden. President Washington stayed in the Heyward-Washington House while visiting Mrs. Rutledge.
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FAMILIES
As a family-owned historic hotel, it's no surprise that we love catering to families - and so does Charleston. From relaxing together on our grounds and exploring history at Patriots Point to hitting the sand and surf at a nearby beach, you'll find thrills for every member of the family.
COUPLES
Is it our whirlpool tubs, the rooftop cupola, the couples massage? Whatever you choose, we’ve earned a place in the hearts of romantics across the globe. Whether you're planning a romantic Charleston getaway or a truly unique and luxurious honeymoon, The Wentworth Mansion will make an indelible mark on your heart.
HISTORY BUFFS
A beautiful, integral part of Charleston's rich, enduring historic legacy, The Wentworth Mansion is a must-see for history buffs. Stroll the neighboring cobblestone streets, revel in the beautiful works of local artists in the city's museums, explore Charleston's secret alleyways, a become part of a city where history truly lives.
