Emeline

Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most unique cities in the United States, and it deserves a hotel like Emeline. The building, at Church and Market in the heart of the historic downtown district, was previously a forgettable chain hotel, and is now unrecognizable, so complete is its transformation — today’s Emeline is impeccably stylish and chock full of local flavor and inimitable personality.

The rooms are romantic and colorful, in rich hues of emerald and gold, and they’re well furnished with elegant built-in storage and bright modern bathrooms. The linens and robes are custom-made, and the details are thoughtful, from ample charging ports to in-room Crosley turntables — the hotel’s vinyl collection is large and growing.

And a hotel like Emeline is more than just the sum of its rooms. The common spaces are lively and welcoming, from the cozy living-room vibe of the lobby to the central courtyard with its string lights and greenery. Clerks Coffee Company starts the day with a jolt, while Frannie & the Fox serves Italian-influenced wood-fired dishes in shareable servings, and Hank’s Seafood Restaurant is just what it sounds like: a Charleston-style “fish house” with an extensive raw bar.