Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel Review
Hello there! I’m excited to share my experience staying at the Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel in Downtown Charleston, South Carolina and dining at local restaurants. As a native of Charleston, I have a unique perspective on the city and can offer insights that capture the essence of my hometown. In my latest blog post, I provide a detailed review of my three-night stay at the hotel, highlighting the exceptional features, amenities, and overall ambiance. Join me as I take you on a journey through this charming hotel and immerse yourself in the beauty of Charleston through my eyes.
I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a destination photoshoot at the Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, and I simply couldn’t pass it up! This trip was a perfect blend of work, solo exploration, and quality time with my family. While the photoshoot allowed me to explore the hotel, I also took advantage of the chance to embark on a solo adventure. During the evenings, I drove down to the countryside to reunite with my family and indulge in my grandmother’s home-cooked meals.
Now about the Renaissance Charleston Hotel…
Upon your arrival at the hotel, you can expect a warm welcome from Jae, the friendly and versatile staff member who handles multiple roles, including being the bellhop and parking director. Jae’s attentiveness and helpful nature make him a valuable asset to the hotel’s team. However, it’s important to note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, valet parking services were unavailable for my May 2022 stay at the Lindy Renaissance Charleston. Instead, guests have the option to park across the street in the Wentworth Street garage, which charges a fee of $30 per day and provides convenient in-and-out privileges. While the absence of valet parking may be disappointing for some, the alternative parking option ensures that you can safely and conveniently park your vehicle during your stay.
I was fortunate to have a room on the second floor, providing a lovely view of the hotel’s front entrance. The room itself was spacious and thoughtfully designed, featuring a chaise, a desk, two nightstands, and a dedicated area with a coffee pot and mini fridge. The trendy and unique décor created an inviting ambiance throughout the space. I particularly appreciated the presence of a comfortable lounge area, allowing me to relax, take in the view, and unwind at my leisure.
The highlight of my stay was the incredibly comfortable mattress and perfectly plush pillows, ensuring a good night’s sleep. I also had the opportunity to view a room with two queen beds, which included a separate lounge area with a sofa, providing additional space for relaxation. Additionally, during a tour of an executive suite, I saw something that blew my mind—a completely separate seating area with elegant French doors that led to the bedroom, as well as a balcony! This suite would be an ideal choice for a bridal suite or for couples seeking a romantic and luxurious stay.
The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel offers a range of convenient amenities to enhance your stay. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, allowing easy connectivity for work or leisure purposes. The lobby provides tables equipped with USB plug-ins, enabling you to stay connected and charge your devices while enjoying the inviting atmosphere.
When it comes to dining options, the hotel offers on-site dining facilities, ensuring that you can savor delicious meals without having to leave the premises. I enjoyed a breakfast sandwich at Handy and Hot during my stay. That biscuit was delicious! I wouldn’t think apples and cheese would be a great combination but seriously, you have to try it! The hotel also provides complimentary bicycles for guests to use, allowing for convenient exploration of Downtown Charleston and its charming surroundings.
One of the standout features of the hotel is its rooftop pool, providing a refreshing oasis where you can relax and soak up the sun while enjoying panoramic views of the city. For those who prioritize fitness, the 24-hour fitness center offers a range of equipment to help you maintain your exercise routine during your stay.
The hotel’s location on Wentworth Street is ideal for exploring Downtown Charleston. With the convenience of nearby parking, you have the option to leave your car and navigate the city on foot. King Street, in particular, offers a diverse shopping experience, with a variety of stores ranging from Candlefish and Palm Avenue to well-known brands like Vineyard Vines, Louis Vuitton, and Victoria’s Secret. Additionally, the nearby market area is worth a visit, where local vendors offer unique items such as sweetgrass baskets and trinkets, providing a glimpse into the Gullah Geechee cultural heritage of the city.
Where to Eat in Charleston
During my visit to Charleston, I dined at Fleet Landing, a waterfront restaurant located next to the cruise terminal. With its picturesque views of the waterfront, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. However, I would recommend making a reservation ahead of time to avoid waiting in the Charleston heat. Without a reservation, you can expect a wait time of 20 minutes or more.Once seated, I ordered the seafood combination platter, which included fried flounder, shrimp, and oysters. As side dishes, I chose red rice and green beans. I must say, the food exceeded my expectations. Every bite was a delicious! The seafood was incredibly fresh, and it had that distinct saltwater taste that seafood enthusiasts like myself appreciate.Overall, my dining experience at Fleet Landing was fantastic. From the delicious food to the stunning waterfront view, it was a memorable meal that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Charleston. Fleet Landing is one of my favorite local restaurants.
For breakfast during my stay in Charleston, I decided to walk to Toast! It’s a popular breakfast spot that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Upon arrival, I took a seat at the bar, where I felt comfortable and well taken care of by the attentive bartender.To satisfy my cravings, I ordered an omelette filled with shrimp, scallops, and blue crab. It was a delightful combination of flavors, and having the seafood cooked inside the omelette added a delicious twist. Alongside the omelette, I enjoyed a bowl of creamy grits, a classic Southern staple. And let’s not forget the standout feature of the meal—the enormous biscuit. It was so large that it could have easily served as a meal on its own! Overall, my experience at Toast! was delightful. The friendly service, comforting atmosphere, and delicious breakfast options made it a great start to my day in Charleston. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Toast! is definitely worth a visit for a satisfying breakfast experience.
During my TJ Maxx run to Mt. Pleasant, which is just a short 10-15 minute drive away, I decided to grab dinner at Saltwater Cowboys. This waterfront restaurant is situated on Shem Creek, offering picturesque views of the water.To kick off my dining experience, I ordered a pineapple margarita with Casamigos tequila. It was a delightful and sweet combination that hit the spot. The only thing I wished for was an actual pineapple garnish to add that extra touch of tropical flair. Moving on to the main course, I opted for a combination plate that included baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and a side of mac and cheese with a serving of red rice. Each item on my plate was delicious, and I thoroughly enjoyed the tenderness of the meats. The mac and cheese was good and so was the red rice. As I mentioned earlier, I am a Charleston native, so I am very particular about my red rice!However, one downside of my experience at Saltwater Cowboys was the presence of numerous flies. (I returned to visit in August 2024 and the flies were still an issue.) Constantly swatting them away was a bit distracting and took away from the overall dining experience.Despite the fly issue, I appreciated the tasty food and the scenic ambiance at Saltwater Cowboys. It’s definitely a spot worth considering if you’re looking for waterfront dining and a relaxed atmosphere in Mt. Pleasant.
There’s a Harris Teeter grocery store in Downtown Charleston if you want to pick up some grocery items but you should know that there is no microwave available for guests at the Lindy Renaissance Charleston hotel. I was so bummed when I found this out as I couldn’t enjoy leftovers from my family dinners.
Don’t leave Charleston without visiting this shop!
The Tiny Tassel is a delightful boutique in Downtown Charleston! Mimi’s collection of vibrant jewelry, unique dresses, and charming accessories capture the essence of Southern style. A postcard and the clutch with the airport code “CHS” sounded like lovely keepsakes to commemorate my visit to Charleston as a “tourist”,. It’s always wonderful to support local businesses and find special pieces that bring joy and serve as reminders of your experiences.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my stay at the Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel. The customer service was amazing, they were attentive and the rooms were nicely decorated. Plus, with a rooftop pool with views of King Street and proximity to the Downtown Charleston area the location is extremely convenient.
This review is from my May 2021 stay and things may have changed at this hotel. I was hosted by the Lindy Charleston Renaissance however the views expressed here are my own.
