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If you’re looking for a place to stay in downtown Charleston that is within walking distance of attractions, has been recently renovated, and is oh-so-chic, then this is the place for you! The Ryder Hotel opened its’ doors in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. This building used to be home to the King Charles Inn, but after a complete re-haul, it looks completely different. This perfectly curated, colorful boutique hotel makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the chicest beachside hideaway. The décor has California cool written all over it with hints of mid-century modern vibes. Needless to say, if I had a house and could choose any style for it, this would be my main inspiration! The lobby is a split level with check-in and concierge on the main floor and that’s where your journey will begin at The Ryder Hotel.

Hotel Overview

This hotel really checks all of the boxes and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to stay here when visiting Charleston! Upstairs on the second floor, above the concierge desk, you’ll find the lounge area, the entrance to the on-site restaurant & bar, and views of the pool deck. The pool was closed during my stay part of the time due to potential extreme weather conditions, but that didn’t stop me from daydreaming about sipping a cocktail poolside under their large, retro-style umbrellas.

The Ryder is very wellness-focused and offers free Barre classes on the weekends, has a Peloton bike for your room at your request, and ensures every guest room has a yoga mat if you’d like to partake in one of the many on-demand yoga classes via the TV in your room. Don’t worry, if you’re not into having fitness perks this hotel will still blow you away. A standard double room ranges from $200-$400 a night depending on the season, which if you’ve ever been to Charleston then you know you can’t find anything much cheaper, especially for a nicer hotel. Overall, the staff was great, the rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the location couldn’t have been better!

The Features

• On-demand fitness classes and complimentary yoga mats.

• A Gear Garage full of complimentary equipment that’s perfect for exploring Charleston and the surrounding areas. You can rent bicycles, longboards, beach chairs, and more!

• An outdoor pool and sundeck that is open daily from 8am.

• The Coffee Counter which serves freshly brewed coffee, lattes, and pastries daily starting at 7am. Drip coffee is complimentary for hotel guests!

• On-site restaurant and bar called Little Palm.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi.

• Peloton bike rental.

• $10 daily breakfast credit to Little Palm.

• Welcome cocktail upon check-in!

The On-Site Restaurant: Little Palm

This hotel, like any other, offers room service but be sure to pop into their bar downstairs called Little Palm. This bar & restaurant is open daily from 11am to midnight on most days. When the weather is nice, the windows behind the bar open up to the pool deck making it extremely easy to rest your feet and lounge in the sun. Inside the bar, you’ll find, in my opinion, the cutest bar in town. From the wallpaper to the light fixtures, everything in this place instantly lifted my spirits and made me smile. Aside from creative, fun cocktails, Little Palm offers a food menu that ranges from small bites to salads and shrimp rolls. It’s a great place to grab a drink before dinner or even a nightcap. Prices are reasonable and range from $6 appetizers to $28 steak frites.

The Rooms at The Ryder Hotel

Ah, the rooms! I stayed in a double room and it was the perfect size for two people. It was more spacious than most hotel rooms and the bathroom had a great layout to optimize space as well. The décor of the room was very simple, stylish, and yet cozy. Along with the rest of the hotel, there were touches of coastal décor throughout. There was tons of storage in the room including a nightstand, dresser, and a wardrobe closet where I was very happy to find a travel-sized steamer. The bed was super comfortable and I loved that they gave me a variety of pillows so I could find the perfect one. And the bathroom toiletries were another pleasant surprise! The soaps, lotion, and hair products were all Malin+Goetz, a really great US-based skincare brand who is known for its amazing scents. With Covid precautions still in place, each room is cleaned every three days, but if you need anything the front desk will be more than happy to provide you with anything.

The Location

The Ryder Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Charleston, making it the perfect place to stay in Charleston. It’s one block over from the famous King Street shopping district and less than a 10-minute walk to the Charleston Market & the carriage ride tours. Aside from being within easy walking distance to most sites, the area surrounding the hotel is packed with amazing places to eat, like the popular Husk, Poogan’s Porch, and Hyman’s Seafood. From the airport, the hotel is only a 25-30 minute taxi ride, however, they do offer on-site valet parking if you’re arriving via car. Hands down, this is one of the best hotels in Charleston and I can’t wait to visit it again!

Happy travels!

-Tess

Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip!  If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!