The Mills House - A Charleston Icon Reimagined
The Mills House, Charleston’s iconic pink property, has a long and storied history in the city. In its latest chapter, the nearly 170-year-old hotel has debuted a multi-million-dollar transformation and relaunch as an elevated, lifestyle property within the Curio Collection by Hilton, the portfolio’s first in South Carolina.
Since it was founded in 1853, the landmark hotel has exemplified a timeless commitment to southern hospitality. The renovations to the property take this classic charm and genuine service to a new era of contemporary comfort, all while preserving the architectural significance of the historic building. The transformation of the 218-room hotel includes the renovations of all original guest rooms, the addition of premium suites, two lively new food and beverage concepts, and a new design vision that marries old-school charm with effortless, sophisticated aesthetics.
Elevated new amenities showcase the best of the Charleston lifestyle. A stay at the new and improved Mills House begins in the hidden garden, where guests are guided through gorgeous greenery and canopies, much like they would arrive at a historic Charleston home. Communal areas throughout the first floor reflect a luxe Lowcountry lifestyle, featuring grand windows in the lobby, an all-season gathering space inspired by a traditional southern porch, an outdoor fireplace and shade canopies, and a courtyard made to mirror the original Mills House layout designed by renowned landscape architect Loutrel Briggs. The seamless indoor-outdoor design of the first floor and movement between the various common spaces creates an inviting feel and warm welcome for guests.
Another standout feature of the renovation is the hotel’s sophisticated new rooftop pool and terrace, with an upscale design that highlights bold touches of black and white, along with hints of the building’s signature pink throughout. Guests can take a dip in the pool, enjoy a drink from the new outdoor bar and relax poolside on chaise lounges and in private cabanas. As a Curio Collection property, The Mills House offers a choice destination for leisure travelers - additional upgrades include wellness-focused amenities such as daily outdoor fitness classes led by local certified instructors, hydration stations on every floor, and Peloton bikes in the fitness center.
The Mills House is considered a home-away-from-home for Charleston visitors and locals alike, which makes the addition of two new dining options, The Black Door Café and Iron Rose, all the more appetizing.
Combining comfort with convenience, The Black Door Café serves as a vibrant, cozy, and chic all-day hangout, conveniently located within the lobby on the hotel’s first floor. Stop in for a morning cup of coffee and breakfast, or order a healthy sandwich or salad for lunchtime. With easy street access for locals and guests, high speed internet, and cozy seating areas, The Black Door Café has everything you need for a morning refreshment, an afternoon energizer, or a calm atmosphere to recoup.
Iron Rose, the Mills House’s new signature restaurant, provides an elegant and elevated experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Bringing a fresh take on Southern Coastal fare to Charleston’s French Quarter, the upscale restaurant offers a seasonally rotating menu curated from local ingredients. Iron Rose is nestled inside The Mills House courtyard, providing a gorgeous garden view and unique indoor-outdoor ambience. Guests will enjoy contemporary takes on Southern fare like the pickled local shrimp, flatiron steak, or grilled swordfish, and can enjoy a crafted cocktail by the outdoor fireplace.
Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic French Quarter, The Mills House serves as the perfect home base for visitors to explore Charleston like a local. A block from the famed ‘South of Broad’ residential area, the hotel also falls within half a mile of top attractions including King Street, Rainbow Row, and Charleston City Market, and is only one mile from The Charleston Museum.
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