86 Cannon, which is surely one of the best hotels in Charleston SC, offers a dreamy glimpse at life in one of the Holy City’s most charming neighborhoods.
Through the course of living in the Carolinas for the past nine years—and with the luck of having a job that brings with it a good amount of travel—I’ve been able to stay at a wider variety of Charleston area hotels than most. And many, I must say, are indeed remarkable. The city’s storied history, design-heavy aesthetic, and unshakeable dedication to hospitality means that the odds are generously weighted in favor of you, the guest, having a well above-average experience. Some cities outpunch their weight class in terms of per capita income, nature areas, or commerce. Charleston is certainly one that puts up stiff competition to any major city in terms of the hospitality scene.
Perfectly at Home in Charleston
I’ve often felt like a well-pampered guest in Charleston. However, as someone who has never called the Holy City home, I can’t say I’ve been able to feel like a well-pampered local. That’s exactly the fantasy I was able to entertain for the first time. Staying in the garden suite at 86 Cannon St., located in the heart of Charleston’s vibrant Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood, made that possible.
Don’t know it? Cannonborough is only a short walk from King and Spring Streets. But it feels a bit more tucked away with its charming, residential streets. It’s also become home to some of the city’s finest dining. This includes Chubby Fish, Chez Nous, Malagon, and Babas on Cannon.
This year, 86 Cannon added a new chapter to its storied history. After working on different phases of the inn over seven years, owners Lori and Marion Hawkins completed the final step of their vision this year. A new pool bungalow overlooking a vanishing edge saltwater pool and two additional suites in a beautifully restored residence completed the project.
What Makes 86 Cannon One of the Best Hotels Charleston SC
Initially, pulling into the gate, I nearly (okay, actually) missed my turn because the inn blends so seamlessly into the neighborhood.
86 Cannon, the inn, comprises multiple restored homes. It’s a project that started with the address “86 Cannon Street” and has now grown. The homes are located next to one another and tied together with a shared courtyard, garden, and pool.
Between the four fully restored and renovated historic residences, there are ten total rooms and suites. The Poinsette House, located at 86 Cannon Street, is a two-and-a-half-story single house that serves as the main house of the hotel. It features common areas like the cafe, salon, library, and the piazzas along the three guest rooms. The top-to-bottom restoration preserved authentic architectural details like slate roofing, original hardwood floors, and window frames. These elements hold centuries of layers of paint.
The Poinsette House Kitchen Cottage includes the original kitchen cottage, now known as the Cottage Suite. Ethel Brown’s Cottage, located at 84 Cannon Street, circa 1888, is a dog-trot (a style characterized by a large, open breezeway) cottage restored into two Garden Suites. Freedman’s Cottage, at 82 ½ Cannon Street, circa 1909, was restored into the newly completed king room. Finally, there’s the Pool Bungalow, a two-story stucco residence that represents the only entirely new construction at the inn.
The main house was built in 1862 and passed through a handful of owners before the Hawkins. When the Hawkins decided to purchase 86 Cannon St., it was in various states of disrepair. During my visit, the couple explained that their vision had always included what they have now. That is to say a multiple residence inn, but one that could nonetheless be kept quite small. Starting with the renovation of one property, they were able to grow slowly, perfecting their vision. The whole time, they lived on property themselves (plus their two pups). This gave them a lens to everything a guest might experience and more.
Perfectly Boutique
Now, having completed the final stage of their original vision, with ten intentionally curated rooms, Marion and Lori can guarantee a true turnkey, boutique experience for every person who passes through the doors.
Each suite’s interior is unique. Furthermore, they range in size depending on your preferences or the length of your desired stay. The amenities are plentiful: champagne upon arrival, a daily afternoon wine and cheese pairing sourced from local shop Goat Sheep Cow, and a European continental breakfast with quiche from Baba’s on Cannon, fresh pastries and Lori’s own homemade granola. You can also use the complimentary bicycles. Plus, enjoy nightly chocolate truffles. Lastly, rely on the inn’s texting system for any concierge requests. Common spaces include the cafe, a library with a stocked honor bar, salon, and piazzas.
My suite was in the Garden Cottage. Accessed through the front door on Cannon, the Garden Cottage also shares access to the back courtyard and pool. The cottage is the perfect blend of old and new. A gorgeous original brick fireplace separates the sitting room from the bedroom. Meanwhile, the generously sized bathroom is modern and sleek. The decor gives a nod to old Southern charm while offering an artful, almost European take on luxury.
The walkability of Cannonborough (and this area of the peninsula in general) allowed me to hit the streets with ease for a morning cup of coffee, afternoon stroll, or a longer walk to pick up takeout.
For a city that has seen unprecedented tourism growth, there are many reasons you may find yourself headed to the Holy City. And when you do, for one of the most authentic and unbelievably thoughtful homebases I’ve seen, and for possibly the best hotel Charleston SC, 86 Cannon is your spot.
