For Lovebirds, a Sweet Lowcountry Stay

Considering a trip to Charleston? Consider, also, the nearby town of Mount Pleasant, one of South Carolina's oldest coastal communities, now with a decidedly chic inn (one of our featured Best New Hotels).

MOUNT PLEASANT, South Carolina — On a recent road trip through the Lowcountry, my husband and I found ourselves trying to outrun a hefty patch of rain brought on by Hurricane Sally. We let the storm system be our guide to Post House, an inn located in the quaint Old Village of Mount Pleasant, separated from Charleston by the Cooper River. The three-story, 19th-century Post House is pretty and pint-sized, with just seven sunny and sweet rooms. Every nook and cranny has been thoughtfully considered by the brains at Basic Project, a hospitality and design agency run by the hotel's owners, whose Charleston restaurant, Basic Kitchen, has become a staple in the city. At check in, we were greeted warmly at the front desk, gracious smiles practically beaming through the standard issue COVID masks. We were handed a neat stack of papers, our big brass room key, and two drink vouchers for the bar. I found the entire scene to be very Accidentally Wes Anderson in the best way possible, and as someone who geeks out over a good matchbook, these little details made my heart sing. There was no corner overlooked, the storytelling in full effect — and what feels better than a hotel that pays attention like that?

We headed upstairs to our sugar cube of a room, beautifully decorated for the Domino set. This is the Modern South and interiors here feel happy and on trend without the creaky antiques and heavy Chintz drapes that still dominate many inns and B&Bs in these parts. Our room was well-sized for two adults, though it lacked any kind of desk space, which might be an issue for those looking to stretch their "work-from-home" legs further afield. After a hot shower, it was time for a cold drink.

The restaurant and bar downstairs manage to be both bright and airy while feeling cozy and intimate. It's like if Ye Olde Tavern studied abroad; the beadboard walls, worn Turkish rugs, vintage oil paintings, and nautical touches harken to the inn's historic past (it was built in 1896). It's a space full of old things for young-at-heart people and most importantly, it's comfortable. And while you can't throw a bowtie in Charleston without hitting a newly opened restaurant, it feels like the Post House will stand the test of time with a menu that speaks to the way people want to eat. We were dazzled by curry made with local fish, crunchy veggie-forward salads, and a classic bar steak. The food here is worldly without being pretentious with flavors that are upbeat and somehow familiar. Best of all, guests of the hotel have an easy commute back up to their quarters after a nightcap on the patio.

It's no accident that the food, design, and hospitality play so well together at Post House. Between owners Kate (designer) and Ben Towill (restaurateur), the pair have worked in the film industry and the NYC restaurant scene, in hotel branding and residential projects. On our trip, the whole pub-inn experience was delightful from start to finish, and made us feel special every step of the way. And while Post Inn doesn't have that old-world sparkle of Charleston's stately offerings downtown, it does have an abundance of warmth and a fresh personality — necessary reminders of what makes traveling so fun. If you plan to post up at Post House, you're in good hands.

At a Glance

Location
The sweet and sleepy Old Village of Mount Pleasant. It feels like going back in time in the best way.

Hotel Style
Quirky and considered. It's on trend, with personality and charm in spades (think William Morris patterned wallpaper, Brimfield antiques, and rattan headboards).

This Place is Perfect For...
Couples, foodies, interiors enthusiasts.

But Not So Perfect For...
Those who want to be close to the action of downtown Charleston. It's a fifteen-minute drive from King Street.

What’s on Site
The heartbeat is the restaurant and pub — which has become a destination in itself — with rooms to let. There's a charming patio space for outdoor dining.

Food + Drink
Post House is not open in the morning but does offer guests a complimentary continental breakfast (and a killer cappuccino). The bar and restaurant are warm and inviting, with a fireplace and a lively town pub vibe.

Rooms
Seven rooms, no elevator, with fluffy robes, a comfy bed, vintage rugs, eclectic artwork and objects, and lots of light.

In-Room Amenities
Free WiFi, a minibar well-stocked with local treats, breakfast room service.

Drawbacks
Our room was in the back and had a bit of noise from the garbage collection.

Standout Detail
Each room is uniquely decorated and feels like its own little world. The design is luxurious but understated and feels like you're spending the night at a really chic friend's home.

Book It

Post House
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
New-School Classic, $$

Click here for reservations. Or contact the Fathom Concierge and we can book the trip for you.

What to Do Nearby 

The inn is walking distance (about a two blocks) from Charleston Harbor. Cruise to Old Pitt Street Bridge at the end of town for a great view. Drop by the old-school soda fountain Pitt Street Pharmacy for milkshakes. Pick up a bottle or two at Leeah’s Old Village Wine Shop. The inn offers a few excursions, including a private sail boat tour around the harbor and Post House picnic lunch. Just around the corner, Charleston Artist Collective represents local artists and showcases their work in the gallery and online (a number of pieces hang on the Post House walls) and donates a portion of the proceeds to causes in the community. The significant Gullah Geechee culture (descendants of the Africans enslaved on the rice, indigo, and island cotton plantations of the coastal South) has imprinted this area with its cuisine, Creole language, and distinct identity. Support Gullah artisan work — like sweetgrass basket weaving — by buying baskets from the roadside stands along North Highway 17 and visiting the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Center at Memorial Waterfront Park. Every June, Mount Pleasant hosts the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival, celebrating storytelling, folklore, craftsmanship, and art.

Extend Your Trip

Stereotypes, Stiff Drinks, and Romanticized Myths in South Carolina's Palmetto Bluff
On the Green at Kiawah Island
Goodness. This Is Not Your Granny's Charleston