Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Belmond Charleston Place Staycation


Welcome to Belmond Charleston Place.  

This is one of Charleston's premier hotels located in proximity to all of downtown Charleston's greatest attractions. 


We arrived in our golf cart and the bellman was happy to valet our staycation wagon for us.


Just look at this grand entrance!




I am enamored with this chandelier.


One of the newly remodeled, premier rooms was reserved for our stay.  


The room couldn't have been more inviting and the new color palate is so elegant.  I'm a huge fan.  

Find yourself a premier room at Charleston Place here.










Look out over your balcony and you'll find you are right in the heart of Charleston.  Walk to the city market, soak in Charleston's history on a carriage tour, take a stroll through Charleston's intriguing neighborhoods, and enjoy the many restaurants located only a jaunt from Belmond Charleston Place.  

Take a short elevator ride to a fun filled day of shopping and dining downstairs or lazing by the picturesque rooftop pool.  The hotel's restaurants are some of the best in town so do not miss the dining experience for breakfast or lunch at Palmetto Cafe and dinner at Charleston Grill.  

The hotel's location is so exclusive, you may wave to and visit your elite neighbors, Gucci and Louis.
   


Go shopping without even stepping foot outside.



We headed back to our room to change for the pool but this dreamy bed was calling my name.  It was all I could do but to fall into it with my tired feet and body.


   


Did I mention there is a bar at the pool? 
I went with the "Miami Vice frozen concoction." (pina colada and strawberry with Bacardi Rum deliciousness)





Out to the rooftop for some relaxation in the sun...


Guests can enjoy the covered pool all year round and in any kind of weather...

Mark's entrance into the pool made a big splash...


Oh wait, that's not too safe.  Let's try this...



No need to worry, the man on the left was unharmed in the making of this gif pic!  We asked him if he minded a splash before Mark showered him.





What an amazing way to spend our staycation.

My entrance was a little less eventful than Mark's...




A glass of bubbly to enjoy back in the pool.  





The pool area leads right out to the rooftop patio where you may soak in as much sun as you'd like...




 

The fitness room has plenty of equipment for a great workout.  Mark broke a sweat while I returned to our room to change for dinner.  


Back in our quarters, I turned some music on, got into my fluffy robe...


...and primped my hair in the incredibly chic powder room.




Look what arrived just in time for Mark's return...


This is how Belmond Charleston Place does their wine and cheese. Delish!


Yummy pimento cheese with an added special touch, a recipe card so you may recreate your stay at home.  How clever!




Mark poured some wine while I utilized the hotel's amenities to the fullest.  Ladies, you are well taken care of here!






A toast to many more staycations to come...







Our first stop before dinner was the Thoroughbred Club, a glamorous and enchanting space for an aperitif.  Cocktails, tapas, and live music can be enjoyed here seven days a week.








Thoroughbred Club is a great space to kick back and people/ puppy watch.  Puppy?  Yes, guests of the hotel may bring their furry friends.  There is even a dog walking service.



Gigi was a happy little visitor last weekend at Charleston Place.


Next stop, Charleston Grill for dinner...



Hanna Miller and Deanna Miller are your lovely hostesses.  (same last name but not related)

A father and son team, Bob Williams Duo, play at Charleston Grill every Sunday evening.  It doesn't get any better than live music.



Charleston Grill has 4 tasting categories on their menu, one named Cosmopolitan caught my eye.  I hope the description of the Cosmopolitan grouping depicts Charlesmopolitan's future, "exotic and imaginative dishes inspired by flavors found traveling the globe."  That sounds like the perfect life to me, food and travel!




You have your choice of breads...



A glass of rose strikes my fancy...



Cheers!



These two little staycationers went with the fried catfish and prime beef tenderloin.  Charleston Grill's food is always exceptional!




A little moscato for dessert.


A pre-dessert or amusee bouche (fun for the mouth)...



...and vanilla bean creme brûlée...  Yes!




 The entire restaurant was packed when we arrived this past Sunday.  That speaks volumes about the amazing cuisine and excellent service.  Memorable in every way.

We were some of the last persons to leave...


The soft, downy bed and a movie were waiting for us back in our room.




A little light reading before bed...


Good morning! 

Imagine waking to this beautiful breakfast each morning.  Belmond Charleston Place takes the statement, "presentation is everything," to a whole new level...


We dined like a king and queen at this beautiful table...




Not only are you provided with robes for a perfect stay, but the hotel steps it up a notch with matching slippers.


You know what they say, "The couple that robes together, staycations together.... and stays together."

What an incredible treat it was to spend time with my sweet husband at Belmond Charleston Place.  Thank you for sponsoring our stay! 



What we wore:





The white cap sleeve dress and leather belt can be found in stores at Banana Republic.

The evening dress from J.Crew and NG bathing suit are no longer available at the stores, so above are some examples of similar items from the same shops.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Hall's Chophouse

Welcome to Hall's Chophouse!  

My mother came to town to celebrate my white coat ceremony, which represents the graduation in dental school from classes to clinics.  This calls for a feast, off we go to Hall's.









This is our buddy Darryl, we became fast friends.



Our plates have arrived; lamb chops, scallops, and fillet.



That's a thumbs up from mom!








The food was incredible and we were so stuffed.



Dessert?  We just couldn't, not right now anyway.  But we did take a peek. 



On our way out, we took in all of the life and beauty of the restaurant.  Look at how inviting the space is...



This nook by the stairs seems like a great place to enjoy a private dinner for two...



You would have your very own bartender at your service...



Darryl made sure our dinner was perfect.





You can only imagine how beautiful this live music was.


Owner, Mr. Billy Hall, heard we were too full to enjoy a little dessert and kindly sent an incredible slice of cake home with us.  He didn't want us to miss out, which we would have because it was delicous!


Carrot Cake!

It didn't take long for the three of us to dive in once we returned home.










Lastly, I played dress up in a little white coat and enjoyed the moment with one proud momma!