The standard in Southern hospitality: The Mills House Hotel celebrates 170 years

Charleston, South Carolina, is widely noted as a treasure trove for any traveler.

Its clinched placement among the top of several ‘best of’ lists is a testament to all the city offers.

From its diverse restaurant scene, opulent hospitality options, and rich history, the ‘Holy City’ can quickly become a first choice to venture to.

Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the most notable port cities of the South. The history of America can be found in its cobblestone streets and monuments that have welcomed everyone from former Presidents George Washington to Barack Obama.

Cheers to 170 Years!

Meeting Street is the oldest street in the city, appropriately named after the place where its first residents would meet to conduct business and plan out the city’s expansion.

Fixed on the corner of the bustling intersection is a large pink structure that stands out amongst the adjoining brick and stone buildings.

The Mills House Hotel has sat on the corner of Meeting and Queen Street since 1853. The historic hotel has seen the city evolve and has found a way to balance Southern traditions with a modern twist.

While guests are guaranteed a top-notch experience while staying at the hotel, guests this month will get to be part of something special.

August marks the 170th anniversary of the Mills House Hotel, and the team has curated several special events and offerings to commemorate the milestone.

Throughout the month, guests (and the public) can enjoy these unique offerings:

Special Menu at Iron Rose - The hotel’s in-house restaurant pays homage to the original dining menu from 1860. The menu includes a three-course tasting menu for $48 per person.

Gary Mennie, Executive Chef, expressed how “interesting” it was to find “similarities” between the chefs of the past and present, “especially of native Lowcountry foods.”

Jerry Thomas-inspired cocktails - Iron Rose will offer a special drink menu featuring twists on classic recipes created by the father of American mixology.” Popular choices include The Big Pink, Powder Magazine, and the Palmetto.

Gibbes Museum pop-up gallery - A pop-up gallery curated by the Gibbes Museum will be in the hotel’s lobby, featuring original historical works of the Mills House.

Mills House Pop-Up Barbershop- On Saturday, Aug. 26, the hotel will host a pop-up barbershop with Broad Street Barber offering free haircuts + classic shaves. This event pays homage to Joseph Rainey, a former barber at the Mills House who became the first Black person to serve in the United States House of Representatives.

Social media giveaways - beginning Friday, Aug. 25, to Thursday, Aug. 31, the hotel will have daily social media giveaways, including swag bags, a free poolside cabana and drinks at the Terrace Bar, free dinners at the Iron Rose and a two-night stay in the Studio Suite with complimentary breakfast and dinner.

The Standard In Southern Hospitality

Adorned in black iron railing, The Mills House has kept its striking appearance for over a century. The original building had five floors, 180 guest rooms, in-house laundry, and a saloon.

During that time, it was noted as the resting place for the affluent and notable figures to stay during tours of the South.

The hotel has survived fires (insert story of soldiers saving the building by hanging wet sheets from the windows), natural disasters, and city transitions.

In 1970 the building was restored to its original splendor with modern additions. Two more floors were added, increasing the number of guest rooms to 218, including the Jasmine Suite. The one-bedroom-style penthouse has a separate bedroom, living area and dining space.

The transformation left space for an outside pool and patio space that provides an unmatched city view. The private cabanas, and Frozés are the perfect way to escape the Charleston heat.

The latest additions to the overhaul were culinary options that have surpassed any typical “in-house” restaurant.

The Iron Rose Restaurant is tucked away on the hotel’s first floor and carries on its comfortable luxury theme. The menu is described as “a mix of elevated Lowcountry fare to Charleston’s historic French Quarter.”

The Iron Rose features a fully stocked modern bar and dining room with space to host large events. The restaurant’s doors open to a perfect patio lounge space with a massive fountain and an outdoor fireplace.

For quick bites, the Black Door Café is an all-day café where you can enjoy coffee, handmade salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. The separate entrance makes the café easily accessible for anyone looking for lunch or a place to work.

The hotel’s walls are dotted with artwork from several nationally known artists. Many pieces focus on the South’s significant traits and associated figures, especially Black women. Standouts are a mixed media portrait of pioneering educator Mary McLeod Bethune by Kalisher Studio and a Holly Bishop’s wire molding of Matilda Evans, the first Black woman to practice medicine in South Carolina.

The Mills House Hotel is the perfect fusion of modernity and memories. Their commitment to Southern hospitality begins at the valet and follows you at the door at check-out.

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.