Charleston

Charleston is one of America’s most distinctive historic cities, shaped by pastel-coloured houses, shaded verandas, hidden gardens and streets lined with palmettos and live oaks. Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival architecture gives the historic peninsula its remarkable character, while the city’s preserved houses and former warehouses reveal centuries of complex Southern history. Beyond the postcard beauty, contemporary galleries, independent shops and a growing design community are bringing new energy to neighbourhoods such as Cannonborough-Elliotborough and the Upper King Street district.

Food and drink are fundamental to Charleston’s identity. Lowcountry cooking draws deeply from African and Gullah Geechee culinary traditions, with rice, seafood, okra, benne seeds and ingredients from the surrounding coastal landscape forming its foundations. Historic oyster houses and Southern institutions now coexist with some of America’s most acclaimed chef-led restaurants, while cocktail bars, wine-focused neighbourhood spots and independent bakeries have expanded the city’s culinary reputation far beyond shrimp and grits.

Charleston’s most interesting hotels often inhabit the architecture that makes the city special. Historic mansions, former residences and carefully restored buildings combine original details with contemporary Southern design, art and lush courtyard gardens. At DNA Hotels, we curate the places where architecture, food, history and Charleston’s particular sense of place come together—hotels that embrace the romance of the Lowcountry while revealing a more creative and contemporary side of the American South.