The Vibe: Artisanal, timeless.

The Area: Just north of the historic open-air market. Despite this being a heavily touristed area, Emeline feels private, particularly the higher floors.

The DNA: Most recently operating as a DoubleTree by Hilton, hospitality visionary Makeready (The Adolphus, Dallas) has a talent for working closely with local artisans to create signature venues and saw the building actually had an interesting history. In 1852, merchant George W. Williams, eager to expand his grocery business, left Augusta, Georgia, for Charleston, South Carolina. There, he established a firm on Church Street (the site of the Emeline), and in an unconventional move for the era, promoted five of his loyal clerks to partners. Dominated by blue and green, the color palette pays homage to Charleston’s landscape, the decor is a mix of materials including walnut, polished concrete, glass, cane, tambour, and velvet. Inside the restaurant Frannie and the Fox, for example, charcoal brick flooring is paired with Moroccan tiles. Deftly woven into the design are vintage furnishings, books, and an abundance of local art. In the lobby, a fiber installation by Hilton Head artist Suzanne Le Méhauté draws attention, as does the hallway vitrine filled with flora and fauna specimens curated by Sisal Creative and Whitney Stoddard’s custom botanical wallpaper behind the front desk.

Suite-Me-Up: Emeline’s guest rooms and suites embody thoughtful luxury imbued with an undercurrent of cool. Architectural elements like picture rails and detailed millwork nod to the neighborhood’s history. Posters from Charleston’s annual Spoleto Festival USA add a sense of place.

Seen: Hospitality Design

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 212 rooms & suites (19-49m2) (200-531 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2020 (previously Doubletree by Hilton) • architecture: DLR Group • interior design: Swoon the Studio • bathroom amenities: custom • parking possible nearby (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible