Zero George Street

Earlier this summer I spent some time in Charleston, SC for a summer style shoot capturing maternity looks for our growing baby bump and to be completely honest, playing and eating and shopping. While I am not a local I have logged some serious man hours traipsing around the cobble streets of this perfect little southern town. To my amazement I hadn’t heard of Zero George Street until I began researching for our little getaway. Admittedly I felt a little out of the loop upon said discover because one quick google search for “luxury hotels in Charleston, SC” and you will be bombarded with article after article of all the accolades that this charming hotel claims to their name.

Intrigued I was so we quickly made it priority number one for our trip to Charleston and let me tell you, we do NOT regret it. Please enjoy my review of the property and these beautiful photos taken by Christine LeGrand Photo. Oh, and you can get a little jealous if you want – it’s ok.

The Grounds: Warning: arriving at Zero George might literally take your breath away. Or make you gasp. Or make you skip right up to the bar and grab a refreshing glass of champagne so you can stroll the grounds bubbly in hand. It is seriously that swanky and beautiful and charming. There is just a magicallness in the air that beckons you to sprawl out on their lush verandas and pretend like you are someone far more important than you actually are (read: Beyonce). I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out just what potion they were pumping through the air that made the experience so delectable. Maybe it’s how the property is shaded beneath beautiful trees and once walking through the gate you instantly get relief from the scorching heat of the low-country. Maybe it’s the cool breeze that filters through the buildings or the soft music and gentle clanking of silverware that can be heard from Zero Cafe + Bar. Or probably it’s because no detail was overlooked from the lit candles, fresh flowers, beautiful linens or soft lighting illuminating the trees.

Do I have you drooling or scrambling for your credit card to book a trip asap? Well hold tight because I’m just getting started.

The Decor: The property is comprised of three Charleston residences and two brick carriage houses that together house 18 studios and suites. Circa 1804, all of the original architectural elements are intact including heart pine floors, high ceilings and the original piazzas. The vibe of the decor is very luxurious, very French and very romantic. The guest rooms are simply dreamy filled with natural linens, layers and layers of bedding, creamy color palettes, and marble and pine oh my.

The Staff: We had the pleasure of being toured around by Ray Berrouët, the property’s general manager, who is quite possibly one of the kindest and most stylish fellows we have ever met. He is knowledgeable, cultured and so well versed on the history and architecture of Zero George and Charleston. If you are a history buff or a travel aficionado find him upon your visit and ask him a question or 10!

The Food: Boy oh boy the food. Zero Café + Bar is the on-site restaurant headed up by Chef Vinson Petrillo. The restaurant was selected as one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveler and Chef Petrillo just happens to be the US’s San Pellegrino Young Chef 2015.

Breakfast and an à la carte dinner menu are offered for guest to enjoyand enjoy we did. Not only was the service and the atmosphere superb but the food was unreal. I mean have you ever had a fried squash blossom stuffed with local blue crab and heirloom tomato jam? It will change your life.

Here are a couple of the items we sampled (read: stuffed our faces with).

On the left: Housemade burrata: A composition of early summer roots, heirloom tomato and garden herbs.

On the right: Deviled eggs w/ poached black truffle, pickled mustard, bacon and eggs, & caviar. (This sounds maybe a little fancy / frightening for a simple southern gal like yours truly but one taste and you will be bringing in grandma to try and learn the culinary secrets.)

Cocktails & those Ambrose farm squash blossoms with local blue crab and heirloom tomato jam.

Two of us were pregnant and couldn’t indulge in the delicious cocktails so we asked the bartender for something yummy and non-alcoholic. He made one drink with cucumber, mint and elder flower lemonade and another with cranberry, orange juice, lime, fresh basil and strawberry. We would have been ok with lemonade topped with a garnish but of course the staff went over-the-top to please.

The Bottom Line: If you are looking for a romantic getaway in the heart of Charleston, SC then this hotel needs to be first on your list for places to stay. And if you won’t take our word for it just check out all of these awards:

Hot New Hotel in the both the U.S. (#3) and the world (#10) by TripAdvisor

2013 Top 100 Hotel by Fodor’s

Selected as one of the world’s best new hotels in 2013 by Travel + Leisure

#1 Most Romantic Hotel in Charleston by Travel + Leisure

If you want to learn more about Zero George visit their website, facebook, pinterest, twitter or instagram.

– CC

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