Travel Agent - August 27, 2007 - (Page 25) Charleston Charleston, a Relaxing Respite For a laid-back luxury vacation, suggest Charleston to your clients BY RUTHANNE TERRERO rterrero@questex.com Destinations Corporate Suite at Charleston Place he moment we walked into the lobby of the Charleston Place hotel (www.charlestonplace. com), we felt we were part of the city’s vibe. This Charleston, S.C. establishment is a key stomping ground for upscale locals—thanks to the popular Charleston Grill restaurant and the Thoroughbred Club, a good old-fashioned open lobby bar that sits beside a sweeping grand staircase. Keeping the local traffic flowing is the fact that the hotel, which is run by Orient-Express, has 30 shops, such as Gucci, St. John and Brookstone, on site. It’s also located on King Street, which is the main shopping street in the historic district. T Our Suggestion Travel Agent strongly recommends staying in “The Club” on the top two floors of the hotel, where doting service goes beyond other luxury hotel club-floor standards we’ve experienced. For example, guests returning from a walk in the rain on a recent Sunday afternoon were delighted to find that a glass of dry sherry awaited them. Rooms on this floor also have the best views of Charleston. However, the best pick of all is the 1,200-square-foot Presidential & Spoleto Suite. The name-to-know at Charleston Place is Concierge Rick Burton (rburton@ charlestonplace.com; 843-724-7213), who can arrange for private tours of historic homes, antiquing with appraisers or even for personal shoppers to bring merchandise to your client’s room for consideration. Helicopter transportation and tee times on area golf courses can also be arranged. The hotel is pet-friendly and even provides welcome amenities. Another feat the concierge can arrange is for your cherished pet to be looked after by a petsitter while they are out on the town, or arrange for a pet-walker. General Manager Paul Stracey (pstrac ey@charlestonplace.com) is high-energy and hands-on and likes to be contacted when your client is arriving. The travel agent liason for VIP guests is Kearsen Etheridge (ketheridge@charlestonplace hotel.com; 843-724-8120). Ask her about hosting a true Southern wedding at the hotel. If your client wants to enjoy a glamorous night on the town in Charleston, S.C., be sure they make the Pavilion Bar atop The Market Pavilion Hotel (www.market Insider Shopping Tips I For antiques, George C. Birlant & Co. (www.birlant.com; 191 King Street; 843-722-3842) is one of the largest and oldest establishments in the Southeast. It’s ideal for scoping out vintage silver, china and crystal. I Croghan’s Jewel Box (www.croghans jewelbox.com; 308 King Street) has been open since World War I and is located in an 18th-century Charleston single house. I Berlin’s Clothing (www.berlins clothing.com; 114 King Street) has bespoke menswear and has been in its location for 117 years. Continued on page 26 August 27,2007 TravelAgent 25 http://www.charlestonplace.com http://www.charlestonplace.com http://www.birlant.com http://www.croghansjewelbox.com http://www.croghansjewelbox.com http://www.berlinsclothing.com http://www.berlinsclothing.com http://www.marketpavilion.com
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