Travel Agent - August 27, 2007 - (Page 26) Destinations Continued from page 25 Charleston Suggested Dining Dining is an integral part of a trip to the South. Here are some top Charleston tables recently recommended by The New York Times: Charleston Grill (at Charleston Place): (843) 577-4522 Fig: 232 Meeting St., (843) 805-5900 Hominy Grill: 207 Rutledge Ave., (843) 937-0930 Peninsula Grill: 112 N. Market St., (843) 723-0700 Sienna Restaurant: 901 Island Park Dr. (Daniel Island), (843) 881-8820 Cascading pool at Charleston’s The Market Pavilion Hotel snagging an insider’s dinner with a local chef. On a simpler level, he can provide transportation to the hotel in a Bentley. Those selecting the 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite at this hotel, which is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, will find not one, but two king bedrooms and two-and-a half baths. They’ll love the baby grand piano and bar in the living room, which serves as a great place to entertain (private butler service is also available). foot Corner King Junior Suites (225, 228, 325 and 328; 225 and 228 have balconies). All of these accommodations have hydro-jet showers and separate soaking tubs. For a great view of Market Street, request any room with an even number. Private butlers, personal assistants and even a certified caregiver for children can be arranged; however, the hotel requires notice 48 hours in advance. Pets are accepted on an individual basis only. Top seasons? Charleston is busiest in the spring and fall, so be sure to book three or four weeks in advance for travel at this time. General Manager George Buell (gb@ palashospitality.com; 843-266-4208) can be contacted directly for VIP services; Director of Sales and Marketing Elaina Palassis England (elaina@palashospital ity.com; 843-266-4212) is also a prime contact. Area restaurants: Gullah Cuisine Lowcountry Restaurant: 1717 Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant; (843) 881-9076 Red Drum Gastropub: 803 Coleman Blvd.; Mount Pleasant; (843) 849-0313 See Wee Restaurant: 4808 North Highway 17, Awendaw; (843) 928-3609 pavilion.com) one of their first stops. The panoramic views from this lofty oasis spill out to the new Cooper River Bridge and all across Charleston’s fine historic landscape. When it’s time to go inside, suggest dinner at Grill 225, which serves true steakhouse cuisine (but advise guests also to try the crab cakes, which have been deemed the best in the city by savvy insiders). Reservations can be made by Head Concierge Jonathan Ray (jray@ palashospitality.com; 843-266-4203), a.k.a the “director of special guest attention.” He has arranged for a recreation of a “George Washington dinner” in the Long Room of McCrady’s Tavern; he’s also gotten a string quartet to the hotel’s Presidential Suite to play for a cocktail party. Other fab feats? Organizing a riverbank picnic at a private plantation and For Lovebirds and Those Desiring More Space Romantic types might want to check in to the Terrace Suite (406), which sports a sleek sleigh bed and a spacious outdoor terrace that works well for outdoor dining and sunset views. Another top-end touch is the bathroom, which has a hydrotherapy tub and a shower with seven hydro jets. This premium abode, as well as the Presidential Suite, must be booked directly via the hotel, not GDS. Those in these suites, as well as in guest rooms on the fourth floor, have access to a small concierge lounge that serves light food throughout the day. Two 1,100-square-foot One-Bedroom Suites are also available. If your clients don’t need quite that much room, other spacous picks include the 600-square- Exploring Charleston A private guide we enjoyed while in Charleston is Linda Bennett-Wohlfeil (lindawohlfeil@yahoo.com; 843-8849505). This native Charlestonian owns Absolutely Charleston (www.absolutely charleston.com), a receptive tour company that provides custom transportation and experiences, including luxury receptions for private groups. 26 TravelAgent August 27, 2007 http://www.marketpavilion.com http://www.absolutelycharleston.com http://www.absolutelycharleston.com
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