With steel and paper mills no longer shaping the city's future, Georgetown, South Carolina, is entering an exciting new season, one anchored in preservation, tourism and thoughtful growth. That transformation includes The George Hotel, Georgetown's first and only boutique hotel.
Founded in 1729, Georgetown wears its history gracefully. More than 60 buildings in its historic district are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The grand porches, church steeples, and centuries-old brick facades recall the antebellum era, when the area around the city produced nearly half the rice grown in the U.S.
Situated along the waterfront in the heart of downtown, The George Hotel feels less like a newcomer and more like the latest chapter of Georgetown's history.
TALK Fashion: The laid-back luxury of southern coastal charm at The George Hotel
Inside, Jenny Keenan Design has created interiors that are distinctly Southern, refined and welcoming. Lime-washed plank walls, two-toned hardwoods, oriental rugs and a vibrant local art collection create spaces that feel collected over generations yet fresh and whimsical. A showstopping arched lobby hallway is wrapped in a large-scale Schumacher wallcovering, evoking a dramatic tapestry of wildlife and lush landscapes.
Of the 56 guestrooms and suites, 42 face the water, offering sweeping views of the Sampit River and Georgetown Harbor. Each room feels unique, with custom-fabric headboards, vintage furnishings and thoughtful details. Pops of patterned textiles, decorative trim and elements like glass and ceramic lighting add personality. Two spacious suites feature separate living rooms and private balconies, perfect for lingering over coffee as fishing boats ease across the water.
Named after the beloved local seafood market and dock that closed after more than 80 years, The Independent honors Georgetown's fishing heritage while embracing the region's evolving culinary scene. Led by Executive Chef Dylan Shook and operated by The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, expect the best available local ingredients in a menu rooted in seasonality.
Fresh oysters and peel-and-eat shrimp arrive ice-cold from the raw bar. Starters like a plateful of crispy crab fingers, served with house remoulade, deliver a taste of coastal nostalgia, while warm cornbread surprises with whipped miso-honey butter.
Among the standout dishes are shrimp and cheddar grits with roasted tomatoes and barbecue butter, and cornmeal-pan-fried flounder served over a tomato-based seafood stew. Beyond seafood, and worthy of equal attention, there's red wine-braised short ribs over creamed collards and Cheshire bone-in pork chops brined in sweet tea. For dessert, the mile-high key lime pie has a layer of sea salt meringue toasted tableside and paired with blackberry coulis.
Since opening, Eliza's has become a popular go-to for locals and visitors alike. Located on the hotel's waterfront lawn, the open-air bar captures everything you love about the Lowcountry. Settle into an Adirondack chair, order fresh oysters and watch boats ease through the harbor.
Sip on a signature cocktail, like The Gray Man, a refreshing blend of vodka, strawberry-rosemary syrup, lime and soda, offering a playful nod to local folklore. Add lawn games, salt breezes and live music, and suddenly there's nowhere else you'd rather be.
The Front Street location means that the best of downtown is just steps away, including museums, cute shops and the scenic Harborwalk.
Arriving by boat? There's direct marina access, making it easy to step ashore for a bite or overnight stay. The marina also serves as a casting-off point for fishing charters and sailing excursions throughout Winyah Bay.
In Georgetown, life has always revolved around the water. The George Hotel simply offers one of the best places to enjoy it.
For more info, visit thegeorgehotelsc.com