The grand opening of The Nickel Hotel exceeded all of my expectations. It was thrilling to see so many old friends making the event feel like a homecoming for me as well. Charleston loves to party but this one left me wondering how a New York PR firm pulled off having so many lovely locals in one building. It was clear they did their homework and not just for the guest list.
Developed and designed by nationally recognized hospitality company, Method Co., in partnership with renowned New York-based architect Morris Adjmi Architects. The five-story project features 50 suites and rooms, a lush interior courtyard, a library, private event space, a guest-only cocktail bar, and a rooftop lounge that will be open to the public in August. (Counting down the days and will keep y’all posted)
The Nickel Hotel was named for the French expression: “C’est Nickel.” Translation: “It’s impeccable.” The property takes design cues from the ornate ironwork that embellishes our gates, passageways, historic homes and many churches found around the beloved Holy City. The Nickel also represents fortune, change and time well spent. This summer has been a time of change for me personally and I really connected with that symbolism. Upon arrival guests were handed a cocktail and a little pouch with a nickel inside. The idea was to toss them in the courtyard fountain, a gesture I found very touching as much of Charleston was built on a wish and a prayer. I only spent a short while at The Nickel but it was definitely time well spent. I look forward to making many more memories at this impeccable locale.
This part of upper King Street really needed an anchor and a few more rooms which can only elevate the Cannonborough experience. Charleston has seen so much change in a relatively short time. I love seeing designers and developers pour their hearts and bank accounts into our darling little town. Especially, when it is done with such grace and reflection into our past. The Nickel is sure to have a long and bright future.
At the heart of the hotel lies The Nickel Courtyard. It serves as the property’s lush living room where guests can escape to a hidden sanctuary off of bustling King Street. It was here that the party got started. I immediately fell in love with the floral arrangements. To me they were a fresh take on the southern bouquets typical of such affairs. Digging a little deeper I discovered they were crafted by local florist Floral Studies. I will now be stalking Sonny Tom Sisan and his passionate florals of intentional artistry until he agrees to be my new friend.
Another lovely nod to our past can be found in the private guest lounge. Aptly named Bar Daniel after Daniel Cannon the carpenter who founded Cannonborough. The lounge offers service all-day from a quiet place for breakfast and an espresso to cozy lounge for late-night cocktails. The combination of antique mirror walls with herringbone European oak flooring and lush upholsteries add to the space’s charm.
The bars and entertaining spaces were so much fun I almost forgot about the rooms. Full of light with a fresh southern aesthetic the rooms and suites feature a full-size kitchen, dining space, lounge space, and washer and dryer. Making them more like your perfect Charleston Pied-à-terre than just another hotel. Guests can choose their preferred view with arched floor-to-ceiling windows that face either King Street or open to private balconies overlooking the property’s intimate central courtyard. The guest bathrooms feature serene green wall tiles paired with hand-glazed porcelain floor tiles in a whimsical clover pattern. Creating an inspired space to reset and dream.
During the party I tried all the wonderful dishes. The combination of florals and colorful bites was truly a feast for the eyes and I couldn’t help but smile when examining the tablescapes. The hardest part was deciding what to eat and drink next. I personally was over served and ended up late night at Patricia’s with Whitney and a cast of misfit characters. Peaches was barking and we did not want her to wake the Queen so we let her join the after-hours. New friends we made and old bonds strengthened. Welcome to Charleston Hotel Nickel we are glad y’all are here.
En route to the party. Always get the pre-party jitters…
P.S. I Also LOVED the art throughout the hotel. One artists in particular had a clever twist on the Audubon collection and even played around with a Picasso. Having fun with history makes me so happy. Check out Butch Anthony for more inspired works.
Party photos by me and Studio Lost Boy.
awesome ! come back to Narragansett. you were here years ago, but I never knew the background of that visit :)