The Dewberry: A Historic Charleston Hotel in a Restored 1920s Building

What The Dewberry Is and Where to Find It

The Dewberry is a hotel in downtown Charleston housed in a restored 1920s building that once served as a department store. The hotel sits at 334 King Street, in the heart of Charleston's shopping and dining district, within walking distance of the Historic District and waterfront. The building's original Art Deco bones remain visible throughout—pressed tin ceilings, terrazzo floors, and tall windows that frame King Street below.

The property opened as a hotel in 2015 after a multi-year restoration that preserved the building's architectural character while adding modern hotel amenities. The name references the native South Carolina dewberry, a wild blackberry that grows across the Lowcountry. The hotel is independently owned and operated, not part of a national chain.

Key Takeaways

• The Dewberry occupies a restored 1920s building on King Street with original Art Deco details visible throughout the lobby, hallways, and guest rooms.
• The hotel has 53 guest rooms across six floors, with room types ranging from compact studios to larger suites, many with city or courtyard views.
• The on-site restaurant, Henrietta's Table, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on Lowcountry ingredients and seasonal menus.
• The location on King Street puts you within a five-minute walk of shops, galleries, restaurants, and a ten-minute walk to the Historic District and waterfront.
• The hotel does not have a parking lot; street parking and nearby paid garages are the primary options for guests with vehicles.

The Building's History and Restoration

The structure dates to 1924 and was designed as a retail building during Charleston's commercial boom in the 1920s. It originally housed a department store on the ground floor with office and storage space above. The building sat largely vacant or underutilized for decades before the restoration project began.

The renovation team retained the building's original exterior brick, the ornamental cornice, and the large street-facing windows. Inside, the pressed tin ceilings, terrazzo flooring, and original stairwell were preserved and restored. The hotel's design aesthetic blends this preserved architecture with contemporary furnishings and finishes, creating spaces that feel both historic and current.

Room Types and What to Expect

The Dewberry has 53 rooms across six floors. Room types include studios, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. Studios are the most compact option and typically feature a queen or double bed, a small work area, and a bathroom with shower. One-bedroom suites add a separate living area and may include a soaking tub or shower combination.

Many rooms have views of King Street or the hotel's interior courtyard. Rooms are furnished with modern beds, work desks, and flat-screen televisions. Bathrooms include rainfall showerheads and locally made toiletries. The hotel does not have elevators on every floor—some rooms are accessible by stairs only, so confirm accessibility needs when booking.

The hotel is pet-friendly and allows dogs and cats for an additional nightly fee. There is no weight or breed restriction, though the hotel asks that pets not be left unattended in rooms for extended periods.

Henrietta's Table Restaurant

The hotel's ground-floor restaurant, Henrietta's Table, is open to hotel guests and the public. The menu changes seasonally and emphasizes Lowcountry ingredients—shrimp, fish, local vegetables, and grains sourced from regional producers when possible. Breakfast includes eggs, pastries, and coffee. Lunch and dinner feature entrees, smaller plates, and a bar program.

The restaurant occupies a bright corner space with large windows overlooking King Street. Seating includes tables and a bar counter. The space retains some of the building's original architectural details, including exposed brick and high ceilings. Reservations are recommended for dinner, particularly on weekends and during peak tourism seasons.

Location and Getting Around

The Dewberry's King Street location puts you in the middle of Charleston's retail and dining corridor. Within a five-minute walk you will find independent boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants. The Historic District—including Fort Sumter, the Battery, and Rainbow Row—is roughly a ten-minute walk south. The City Market and waterfront are also within walking distance.

Public transportation in Charleston is limited. The CARTA bus system operates routes through downtown, and the hotel is near several stops. Most visitors explore downtown on foot or by bicycle. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Charleston and are widely used for trips outside the walking-friendly downtown core.

Parking and Accessibility

The Dewberry does not have an on-site parking lot. Guests with vehicles can use street parking on King Street and surrounding blocks, though spaces are often full during peak seasons. Several paid parking garages operate within two to three blocks of the hotel, including the Majestic Parking Garage on Meeting Street and the King Street Garage. Rates vary but typically run between $15 and $25 per day.

The hotel building has stairs at the entrance and throughout. Some rooms are accessible by elevator, while others require climbing stairs. The restaurant and lobby are accessible by stairs from street level. Guests with mobility concerns should confirm room and facility accessibility when booking.

Booking and Rates

The Dewberry can be booked directly through its website or through major online travel platforms. Room rates vary by season and day of the week. Peak season in Charleston runs from March through May and October through November, when rates are highest. Summer and winter months typically offer lower rates. Weekend rates are generally higher than weekday rates year-round.

The hotel often offers package deals that bundle room nights with restaurant credits or other amenities. Cancellation policies vary depending on the rate type selected at booking—some rates are non-refundable, while others allow cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival. Check the specific terms when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there air conditioning in the rooms?

Yes. All rooms have individual climate control. The building's age means some rooms may have less powerful cooling than newer hotels, particularly on upper floors. If temperature control is a concern, mention it when booking and the hotel can note your preference.

Does the hotel have a fitness center or pool?

The Dewberry does not have a fitness center, pool, or hot tub on-site. The hotel is located in downtown Charleston where many guests explore the city on foot. Some guests use nearby gyms or fitness studios; the hotel can provide recommendations.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes. The hotel is pet-friendly and allows dogs and cats for an additional nightly fee. There is no weight or breed restriction. The hotel asks that pets not be left alone in rooms for extended periods during the day.

What is the closest airport?

Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 12 miles northwest of downtown. The drive takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing services, rental cars, and airport shuttles are available. Some hotels offer airport pickup; check with the Dewberry directly about shuttle options.

Is breakfast included with a room?

Breakfast is not automatically included with room rates. However, the hotel sometimes offers packages that include breakfast or restaurant credits. Check the specific rate and package details when booking, or ask the hotel about breakfast options when you arrive.