By Lisa K. Berton
King Street buzzes with patrons coming in and out of hole-in-the-wall kitchens and trendy bars. Sojourn down the gray brick-laid alley off King Street, and you'll find yourself standing in front of Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. The four-year-old hotel siblings sit on prime real estate in Charleston's historic district.
Forming an upside-down capital L, the two Hyatts share common areas yet offer distinctly different rooms. Focusing on Hyatt Place and shared space, guests will find a casual atmosphere will room to stretch out in any of the 191 hotel rooms.
Touches of blonde and mint brighten up the neutral tone decor. Rooms feature mini-refrigerators and corner-shaped sleep sofas. Kick up your feet and watch TV or familiarize yourself with Charleston's historic district maps under the large overhead light. Ask for an esplanade/ King Street (front of the building) or Ravenel Bridge views. Light sleepers should avoid rooms near the hard-working ice machine or pick up earplugs at the front desk.
After hours of sitting on a plane or in a car, reinvigorate in the gym. Swim laps in the indoor pool. Grab some crunchy snacks and caffeinated beverages from the lobby 24-hour mini-market. And when check-in opens up for your return flight, use the computers provided and print out your boarding pass.
Perhaps the best hotel amenity is a breakfast bar with made-to-order omelets. Provided to guests of both hotels are pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, juices, breakfast meats, and other start-your-day right foods. A word of advice, when selecting a number for your omelet order (delivered to the table), avoid 6 and 9. You may wait a long time because someone else received your order.
Park your car in the adjacent garage or splurge on valet parking. Neither is managed by Hyatt; you will need to pay for parking at a kiosk. But the valet staff is friendly and extremely appreciative of any extra unopened drinks that can't go through TSA.
From the hotel, you can walk around Charleston's historic district including City Market, four corners of law, and various museums. Stop by the visitor's center to purchase tour bus tickets. For avid walkers, the wharf is 30 minutes away. Enjoy a narrated harbor tour and keep an eye out for dolphins.
No matter where you go in Charleston, take solace in knowing that a comfortable bed, plenty of pillows, and air conditioning await you back at Hyatt Place.
Free Time Journal enjoys giving back to the communities we visit. We chose to donate food, treats, and toys to Charleston Animal Society. Lisa had a chance to spend time with 3 cats that were given up by an elderly owner unable to continue to care for them.
Disclaimer: Free Time Journal received a media rate. Reviews are not affected.