A search for hotel options for a quick family getaway in Charleston, South Carolina, turned up Seaside Inn. Located on Isle of Palms, a slip of a barrier island near Charleston, Seaside Inn is a hotel with a simpler time, laid-back vibe .
This family-friendly, non-fussy resort was just what we needed for our multi-generation family mini-vacation. Walk out the back of the hotel and you’re right on the beach. Restaurants flanked the Seaside Inn on either side. A couple of bars were a part of the strip of shops just steps away. Plus, the hotel has a few amenities to make a beach stay fun.
Bicycles-circa 1950s beach cruisers are free for guest use. There’s also shuffle board court and giant checkerboard set up, and complimentary beach towels are available year round. For those who want to soak up some rays without the sand, the deck has lounge chairs with an ocean view.
Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented.
Although, the Seaside Inn’s pool is not particularly large, it’s a lovely spot. Several kids were enjoying some pool time despite the barely tipping 70s temperatures when we were there.
The lobby is another hang out spot. In the morning, the complimentary breakfast is served here. Eggs, grits and waffles make up the hot items. Cereal, breads and yoghurt make up the rest, and the fresh baked cinnamon rolls are an added treat.
During the rest of the day, guests can use the space to visit. Coffee and tea are served 24/7. Browsing the rack of brochures turned up a few things to do. My son, daughter and I headed into Charleston our second night for one of the ghost walk tours through Bulld0g Tours. The brochure landed us a discount.
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Our two king bed rooms worked well, but I wish I had asked for two that adjoined or at least on the same floor. We were on the third floor and my daughter, her husband and our almost two year-old grandson were on the 2nd. It would also have been nice to remember the 17 year-old. My son slept on the floor on an Aerobed.
By the time I realized that I booked two king rooms, it was too late to switch for a room with two double beds.
Rooms, however were a decent set up. Counter space, the mini-fridge and wardrobe style closet were ample enough storage. The bathroom, although not big, and with a walk in shower, did work well. Each day, our rooms were cleaned and shower amenities and towels replenished.
Fortunately, the weather cooperated so we spent more time out of our rooms than in. The beach here is excellent. Early one morning I walked along the edge of the ocean collecting shells.
Kite flyers. a few swimmers, and surfers were taking up the robust end of outdoor activities during the weekend we were there.
The one addition I would make to the Seaside Inn are doormats on both the outside and the inside of the guest rooms. We didn’t have too hard a time keeping sand out, but it would have been nice to have a place to wipe our feet.
A fold up chair or two would also be good. The rooms aren’t big enough for a table and chairs but when all of us were in a room, seating was sparse. Still, with so much to do in the area, staying in ones room is not the priority.
With the close proximity to Charleston–about a 25-minute drive, Isle of Palms is a place to consider when pairing a stay close to historical riches with a beach vacation. We plan to go back.
Our room rate through Hotels.com was $160 at the time, but during the summer rates go up. There are more room options available through the Seaside Inn website. The most expensive is the Oceanfront King with a private balcony at $279. Pet-friendly rooms run $219. WiFi is free. You can also compare rates at Expedia.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein
