Drawing inspiration from its coveted Charleston waterfront location, HarbourView Inn’s recent million-dollar design refresh reinforces its coastal, modern aesthetic with sunlit rooms, lots of breezy blues and a welcoming roof terrace that offers views of the harbor and the starry skyline of the holy city.

Now fresh off its redesign, HarbourView is offering a package that includes a private consultation with Jenny Kennan, the famed Charleston-based designer who spearheaded the luxury hotel’s renovation. The immersive package is very appealing to design enthusiasts, especially those who often find themselves inspired by boutique hotel design, wondering how they could recreate the vibe at home.

In addition to a two-night stay in the Grand HarbourView Suite, the $3,000 “Southern Design Experience Package” also includes a walking tour of downtown Charleston’s historic neighborhoods guided by Keenan. Please note: the hotel is located a short distance from the pretty pastel Georgian houses that make up the famous Rainbow Row. The Design Lover’s Package also includes a $750 credit towards a purchase at Fritz Porter on East Bay Street (one of Keenan’s favorite stores; see more stores she likes below).

As the icing on the cake, guests who book this package are treated to a round of drinks at The Spectator hotel bar, which is HarbourView’s gorgeous sister property that comes complete with a 1920s-style speakeasy. Keenan led the design of the property which opened in the summer of 2015, impressing with its hand-painted murals and white Carrara bathroom vanities.

As part of its June 2021 refurbishment, HarbourView has commissioned pieces from local artisans, such as hand-drawn charcoal drawings by artist David Boatwright that are unique to each room and depict iconic landmarks of the greater area of Charleston as well as custom-made and restored draperies. Tiffany blue cabinets.

The 52-room luxury hotel opened in 1998 and was the historic district’s first waterfront hotel. In its past life, the building was a 1930s indigo cotton warehouse. Historic touches remain in the hotel, including 14-foot-high ceilings and exposed brickwork in the hotel’s historic wing. The interior refresh includes subtle nautical-inspired touches in common areas, guest rooms, and the private rooftop terrace, which has received new furnishings.

Nautical blues, creams, and grays provide a soothing color palette, and the hotel’s custom carpeting comes from Fine Rugs of Charleston.

Wondering where to shop while in Charleston? Here are a few places Keenan identified as his favorites:

• Located in a former cigar factory, Fritz Porter selects products from contemporary designers as well as refined antiques. Find a gold mine of handcrafted wallpapers and textile designs here to inspire your own home renovation.
• Surrounded by a lush nursery, Elizabeth Stuart’s flagship boutique and garden center offers a fine stash of travel-inspired antiques, jewelry, art and decor.
• Over 30 vendors across the southeast sell one-of-a-kind pieces at Wynsum Antiques & Interiors, a King Street treasure chest.
• Discover an eclectic collection of furniture, rugs, lighting, antiques and textiles at 17 South. The collective includes more than 30 sellers.