Last updated on December 16th, 2022
Charleston South Carolina is one of the most charming cities in the southern United States. With some of the best cuisine, historic sites, and beautiful buildings, it has easily become one of my favorite places to visit.
Like many things in Charleston, the hotels are quite exquisite. Zero George is no exception. This premier hotel is comprised of three restored buildings and two brick carriage houses which accommodate over 16 residences.
Surrounded by lush gardens and serene courtyards, this classic hotel makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1800s.
Adorned with large verandas glowing with soft candlelight, secluded sitting areas, and charming design elements, Zero George has earned a reputation as one of Charleston’s best places to stay.
We booked the boutique hotel for our wedding weekend in Charleston and are so glad we did. I cannot say enough good things about the property and felt it was worth a detailed review.
Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend, a cozy oasis, or like us, a classic wedding accommodation, Zero George is the perfect place.
This detailed Zero George review goes over our wonderful stay in Charleston.
Getting to Zero George
Zero Georgeis named after its location, 0 George Street in Downtown Charleston. It sits on the corner of George Street and East Bay Street in the Ansonborough neighborhood.
Since the hotel is actually a combination of five buildings it may be a little hard to find at first.
The hotel’s entrance is located on the corner of the two streets by a large wrought-iron gate.
Like many hotels downtown there is no on-site parking, but you can pay for off-site or valet parking for an additional daily rate.
History of the Property
The neighborhood where Zero George sits is known as Ansonborough, after Captain George Anson. He bought the land which became Charleston’s (Charles Town at the time) first suburb.
Both the neighborhood and the cross streets George Street and Anson Street were named after him. Zero George sits on part of the land known as the “Federal Green”.
Later in the 1800s Benjamin Du Pré, a French tailor, built himself a brick house with two brick outbuildings on this property. These buildings still make up part of the hotel accommodations.
The other two buildings that make up Zero George were relocated from Calhoun Street as part of a restoration project, which is still underway today.
Checking In
The main office is in the first building along with the restaurant and indoor lounge area. Go up the patio stairs and take a left for the office.
Check in was quick and the concierge was extremely helpful with answering any questions I had.
They gave a tour of the property, welcomed us with a bottle of champagne, and had our belongings ready for us in our room by the time we got there.
Zero George Accommodations
Rooms and Suites
There are four tiers of nightly accommodations to choose from at Zero George. The Veranda Queen and King rooms are located in the houses at the back of the property.
Each room is beautifully decorated with a fireplace, high ceilings, lush bedding, plush bathrobes, and plantation shutters. The bathroom is adorned with marble showers and every possible amenity you would need.
The rooms even come with a hidden coffee bar in the closet. Just outside each level are shared covered patios with large seating areas.
The Anson and Garden Suites are in the original residence house at the front of the property. These rooms are larger and come with an additional parlor room and secluded sitting area.
The Garden Suite also comes with a pull-out sofa and its own private veranda and is the most luxurious of the four hotel options.
The Residences at Zero George
What makes this property unique is there are also long-term stays available. The Residences are a series of five private apartments available to rent for up to one year. These historic residences offer everything that the boutique hotel does, plus much more.
The units have up to 3 bedrooms with two spacious floors of living area. From luxury kitchens, to private balconies, you get all the lavish amenities of a Charleston home.
Extra Touches
What made the hotel stand out to me was the extra touches that you don’t often see all the time.
We were welcomed with chocolates and bottle of champagne and found some other personal mementos along the way.
The most special were the Zero George scented candles and the luggage tag with handwritten note hanging on our door the morning we checked out.
These little touches made us feel right at home.
Wedding Accommodations
I cannot say enough good things about Zero George in terms of wedding planning. The hotel was very happy to work with our planner the day of the wedding.
They allowed our florists to come drop our bouquets off in the morning and even let the photographers come to take pictures of the girls and I getting ready.
The entire place is stunning and made the perfect backdrop for our getting ready photos.
Other Amenities
COMPLIMENTARY BIKES: There are several bikes on the premises that are free for guest to use. These in my opinion are the best way to site see around the city.
WINE & CHEESE NIGHTS: Every evening between 5-6pm complimentary wine and cheese is available to all guests. The wine and cheese pairings are picked out by a sommelier for the perfect pre-dinner treat!
COOKING SCHOOL: On Saturdays and Sundays between 11am-1pm, Zero George offers a cooking school in the 1804 kitchen carriage house. The class is run by the hotel’s Executive Chef and teaches you how to cook a 3-course meal, paired with wine tasting.
Things to do Around Zero George
Located in the heart of the downtown area, there is no shortage of things to do around the property. Many restaurants are in walking distance, but you can also take the complimentary bikes for a ride.
Here are some popular things to do around the property.
DO SOME SHOPPING
Charleston is full of interesting boutiques and shops. Two of the main places to go shopping are King Street and the City Market.
The South Part of King Street is where all the boutique shopping is.
There is a mix of local novelty shops, antique stores, clothing boutiques, and name-brand stores.
The Charleston City Market is another place you can go to find souvenirs, artwork, antiques, and many other unique things.
JOIN A HISTORY TOUR
One of the best ways to learn about a city is to take a tour. Old South Carriage Company offers different tours of downtown Charleston.
Their most popular is the Historic Charleston Carriage Tour, but they also have a Haunted Carriage Tour and Walking Tours.
WALK THROUGH THE BATTERY
The Battery is where you will find the historic antebellum homes. The cobblestone streets and English gardens are some of the most picturesque around.
Join a historic tour that takes you through the area or takes the bike and explore on your own.
TAKE PICTURES AT RAINBOW ROW
On the way to the Battery, stop by the pastel-colored homes of Rainbow Row. The colorful homes from 83-107 East Bay Street.
It is one of the most famous streets in the city and one of the best places to take pictures.
GRAB SOME SEAFOOD
Charleston is known as a foodie’s paradise. It has some of the most delicious and unique restaurants just walking distance from the hotel.
Some of the best around include The Darling Oyster Bar, Miller’s All Day, the Ordinary, and 167 Raw.
READ MORE: For more ideas on what to do during your stay at Zero George check out my post on The Top 20 Things to do in Charleston, SC
Dining at Zero George
Continental Breakfast
Zero George has a top-notch restaurant on the property for dinner, and also serves a complimentary European breakfast to guests each morning. An assortment of coffees and tea is available with warmed cups throughout the day, and breakfast items until 11am.
My favorite was the cheese and smoked salmon breakfast displays. The hotel also offered more traditional items such as muffins, quiche, biscuits, yogurt, and croissants.
The best part is the variety of locations for you to enjoy your morning meal. Between the indoor dining room, outdoor patio, garden lounge areas, and covered porches, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to relax before starting your day.
Dinner
The restaurant is open Tuesday-Sunday between 5-10pm. Zero George has earned the title of being one of the top Foodie Hotels around with a world-class chef serving unique and sophisticated dished with seasonal ingredients.
The restaurant prides itself with using fresh ingredients from local fisherman and farmers, with a revolving menu based on time of year and product availability
Overall Zero George Review
I can honestly say that Zero George is one of the most picturesque hotels I have had the privilege of staying at. Not only is it perfectly located in Charleston, but the property is overflowing with history and elegance.
The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and we felt right at home.
Yes, it is somewhat of a splurge to stay here, but worth every penny!
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TRAVEL TIP: Check with your hotel before you book. Many will be able to schedule one for you and have it brought to you.
