We were booked at the Mills House via hotwire.com -- said it was a 4 star hotel in downtown Charleston and it was 50% off if we didn't learn the identity of the hotel before booking. So we took a chance . . . and it was a pretty good value. (It wouldn't have been a good value if we paid the regular price.) It is charming and historic, and in a perfect location to explore Charleston by foot. (The hotwire listing said it was Holiday Inn, but there were no markings on anything within the hotel to indicate this . . . maybe it either just became one or just stopped being one.) Because we learned that we'd have to pay approximately $20 a day to park in a nearby garage, we dropped the rental car and opted for a taxi from the airport. It cost about $30. Upon entering, we noticed all of the hotel's southern charm and definitely an air of a fine hotel. It does have a funky smell throughout the hotel, like natural gas . . . or maybe it is just an "old" smell. Perhaps it is even the odor of the "ghosts" who are said to haunt Charleston's buildings. It was a bit off-putting, but it didn't smell inside our room, so we were okay with it. It is definitely better than your run of the mill Holiday Inn because of the period furnishings and decor, but it has definitely seen better days. The staff was charming and accommodating. Since we booked the room through a third party, my husband didn't get rewards points, but the man at the front desk gave us drink coupons in the lounge anyway. The room was big enough for 2 with a large draped king size bed and a view overlooking what I believe was Queen Street. Upon arrival, we already had turn down service with dark chocolate mints on the pillows. Amenties are Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena. Room service prices were surprisingly reasonable. Not cheap, but reasonable! A traditional breakfast of eggs, meat, hash browns, and toast was $12. I'd skip breakfast at the hotel and walk a few blocks down the street to a restaurant that has to have the world's best breakfast. It is called TOAST! and I will review it separately.

Back to the Mills House. We were on the second floor, and on this floor is a fitness room and a lovely outdoor patio area including a separate area for the pool. Although it was 70 degrees F outside, the pool was closed for the season. It was February, so I will let this slide! After exploring the area, we spent a luxurious couple of hours by the pool in the courtyard reading, catnapping, and looking up at the beautiful sky. It was a very peaceful area in the city.

Be careful of the Hibernian Society next door. While we were enjoying a drink in the early evening, a drunk man from the Society ran his car into the wall of the hotel and patio area, causing the building to shake!

Overall, we were happy with this hotel and definitely would return if the price were fair.

Our family stayed at the Mills House during the Christmas Holiday season with our two girls for a quick break before the Holiday Rush. The holiday decorations were lovely and the Southern Charm and Christmas spirit was just what we had hoped for on our trip. Although our stay at the Mills House was very good it was their customer service after our stay that was true Charleston Southern Hospitality. My daughter left her teddy bear under the bed and we did not realize it till we were unpacking at home late that night, she was tearful and very upset. I called the Mills House the next morning and spoke with Mrs.Marian and housekeeping had found my daughter's bear. To my surprise Mrs. Marian said, “No child should be without their bear for Christmas!" and overnight shipped it to her at no charge as a Christmas present from the Mills House. When the box arrived it had "Bear on Board", "Handle with Love" written on the box. The bear was carefully packed in bubble wrap and a copy of the children’s book "Good Night Charleston" was in our special delivery box with a note saying Merry Christmas to our daughter and family from the Mills House. She was thrilled! We look forward to visiting Charleston and the Mills House during the Christmas holidays for years to come. Again, our most grateful Thanks for their kindness to our daughter and making a special Christmas effort to return her special bear. A true reflection of the Southern Charm and Hospitality.

We visited the Historic town of Charleston and were very happy with the central location of this hotel. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. However, the old-style canopies and comforters seemed fairly outdated (and cheap). The hotel also has a very nice courtyard for dining.

Parking can be pricey but if you park on your own at a parking lot two blocks down, you can save plenty. We did not need our car at all during our stay in Charleston.

We've stayed at numerous hotels in Charleston, but The Mills House remains our favorite. The style and ambiance reflects the true character of the city and the medium-slow pace is perfect for a relaxing time. Every member of the hotel staff from the most senior to the most junior have always been very helpful and resourceful when needed. It's a pain to have to pay a hefty overnight parking fee on top of the high-end room rate ... but that's typical for Charleston if you are staying in the historical district. Last visit was over Thanksgiving holiday. Everything was first-class.