We stayed at the Anchorage Inn several years ago. The bathroom has been remodeled and we chose to be in an outside room. We would be concerned if we had an upstairs room as the stairway is very steep and narrow. I have to wonder if it passed the fire code as it would be difficult to negotiate the stairs if such an event occurred.

We couldn't be more pleased with the fabulous location, but that's where the smiles ended for us. We found the staff aloof from the get-go, which should a no brainer, right? The room was dingy, although the bathroom had been updated. Let's hope the building inspector doesn't drop by though, as the remodel is riddled with code violations. The bed was so uncomfortable that my husband and I both suffered from backaches the following day. But the capper was the drunken screaming coming from the common room that lasted until 8 minutes before 11pm. (Brandy is served until 9:30p, which is when things *should* be settling down for the night). I'm not talking about a little noise- I'm talking about SCREAMING at the top of your lungs. When we attempted to contact the front desk to see if they could address the noise, we got no answer. When we went to the front desk to speak to the clerk we discovered that he was no where to be found. He eventually showed up and the noise eventually quited down, but the whole thing was ridiculous. We let the Guest Services Manager know of our experience before we checked out the next morning (and not kidding)... she said "Yeah, it's gotten so rowdy that we've had to call the cops, so count yourself lucky". Really??? 'Cause we didn't feel very lucky. And, didn't get so much as an I'm so sorry. Do yourself a favor and stay across the street at the Venue Inn. Their staff was actually very friendly and helpful when we had to cross the street to buy a cold drink.

I wish I could agree with the folks who gave this place four and five stars (is there such a thing as rating inflation?). Seriously, I chose it after reading some reviews and there was a special offer through a travel website. The wine and cheese hour sounded inviting, as well as "complimentary continental breakfast" since it would be Christmas morning and everything else would be closed. We did drink a glass of wine (Franzia)---Two Buck Chuck would have been a big improvement. The breakfast offerings were pretty atrocious---we settled for a bit of granola (no fruit available), and the coffee was good. I did notice that these complimentary enticements were whisked away quickly at an early hour (breakfast taken up at 9 a.m., wine and cheese at 5:30). Perhaps we would have had a better experience if we'd lucked into Room 8 (as did Will D)---we were put in Room 13 (don't hotels usually avoid that number? not that I'm supersticious, but it was kind of funny) and it was stuffy and claustrophobic, with no window, no ceiling fan, and most in need of a make-over. The "antiques" looked like they came from Big Lots circa 1970, the carpet had not been replaced in thirty years, and the bedspread was in sore need of a washing. Don't get me wrong---I have nothing against small, "European-style" rooms, and I am all for charm and character over a corporate, sterile environment. My husband and I prefer to stay at inns,
B & B's,and locally or family owned places. However, if I'm paying close to two hundred a night, I expect nice bedding and a certain degree of comfort. A few people on the staff were courteous, but the one who checked us in was surly and unpleasant. Also, rather ridiculously, we were charged $1.00 (plus tax!) because we had made our booking " on the internet". Perhaps because it was Christmas time the normal staff was off, but we never saw any one who fit the role of manager, innkeeper, proprietor,or concierge.
All that being said, it is in a great location.

This is our third trip to this hotel. Obviously, we love it. Each time it has been our home away from home. We enjoy the wine and cheese hour , the sherry in the evening, but most of all the staff is friendly, courteous, and helpful. They make us feel at home. Also, this hotel is well-situated and we found it easy to walk around and see the sights. Thank you for another lovely stay in Charleston.