Hotel Review: The Pinch
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Reviewed by Allston McCrady
Why book?
Ideally situated, smart, and chic, with personalized service that’s impeccable and attentive.
Set the Scene
The Pinch is tucked right in the heart of King Street, surrounded by cute clothing shops, wine bars, swaying palm trees, and charming little storefronts. Every second Sunday of the month, the vibe takes it up a notch as the street turns into a car-free, European-style pedestrian paradise. Think outdoor dining and pups on leashes adding to the lively scene. The hotel’s low-key sign is at the corner of King and George, but the real entrance is a little hidden. Just follow the warm light of the lanterns to a cozy cobblestone courtyard, where a valet will be ready to help you out.
The Rooms
At The Pinch, you’ve got your pick of 25 rooms, lofts, suites, and even some long-term residences. The bigger suites are a dream for families or groups of friends who want to kick back in the living room and cook in the spacious kitchen. And trust me, this kitchen is a vibe – it’s got a smooth walnut island, Mauviel copper cookware, and a craft cocktail recipe book to get your mixology skills on point.
Even the smallest rooms are nothing to pass up. No matter the size, every room is designed with mad attention to detail. Think handcrafted furniture, artistic lighting (like those cool linen pendant shades), pinched stoneware in the kitchen, wood-fired ceramics, and hand-painted wallpaper that pops. There are also potted cacti on the windowsills and unique antique woven rugs that really bring everything together.
Food and Drink
If you're looking for top-tier dining, you don’t have to go far – just head downstairs to The Quinte. This cozy 40-seat oyster bar is one of Charleston's hottest spots right now. The mastermind behind the menu is Chef Nicolas Quintero, aka "Chef Nico." Originally from Colombia, Chef Nico has sharpened his skills in San Francisco and Chicago before making Charleston his home. He brings a sophisticated and creative touch to his dishes, using local ingredients like micro-wasabi-arugula, popped sorghum, and fresh triggerfish straight from the boat. You definitely don’t want to miss this spot.
If you're in the mood for something a little different, there’s also Lowland, a restaurant in a historic house next door to the hotel. They serve up comfort food classics with a luxe twist.
Now, if you're all about privacy and don't feel like venturing out, you can have the hotel stock your kitchen with everything you need before you even arrive. Technically, you could never leave the room, but you’d be missing out on Charleston’s incredible food scene. For breakfast, you can either grind and brew coffee in your room or head down to the lobby for fresh fruit, yogurt, and pastries. Either way, you're covered.
The Neighborhood/Area
You're right in the middle of all the action. Take a stroll west into the charming neighborhoods and check out the College of Charleston's historic “cistern” quad – this place has been around since 1770. Just one block north, you’ll find Marion Square, home to the weekend farmer’s market. It’s the perfect spot to grab snacks and pick up some souvenirs.
Caviar & Bananas, a gourmet market, is only half a block away, so you can easily swing by for some delicious treats. If shopping’s your thing, King Street’s got you covered. You can hunt for clothing, books, antiques, and jewelry. Croghan’s is a must-visit – trust me, it’s amazing.
And when you're ready to eat, you’re surrounded by some of Charleston’s top restaurants like Lenoir, FIG, and Le Farfalle. So yeah, you’re in a prime spot to enjoy it all!
Worth It?
Honestly, I’d love to just snatch up The Pinch’s design team and have them redo my entire house! Their mix of textures and pieces is on point. From the hand-painted black-and-white floor tiles in the bathrooms to the beveled glass shower doors (hello, privacy), everything is so well thought out. The sink basins are perfectly polished, and the alabaster sconces and craftsman furniture? Just gorgeous. I’m obsessed with it all!
