THE COOPER DEBUTS, SETTING A NEW TIDE FOR LUXURY IN CHARLESTON 

Downtown Charleston’s First Luxury Waterfront Hotel Opens

Today, Charleston’s storied waterfront begins a transformative new chapter with the debut of The Cooper. As the first and only hotel to stand along the city’s harbor, the 191-room property seamlessly anchors Charleston’s heritage with a bold evolution of the waterfront experience. Marrying a sophisticated design with the effortless grace of the Lowcountry, The Cooper introduces an unparalleled destination where a private marina, spectacular infinity pool, four dining concepts, and a first-of-its-kind spa converge to create the city’s most coveted waterfront address.

“The Cooper fulfills BHC’s long-standing vision to bridge the gap between our historic downtown and the Cooper River, offering a perspective of Charleston that has never been accessible until now,” said Lukus Grace, Managing Director of The Cooper. “Through deeply curated resort-style service and hospitality complemented by waterfront experiences once out of reach, we are providing a lens into the city that is entirely unique for both the community and our future guests. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of Charleston’s waterfront evolution, creating a destination where the harbor becomes a central part of the downtown experience.”

Inspired Coastal Design

Thoughtfully composed by Champalimaud Design, guests are immediately greeted by a lobby that is a celebration of Lowcountry craftsmanship. The entrance is anchored by a sprawling staircase, a graceful curve of soft white oak and chiseled stone, framed by bronze-finished iron balustrade topped with a sculpted wooden rail inspired by Charleston’s historic iron gates. Beneath a hand-painted mural evoking the Atlantic’s waves, the elegant stone flooring features an intricate basket-weave pattern, a subtle nod to the region’s storied weaving traditions that carry throughout the property.

The residential elegance extends to 191 luxurious guest rooms, including 20 refined suites. Intended to embody a coastal home, the interiors feature a serene neutral palette with wide-plank light oak floors and classic shiplap wall paneling layered by additional basket-weave textures nodding to cultural traditions. While natural light pours into the rooms through large windows, many rooms feature Juliette balconies or patios giving guests a front row seat to the harbor breeze and Charleston’s iconic skyline. The southern grace of The Cooper’s guestrooms and suites carries through Champalimaud Design’s work on the Presidential Suite – an indoor-outdoor retreat – as well as the spa and select food and beverage outlets.

A Distinguished Culinary Destination

Charleston’s culinary landscape expands to the water’s edge as The Cooper introduces downtown’s first true harbor-front dining destinations. Led by Executive Chef Nick Dugan, also behind the locally acclaimed Sorelle, The Cooper’s four distinct dining experiences pioneer a sophisticated al fresco experience along a previously untapped stretch of the city’s waterfront.

• The Crossing: As The Cooper’s signature restaurant, The Crossing is inspired by the timeless tradition of setting sail and charting new waters, blending flavors from Mediterranean coastlines with local ingredients for a Lowcountry twist. The setting is just as memorable as the menu, with interiors by multidisciplinary design firm, Meyer Davis, and waterfront views at every turn.  Teak wood floors and polished nickel accents create a yacht-like feel, while lacquered blue ceilings reflect the color of the surrounding waters. This multi-dimensional destination offers a variety of atmospheres, from the maritime elegance of The Captain’s Lounge overlooking the harbor to the high-energy Chef’s Table, where the craftsmanship of the kitchen becomes a focal point of the dining room. It is a space designed for discovery and connection, anchored by the unchanging beauty of the Charleston waterfront.

• CurrentBurger: CurrentBurger is a modern twist on the classic soda shop with nostalgic, retro interiors complemented by an elevated menu of classic favorites like smash burgers, fries, fountain sodas, hand-spun milkshakes, and soft serve ice cream. For those on the go, a convenient walk-up takeaway window borders Waterfront Park, further connecting The Cooper to the community and enjoying the harbor.

• Cooper Coffee & Wine: Located by The Cooper Marina is the sunny all-day cafe, Cooper Coffee & Wine, which seamlessly transitions from a bright, elevated coffee and breakfast destination by day to a warm, intimate wine bar by evening, blending the relaxed charm of coastal living with the refined qualities of a European boulangerie.

• Bar Marti: Perched on the fourth floor overlooking the harbor, Bar Marti is a lively, guest-only poolside bar and dining destination. Offering light, fresh fare and handcrafted cocktails in an open-air setting, it’s the ideal spot to unwind under the sun or stars.

Amenities & Experiences Anchored on the Waterfront

The Cooper introduces a perspective previously unavailable in the Holy City: a true sanctuary situated directly on the water’s edge. As the only luxury hotel on the Charleston peninsula to claim the harbor as its backyard, the property offers an immersive maritime lifestyle. This experience is anchored by an exclusive on-site marina, home to a fleet of luxury vessels including an iconic Hinckley yacht, available for bespoke guest excursions, as well as locally crafted custom Scout boats for meandering the neighboring waterways and exploring local beaches.  A vibrant energy pulses around the infinity pool from day to night, with sun loungers, day beds, and cabanas offering relaxation on hot summer days, while Bar Marti fuels the poolside experience with cocktails and small bites. Whether setting sail from the docks or lounging in a private cabana alongside the infinity pool, guests are treated to an unrivaled vantage point where the city meets the sea.

A New Sanctuary of Wellness

For wellness seekers, The Cooper offers a 7,000 square-foot spa designed for optimal personalization and recovery. Seven treatment rooms and relaxation spaces offer peace and privacy, while bespoke nature-inspired treatments and recovery offerings like a red light therapy room, cryotherapy loungers, experiential showers, a Sanarium sauna and more provide the very best in self-care. The 24-hour fitness center can accommodate any regimen with equipment like Escape HIT Rack, Assault Air Runner, and TechnoGym Machines. Following the hotel’s debut, the fitness experience will expand to include private training alongside a curated schedule of on-site and off-site classes.

A Destination for Sophisticated Meetings and Celebrations

With more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, The Cooper is a premier venue for weddings, meetings, and celebrations. Highlights include the 4,000-square-foot Grand Lawn for open-air events of up to 400 guests, a refined 5,655-square-foot Ballroom with harbor views and flexible layouts, a versatile Salon for groups of 10 to 100, and an intimate Boardroom featuring sweeping river views.

As the newest addition to the BHC portfolio, The Cooper offers guests a seamless extension of the city’s finest hospitality. Guests enjoy a dual-property experience with access to sister hotel, The Charleston Place, along with priority reservations across the collection’s premier outlets. From the multi-level Italian restaurant concept, Sorelle to a lush, new community greenspace in the heart of downtown Charleston, American Gardens, guests are invited to experience a curated downtown experience that extends beyond the hotel’s doors.

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For reservations and more information, visit www.thecooper.com or follow along on Instagram at @thecoopercharleston.