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The Cooper Debuts, Setting A New Standard For Luxury In Charleston 

Downtown Charleston’s first luxury waterfront hotel opens
Julie Keller Callaghan

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 Charleston’s storied waterfront has begun 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 Beemok Hospitality Collection’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,” says managing director Lukus Grace. “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 landscape mural, 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 25 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. 

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 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.  Restaurants include The Crossing, The Cooper’s signature restaurant; CurrentBurger, a modern twist on the classic soda shop; Cooper Coffee & Wine, a sunny all-day café; and Bar Marti, a guest-only poolside bar and dining destination.

Amenities & Experiences Anchored on the Waterfront 

The Cooper introduces a 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 e city meets the sea. 

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 its 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. 

About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.