The Report

If you are going to getaway with a group or throw a big bash, wouldn't you want to gather in a city that has graced the 'The Top 10 Cities in the U.S.'  list?! We certainly would. Charleston isn't just known for its pretty, but also for its friendly. We love a well-mannered town that feels like a warm and gracious host. Architecture, history, glorious gardens of overgrowing rose bushes, horse-drawn carriages, sprawling mansions, sun, sand, sailing and surf. You get all of this goodness in one delightful little city. Ivy climbing up the brick walls of perfectly restored buildings and streets lined with huge oak trees. You don't need to be a true Southern Lady or Gent to appreciate all that Charming Charleston has to offer. It is a city brimming with historic lure and art gallery galore but you can also opt to just casually watch seagulls, sunsets and sailboats cruise by.

It's hard to stick out in a city that has all of the above and famous streets like 'Rainbow Row', consisting of Crayola colored mansions all lined up in a single file. But somehow Zero George Street Hotel has managed to accomplish just that. The hotel opened in February of 2013, and is situated in the historic quiet neighborhood of Ansonborough, a mere 15-minute walk from bustling King Street and the restaurants of East Bay. The hotel consists of 5 historic buildings surrounding a brick courtyard. The main Anson building along with the two-story brick carriage house are original to the property and were built in 1804. The Cooper and the Zero buildings, built in 1816, were moved here in the 1980’s.

HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?:Zero George is approximately 20-minutes from the airport. For our guests, we are always more than happy to arrange a car service to pick them up from the airport.

The Scoop

Zero Georgeis Charleston’s premier address for many occasions. All of the makings of a movie set are here; history, charm, quaint contemporary furnishings, and culinary classics served to you in the private courtyard or cafe. Whether you are getting away with the gals and guys, hosting a corporate luncheon, throwing a cocktail or dinner party, signature events are executed flawlessly and with an ambiance of exclusivity. You won't have to worry about searching for caterers because catering and bartending services are provided by the Zero Café + Bar on the hotel property. Attention to detail, bespoke service, and professional execution provide the assurance that any occasion will exceed expectations. You can just relax, laugh and get silly with your guests.

Let's talk venue spaces. Zero George Street Hotel was not intended as a wedding venue, but a buy out of the property (all 16 rooms) is possible for large groups/wedding parties. The Bluestone Patio is perfect for outside dinner parties, rehearsal dinners or cocktail receptions for up to 30 guests. The Cafe + Bar venue space can accommodate 30 guests inside, and up to 50 guests by utilizing the adjacent Bluestone Patio and Oyster Courtyard (with heat lamps when the evenings get chilly).

In the main Anson Building there is a formal dining room located on the second floor, which is considered the common space at Zero George. The Palladian and East Bay Rooms, located in the main house, are available for private events. The rooms are just off the main veranda overlooking the courtyard and can accommodate up to 50 guests for receptions and 18 guests for intimate dinners. The dining room is ideal for gatherings, dinner parties, brunches, showers, company meetings and conferences. There is a small pantry off of the room, which can be utilized as an area for snacks and lite bites.

Pillow Talk.  There are 16 classic architectural rooms on the property, accommodating 32 guests. The red brick carriage house houses two Garden Suites, each with a bedroom and a separate seating area. Two rooms in our main Anson building and then six rooms each in our Zero and Cooper buildings. All rooms surround a private courtyard which will ensure a intimate and fun setup for you and your guests.

Photos: Rows 1 - 9 (courtesty of Zero George) // Rows 10 - 12 Virgil Bunao; Design Easton Events

Bonus

In the January Issue of Food and Wine, Zero George was named as one of the “Best Cooking Classes Around the World.” Hello?! Does this not sound like an amazing thing to do with your guests? Biweekly, Wednesdays from 7pm-9pm and Saturdays from 11am-1pm, the hotel offers technique based cooking classes. Chef Randy Williams, who has trained under famous Chef Tom Colicchio, is a Professor at the Culinary Institute of Charleston. Each class centers around making the home cook feel less daunting. One of his specialties is transforming cauliflower into a dead ringer for real Arborio Rice Risotto.

STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING

Throwing any event from a small bridal shower, intimate dinner party, rehearsal dinner or cocktail party would not require a lot of work at Zero George.  With the stunning sophisticated decor and super friendly staff at the helm, you will surely enjoy your function here. We are drawn by the soft comfy palettes and touches of ebony throughout the hotel/venue.

1. Timeless Calligraphy. The hotel is famous for it's cooking classes. Serve guests culinary delights with raw and simple hand calligraphed menus. We know Charleston is chock full of history, nothing is more timeless than the art of hand calligraphy. These menus by Signora e Mare would compliment your dinner feast to perfection.  2. Ebony + White Invitations. These sophisticated and striking invitations by Mae Mae Paperieare a spectacular palette for a soiree at Zero George. They would make any Southern Lady excited to attend your affair.   3. Roses of Charleston.  Noisette roses are famous in Charleston. They are fragrant and bloom from Spring to fall. We love how they climb and grow wildly. Incorporate potted versions of these onto tables as a nod to the city and it's glorious wild gardens. Photo via Southern Living

Inside Scoop

Highlight Reel

Around Town

Foodies Unite!:

If you are a foodie, Charleston should be on your “must visit” list. Zero George is just far enough away from King and East Bay but within walking distance of all the hot restaurants including Husk, named by Bon Appetit as one of the best new restaurants of 2012. James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock transforms the essence of Southern food. (Visit: huskrestaurant.com)

Hello History!:

Another thing that is a must if you’ve never been to Charleston, or even if you have, is to go on a walking tour of the city. Zero George recommends Oyster Point Tours for their Historic Charleston Tour and their Civil War and Secession Tour. They are a small company of only 3 tour guides and they are so enthusiastic about what they do that their excitement about Charleston is contagious for only $20! (Visit: oysterpointtours.com)