The Willcox

Reflecting the influence of Both Second Empire and Colonial Revival architectural styles, The Willcox was established in the last years of the 19th century by Frederick Sugden Willcox. It assumed its present form in 1928 when the last of several additions was made to the hostelry.

Frederick Willcox came to America in 1891 from Cheshire, England, with his Swedish wife Elise. He made his way to Aiken to be a cater for the Old Highland Park Hotel, where he soon formed lasting friendships with social leaders from the East Coast, among them Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock, who visited Aiken each winter. After a fire destroyed the Highland Park Hotel in 1898, Willcox opened a small hotel of his own with encouragement from influential friends. The Willcox Inn welcomed its first guest in 1900.

An increasing demand for accommodations led Willcox to add to the inn in 1906, when an adjacent two-story house at Colleton Avenue and Newberry Street became part of the hotel. In 1928, further expansion was undertaken, including alterations in the west wing. The Willcox inn was said to have had the first bathtub in the South connected with hidden plumbing. It was reported that at the height of the winter season the bellman would shake his head “no” as he escorted a would-be guest to the registration desk. Owner Frederick Willcox knew that was his signal to tell the caller there was no room at the inn. One day Willcox asked the bellman, “How the devil do you know whether I should register a guest or not?” To which the employee replied, “His shoes, Mr. Willcox. If they don’t wear shoes by Peel or Maxwell of London, we don’t want’em.”

The Lobby invites you to experience the easy-going elegance that so appropriately defines The Willcox experience. With walls wrapped in curly pine, the room anchored by large stone fireplaces is furnished with large sofas and chairs, clustered in small groups to create intimate gathering places for drinks and meals.

A massive bar of solid oak, crafted the same year The Willcox was built, now graces the lobby, adding to the natural hospitality of the atmosphere. Whether your choice is a glass of wine from our award-winning wine list, a hand-crafted cocktail or an ice cold beer, immerse yourself in our living room, relax and enjoy true Southern hospitality.

Live entertainment is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, Sunday morning and Sunday evenings.

Explore new worlds, master new skills, heighten romance, relax and recharge.

GUESTS ALSO ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY
Continental breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily
24-hour concierge
High-speed internet access
Business station equipped with a desktop computer and printer
Evening turndown service (cashmere hot water bottle turndown, available upon request)
Shoe shine from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily
Library of DVD’s, board games and Stave puzzles for use while our guest
Salt water pool (assistance getting in and out of pool available through Guest Services)
Cardio room and bicycles
In-room fitness
Off-site fitness
Horse concierge
Dog concierge