Rates: From $850
A new hotel opening on the banks of the Cooper River signals a shift along Charleston’s waterfront. The Cooper, occupying prime real estate in the French Quarter on the peninsula’s lower eastern side, opened March 30, 2026; it’s the city’s first and only luxury waterfront hotel. Steps from the fountains and the promenades of Charleston Waterfront Park and a short walk from Charleston City Market, the hotel puts guests in the heart of the city.
Charleston’s French Quarter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
f11photo/Shutterstock
The six-story building, accented with green shutters and green-and-white striped awnings, is rich with foliage; an entry corridor of crepe myrtles leads to a circular drive shaded by live oaks, with palmettos framing the exterior. Inside, 191 guest rooms—including 20 suites—range from 360 to 1,427 square feet, many with private balconies overlooking the river or skyline.
“Being directly on the Cooper River offers a different perspective of Charleston,” said managing director Lukus Grace. “That proximity to the water creates a sense of calm that contrasts with the historic district.”
Greg Sullivan, cofounder of Afar, stayed at the Cooper in its opening week. “I’ve visited downtown Charleston numerous times and have always enjoyed all the historic, cultural, and culinary aspects. The Cooper has brought Charleston’s waterways into the experience in a new and exciting way.”
Interiors were created by Champalimaud Design—whose portfolio includes the Hotel Bel-Air, Raffles Singapore, and Claridge’s in London—and Atelier Kim. The look embraces Southern coastal charm in a restrained palette, with light oak floors and shiplap wall paneling.
Shiplap wall paneling in the guest rooms creates a laid-back, coastal ambience.
Courtesy of The Cooper
The Cooper takes advantage of its waterfront location with an on-site marina with charter options for guests, from a custom 96-foot cruising yacht for sunset sails and dinner cruises to a smaller Hinckley yacht for 12 passengers, as well as custom Scout boats for exploring nearby waterways and beaches. Guests can cruise to concerts at CreditOne Stadium, spend the day at Folly Beach, or explore Shem Creek’s restaurants and boardwalks, reinforcing the hotel’s focus on accessing Charleston from the water.
The hotel has four distinct dining venues, led by signature restaurant the Crossing, where executive chef Nick Dugan of Charleston’s acclaimed Sorelle serves Mediterranean and Southern dishes (think lamb meatball gyros and spiced shrimp) to guests at tables with views of the water. For a more casual meal, CurrentBurger brings smash burgers and sodas in a retro diner with a jukebox, terrazzo floors, and a walk-up window. Cooper Coffee & Wine is a boulangerie by day and doubles as a wine bar by night, with marina views, while Bar Marti, a guests-only poolside bar, completes the food and drink lineup.
The Crossing appeals to seafood lovers with its raw bar and coastal Mediterranean and Lowcountry-inspired flavors.
Courtesy of The Cooper
Guests are also well situated to explore Charleston’s dining scene; many of the city’s top new restaurants—which range from Cantonese to Mediterranean—are a short car ride away.
The new property joins the Beemok Hospitality Collection, which also includes the Charleston Place on Market Street, one of Afar’s favorite Charleston hotels.
A rooftop infinity pool at the Cooper overlooks the harbor, while the Grand Lawn, which can host 400 guests, expands the hotel’s event offerings. The 7,000-square-foot Spa at the Cooper offers a range of treatments, including cryotherapy, red-light therapy, and experiential showers with mist and deluge settings.
“The balance of feeling connected to the city and the rhythm of the waterfront is what defines the experience here,” Grace says.
This story was originally published in October 2025 and was updated in April 2026 with additional reporting by Jennifer Flowers.
