Press Release
Today, Rockbridge announced the opening of Emeline, a new hotel in downtown Charleston. Emeline was created to bring a fresh and original luxury destination to this beloved and historic city, as a place where every space was thoughtfully curated with warmth and style. Designed from the ground up, Rockbridge created a distinctive and independent experience where guests will be excited to return after a day of exploration. Emeline will feature 212 all-king rooms, a new restaurant, coffee shop, multiple living rooms, a garden-esque courtyard, thoughtfully curated retail and much more.
“When we enter a market, we immerse ourselves in the location so we can design a destination that locals will be proud of,” states Jim Merkel, founder and CEO of Rockbridge. “I am confident we accomplished this with Emeline.”
To bring this special property to life, Rockbridge has again assembled a familiar team: RBHD as the developer, Makeready as the brand creator and operator and Swoon The Studio as the designer. Prior to Emeline, this team collaborated on the redevelopment and revitalization of The Adolphus, a luxury hotel in downtown Dallas, TX.
Nestled among cobblestone streets and brightly colored row houses, Emeline's design elements were inspired by Charleston's flora, fauna and its heritage as a port city. Upon arrival, guests will feel right at home as they peruse alluring niches that unveil local artisans or enjoy the Archives, a place in which to explore artifacts of days gone by while taking in the hotel.
Emeline offers gracious accommodations, as more than half of its guest rooms are suites. Guest rooms range from The Atelier, the one-bedroom king, to The Corner Suite, offering multiple views of historic Charleston, and The Maisonette, which offers a bi-level suite with courtyard views.
Emeline will additionally feature a new culinary experience with Frannie & The Fox (right). Chef Tim Morton delivers a menu comprised of sharable and approachable dishes that will delight guests with wood-fired regional ingredients showcasing Italian sensibilities. The restaurant will offer effortless, sincere service in an indoor and outdoor courtyard setting. Frannie & The Fox is a sister restaurant to the iconic Hank's Seafood Restaurant, which is also owned and operated by Rockbridge and Makeready.
For guests on the go or for those looking to settle in, Emeline offers Clerks Coffee Co., a vibrant café experience featuring convenient, street-level access for grab-and-go drinks and space to work remotely in a cozy atmosphere or settle in with a good book.
Makeready's signature retail experience, Keep Shop, has also found its newest home at Emeline. Envisioned by Christine Visneau, Keep Shop Charleston features over 40 local makers and artists who have designed exclusive and one-of-a-kind products. The result is a vibrant, ever-changing mix of distinctive gifts, accessories, home goods and print media. This includes custom ceramics from Susan Gregory, Emeline-scented candles and room mist, a must-see map from 42 Pressed, J Stark leather goods and twill overnights inspired by Emeline.
The hotel's courtyard and greenhouse are expansive outdoor living spaces, offering an open-air area with a lush and gardenesque vibe for meditative musing. Both are perfect for any special occasion and are part of the more than 13,000 square feet of total event space. Emeline caters to weddings, meetings and gatherings with up to 350 attendees. Groups can choose from 10 meeting spaces as well as Hank's Social Hall, Emeline's neighbor and event partner.
“Emeline embodies what makes Charleston special,” states Christine Magrann, COO of Makeready. “It's a place that comes together organically and the spirit of genuine hospitality shines with every engagement. It's a place where warmth and sincerity are felt in the collaboration and partnership of its people.”
Amenities include The Nooks, which offer complimentary sparkling, chilled and ambient water stations on each floor, a fitness center featuring Fitness on Demand classes and a Peloton bike, complimentary Wi-Fi, valet service, custom Emeline house bikes to explore nearby points of interest and in-room dining by Frannie & The Fox. Emeline is also pet friendly, and guests can expect complimentary CBD or regular treats as well as a custom dog mat and bowls during their stay. For exploring, the hotel offers custom Charleston Wildsam Field Guides, imagined by Emeline along with the team's knowledgeable concierges, to guide each guest along the way.
To celebrate, Emeline welcomes guests to captivate the senses with a special Grand Opening invitation that includes sensory experiences, upgrades and complimentary retail, food and beverage offerings with rates starting from $339 USD. To learn more or make a reservation, visit hotelemeline.com or call 843-577-2644.
