The Mills House, Curio Collection by Hilton in Charleston, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States.
The Mills House is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.
“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct The Mills House, Charleston’s iconic and beloved pink landmark, established in 1853, into our collection of storied destinations,” said Lawrence P. Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend The Mills House, RLJ Lodging Trust, Curio Collection by Hilton, and the Davidson Hospitality Group leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship, and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
“On the heels of The Mills House’s 170th anniversary, we are thrilled to join the prestigious Historic Hotels of America program, paying homage to the hotel’s impressive history in the heart of Charleston,” said Michael Linder, General Manager of The Mills House. “With the recent restoration and reimagination of The Mills House, we look forward to welcoming guests with the same refined, elevated experience and sense of Southern charm that travelers have come to know and love from the hotel.”
Rich in history and architectural integrity, The Mills House was originally established in the mid-19th century by Otis Mills, a local Charleston businessman who sought to bring a taste of grandeur to the Lowcountry. The hotel quickly cemented itself as a beacon for innovation, attracting modern tastemakers including Joseph Rainey, one of the most influential freedmen in Charleston and the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives; and Professor Jerry Thomas, widely considered the father of the modern cocktail. Today, The Mills House exemplifies a commitment to Southern hospitality as one of Charleston’s most distinguished hotels offering premium accommodations, onsite dining concepts including The Black Door Café and Iron Rose, wedding and event space, and authentic experiences suited to all types of travelers.
