Our Story

“After the sea, this is home.” —Emeline

For well over a century, 181 Church Street has witnessed many incarnations, from a burgeoning grocery business to a provisions company that catered to local hotels, restaurants, and ships readying to set sail. It even lived a life as a bank before Emeline landed on South Carolina’s shores with little more than a monogrammed steamer trunk and the big, audacious dream of setting down roots in America.

Growing up a ship captain’s daughter, she loved the open ocean and opening her heart and mind to new people and cultures.

two women sitting on leather chairs talking

But captivated by Charleston and all of its charms, Emeline decided to become her own port, of sorts, and opened this very hotel, using all of the grace, grit and determination she learned at sea. We’ve been hosting travelers here from far and wide ever since.

It was Emeline’s aim to create a home away from home for guests—an outpost of lighthearted luxury without a hint of pretense. A place where people felt infinitely welcome and utterly engaged. You can’t help but feel her presence here—at once curious and gracious, well-traveled and welcoming, adventuresome and unexpected.

man walking through hotel lobby full of patrons

In the spirit of ingenuity and reinvention—our time-honored legacy at 181 Church Street—let us be your threshold to historic downtown Charleston, as well as a portal into a storied past. We hope you’ll stay a while, but as long or short as your schedule allows, we are at your service.

On behalf of our host and muse, and our entire staff—the warmest of welcomes to all that is Emeline.

One last thing: Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story.

Emeline marker

Emeline’s unquenchable curiosity, adventurous spirit, passion for hosting and love of a tall tale can be felt throughout every inch of 181 Church Street. We invite you to step into her story.

postcard from Emeline

The Archive

Emeline’s Archive celebrates the Charleston Renaissance, a time in history beginning in 1920 through World War II that fostered the city’s cultural renewal.

In the curated collection you will find art, books, and inspired imagery from artists, writers, architects, and historical preservationists depicted life in Charleston and the Lowcountry. And, if you’re lucky, you just might find a few artifacts that belonged to Emeline herself…

Man drinking coffee at Emeline Hotel