“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.
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.
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’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.
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…
Big news, Charleston—Emeline is in the running for Charleston’s Choice and we’d love your vote! ✨ If we’ve ever made your stay extra special, your morning coffee unforgettable, or your nightcap just right, now’s the time to show us a little love. Head to our 🔗 in bio to cast your vote!
🛎️ Emeline
Meeting Spaces
Boutique Hotel
Luxury Hotel
👨🏻🍳 Favorite Chef
Daniel Dalton
🍕 Frannie & The Fox
Bar
Cocktail Menu
Downtown Charleston Bar
Girls Night Out
Wine List
Overall Restaurant
Appetizers
Pizza
Salad
Crosley turntables, custom vinyl, plush robes, and plenty of room to roam. 🛎️ Treat yourself to Emeline`s Suite Escape special offer! With 15% off suite stays and a $100 dining credit, you’ll have everything you need to sip, savor, and settle in—whether it’s pasta and spritzes at @frannieandthefox or slow mornings with a latte from @clerkscoffeeco.
📣 Have you heard? Emeline is named in Condé Nast Traveler`s 25 Best Hotels in Charleston:
"Emeline’s spacious foyer feels more like hip living room than lobby, with a boisterous Motown soundtrack. Walk up the center steps to check-in where you are handed a strong punch cocktail (or house lemonade if you wish). As you sip, take a sidetrack down the discrete wheelchair ramp to locate a hidden curio cabinet of Lowcountry treasures: taxidermy shorebird, turtle shell, barnacle-covered sea glass, cicada, guinea feathers, and much more."
See the full list (including our friend @theryderhotel) via our 🔗 in bio.
