The city's most sought-after stay is a lovingly restored 18th-century Federalist mansion on the waterfront that once belonged to the well-respected and hard-partying Admiral Beardslee. He built nooks into the tabby walls to hide booze from his wife, and there are other fun surprises (for example, delicious Butterfinger cookies at turndown) from the inn's gracious hosts.
Each room is unique, with amenities ranging from four-poster beds to fireplaces to soaring, hand-painted ceilings. The inn's Lowcountry restaurant, Ribaut Social Club, is easily the best in town, and the view from the 4th-floor terrace is tops for a sundowner.