John Rutledge House Inn, Charleston

On the north side of Broad Street in historic Charleston, the magnificent John Rutledge House Inn is not only close to the old South of Broad neighborhood in terms of location but also in feel. Renowned as "America's most historic inn", this house boasts a fine old pedigree, indeed; constructed in the 1760s for Constitution signer John Rutledge, it is one of just fifteen residences belonging to the original signatories that have endured the test of time. Even George Washington himself enjoyed breakfast within its walls, joining a long list of patriots, statesmen, and presidents who came to visit Mr. Rutledge.

Today, the towering three-story structure stands as one of Charleston's most sought-after bed-and-breakfasts, holding a prestigious AAA Four-Diamond rating. While history permeates every nook and cranny, the building has been modernized to incorporate all modern conveniences and is furnished with elegant yet exceptionally comfortable furniture. There are 19 guest rooms, ranging from "standard" to spacious suites, distributed across the main house and the two carriage houses at the rear of the property. The interior is a showcase of period splendor, featuring Italian marble fireplaces, original plaster moldings, and exquisite ironwork in the public areas. The ballroom, open to the public, serves as a delightful venue for afternoon tea and breakfast.