Highlights: Woodlands Resort & Inn

•The Woodlands Resort and Inn is a quiet, elegant retreat in the peaceful surroundings of Summerville, South Carolina, only 30 minutes from historic Charleston

•Southern hospitality with unsurpassed personalized service

•Large, luxurious rooms designed to make you feel like you’re at home

•Chef uses fresh ingredients from local gardeners, farmers, and others to create a unique dining menu each day at the Mobil Five-Star Dining Room at the Woodlands

•Meeting spaces ideal for small corporate groups or retreats

•Formal croquet lawn is a unique feature to the beautifully landscaped grounds

•Massages and skin treatments available in the spa or their room upon request

Amenities: Woodlands Resort & Inn

• 19 rooms, 3 story. Pets accepted, with restrictions; Fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Spa. Outdoor pool. Tennis. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Woodlands Resort & Inn

Elegance and Southern hospitality are mainstays at the Woodlands Resort and Inn, which was originally built as a private home a century ago and has been open as an inn since 1995. Located in a 42-acre park-like setting in the quaint town of Summerville, South Carolina, the resort is 30 minutes from historic Charleston. Nineteen guest rooms and suites, as well as a private cottage, offer a retreat for those who want to get away to quiet luxury.

From the time I drove up to the front of the columned brick mansion, I was treated more like an honored guest in a friend’s home as opposed to a patron in a hotel. The staff really makes the difference here. The bellman greeted me by name while offering me something cold to drink, and from that point forward it was apparent the staff was in sync. They kept the whole resort operating smoothly and efficiently, while still treating guests with care and attention. Staff was always engaging when they spoke to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed their ability to recount the history of the home and of the area.

The gorgeous Southern style of the inn was welcoming, and while it was obviously a historic building, it didn’t look old but rather very stately, elegant, and like home. There were hardwood floors and beautiful carpets throughout, and the entire décor was exquisite. My room reflected the same level of sophisticated comfort, complete with a fireplace, plush bed, and a spacious bathroom. Housekeeping was unsurpassed in their ability to look after the minutest of details while remaining discreet and virtually unseen.

The romantic surroundings of the inn cater to couples and even those about to get married. Special care has been taken to accommodate private business gatherings, and high-speed Internet access is available in all rooms. While children are welcome, the setting is probably better suited for adults seeking a quiet getaway.

A somewhat unique feature of the Woodlands Resort and Inn is the formal croquet lawn. There are also two manicured red clay tennis courts and bicycles for those who would like to explore the grounds or venture into Summerville for a look around. When you’re done roaming the grounds, you can head to the spa to pamper away any aches or stress.

(+) Elegant, Southern-style inn well suited for romantic, getaway, and business travelers
(-) Limited amenities for family travelers, although children are welcome

Guest Services: Woodlands Resort & Inn

The Woodlands Resort and Inn staff exudes Southern charm and hospitality. The service was attentive and always coupled with engaging conversation, making this hotel stand out. It was as close to perfect treatment as I’ve ever experienced.

I was continually impressed by the staff’s efficiency, warmth, and concern for my comfort. Warmly greeted and even called by name upon my arrival, I felt genuinely welcomed by the bellman. He offered me something cold to drink and then suggested a spa appointment as he helped me toward the check-in area. My bags were in my room by the time I arrived, and a split of champagne, a bowl of chocolate, and flowers awaited me and made me feel special.

Housekeeping went above and beyond anything I had experienced. I never saw or heard the staff, yet they did an incredible job replenishing items and cleaning my room. Even the water glass I’d used was replaced, and every item I’d left strewn around the room or on the bed was hung carefully in the closet, including my shorts. My shoes were neatly organized . To make you feel more at home, house-made cookies and confections are placed in your room as part of turndown service.

Everyone was friendly and accommodating, from the hostess who seated me at a different table upon my request to the operator who, during a wake-up call, offered to have coffee delivered as well.

Checkout was equally impressive. The porter retrieved my bags while I was checking out and offered me a fresh, cold bottle of water to take with me. The staff was helpful with the smallest things, even offering to mail letters in hand without asking for payment for stamps and inquiring if I needed to use a computer to check my e-mail before departing.

(+) Amazingly intuitive, warm, and professional staff service

Guest Rooms: Woodlands Resort & Inn

This Woodlands Resort and Inn offers 19 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, as well as a private cottage. Each is uniquely decorated and includes amenities such as a king or queen size bed with quality linens, overstuffed chairs, electronic blinds, heated towel racks, and oversized whirlpool tubs and a separate walk-in shower.

Superior Rooms, averaging 415 square feet, and Junior Suites, averaging 525 square feet, are bedrooms of the family that built the mansion a century ago and reflect a personal, cozy atmosphere of a bedroom you’d find in someone’s home. Other spacious accommodations are the Executive Suites, averaging 630 square feet, with a sitting area around a gas fireplace. The Governor’s Suite, at 864 square feet, features a West Indies-influenced décor with a gas fireplace in the living room and bedroom areas, spacious balcony, and private bath with marble floor and vanity. For those who want the utmost privacy, you can stay in the Guest Cottage, which is roughly 1,300 square feet of pure luxury with its rustic brick fireplace, spacious living area and bedroom, and forest-view back porch.

I was so impressed by the warm and comfortable décor that I asked for the name of the designer. With its high ceilings, the space was enormous and luxurious yet welcoming. The large bed was incredibly comfortable with many pillows and silky sheets. The large balcony, fireplace, and dimmer lights added to the cozy experience. My bathroom was very lavish and just like home, with plush towels, monogrammed robes, and a great assortment of bath products.

(+) Exquisitely decorated rooms reflect the comforts you’d find at home

Facilities & Activities: Woodlands Resort & Inn

The Woodlands Resort and Inn is designed for relaxation. Its beautiful 42 acres of grounds provide a tranquil setting for visitors to just get away from it all and unwind. Guests may lounge by the pool or enjoy massages and skin treatments in the Woodlands Spa suite. For the ultimate in luxury, guests can opt to have spa treatments in the privacy of their own room.

A special feature of the inn is the classic croquet lawn for those who enjoy some refined competition. The resort also provides tennis balls for guests who play on the two red clay courts, or bicycles for cruising the property or through beautiful Summerville.

Guests can play golf at nearby courses, visit local beaches, or tour historic plantations or other attractions.

(+) Relaxing resort setting with recreational opportunities both onsite and nearby

Dining & Lounge: Woodlands Resort & Inn

The 2007 recipient of the Mobil Five-Star award, the Dining Room at the Woodlands Resort and Inn is a highlight that should not be missed. The chef chooses fresh ingredients from local gardeners, farmers, and fishermen each day to create a daily menu. A selection of 900 wines from 15 countries allows careful pairing of wines with meals for an exquisite culinary experience.

The historic mansion’s dining room is bright and elegant, and even the breakfast exceeded my expectations. My food was wonderful, and while I don’t typically like grits, I loved how these were made. A true test of the staff’s abilities is that the toast was still warm when it arrived at my table. Service was attentive but not hovering, and the server was willing to accommodate any request. The table next to mine seemed to really be testing the server, but she responded professionally.

(+) Excellent local cuisine with creative presentation

Business Services: Woodlands Resort & Inn

Offering a relaxing executive retreat, the Woodlands Resort and Inn not only provides Internet access in each room, but also state-of-the-art meeting facilities in a discreet location. The Pavilion has complete audiovisual capabilities and 20 Internet ports. This space can accommodate up to 130 guests. Gatherings can also be held in the Board Room or Private Dining Room, both of which offer more intimate, elegant settings.

While there is no business center dedicated to business travelers, the desk staff asked if I wanted to use their computer to check my e-mail, which was a nice gesture.

(+) Space available for small corporate meetings or retreats
(-) No business center available, but Internet ports available in meeting areas