Unique, local experiences are a rising trend in meetings, which means many smaller, independent and boutique hotels might be receiving a closer look from planners. Though they may not come with the big brand names, staffing and large room numbers, boutique hotels offer meetings an intimate experience, embedded in the culture of its place. In South Carolina, Boutique hotels continue to debut, with a spate of new properties opening in 2025 and more anticipated through 2028.
Here's why you shouldn’t overlook boutique properties in South Carolina, and some of the most notable spots for small meetings, retreats and events.
Boutique Benefits for Meeting Planners
Many boutique properties market specifically to weddings and social events, where a single group may buy out the property. Conventional logic, however, opines that, for large meetings, boutique hotels have limited value for meeting planners.
But in smaller markets, how large is large? “Using the qualifier of 500-plus room nights, which is the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center’s (CMCC) top booking category,” said Cheryl Swanson, CMCC vice president and general manager.
While that number appears to preclude boutique hotels, it does not rule them out entirely. Exceptions to the rule might include bigwigs like C-suite, speakers and high-level “disgruntled clients” that may be placated with distinguished accommodations. For these, it’s always good for planners to have a boutique reservation in their back pockets.
Then there’s the corporate market. In Charleston, “the meetings market is primarily made up of corporate groups, which account for almost half of our business, followed by associations at approximately 30%, with the remainder coming from the SMERF market,” said Chris Hendrix, VP of sales for Meet Charleston.
Corporate groups of less than 20 may appreciate not walking the length of a high-traffic meetings property or getting lost in the
swirl of multiple groups. Local corporate groups enjoy being the proverbial big frog, and visiting groups savor the opportunity to learn about the destination from a local perspective.
Finally, boutique properties are excellent for site visits, where planners can most readily absorb the atmosphere of the market and make informed decisions about which attractions and offsite venues will serve their attendees.
“Planners are leaning into smaller, meaningful gatherings, local flavor and relaxed experiences,” added Hendrix. “Think oyster roasts, rooftop mixers or porch happy hours with curated cocktails crafted with local spirits.”
“Boutique hotels provide a strong alternative to conventional event venues,” affirmed David Tart, managing partner at Raines Hospitality, a South Carolina-based developer. “Rather than working within standardized packages or using identical ballrooms that blend together in memory, boutique properties give organizers the variety and freedom to craft something distinctive.”
[Related: Why Meeting Planners Love Coastal Carolinas Destinations]
Hometown Advantage
Doing local business and having local roots are the tenets of boutiques, which rely on local and regional business more than chain brands. In Columbia, that means proximity to the University of South Carolina, where, near the campus and formerly part of the Owens Field Downtown Airport, Hangar Loft Hotels features seven 1,200-square-foot lofts.
Named after Myrtle Beach’s legendary hostess Shelby Ann Byrne, the 241-room Shelby opened in June and offers 1,300 square feet of ocean-facing meeting space. The Shelby features a pickleball club and beachfront live music.
Individuality
More than any category of hotel, boutique hotels thrive on distinction. Comprising a general vibe of intimate luxury, a boutique’s cachet may take the form of celebrity sightings, architectural or historical significance and lifestyle.
The main strength of boutiques, however, is individuality. Last month, for example, the 72-room Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, opened on Johns Island, 20 miles off the coast of Charleston, featuring an Aster spa, three restaurants and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space. In March 2024, Greenville’s four-star, 69-room Hotel Hartness opened in a former private mansion with access to a 180-acre nature preserve. Its 16,000 square feet of meeting space is available for corporate and social events. In Georgetown, the 56-room George Hotel also opened in March 2024, with a restaurant, an outdoor bar, conference rooms and an event lawn.
This fall, the 59-room Lantern Hotel Columbia is expected to open in a former firehouse located in the Columbia Vista area. While meeting space has yet to be announced, the food and beverage offerings for its restaurant, Ladder 13, will be curated by James Beard Foundation Award Nominee and University of South Carolina alumnus Kevin Johnson. The Lantern is part of Raines Hospitality’s lifestyle division, Woven by Raines, which advocates guests should “live like a local.”
“We are excited to be working on the second Lantern in Rock Hill, South Carolina,” added Tart. “This project is in partnership with The Warren Norman Company and will be under construction in 2026.”
Charleston Leads the Boom
The largest city in South Carolina—renowned for its local charm—has many boutique hotels coming online.
This fall, the 225-room luxury The Cooper is expected to open in a downtown waterfront location near Joe Riley Waterfront Park, featuring a private marina and a house yacht for private events.
“With new and refreshed venues like The Cooper and the 434-room Charleston Place [currently undergoing a $150 million renovation], plus Charleston’s walkable downtown, waterfront views, amazing food scene and historic charm, the city naturally sets the stage for memorable events,” Hendrix said.
Also happening in Charleston, the 25-room Hotel Richemont debuted in July, reimagining a historic building with some two-story suites and the 10X15 Sunset meeting room. The 50-room Nickel Hotel launched in June, with a Mid-Century take on its historical facade and an interior courtyard. (The property offers two meeting rooms.) The 54-room Restoration Hotel, an amalgam of five historic buildings, recently completed an interior refresh.
Expected for completion in 2028 are the 139-room Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Charleston, to be located in Charleston's historic district; and the 50-room Limelight Charleston, which will be the seventh location of the brand in the U.S., according to parent company Aspen One. And future boutique properties in Charleston include a 10-story, 250-room Kimpton-flagged hotel in the mixed-use Morrison Yard project.
[Related: Iconic Foods of South Carolina and Where to Try Them]
Plus: Q&A With Visit Myrtle Beach CEO Matt Pivarnik
Matthew “Matt” Pivarnik joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) as president and CEO just as the second
annual ONEFlight Myrtle Beach Classic—a PGA TOUR event sponsored by Visit Myrtle Beach—wrapped in May 2025. Before his move, Pivarnik had served at the helm of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas, which helped metro Topeka experience a $2 billion increase in GDP.
Meetings Today: How are you settling in?
Matthew Pivarnik: I love Myrtle Beach and living blocks from the beach. This destination and its people are so welcoming. I jumped in mid‑May 2025, and I’m already in deep with every team, plus key stakeholders across the Grand Strand.
Meetings Today: What was the impact of the ONEFlight Classic on Myrtle Beach?
Pivarnik: Hosting a PGA TOUR FedEx Cup event confirms to meeting and event planners that the Myrtle Beach area can execute premier events—including ones with complex citywides with block schedules—all while providing an affordable, added-value experience for attendees. This year’s calculation came in at $15.75 million; that’s slightly up from last year’s $15.4 million. We had more out-of-town visitors, 58% this year, versus 52% last year.
Meetings Today: What types of groups are coming to Myrtle Beach? What trends are you seeing in meeting programs?
Pivarnik: We are seeing all types of groups come to Myrtle Beach, especially associations, corporate and sports segments. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, with 250,000 square feet of contiguous space and up to 5,000 theater‑seated capacity, ranks among the largest convention facilities on the East Coast, routinely placing in the top tier for U.S. meeting destinations. There is also a trend toward smaller meetings that are able to offer attendees more immersive experiences; these can include exploring the outdoors and all that the region has to offer throughout the year.
Meetings Today: What are the top attractions for the groups coming to Myrtle Beach?
Pivarnik: With 60 miles of uninterrupted coastline, the beach, including coastal recreational activities and eco-tours, tops the list for all groups. In addition, our diverse culinary scene is another major draw, with amazing seafood and more than 2,000 restaurants of all types. But as the “Golf Capital of the World,” we’re also notorious for allowing attendees to hit the links during their stay.
