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Emeline

10/10 Excellent

"Great boutique hotel, we had drinks at the bar and also went to the outdoor patio/courtyard which was lovely! Everything as pictured! The room was spacious as well as the bathroom...loved the complimentary coffee bar on each floor. Great location for all of downtown"

Hotels near other Philip Simmons Garden attractions

The Aiken-Rhett House was built for Charleston merchant John Robinson in 1820. A typical Charleston double house, the building consisted of a central hallway with two rooms on either side. The front door was located on the Judith Street side of the house, where the piazza (a Charleston term for a double porch) is now located.

Robinson lived in the Aiken-Rhett House for approximately eight years. When he lost five ships at sea in 1825, he was forced to sell the house to meet his financial obligations. The house became the property of William Aiken, Sr., in 1827.

Aiken, an Irish immigrant who accumulated a large fortune as one of the city's leading merchants, used the house as rental property. When he died suddenly in a carriage accident, his vast holdings were divided between his wife, Henrietta Wyatt, and his only son, William Aiken, Jr.

In 1833, the young William Aiken and his new bride, Harriet Lowndes, decided to make the house their primary residence and began an extensive renovation of the property. Three main changes took place: the front entrance was moved, the first floor was reconfigured, and a large addition was added to the house. They made it, by all accounts, one of the most impressive residences in Charleston.

William Aiken, Jr., ultimately became governor of South Carolina, a member of the U. S. House of Representatives, and one of the state’s largest slaveholders. He was elected governor of South Carolina in 1844 and became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1851.

The back lot of the Aiken-Rhett House is where the slaves worked and lived. The two largest buildings were the stable and carriage house and the kitchen and laundry building. The enslaved residents probably took their meals communally in the kitchen.

The slaves slept in rooms arranged dormitory style above the kitchen and stable. Many of the rooms had fireplaces and paint evidence suggests that many of the rooms were painted vibrant colors. The kitchen and laundry appear to have been painted light blue, a common nineteenth-century color for such workspaces. The gothic revival façades added to the buildings illustrate the slave owners' attempt to put the best possible face on urban slavery.

In November 1863, Jefferson Davis visited Charleston for the only time during the Civil War and stayed approximately one week as the Aikens' guest. General P.G.T. Beauregard moved his headquarters to the house, which was out of reach of the heavy Federal bombardment of Charleston, in December.

William Aiken, Jr., died at his summer home in Flat Rock, North Carolina, in 1887. He left his property to his wife and daughter. Harriet Aiken continued to live in the house until her death in 1892. Her daughter, Henrietta, and son-in-law, Major A.B. Rhett, raised their four daughters and one son in the house. Upon Henrietta's death, the house was divided between her children and their heirs. Two sons, I'On Rhett and Andrew Burnet Rhett, Jr., continued to live in the house.

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Examine the impressive design and décor of this museum that was once a mansion where wealthy families lived and slaves labored.

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Stop in to see the exhibits, maps, and pine crafts being made. Wonderful and informative start of Charleston.

Charleston Visitor Center

4.4/5 (481 reviews)

Charleston Visitor Center is just one of the places to see in Charleston, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the area's stunning cathedral or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Philip Simmons Garden?

Philip Simmons Garden is located in Charleston. This historic area is known for its bar scene and stunning churches. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, take a look at the 962 hotels and other accommodation options you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay near Philip Simmons Garden?

The Francis Marion Hotel is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and a restaurant. It's located just a short 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Philip Simmons Garden. Other good choices within a short distance include Hyatt Place Charleston/Historic District and Hotel Bennett.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to Philip Simmons Garden?

Expedia has 962 hotels and other accommodation options within a mile from Philip Simmons Garden.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Philip Simmons Garden, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel reservations are fully refundable provided that you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and be given a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then you can use the "fully refundable" filter to review the best deals available near Philip Simmons Garden.

What can I see and do near Philip Simmons Garden?

Aiken-Rhett House Museum, Charleston Museum and International African American Museum feature captivating exhibits. Sights like Charleston Music Hall, Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Charleston City Market are landmarks to visit in the area. You can watch performances at Music Farm, Charleston Gaillard Center and Dock Street Theater if you're interested in local theatre.

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Top Philip Simmons Garden Hotel Reviews

Emeline

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Aiken-Rhett House Museum

Charleston Visitor Center

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