The Mills House Hotel in Charleston set for major revamp
by Lauren Jade Hill | 24 Oct 2021 | All, Projects

This iconic South Carolina property, known locally as The Pink Hotel, will undergo a significant transformation and elevated repositioning after joining Pivot’s portfolio.
A new era beckons for one of Charleston’s most celebrated hotels.
Reimagining The Mills House Hotel
RLJ Lodging Trust has selected Davidson Hospitality Group to act as management company for The Mills House Hotel in Charleston via its lifestyle operating vertical Pivot. Sometimes known as The Pink Hotel, this 1853-built property embodies the history of Charleston across 216 guestrooms and suites, 10,000 sq ft of meeting space and the sophisticated Barbadoes Room restaurant.
After coming under new management, the property will now embark upon a transformation programme and elevated repositioning.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Davidson after experiencing their best-in-class management for many years,” said Leslie Hale, president and CEO of RLJ Lodging Trust. “What stood out to us most about Pivot was the team’s firm grasp on how to creatively activate spaces and create experiences that will drive premium market share and maximise asset value.”
Drawing on the site’s history
The Mills House Hotel is located in Charleston’s Historic District, close to King Street and City Market among other attractions.
It was built by and named after local grain merchant Otis Mills, and famously survived the city’s destruction in the Civil War. While the property was largely demolished and rebuilt in 1968, standout features from the original structure – like the ironwork and cornices – have been successfully retained.
“It’s a privilege to be granted the opportunity to expand our Charleston footprint even further with the addition of this historic asset,” said Davidson Hospitality Group president Thom Geshay. “In collaboration with our long-term partners at RLJ Lodging Trust, we look forward to stewarding an enhanced, differentiated product in the Holy City and to delivering heartfelt hospitality while creating exceptional value.”
In Charleston, Pivot also operates Hotel Bella Grace and The Ryder Hotel.
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