Over the course of its 170-year history, The Mills House has been converted, sold and rebuilt since 1853, and served as a stomping ground for everyone from Teddy Roosevelt and Elizabeth Taylor over the years. As Charleston’s iconic and beloved pink landmark, Mills House exemplifies a timeless commitment to Southern hospitality. Recently reopened under Curio Collection by Hilton, the hotel’s renovation has been overseen by Ealain Studio. 218 rooms offer modern, sophisticated design aesthetics with comfortable yet upscale touches that elevate the Southern lifestyle. The redesign incorporates modern, stylish furnishings: custom cabinetry, pops of rich colour in the city’s namesake Charleston Green, original artwork by South-eastern artist Tracy Murrell, and sleek, multi-functional elements in the upgraded bathrooms.
A standout rooftop pool and terrace, with a newly added outdoor bar, allows guests to enjoy beverages and light bites from secluded cabanas that line the pool. Alongside updates to the community spaces and guest rooms, the hotel also introduces two new dining concepts. The Black Door Café is Mills House’s vibrant all-day café, with an intimate, casual coffee bar atmosphere. Iron Rose debuts as the hotel’s signature, full-service restaurant offering a vibrant, convivial atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor courtyard dining. Led by Executive Chef Gary Mennie, Iron Rose features contemporary Southern dishes, rotating seasonally and spotlighting local ingredients.