A Good Time State of Mind

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Nestled in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, the Ryder Hotel wows with unexpected bohemian edge

The hotel’s lounge features drapery from Harwood House, vintage furniture from 214 Modern Vintage and lighting from Allied Maker. Photos courtesy of The Ryder Hotel.

“I wanted to shake things up a bit; the space is vibrant and spontaneous. The goal was to create a relaxed vibe, an environment that doesn’t yet exist downtown,” says designer Cortney Bishop about her unique approach to the redesign of a historic building now known as the Ryder, a boutique hotel located in Charleston’s Historic District. Inspired more by the city’s coastal connection than the abounding colonial, classical and Victorian architecture, the hotel’s liberating style defines the current pulse in the Lowcountry mecca—fresh, fearless and fantastic. “This project presented a unique opportunity to build a coastal space that really transports you to your fun-loving, free-spirited side,” says Bishop.

The animated gingham umbrellas by Paola Lenti offer joyous shade over the daybeds by Dedon that surround the pool. deck.
Photos courtesy of The Ryder.

Built originally in 1958, the building now houses 91 guest suites and two main spaces that feature a flirty combination of beachy wood-cladding, dynamic textiles, ceramic accents and grounding sage and sienna hues. The flavor-forward Little Palm restaurant and cocktail bar opens directly to a charming pool area that offers sweeping views of the city’s historic quarter. Bishop notes: “The iconic shaped pool was so fun, and we wanted to build off that playfulness.” Dreamy gingham umbrellas make a splash covering the checkered terrazzo decking that continues inside the tropical-inspired restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Tim Morton. “The restaurant is such a lively, fresh space that really ties the entire project together,” Bishop remarks.

Little Palm restaurant and cocktail lounge delivers a tropical punch with wallpaper designed by Catherine Martin for Mokum.
Photos courtesy of The Ryder.

Operated by Makeready—a national hotel, retail and restaurant management group—the Ryder echoes what is central to their mission: to inspire deeper connections with the world around them—city by city, person by person. “The Ryder has been carefully crafted for fun, so expanding access to our space
to even more like-minded, fun-loving guests was a natural next step,” says Irvin Dinkel, general manager of the Ryder. “From the frozen drinks at Little Palm to the loungers by the pool, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Ryder Hotel.”

The airy guest suites feature custom furniture by New Breed Furniture and lighting from Brendan Ravenhill.
Photos courtesy of The Ryder.