Literally lauded as one of the premiere boutique hotels in the world (Really!) multiple years running in Southern Living, Condé Nast, Travel & Leisure and others,  The Willcox Hotel, located not far off the town square, somehow manages to be both posh, high faluting  fastidiously appointed and still remarkable relaxed, informal and laid back.  Aiken’s world class blue ribbon hotel is one of this delightful town’s positively not- to-miss destinations.

The Willcox beautifully captures the town’s fabled equestrian and high brow culture while managing to be inordinately comfortable, relaxed and pampering with wonderful service (the concierge even sent a complimentary bath balm up to us and New Zealand born restaurant manager Matt squeezed us in twice to fabulously positioned table seating for two sold-out shows!) and its muted, fire lit sensual spa. We were very happy to meet Kismet the chihuahua there to see the nightclub act with her mistress and a happy looking Westie posing for his portrait with his jocular looking owner.

With English country class throughout its 22  guest rooms (there’s also a cottage, several off site properties AND a pool) have many wonderful architectural details; intricate crown molding, dark pine wood floors furnished with picture perfect antiques, rich textiles, hand stitched pillows and four poster beds with dreamy down bedding all de rigeur at The Willcox.  Several such as ours, boasted not one, but two gas fireplaces and mantles in both its darling sitting room and its adjoining boudoir. The super deep marble Grecian bathtub in its massive bathroom is a massive hit and unexpected surprise.

Your choice of a really varied breakfast menu is included and its cozy, comfy hunting lodge-inspired dark stained lobby with beamed ceiling and a collection of comfy couches, affectionately referred to as “Aiken’s living room” is bookended with hearths on either end.  The bar and excellent restaurant (some consider it one of the South’s best!) hosted piano/ chanteuse duo both night and day we were there, which created a fabulous want- to-be-there/must-be-there 1940’s nightclub/ cabaret, for brunch or a fabulous night on the town vibe.

Restored and reopened in 1987 with updated amenities made by new owners hoteliers Jeff and Shannon Ellis in 2008, this historic inn has hosted such notables as Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, Elizabeth Arden and since 1898.  we  and have enjoyed then and today this charming, cultivated late 19th Century “Newport of the South,” to the utmost!

It was said to be the scene of FDR Roosevelt’s extramarital trysts with his beloved Lucy and the site where the Prince of Wales was turned away due to lack of space. You yourself won’t want to miss this rare immersion into this rarefied world of old world polish, impeccable manners and just plain enjoyability on all levels. You’ll find inside this intimate boutique hotel’s white columned facade and rocking chair dotted front porch, Southern Hospitality to the nth degree with a splash of a jaunty sporting flair and a hat tip to a life lived to the highest standard.

The Willcox
Hotel * Restaurant * Spa
100 Colleton Ave SW
Aiken, SC 29801
Hotel 803-648-1898
Restaurant 803-679-5050
www.theWillcox.com

Cathy Burroughs is a noted travel writer and blogger who travels throughout the historic South, nationally and all over Europe. She is published widely including The New York Times international supplement.