This month marks 170 years for the Mill House, the iconic pink hotel at 115 Meeting St. in downtown Charleston. The hotel will host programming, have a throwback menu + partner with local groups to celebrate this milestone.

Throughout the years

The hotel at the corner of Queen and Meeting Streets was originally opened in 1853 and named after its owner, Otis Mills. The five-story building originally cost around $200,000 and featured 180 guest rooms, a dining saloon, and in-house laundry, among other amenities.

Over the years, the hotel survived the effects of the Civil War, switched owners, and even changed names several times. In 1902, when then-President Theodore Roosevelt visited, the name was St. John Hotel.

Back when Mills House was known as St. John Hotel. | Photo provided by Historic Charleston Foundation

In 1970, it was known as the Mills Hyatt House and was torn down and rebuilt — the chandeliers and iron railing were kept.

Today, after recent renovations, the Mills Hotel is refreshed with new rooms, guest amenities, gathering spaces, and culinary concepts.

Mill House’s August celebrations

Throwback menu at Iron Rose | Stop by the hotel’s restaurant all month for historic dishes that pay homage to the original dining menu from 1860. Guests will have a three-course tasting menu for $48 per person.

Jerry Thomas inspired cocktail menu | Iron Rose will offer a special cocktail menu featuring twists on classic recipes. Some drinks available are the Carriage Club Collins, Queen Street Punch, and the Powder Magazine.

Gibbes Museum pop-up gallery | A pop-up gallery curated by the Gibbes Museum will be in the hotel’s lobby, featuring original historical works of the Mills House.

Mills House barber shop | On Saturday, Aug. 26, the hotel will host a pop-up barbershop with Broad Street Barber offering free haircuts + classic shaves.

Social media giveaways | From Friday, Aug. 25- Thursday, Aug. 31, the hotel will have daily social media giveaways, including a swag bag, free frosé at the Terrace Bar, and a two-night stay in a studio suite at the hotel.