[2023] New Marriott branded Charleston Resort Announced

[MOXJO7282]

So they're saying "ground up" but most still think its a hotel like Pulse? Why wouldn't they make full units if starting from scratch? I thought Pulse locations were designated when they covert a hotel to TSs? What's the logic in assuming Pulse when they can build anything they want. To me 50 hotel units are a very small footprint. Is it that small of a space that they can only build 50 hotel units?

 

[dioxide45]

So they're saying "ground up" but most still think its a hotel like Pulse? Why wouldn't they make full units if starting from scratch? I thought Pulse locations were designated when they covert a hotel to TSs? What's the logic in assuming Pulse when they can build anything they want. To me 50 hotel units are a very small footprint. Is it that small of a space that they can only build 50 hotel units?

They are probably limited to perhaps only 5-7 stories. At least from looking at other nearby hotel properties. I think it will be a mix of 1BR and perhaps 2BR lock off units. The 2BR LO gives them hotel room style studio units. But you know them, build all hotel room/studio and charge 2BR point prices!!!

 

[JIMinNC]

So they're saying "ground up" but most still think its a hotel like Pulse? Why wouldn't they make full units if starting from scratch? I thought Pulse locations were designated when they covert a hotel to TSs? What's the logic in assuming Pulse when they can build anything they want. To me 50 hotel units are a very small footprint. Is it that small of a space that they can only build 50 hotel units?

The property is not all that large and they need to allow not only for the lodging units but parking/parking deck. They may be height limited by zoning approval, so that limits how many floors they can go above a parking deck or they may need a separate deck rather than stacked, limiting the footprint for units. The property wraps around the historic old church that houses Church & Union restaurant, so they may have size restrictions that try to prevent a new structure from detracting visually from a historic building. Also need room for a driveway, check-in lane parking area.

They have done a lot of owner surveys over the last few years of what amenities are valued in urban locations, so they probably know what unit sizes and features are most valued. I could see this property having a mix of studios/hotel rooms, and maybe some small 1BR units. If they have any 2BR the numbers might be very limited. I would also expect, at most, kitchenettes, since urban areas - and especially Charleston - have a plethora of great dining options that negate the need for big kitchens.

 

[pedro47]

I've traded in to CSI but it's been a while. LAI is affiliated with II and RCI but deposits mainly go to RCI. Bluegreen has another timeshare that's much newer but further out called King 583. Both LAI & CSI are older and quirky but really nice in many ways. BG also has a nice resort in the Savannah Historic district called Studio Homes at Ellis Square but I doubt it'll be available for exchange.

Thanks for sharing that information.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for sharing that information.

King 583 is only RCI. CSI is also dually affiliated and I suspect most deposits there go to RCI as well.

 

[vacationtime1]

Since the site they acquired was described as "fully entitled" – that means that some other company or developer already got all of the approvals needed to build. It's highly unlikely that the property was entitled with the intent of timeshare use; probably it was entitled as a hotel. I don't know how things work in South Carolina, but generally you have to build essentially what was entitled. They can probably make some changes on the interior but probably can't change the building's footprint or change the unit count without having to go back for approval which can take a long time. So since they are targeting completion in two years, that means they plan to start construction immediately and are unlikely to make big architectural changes.

So, I expect it will be very hotel-like, at least in the room configurations. I think this is likely to be the only kind of new MVC property we see for the foreseeable future.

I think @daviator's post tells us that Marriott will build whatever the prior owner got past zoning regulations -- not what we may prefer that they build.

 

[daviator]

I think @daviator's post tells us that Marriott will build whatever the prior owner got past zoning regulations -- not what we may prefer that they build.

The key take-aways from MVW on this were "fully entitled" and "opening in 2025." To hit 2025, they will need to start construction quickly, and to start construction quickly, they will not be able to make any significant changes to whatever was entitled there by the previous developer.

 

[daviator]

By the way, it looks like the approved 50 unit project encompasses three parcels:
235 EAST BAY ST., 36 N. MARKET ST., AND 5 GUIGNARD ST

No rooftop pool, but if it's any consolation, there will be a rooftop bar, which sounds nice to me. The 50-room hotel will have a 50-space parking garage which will also serve the ground-floor restaurant which is part of the approved plans.

 

[jme]

By the way, it looks like the approved 50 unit project encompasses three parcels:
235 EAST BAY ST., 36 N. MARKET ST., AND 5 GUIGNARD ST

No rooftop pool, but if it's any consolation, there will be a rooftop bar, which sounds nice to me. The 50-room hotel will have a 50-space parking garage which will also serve the ground-floor restaurant which is part of the approved plans.

Nice report.
No pool but a rooftop bar?......awesome, let's dive in.
Another restaurant too? cool......can't wait to see what it's like. It'll essentially be across the street
from where we stay, so that's good news. Charleston's historic district has no shortage of amazing restaurants,
a few mentioned in post #44 on page 2 above.

 

[pedro47]

By the way, it looks like the approved 50 unit project encompasses three parcels:
235 EAST BAY ST., 36 N. MARKET ST., AND 5 GUIGNARD ST

No rooftop pool, but if it's any consolation, there will be a rooftop bar, which sounds nice to me. The 50-room hotel will have a 50-space parking garage which will also serve the ground-floor restaurant which is part of the approved plans.

Parking sounds liked it will be very restricted for register guests and restaurants patrons only.

Are there near by public parking spaces available ?

This is going to a great destination for owners.IMHO.

 

[Dean]

Parking sounds liked it will be very restricted for register guests and restaurants patrons only.

Are there near by public parking spaces available ?

This is going to a great destination for owners.IMHO.

There are several public parking areas nearby. There is a Garage across the street from Lodge Alley Inn that is nearby. I don't think CSI or LAI has any parking themselves and contract it all for Valet.

 

[pedro47]

I wish the pulse locations could be equipped at least as well as a studio and one bedroom residence inn.

View attachment 73614
have a 1 BR or even a studio like this lockoff with a hotel room without the kitchen. Still a Pulse. A Balcony and a resort pool would be nice but I can give them up for location. But space for a family is what makes it a vacation club property and not just a hotel that you can use points with.

Now this would be a wonderful concept model. IMHO

 

[jont]

Marty
Thanks for the great pics of CSI and the Belmont. Both look amazing! Can’t wait to get down there and explore your dining recommendations.

 

[jme]

Marty
Thanks for the great pics of CSI and the Belmont. Both look amazing! Can’t wait to get down there and explore your dining recommendations.

Hey, you're on!......we can make that short trip easily together (prior to visiting Hilton Head or FROM Hilton Head) and the dining in Charleston is divine....I'm all in! My treat.
Can't think of a more wonderful day spent than in Charleston. Start out with a horse & buggy ride thru the city.....so amazing. Let's talk about it.....

P.S.......and a reminder to those that aren't aware...Charleston is THE #1 destination city in all of America, year after year after year according to Conde Nast......and I concur.

 

[pedro47]

Charleston to HHI is only about a 2 hours drive. This new location is sounding better everyday.

 

[Armada]

From today's Post and Courier:
"A 50-unit timeshare complex is being proposed for the City Market area, on the same wraparound site where plans for a conventional boutique hotel surfaced more than six years ago."

"The company’s L-shaped vacation club near the Market is expected to open around 2025. The project must go through the city’s design review process and meet new stormwater requirements."

This will be an excellent location for anyone visiting Charleston.

This will probably be approved as long as the architecture fits the neighborhood and it isn't too tall. If it was more than 50 units, the city's requirements are much more stringent. Not sure about the city allowing a roof top bar. That has become an issue locally (and there are three others within 100 yards of the location). However, if they do allow it, it should have water views. Don't be surprised if parking is under the building.

One downside to the location is that the back of the building is close to the horse barns across Guignard Street which can be smelly at times.

 

[Armada]

Link fixed.

 

[Glynda]

Since the site they acquired was described as "fully entitled" – that means that some other company or developer already got all of the approvals needed to build. It's highly unlikely that the property was entitled with the intent of timeshare use; probably it was entitled as a hotel. I don't know how things work in South Carolina, but generally you have to build essentially what was entitled. They can probably make some changes on the interior but probably can't change the building's footprint or change the unit count without having to go back for approval which can take a long time. So since they are targeting completion in two years, that means they plan to start construction immediately and are unlikely to make big architectural changes.

So, I expect it will be very hotel-like, at least in the room configurations. I think this is likely to be the only kind of new MVC property we see for the foreseeable future.

It was once approved as a 50 room boutique hotel. One of many, sadly. I doubt that they will approve kitchens but pretty sure its location would allow for an accessible rooftop.

 

[Glynda]

repeat...sorry

 

[daviator]

Given that it’s basically just a modification to the already-approved project, I’d expect this to easily move forward. I don’t really think the city cares whether the 50 units are hotel rooms or timeshares. Either way they are transient accommodations for visitors.

 

[dioxide45]

Not sure about the city allowing a roof top bar. That has become an issue locally (and there are three others within 100 yards of the location). However, if they do allow it, it should have water views.

If it is only open to guests of the property, and not the public, it might be a different situation?

 

[daviator]

If it is only open to guests of the property, and not the public, it might be a different situation?

I believe the rooftop bar was already approved as part of the boutique hotel. I wouldn’t expect they’d claw back that approval during this relatively minor change from hotel to timeshare. Especially since MVC will undoubtedly have the very best Land Use attorneys that (our) money can buy!

 

[Glynda]

Did a quick check and the 36 N Market Street property includes the building south of the parking lot.

The 235 E Bay St property is just the adjacent parking lot to the east of the 36 N Market St parking lot. Basically, when combined the entire parcel is an upside-down L; the building(s) on the corner of Bay and Market street that house the Church & Union Charleston and Savannah Candy Kitchen of Charleston are not part of the parcel. I'm wondering if MVC tried to purchase that one as well but were unsuccessful.

Edited to outline the entire parcel in the following picture:
View attachment 76071

The Old Seaman's Church which houses Church and Union and Tempest Restaurants won't be included (the peaked roof building). That's a very historic building. The parking lots also sit on a very historic property.. There has been a lot of pushing to allow archeologists to dig there before building anything. That may be why the hotel that was planned there never came about. Two sides of the lot houses horse barn carriage businesses.

That WILL be a great location....extremely great!
It's literally "at the City Market" and at the same time bordering East Bay Street
which has many of the finest restaurants in the historic district only steps away.

Farthest walk to my list of Charleston restaurants on East Bay from there
might be 5-6 minutes, with closest ones only 2-3 minutes. (YES, I have a Charleston restaurant list.)
(Ex: SNOB aka "Slightly North of Broad", Grill 225, Magnolia's, High Cotton, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, Rue de Jean, Burwell's)
And several other great restaurants are around the "other" corner.
(Ex: Peninsula Grill, Hank's, CRU Cafe, Charleston Grill, Anson, 82 Queen, TBonz)

How do I know this?
We own 2 weeks at the historic district's most well-located timeshare Church Street Inn.
We have several usage options, but we typically split those 2 weeks into FOUR 2-night weekends any time of year, more usable for us as we're only 2.5 hrs drive away.
(1BR/1.5 bath two-level townhouse, townhouse begins on level 2 as Lobby, etc is on ground floor, private garden terrace, parking deck)
It's one of our most favorite properties "because it's Charleston", and it's in the perfect location in the historic district.
For many years we have enjoyed great dining at places we can easily walk to.
Nothing more romantic than holding hands and walking only 2-4 blocks to dinner every night.

We always have a car, but it remains parked because we walk everywhere, not only to the many fine restaurants but also
to the great shopping mecca along King Street which is only 2 blocks away. Great stores and boutiques of all kinds, cafes, gift shops, etc.
And one side borders Market Street where the famous City Market is.

And there are a few wonderful breakfast and/or lunch spots within 2-4 blocks also.
(Ex: Sweetwater Cafe, Another Broken Egg, Toast, Eli's Table, Meeting at Market)


Church Street Inn
View attachment 76076

View attachment 76078
View attachment 76077
View attachment 76080
View attachment 76079


And the best part about our "condo" and its location???
We're only one block from the luxurious Belmond Charleston Place Hotel, widely known as THE premier hotel in Charleston,
whose rates for a single room/suite range from $826 - $2,953 per night.
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha.........(see pics below)

'Scuse me, but we like Church Street Inn.
It's charming and the staff knows us by name each time we walk in.
We feel like we're on top of the world when we're there....it's just great.
And if we want to enjoy the Belmond, we just enter and hang out as long as we like.
Walk the corridor of luxurious indoor boutiques, dine at Charleston Grill, hang out in the palatial lobby, whatever.

Belmond Charleston Place on Market Street
View attachment 76082
View attachment 76086
View attachment 76083

View attachment 76085

Hate to tell you but Belmond no longer owns Charleston Place Hotel and the new owners have "tackied up the place."

 

[Glynda]

They are probably limited to perhaps only 5-7 stories. At least from looking at other nearby hotel properties. I think it will be a mix of 1BR and perhaps 2BR lock off units. The 2BR LO gives them hotel room style studio units. But you know them, build all hotel room/studio and charge 2BR point prices!!!

The other boutique hotels in the area are limited to four floors. The boutique hotels don't have commercial rooftop bars or pools. Some do have rooftop areas that hotel guests may hang out and some special events where they set up a bar. Mostly one just wanders down to the lobby bar, buys a drink and moseys on up to the rooftop.

 

[sponger76]

The Old Seaman's Church which houses Church and Union and Tempest Restaurants won't be included (the peaked roof building).

That's exactly what I said... see the statement that said "the building(s) on the corner of Bay and Market street that house the Church & Union Charleston and Savannah Candy Kitchen of Charleston are not part of the parcel."