The Vendue Review

The Vendue is actually comprised of four separate buildings, redesigned and renovated from earlier construction that served as mercantile buildings and auction houses. In fact the name of the inn was taken from the 18th century moniker for the entire area, Vendue Range, translated from French meaning "to sell." But gone are the bales of cotton and the hucksters vying for the highest price and in their place is a stately and luxurious boutique hotel. With a Tiffany style chandelier, richly upholstered furniture and an unmistakable French flair that hints at understated lavishness, the Vendue Inn offers every comfort one could desire from a hotel establishment. As one may expect from a hotel in the French Quarter, romance is sure to blossom during a stay at the Vendue Inn. From the rooftop bar with an unrivalled view of the city and bay where wine can be sipped under the stars, to the rooms, all about the Vendue encourages the mood to spark or rekindle the romance.

    

Both king and queen suites are outfitted in high style with marble tubs, feather beds, duvet covers spun of fine Egyptian cotton, some with working fireplaces and if desired, the complimentary full southern breakfast can even be discretely served in bed so you never have to leave the warmth and privacy of your room!

The restaurant at The Vendue, The Library appears to continue the romantic theme as it is designed it seems, to promote an intimate dinner with clasped hands across a table for two over candlelight and a sparkling wine. The Library can certainly accommodate larger groups and offers a private dining room suitable for a conference meeting, bridal showers or rehearsal dinners but the ambiance in the main dining room sets the mood that is so conducive to amorous evenings.

The very talented, Chef Sarah Carter serves an upscale southern menu and pays particular attention to the purchase of local and organic goods for her recipes and updates the wine list with unique selections not readily available that best pair with her current menu of the season. Everything is made from scratch either by Chef Carter's own hand or under her watchful eye so that the flavor of her recipes come through with a hint of decadence that lends itself to one giving in to an indulgent evening. Desserts are literally an experience at the Library, as they are all made in-house, with a southern flair but with an added twist to tweak the taste buds like the bourbon pecan pie with the added taste of chocolate or the rich treat of Chef Carter's own homemade organic ice cream made in quintescential southern flavors such as mint julep topped with vanilla bourbon peaches.

Caution and counting calories is suspended for a stay at The Vendue to fully enjoy all the offered amenities in addition to the Library Restaurant and full breakfast such as the complimentary Manager's Reception with wine and cheese in the afternoon and the milk and cookies at bedtime. Complimentary bicycles are offered at the Vendue to counterbalance the possibility of over-indulgences and to take in the sights of Charleston. Return to your artistically appointed room to find the valet has delivered your laundry or dry cleaning, then freshen up with the complimentary luxury bath accoutrement or rest up for your evening in the hotel's soft and sumptuous cotton robes.

The Vendue has the touch of European style that gives its guests permission to suspend the cares and concerns of everyday life in order to immerse oneself in the pleasures the inn offers and quite thoroughly, just enjoy!

The Vendue, a pet friendly environment, earns a high 4-diamond rating for service, room appointments, amenities and value.