The building from outside was quite impressive; parking to be found in the rear as was the entrance for check in. A middle aged woman was at the desk and greeted us with rehearsed politeness. We needed to wait for our room, so she suggested we check out the cupola which gives you a 360 deg view of the city. Take the elevator to the 4th floor, then scale the circular staircase to the top. The sun was warm and inviting; the most impressive view is unfortunately spoiled by what is a high rise building close to the waterfront.

Wentworth Mansion has been an inn for the last 3 years as the previous occupant was a law firm which stayed for 40 years. There are 21 rooms in all, the average rate per night is around $400.00.

They elected to put us in room 21 which is a corner room on the 4th floor and appears to be more luxurious than others. There is a huge jaccuzzi in the main bedroom set in an alcove with double hung shuttered window and drapes. For privacy, there are 2 sconced lights on each side of the tub, and a vent overhead. Controls are on the side of the wall. King size bed is mahogany wood, and so is the furniture. The bed is wearing down pillows, and is adorned with flowing matching drape and fringe. One of the night tables serves as a hideout for a small fridge that contains complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and a pack of North Carolina peanuts. The other side is flanked by an antique writing desk where the phone is, with IT access and a digital clock. The Room Guide is set in looseleaf bound leather case, and has sections for the inn''s history, attractions, dining, churches, shopping, transportation and such.

The TV is set inside the armoire and topped by a CD player with 2 CD''s they have provided. Bathroom is enormous with separate room for toilet. There are 2 showers in the stall; one is hand held and the other is fixed. This bathroom has a fan which is a delightful and welcome change; they also supply cotton bathrobes which they will be happy to sell you for $50.

In the center of room and directly on the side of the fireplace is a most comfortable velvet loveseat with ottoman and magazines such as Charleston Home Designs , Estates of the World , and Kiawah Island Legends . A copy of "Where" magazine seems out of place in this opulent environment. The gas fueled fire place remained lit during out entire stay. It kept the room warm, as temperatures dipped below normal for Charleston. On the fireplace mantel, some old books have been set with 2 urns adorned with quasi-Roman relief. Gilt Mirror on top and a solitary print of urn reproductions sits on the wall.

Wentworth is a restored 21 bedroom mansion that is listed in 2002 directory of Small Luxury Hotels. Parking is free on the back side of Mansion. The first thing you notice as you enter Wentworth is the Tiffany glass and Mahoganey wood work. Moldings, carved wood paneling and stairs, Italian marble, crystal chandeliers and high ceilings grace the entry as you enter through the main door. Bedrooms are enormous with king size beds, antiques, whirlpools, and fireplaces. Phones are up to date with modem jacks and local calls are free. Internet speeds were 28,800. The Grand suites goes for $650.00 a night. We visited the Grand suite which has a separate library area and two fireplaces. The roof top cupola has a 360 degree view of historic Charleston. Stairs are narrow and circular to cupola. For breakfast you have a choice of eating in the dining area or in bed. We chose breakfast in bed. Reserve this the night before. Quintin helped us with luggage up to the 4th floor. Yes they have elevators for 3 people only. Wine and drinks are served between 5 and 6. Bathroom in room 21 has double shower (huge)and the tile floor has built in heat. TV and CD player in bedroom. Mozart and classical Cd''s they provide. You will not want to leave this room. We only left for dinner. Whirlpool was overlooking Charleston and we did use it. Pure cotton bedding and king size bed. Fireplaces are gas logs, which we never turned off. Weather was a cold 28 to 32 degrees at night. Hardwood floors are the original planks and architectural moldings and casings are just beautiful. Bring your own candles. Just make sure you place the candle far away from the smoke alarms or leave the window slighty open. We learned the hard-way after setting off most alarms. Drapery and decor is 1880''s french fashion.

As previously stated, the Mansion (currently four diamond) is a five diamond establishment waiting to happen.

The house was completed in 1886. It was built in the Second Empire style, and it was and it remains, one of the finest architectual jewels in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I cannot imagine anyone finding fault with the location, ambiance, furnishings, or the staff. Our room was magnificiently furnished and luxurious enough to house royalty. The bathroom design was the best I have ever run across. It had acres of space, a huge enclosed glass shower, an oversize whirlpool, and a private toilet room within the bathroom. The king sized bed was out of Gone With the Wind. There was a comfortable lounge for reading, two televisions, a CD music center, magnificient high ceilings, and a sense of history and comfort that permeated throughout the mansion.

The weather was spectacular and the thermometer hit 75 degrees. The mansion boasts at least ten large air conditioners and our room had an adjustable temperature control which I kept on 68 degrees. The history of the mansion can be read at www.wentworthmansion.com. I will mention the fourth floor had a winding staircase that led to a cupola with huge glass windows that offer one of the finest views of the city. Go to their website to learn about the mystery of the cupola''s purpose. Strangely enough my wife''s father had worked in this mansion nearly fifty years ago when the mansion was used as something else. Experience this wonderful and historic location if you have the chance.

The mansion offered a wonderful continental breakfast, free daily hors d''oeves, and complimentary cordials throughout the day.