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Tailgating Season in Aiken

Spring celebrates Aiken tailgating season. Polo matches, horse shows, horse races all offer great opportunities for tailgating.

“Tailgating is a family affair for us! Not only our food and drinks…but don’t forget the children at halftime or in between the races!”
– Joanne Dorian

“The more the merrier on our Sunday Polo tailgates! Our menus vary and grilled lobster is not out of the question!”
– Rhett Sinclair

The Willcox Signature Mint Julep
3 oz Bourbon
1 oz Simple Syrup
6-8 Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice

Stir together bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves and ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with more ice and garnish with mint leaves. Try the recipe at home, or come enjoy a mint julep at the Lobby Bar.

A More Sustainable Aiken

At The Willcox, we take land conservation very seriously, with our beloved Hitchcock Woods so close at hand. The Aiken Land Conservancy aims to preserve Aiken’s unique character and natural and historic resources for present and future generations through advocacy and land protection.

Learn more about conversation here.

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What’s Growing and Blooming?

What’s Growing and Blooming?
Spring Botanicals in Aiken with Bill Tiszai

What are some of the “favorites” that will grow and bloom in Aiken in the spring?
There are several classic trees and shrubs that let us know we’re on our way to spring. Camelias are at the top of the list and begin before spring with their brilliant blooms in various colors and combinations. We also love the Japanese Magnolia, commonly called the Tulip Magnolia, with its vivid purple tulip-shaped blooming flower. Yellow Forsythia is another favorite that will produce a wonderful yellow flower before the leaves. Of course, you can’t forget the okame cherry trees with their beautiful pink blooms.

What are or is some of the most common “spring” gardening problems in Aiken?
As soon as we hit our first warm week, many customers want to plant tomatoes, which is still a bit early in February. We always run the risk of a late frost in March, so we recommend paying attention to the weather and covering or moving plants when frost is expected. We are blessed in Aiken to have very favorable conditions for planting throughout the year, so there really isn’t a bad time to garden. While it may sound obvious, it’s easy to overlook the importance of watering regularly, especially when rain is not sufficient.

Do you have any “spring surprises” that you could share?
One of our favorites right now is Edgeworthia Chrysantha, also known as the paper bush. It blooms in winter with beautiful white florets that pack a punch with its scent. Another shrub with a wonderful scent is winter daphne that also provides beautiful blooms earlier than others. Because it’s harder to find, we really enjoy having it when it’s available. We’ve been fortunate this year to find several different varieties of camelias with beautiful color combinations. We love sharing things that are unique and only found in small numbers. We just received a nice shipment of palms, which adds a tropical feel to any landscape.

If there were one garden resolution to make during the spring what would you suggest that be?
Don’t be afraid to try things, and if it doesn’t work out, try again. While we like to reduce things in our lives to an exact science, gardening is still working with mother nature. Things might not always work just the way we want them to, but don’t let that discourage you – try again. Once you experience a little success with nurturing something and experiencing its beauty, you will be hooked. It’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and connect to nature, which is something we could all use more of these days.

Our Favorite Things: Winter

“If winter were a beer, it would be Stones IPA with a good balance of piney notes and citrus/grapefruit. The hops profile is complex and rounded with a lingering bitterness, pairing well with the creamy yolk from the egg, the fat from the sausage, and bitterness of the Stones IPA Mustard. That is why if winter were a beer it would be Stones IPA.”
– Matthew Sayer, The Willcox Restaurant Manager
Matt’s Favorite Winter Snack: Scotch eggs

Food: “Oyster Roasts… salty, briny low country oysters enjoyed around a fire with friends…”
Activities: “Hiking in Hitchcock Woods… each season brings a different view, scent, and experience.”
Book to read by the fire: “One of my favorites is Beryl Markham’s Memoir – West with The Night.”
– Tina McCarthy, General Manager

“Enjoying plays at The Aiken Playhouse, walking the Aiken Arboretum Trail, bundling up and enjoying the Aiken State Park, and riding Pedego electric bikes.”
– Teresa Noel, Guest Services

“Enjoying winter meals with family and friends, having friends over for drinks around the fire pit, and last but not least… football, football, and more football!”
– Derek Brown

Food: “Cooking mom’s cheddar biscuits & dad’s Argentine empanadas.”
Activities: “Walking the dogs downtown to Tailgate Tavern and watching football outside under the heaters, ordering chorizo mussels, and seeing Wendy our favorite bartender.”
Book to read by the fire: “Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier”
– Alex Carranza, Guest Services and Vacation Rental Manager

A Letter to The Willcox from an Old Friend

It is Christmas time in Aiken. That is a delightful thing. Colder weather is sweeping in and thus, the inviting fireplaces of The Willcox beckon.

And for a little bit longer, I am ensconced in the embrace of her most comfortable cocoon. I am happy to stake out my ground and declare she is special, charming and an enchanting top of the hospitality heights. The Willy is, simply put, iconic.

I have grown to know her well. For over a decade, I have, from often time to time, camped out here while at work, while in trial, while writing my books, while simply seeking some ‘down time’ and rest. I admit, when here, I luxuriate in her manifold and many comforts. Her food and drink, her people are all just easily beyond fine. Good humor and good manners and good conversation abound.

Her ambiance is Southern unique. She is a throwback time warp, the transfer portal to a proper touch serendipity and a just right, comfortable hedonism. When here, I am a happy sybarite, and she helps my brain calm and work thoughtfully.

Surely, you say, surely you exaggerate.
No, not at all, not in the least. She is, flatly put, a gem.

-E. Vernon F. Glenn, Author, Attorney & Raconteur

Experience Aiken like a Local

Guests often ask: How can I enjoy equestrian culture in the winter?
There are plenty of activities and competitions during the winter season that welcome spectators.

If you are a morning person, The Aiken Training Track will have young thoroughbreds training typically from 7-9am – enjoy watching Railside during their morning training ritual.

Recently a guest who had never attended a horse show asked about spectator etiquette…which is a great question! I shared this article which they found very helpful, and it still holds true!

There are so many ways to enjoy thoroughbred country, and we hope you find it as exciting as we do!

Happy Spectating!
Tina McCarthy
Willcox General Manager & Horse Enthusiast

Where to Spectate Horse Shows & Competitions
National USEF Jumper Shows – Aiken Horse Park
USEA Horse Trials and USDF Competitions – Stable View
Hunter Jumper Shows – Highfields

Winter Art Classes
Interested in learning about oil painting? Or maybe try your hand in acrylics and drawing!
Join classes at Aiken Art Annex this Winter.

Register here – https://aikenartannex.com/registration/

Take time to rejuvenate…
Let this be a season to give yourself freedom from expectation, create presence of mind and peace from the many distractions of life…

Lose yourself in a great novel
Meditate & breathe with intention
Take a long walk somewhere in nature
Relax & laugh at a silly movie or show
Turn your phone off – if only for 30 minutes
Spend time with yourself and those you love
Write away worries in your journal
Remember to be kind to you

When in doubt, take an extra-long bubble bath, pour a glass of something delicious & turn up your favorite tunes.

Stay tuned for more details on special spa & self-care packages this winter.

Court of Master Sommeliers

“My passion is the restaurant industry,” Matt said. “Every day is a school day and I love to learn. The Court of Master Sommeliers was a perfect fit for me. Level One really sets the standards for what the Court expects you to know and learn over the course of your training. My goal is to eventually become a Master Sommelier—it’s my 10 year goal, and my next step in the certification process will be completed in early 2021. I have always had the ‘wine bug’ and the Court has definitely taken me to the next level.”

Matt and Lindsay’s training and education will bring new experiences to The Willcox for all of our guests, age 21 and up, to enjoy.

“Wine service has already begun changing at The Willcox as we now have trained sommeliers gathering information from customers to offer sound advice on great wines,” Matt said. “We’re helping them to select wines that apply to their specific tastes. We’re also engaging in the correct service methods and ensuring that all of our wines are at the correct temperature.”

While Matt’s favorite wine offered at The Willcox is Leclerc Briant NV Champagne from France, he takes all kinds of elements into consideration before offering his suggestion and advice to a guest as they select what they would like to drink.

“It all depends on the day, time of year, and the guest,” Matt said. “As a sommelier, it is our duty to listen to the guest and see what they are in the mood for. It isn’t for me to tell them what they like.”

In celebration of this achievement, they will be introducing a new wine by the glass program at The Willcox consisting of wines described sa having a superior character and style, and rated 85 or above by Wine Spectator. The next time that you stop by The Willcox, be sure to congratulate them! This is a huge accomplishment and we are immensely proud of them.

July 4 Updated Guest Care Guidelines

Our commitment to your health and safety is a priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines.

In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

TO OUR GUESTS

  • We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility. 
  • All hotel guests are required to complete a health declaration form prior to checking in. 
  • All guests to The Willcox must wear a face mask upon entering, checking-in and while moving through all indoor public areas of the hotel. Face masks can be removed once seated to dine and during specified spa services.
  • We are providing more room between gathering areas in the lobbies, living rooms and dining rooms. We kindly ask that guests abide by social distancing recommendations, wave hello to friends from a distance and respect others’ personal space at all times.
  • Many of the amenities typically found in our guestrooms have been removed to provide a more personal and safe experience for all guests. It will be our pleasure to set up prior to your arrival or deliver to your room, the following fresh and sanitized items: coffee machine and coffee set up, bath robes, water glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket, Bible, sewing kit, and yoga mat, and sewing kit. 
  • Hotel guests will be given the option for housekeeping service during their stay. For guests who prefer housekeepers do not enter their rooms during their stay, we will pick up trash and deliver additional linens, towels, and amenities in plastic bags upon request.

OUR EMPLOYEES

  • All employees returning to work must be able to sign a declaration form confirming they have and will continue to follow the personal guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.
  • Prior to returning to work, all employees go through a thorough Covid-19 training program which includes training on new protocols at work and personal hygiene requirements.
  • We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.
  • All employees have completed the ServSafe Takeout, Delivery, and Reopening Guidance: COVID-19 precautions programs.
  • Employees with cold or flu like symptoms are required to stay home.
  • All employees have their temperature taken and recorded prior to starting work each day. Employees with a temperature of 100 or greater are sent home.
  • We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.
  • All employees are trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices specific to their departments that include but are not limited to disinfecting surfaces, pens and keys between each guests use and frequent cleaning of work spaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, keys, mouse, mouse pads and cell phones. 

HOUSEKEEPING

  • High touch point areas throughout the public areas in the hotel, restaurant and spa are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day. 
  • Covered garbage cans with foot pedals to open are spread throughout the public areas for guests to discard their tissues and other items they’ve touched and wish to discard.
  • Houseman are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens. Houseman are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.
  • Our housekeepers are wearing masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and sanitize. All housekeepers are using safe practices to change their gloves after they clean each room. 
  • Prior to check-in, each guest room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Touchpoint sanitation includes, but is not limited to: door handles, head boards, desks, tables, chairs, lamps, light switches, thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-fridges, room collateral, telephone and keypad, television remote control, alarm clock, trash receptacle touch points, umbrella handle, iron handle, ironing board, hangers, luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.
  • Stayover service is available for guests. No contact delivery of linens, towels and bath amenities are available for guests who prefer to not have stay-over service. 
  • Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day.
  • Cleaning products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens.
  • UV light is used to enhance sanitation in all areas of the hotel including but not limited to antique furniture, fabric, carpet and draperies.
  • An electrostatic misting machine with hospital grade disinfectant will be used to sanitize guest rooms after guests check-out and all public areas each evening (anticipated arrival June 12th)
  • We use the MondoVap 2400 Vapor Steam cleaner and disinfectant in all areas of the hotel and as our green alternative for guests who prefer chemical free cleaning and disinfecting.

THE RESTAURANT 

  • The Willcox is a proud participant in the Palmetto Priority program, a formal commitment made by SC restaurateurs to provide a clean and safe environment for our staff and guests through extensive precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Our restaurant is open for socially distanced outdoor and indoor dining.
  • Managers, servers, hosts and bartenders wear masks.
  • Restaurant patrons arriving with masks will be given an envelope to safely store their mask while dining.
  • All dining menus are single use. Each menu is also available by scanning our QR codes on your personal device for no-contact menus.
  • Table cloths are changed after each customer. Condiments, silverware, flatware, glassware, and other traditional tabletop items are provided upon request, sanitized between guests, and left off tables when unoccupied.
  • Guest checks are being presented with the pen wrapped in a sanitary wipe.
  • Each shift has a designated employee overseeing safety and sanitation. They are responsible for observing and ensuring that hand washing is done appropriately, and sanitation of dining room areas, restrooms, lobbies, doors, and other high-contact areas is done regularly and consistently (minimum of hourly).
  • Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves. 
  • Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts according to recommended guidelines.
  • We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries. 
  • Our kitchen proudly submits to voluntary DHEC Retail Food Covid-19 Safety Checks.

GROCERY MARKET & RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY 

  • Restaurant orders and payment are taken over the phone. Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, non-contact curbside pick-up or non-contact delivery 
  • Curbside pick-up – If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the seat. If there is someone in the passenger seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact curbside pick-up – A six-foot table is set up by our pool gate where the take-away items will be waiting for the guest to pick up. Our staff watch the items on the table to ensure their safety until the guest arrives. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact deliveries – We will call as we’re pulling up and put the delivery outside the front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • Our takeaway menus are single use. 

SALON & SPA

  • Our therapists are certified with Dermalogica’s Covid-19 Clean Touch certification
  • Our hair stylists are certified in Barbicide’s Covid-19 program
  • Like all employees, spa therapists must complete a health declaration form and have their temperature checked prior to being permitted to work
  • Therapists wash and sanitize their hands prior to service, wear a clean disposable apron for each service, and wear a mask and/or face shield during service.
  • All clients must have their temperature taken and complete a health declaration prior to service.
  • Limited contact and no contact check-in and check-out available for clients.
  • It is recommended that spa clients wear a mask for their safety.
  • A 30-minute gap between therapists’ appointments will be scheduled to allow adequate times to sanitize rooms and limit the number of guests in the Zen room at one time.
  • Hair and nail clients will go directly to the salon to assist in keeping clients comfortably distanced.
  • Magazines and blankets are available upon request. Neither will be left out.
  • Testers have been taken off the shelves and are available upon request.
  • Our printed spa menus are single use. No contact spa menus are also available by scanning our Spa Menu QR code on guests’ personal devices.
  • We have adapted our cancellation policy during this time of heightened personal responsibility. If a guest is feeling unwell, they can cancel their appointment four hours prior to service without penalty.

 

Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place to guarantee a safe lodging, dining and spa experience.

May 18 Updated Guest Care Guidelines

Our commitment to your health and safety is a priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

TO OUR GUESTS

  • We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility. 
  • All hotel guests are required to complete a health declaration form prior to checking in. 
  • We are providing more room between gathering areas in the lobbies, living rooms and dining rooms. We kindly ask that guests abide by social distancing recommendations, wave hello to friends from a distance and respect others’ personal space at all times.
  • Many of the amenities typically found in our guestrooms have been removed to provide a more personal and safe experience for all guests. It will be our pleasure to set up prior to your arrival or deliver to your room, the following fresh and sanitized items: coffee machine and coffee set up, bath robes, water glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket, Bible, sewing kit, and yoga mat, and sewing kit. 
  • Hotel guests will be given the option for housekeeping service during their stay. For guests who prefer housekeepers do not enter their rooms during their stay, we will pick up trash and deliver additional linens, towels, and amenities in plastic bags upon request.

OUR EMPLOYEES

  • All employees returning to work must be able to sign a declaration form confirming they have and will continue to follow the personal guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.
  • Prior to returning to work, all employees go through a thorough Covid-19 training program which includes training on new protocols at work and personal hygiene requirements.
  • We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.
  • All employees are certified in the ServSafe Takeout and Delivery: Covid-19 precautions program.
  • Employees with cold or flu like symptoms are required to stay home.
  • All employees have their temperature taken and recorded prior to starting work each day. Employees with a temperature of 100 or greater are sent home.
  • We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.
  • All employees are trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices specific to their departments that include but are not limited to disinfecting surfaces, pens and keys between each guests use and frequent cleaning of work spaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, keys, mouse, mouse pads and cell phones. 

HOUSEKEEPING

  • High touch point areas throughout the public areas in the hotel, restaurant and spa are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day. 
  • Covered garbage cans with foot pedals to open are spread throughout the public areas for guests to discard their tissues and other items they’ve touched and wish to discard.
  • Houseman are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens. Houseman are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.
  • Our housekeepers are wearing masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and sanitize. All housekeepers are using safe practices to change their gloves after they clean each room. 
  • Prior to check-in, each guest room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Touchpoint sanitation includes, but is not limited to: door handles, head boards, desks, tables, chairs, lamps, light switches, thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-fridges, room collateral, telephone and keypad, television remote control, alarm clock, trash receptacle touch points, umbrella handle, iron handle, ironing board, hangers, luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.
  • Stayover service is available for guests. No contact delivery of linens, towels and bath amenities are available for guests who prefer to not have stay-over service. 
  • Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day.
  • Cleaning products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens.
  • UV light is used to enhance sanitation in all areas of the hotel including but not limited to antique furniture, fabric, carpet and draperies.
  • An electrostatic misting machine with hospital grade disinfectant will be used to sanitize guest rooms after guests check-out and all public areas each evening (anticipated arrival June 12th)

THE RESTAURANT 

  • Our restaurant is open for socially distanced outdoor and indoor dining.
  • Servers, hosts and bartenders wear masks.
  • Restaurant patrons arriving with masks will be given an envelope to safely store their mask while dining.
  • All dining menus are single use. Each menu is also available by scanning our QR codes on your personal device for no-contact menus.
  • Table cloths are changed after each customer. Salt and pepper shakers are sanitized between guests and delivery of sugar, condiment jars and honey are delivered in single serving sizes upon guest request.
  • Guest checks are being presented with the pen wrapped in a sanitary wipe.
  • Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves. 
  • Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts according to recommended guidelines.
  • We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries. 
  • Our kitchen proudly submits to voluntary DHEC Retail Food Covid-19 Safety Checks.

GROCERY MARKET & RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY 

  • Restaurant orders and payment are taken over the phone. Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, non-contact curbside pick-up or non-contact delivery 
  • Curbside pick-up – If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the seat. If there is a driver in the passenger seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact curbside pick-up – A six-foot table is set up by our pool gate where the take-away items will be waiting for the guest to pick up. Our staff watch the items on the table to ensure their safety until the guest arrives. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact deliveries – We will call as we’re pulling up and put the delivery outside the front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • Our takeaway menus are single use. 

SALON & SPA

  • Our therapists are certified with Dermalogica’s Covid-19 Clean Touch certification
  • Our hair stylists are certified in Barbicide’s Covid-19 program
  • Like all employees, spa therapists must complete a health declaration form and have their temperature checked prior to being permitted to work
  • Therapists wash and sanitize their hands prior to service, wear a clean disposable apron for each service, and wear a mask and/or face shield during service.
  • All clients must have their temperature taken and complete a health declaration prior to service.
  • Limited contact and no contact check-in and check-out available for clients.
  • It is recommended that spa clients wear a mask for their safety.
  • A 30-minute gap between therapists’ appointments will be scheduled to allow adequate times to sanitize rooms and limit the number of guests in the Zen room at one time.
  • Hair and nail clients will go directly to the salon to assist in keeping clients comfortably distanced.
  • Magazines and blankets are available upon request. Neither will be left out.
  • Testers have been taken off the shelves and are available upon request.
  • Our printed spa menus are single use. No contact spa menus are also available by scanning our Spa Menu QR code on guests’ personal devices.
  • We have adapted our cancellation policy during this time of heightened personal responsibility. If a guest is feeling unwell, they can cancel their appointment four hours prior to service without penalty.

 

Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place to guarantee a safe lodging, dining and spa experience.

May 11 Updated Guest Care Guidelines

Our commitment to your health and safety is a priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

TO OUR GUESTS

  • We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility. 
  • All hotel guests are required to complete a health declaration form prior to checking in. 
  • We are providing more room between gathering areas in the lobbies, living rooms and dining rooms. We kindly ask that guests abide by social distancing recommendations, wave hello to friends from a distance and respect others’ personal space at all times.
  • Many of the amenities typically found in our guestrooms have been removed to provide a more personal and safe experience for all guests. It will be our pleasure to set up prior to your arrival or deliver to your room, the following fresh and sanitized items: coffee machine and coffee set up, bath robes, water glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket, bible, sewing kit, and yoga mat. 

OUR EMPLOYEES

  • All employees returning to work must be able to sign a declaration form confirming they have and will continue to follow the personal guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.
  • Prior to returning to work, all employees go through a thorough Covid-19 training program which includes training on new protocols at work and personal hygiene requirements.
  • We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.
  • All employees are certified in the ServSafe Takeout and Delivery: Covid-19 precautions program.
  • Employees with cold or flu like symptoms are required to stay home.
  • All employees have their temperature taken and recorded prior to starting work each day. Employees with a temperature of 100 or greater are sent home.
  • We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.
  • All employees are trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices specific to their departments that include but are not limited to disinfecting surfaces, pens and keys between each guests use and frequent cleaning of work spaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, keys, mouse, mouse pads and cell phones. 

HOUSEKEEPING

  • High touch point areas throughout the public areas in the hotel, restaurant and spa are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day. 
  • Covered garbage cans with foot pedals to open are spread throughout the public areas for guests to discard their tissues and other items they’ve touched and wish to discard.
  • Houseman are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens. Houseman are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.
  • Our housekeepers are wearing masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and sanitize. All housekeepers are using safe practices to change their gloves after they clean each room. 
  • Prior to check-in, each guest room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Touchpoint sanitation includes but is not limited to: door handles, head boards, desks, tables, chairs, lamps, light switches, thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-fridges, room collateral, telephone and keypad, television remote control, alarm clock, trash receptacle touch points, umbrella handle, iron handle, ironing board, hangers, luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.
  • Stayover service is available for guests. No contact delivery of linens, towels and bath amenities are available for guests who prefer to not have stay-over service. 
  • Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day.
  • Cleaning products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens.
  • UV light is used to enhance sanitation in all areas of the hotel including but not limited to antique furniture, fabric, carpet and draperies.
  • An electrostatic misting machine with hospital grade disinfectant will be used to sanitize guest rooms after guests check-out and all public areas each evening (anticipated arrival June 12th)

THE RESTAURANT 

  • Our restaurant is open for socially distanced outdoor and indoor dining.
  • Servers, hosts and bartenders wear masks.
  • Restaurant patrons arriving with masks will be given an envelope to safely store their mask while dining.
  • All dining menus are single use. 
  • Table cloths are changed after each customer. Salt and pepper shakers are sanitized between guests and delivery of sugar, condiment jars and honey are delivered in single serving sizes upon guest request.
  • Guest checks are being presented in a glass. The pen and glass are being cleaned after each transaction.
  • Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves. 
  • Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts according to recommended guidelines.
  • We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries. 
  • Our kitchen proudly submits to voluntary DHEC Retail Food Covid-19 Safety Checks.

GROCERY MARKET & RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY 

  • Restaurant orders and payment are taken over the phone. Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, non-contact curbside pick-up or non-contact delivery 
  • Curbside pick-up – If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the seat. If there is a driver in the passenger seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact curbside pick-up – A six-foot table is set up by our pool gate where the take-away items will be waiting for the guest to pick up. Our staff watch the items on the table to ensure their safety until the guest arrives. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • No Contact deliveries – We will call as we’re pulling up and put the delivery outside the front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.
  • Our takeaway menus are single use. 

 

Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place to guarantee a safe lodging, dining and spa experience.

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