“Is it the cobblestone streets? The colorful, historic row homes? The fantastic food? Whatever it is, Charleston’s got everyone thoroughly charmed once again.” – Condé Nast Traveler
Known for rich history, well-preserved architecture, a celebrated restaurant community and mannerly people, the Charleston area has been recognized as the No. 1 Small U.S. City for the fifth consecutive year by Condé Nast Traveler 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers rank destinations on Arts/Culture, Friendliness, Scenery/Sights, Restaurants/Food, Accommodations, Shopping, and Value. This year’s Readers’ Choice Awards received 128,000 ballots, the highest in the 28 year history of the awards.
“To be named a No. 1 City for the fifth consecutive year by readers of Condé Nast Traveler is a testament to the vitality of the Charleston area’s hospitality industry,” says Dan Blumenstock, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The Charleston area’s combination of vibrant culture, genuine hospitality and wonderful people continue to make it a special place to live and visit.”
Charleston first appeared on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Top U.S. Cities in 1993 with a sixth place ranking. It achieved the No. 1 ranking in 2011 and has hung onto the top slot for five years running.
“The Charleston area continues to deliver on the promise of genuine hospitality, world class cuisine, and an authentic travel experience. We are honored to be recognized for the fifth consecutive year by readers of Condé Nast Traveler as the top U.S. destination for travel,” added Helen Hill, Executive Director of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In addition to the No. 1 Top Small U.S. City ranking, Kiawah Island Golf Resort ranked No. 6 Top 20 U.S. Resorts in the South, and Wild Dunes Resort ranked No. 20 Top 20 U.S. Resorts in the South.
The Restoration on King and Wentworth Mansion ranked No.2 and No. 13, among the Top 20 2015 Readers’ Choice Award-winning properties in the Hotels/South category, as well as No. 38 and No. 89, among the Top 100 Readers’ Choice Award-winning Hotels & Resorts in the World.
The following hotels ranked among the Top 10 Hotels/Charleston category:
The Restoration on King
Wentworth Mansion
John Rutledge House Inn
French Quarter Inn
The Vendue
Belmond Charleston Place
Market Pavilion
Kings Courtyard Inn
Planters Inn
Zero George
To experience Charleston’s unparalleled beauty year round, visit ExploreCharleston.com and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Thank you to everyone who voted!
