Inside Charleston’s New Cooper Hotel and Its Buzzy Restaurant, the Crossing 

Among hotels in Charleston, South Carolina, the Cooper offers a new vantage point: right on the water but still in the middle of the city’s action. Opened this spring on the Cooper River, the 191-room property is the Holy City’s first true waterfront harbor stay, tucked just along the edge of the French Quarter.

For the interiors, New York–based firm Champalimaud Design took inspiration from the Lowcountry. In the lobby, a curving staircase echoes Charleston’s historic iron gates and a mural captures Atlantic waves, while a basket-weave motif pops up on the stone floor and in guest rooms as a nod to the region’s weaving traditions.

As an infinity pool tumbles out over the harbor, a fleet of yachts and smaller boats stand at the ready in the marina for excursions. And dining options abound: At the Crossing, chef Nick Dugan—also the mastermind behind nearby Sorelle—sources from local purveyors like Lowcountry Oyster Co. and King Tide Farms and serves up a showstopping whole fish filleted tableside. CurrentBurger offers smashburgers and milkshakes in a retro soda fountain space, and Bar Marti brings cocktails and light bites to the pool. 

Below, peek inside the Cooper and the Crossing. 

An oak-and-stone staircase meets basket-weave marble floors in the lobby.

The patio of a guest room looks out over the harbor. 

The guest rooms feature neutral palettes, shiplap paneling, and lots of natural light. 

The infinity pool overlooks the water. 

The lounge on the second floor brings coastal blues to an open space with high ceilings.

Housemade bagels and cured salmon are a breakfast favorite at the Crossing.  

Cameron Nadler heads up the Crossing’s cocktail program, which includes a full page of martini offerings. 

At the bar, polished brass and nickel accents recall classic yacht hardware.