Destination Georgetown: A New Boutique Hotel Will Put Historic Charmer On the Map Georgetown, SC Hotel to Open Soon

by Denise K. James

As a native South Carolinian whose family has ventured to Litchfield Beach for decades, Georgetown was part of our route when we “drove the back way” to the coast. These days, Georgetown is much more than that: the town is growing, and a new boutique hotel — the first on the riverfront — is marking its progress. We spoke to Larry Spelts, President of Lodging and Lifestyle Adventures at Indigo Road Hospitality Group, about their partnership with Winyah Hospitality and plans for The George Hotel, opening in 2024.

Denise K James: How did the concept for The George Hotel come about?

Larry Spelts: City officials and a few astute citizens had observed that the few hotels in Georgetown are midscale chain hotels, but they run very high average rates and high occupancy, indicating that there is unmet demand for something better. Local business leaders also agreed that there is a need for a higher-end clientele to stay when visiting Georgetown on either business or pleasure.

DJ: How did Winyah Hospitality and Indigo Road Hospitality Group partner on this project?

LS: Indigo Road announced that it was entering into the hotel sector in late 2019 and put together a partnership to develop and finance The George. The partners involved were familiar with Indigo Road and founder Steve Palmer — and with me, as both Steve and I have long careers in restaurants and hotels in coastal South Carolina. Indigo Road was willing to make an investment in the project, and together with our track record of success, it was a done deal.

DJ: What businesses have expressed that they are looking forward to The George Hotel?

LS: The local private aviation airport’s management team is pleased, as there are several private jet charter companies that operate from Georgetown. The Winyah Bay delta, adjacent to Georgetown, is a waterfowl hunter’s paradise, and enthusiasts fly into Georgetown from all over the world to experience it. Professional wedding and event planners in the area are also excited, as they have been very limited in options.

DJ: In your opinion, is the arrival of The George a sign that other smaller Southern cities are gaining popularity?

LS: Yes. Just a month before Indigo Road opens The George and its restaurant, The Independent, we will open the Bridge Creek Inn in Clayton, Georgia — and a few months later, a property in Athens, Georgia. We have active inquiries from parties interested to do similar in smaller cities, so we see a trend here.

DJ: Please share more about the chophouse restaurant on the hotel’s first floor.

LS: The Independent — named for a family-owned seafood company that operated a fishing trawler from their dock not far from the location of The George Hotel — will feature local seafood found both in deep water and in saltwater rivers and marshes around Georgetown. It will source produce and poultry, beef, pork and dairy from the best local and regional producers. The culinary style will be decidedly American, with nods to the international influences expected in a centuries-old port city like Georgetown.

DJ: What other projects are in the future?

LS: A luxury hotel and restaurant in Charleston and the iconic Flat Iron building in downtown Asheville opening as the Flat Iron Hotel with a restaurant and rooftop bar in early 2024. Longer term, some of the partners in The George are looking at developing a hotel in historic downtown Camden, which Indigo Road has been asked to be involved in.