As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

You’ll find this historic hotel in South Carolina in the charming city of Aiken. Even though Charleston is considered America’s most historic city and is well-loved by tourists, many other cities and towns within the state are deeply rich in history and the types of experiences awaiting those who visit. Aiken, located in the western part of the state, is one of those places, where the most famous historic hotel in South Carolina has been delighting guests with southern hospitality at its best since 1898. Let’s discover The Willcox! 

Legend has it that a young Native American Princess in poor health was told by her father to travel to "the land of the rising sun, where whispering pines stand tall…. through which a river of sand steadily flows."
The Willcox
It is here that she would regain her health. Aiken is this type of place, originally a winter colony resort, that has attracted and captivated people from all over the world for well over 100 years with its southern charm.
Located on Colleton Avenue, the Willcox, one of the best hotels in South Carolina, was built in the late 19th century for affluent Yankees seeking warmth, light, and high society during the winter season.
THE WILLCOX/Facebook
The area was even considered the Queen of the Winter Colonies because so many came each year.
It was a time of great entertainment, recreation, and relaxation, with dances held in ballrooms glittered with candlelight, old rivals settling differences with polite, staunch competition on the polo field, and picnics in Hitchcock Woods with silver, crystal, and linen.
The Most Famous Historic Hotel in South Carolina
The Willcox/Facebook
Politicians, royalty, and industry leaders often visited one of the most historic hotels near me.
Some of the famous people who have stayed at this stately hotel include Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, and Elizabeth Arden.
Museum of the City of New York / Contributor/Archive Photos via Getty Images
It’s the perfect venue for a girlfriend getaway, with a luxurious salon and spa on-site.
The Willcox/Facebook
For a more personalized experience, there are custom spa packages available for guests to choose a variety of ways to unwind that best suit their tastes and preferences.
One of the extras you can select when booking is the Bedtime Bliss Bath Butler, which includes a doTERRA Serenity oil bath in a soothing candlelit atmosphere, accompanied by chamomile tea to help your body unwind for the best night’s sleep.
The Willcox/Facebook
If you opt for the Love Bath Butler, you and your sweetheart will enjoy a tub surrounded by rose petals, rose-scented face towels, and rose massage oil with champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Special experiences are available for the children also.

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Pets are welcome and loved at The Willcox, too with the Family, Friends, and Pets package and other experience enhancements for your furry friends.
The Willcox/Facbook
The Elf Tuck-In is one of the holiday surprises offered to make your family's Christmas extra special and memorable.
The Willcox/Facebook
All of the extras bring people in droves to one of the best places to stay in South Carolina.
Get the Learn to Play Polo or Polo the Willcox Way package to experience the equestrian history of the area.
The Willcox/Facebook
Other types of packages to choose from include The Par-fect Golf Getaway, Yoga Retreat, Babymoon, and the Southern Living Garden Package, just to name a few.
Delicious cuisine has always been just as much a draw for The Willcox as anything else.
The Willcox
You can enjoy a meal at the award-winning restaurant, a romantic dining package for a special occasion or just because, a drink from the lobby bar, or even get takeout or delivery or an event catered.
We like the hefty Berkshire Pork Chop with spring cabbage, ginger, and mustard jus paired with our favorite Cabernet.
THE WILLCOX/Facebook
Called “The Home of the Tastiest Cocktail,” The Willcox Restaurant serves several cocktails.
The Willcox/YouTube
The Parisian, made with 42 Below Vodka from New Zealand, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, and an orange slice for garnish, is one of the local favorites.

For more information about this historic hotel in South Carolina, visit The Willcox website. With such history, charm, and thoughtful offerings, it’s no surprise that The Willcox has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best award. Find more reviews on Tripadvisor.

Have you ever stayed at The Willcox? Did you get any of the experience enhancements or packages? Share with us in the comments section below! Before you go, read up on why the city of Aiken is so perfectly Southern.

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More to Explore

Historic Parks In South Carolina

Carolyn Harmon | January 24, 2024

What are some of the most historic parks in South Carolina?

  • Hampton Park (Charleston): One of the most delightful aspects of this lovely park is an old rose collection. As one of the city's oldest parks, you can imagine the varieties of plants, trees, and shrubs. Out of all of Charleston's parks, it offers the most extensive floral displays. The park's interesting history dates back to 1792 and the opening of Washington Race Course which was mostly open until 1882. In addition to the visual pleasure, year-round activities include the use of a physical fitness trail, restrooms, and on-site parking.
  •  Living History Park (North Augusta): A great way to experience this authentic village is to attend some of the events throughout the year, including the July 4th Celebration. Historical interpreters bring traditional ways of life to visitors in the recreated village representing the years between 1735 and 1785. The nonprofit has been reclaimed from a waterworks dump site where hard work went into its transformation. Some of the permanent buildings include the Perry Hill Cabin, a Grist Mill, the Willow Spring Meeting House, the Spring House Tavern, the Blacksmith Forge, and the Thompson Academy. Folks can also rent the entire park for a picnic, a family reunion, a wedding, or other celebrations.
  • Andrew Jackson State Park (Lancaster): This pretty park offers the perfect combination of recreational activities and history, including living history programs. Plan to attend a special birthday celebration every March to honor America’s seventh president. Read all about him at the museum which features interactive exhibits chronicling Jackson’s boyhood in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Explore the 18th-century replica schoolhouse and visit the statue of the “Boy of the Waxhaws.” Other outdoor fun includes a fishing lake, picnic facilities, and nature trails. Make it a vacation and reserve a spot at the campground.
  • Congaree National Park (Hopkins): Did you know that this is the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States? The 26,276-acre habitat supports the growth of national and state-champion trees, so you can imagine what diverse wildlife is attracted to this enchanted space. Plan a kayaking or canoeing trip, or immerse yourself deeply into the environment at one of the park's primitive campgrounds.

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The Willcox Hotel, 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801, USA