The Wonderer Charleston is a luxury private membership club, boutique hotel, and premier event venue located in Charleston, SC. It offers an 'urban oasis' experience with a range of upscale amenities including multiple resort-style pools, private cabanas, a full-service restaurant and multiple bars, a fitness studio, recovery room, saunas, co-working spaces, and 21 luxury hotel suites. It serves as a hub for community, wellness, and unique social experiences.
The pools at The Wonderer Charleston are generally heated for guest comfort, particularly during cooler seasons. However, specific constant temperatures are not publicly advertised and may vary based on external factors and operational decisions.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The Wonderer elicits mixed reviews, frequently lauded for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish aesthetics, and potential as an 'urban oasis' with great food and drinks, unique cuisine, and a lively DJ. However, a prominent complaint revolves around inconsistent and often extremely slow service, with guests reporting extensive waits for food and drinks (even preordered items), understaffing, difficulty getting server attention, and billing issues, including attempts at double charging. While some patrons experienced exceptional and attentive service, others found the operational shortcomings to be a significant hassle. Another point of contention is the disparity between member and non-member amenities, particularly regarding access to shaded loungers. Despite these noted operational challenges, many guests who enjoyed positive experiences, especially those utilizing cabanas, highly recommend The Wonderer for its relaxing luxury and enjoyable ambiance.
Reviews
We recently went to the Wonderer for a bachelorette party. When we walked in, we were extremely hopeful as the look and vibe of the entrance and pool were great. Unfortunately, the service was extremely lacking. We had preordered food platters and pitchers of drinks and it still took hours to get it all. We waited 90 minutes for our pre ordered guac and chips and hummus platter. When our other preordered items (tacos and salad) had still not come out after two hours, our server asked if we would want more chips and guacamole to tie us over. This was an empty promise as she was never able to deliver this. It was clear they were understaffed and there were periods of time when we couldn’t even flag someone down to order a drink, at which point we had to go to the bar to get our own drinks. Despite paying for these drinks at the bar, they showed up on our cabana bill at the end of the day because our server “saw us getting drinks at the bar and didn’t know if we had paid”. It seems she was hoping we wouldn’t notice and would pay twice, otherwise why would she not have asked when she saw us at the bar or before adding them to the cabana bill. Getting the drinks credited back was an ordeal that took 20 minutes when we just wanted to leave and move on with our day. Overall it is not worth the hassle despite having a lot of potential.
Good concept but if you aren't a member, you will cook in the sun without shade. The loungers with umbrellas are for members only. There are cabanas but the cost is too high for one person. Service was very very slow. I ordered a salad and it took so long I asked to cancel and just get my check. Then suddenly my salad appeared, but it took another 30 mins to get my check. The pool was nice...not freezing but not hot. They do have a DJ and it was a good time but the no shade made it hard to hang out for very long.
Loved our time at The Wonderer! The atmosphere was amazing. The front desk greeted us kindly and our waitress, Gabbie, truly went above and beyond taking care of us. She was friendly, funny, and made sure we had everything we needed. The food was great, and I’m already looking forward to coming back sometime in the future. Highly recommend!
URBAN OASIS My sister and I have been here for 4 months, renting a lovely home in Charleston through Duvet; as part of a partnership, we have access to The Wonderer. We went in early April and it was $15/pp; the months prior to this, there is no fee. We visited on a Sunday and called ahead the day before to confirm entry protocols. We were encouraged to arrive by 11:15 to secure a chaise by the pool. Upon arrival we were greeted immediately, given towels and treated with kindness and respect. The hostess was very clear about the poolside chaises being reserved for members and directed us to the row behind. We fully respected that and were glad to have arrived early enough to grab three for our group. The staff was incredible and made sure to check in with us often for any drink or food requests. There is a lovely 'loft' area overlooking the pool with seating and places to work. We noticed there were a lot of 'travelers' and outside groups. So it appears they are still establishing their membership roster by allowing these partnerships. Perhaps this will change as more people join and they won't need to offset costs by opening to Airbnb and other short term rentals. I'm very happy with my experience and plan to visit again while in Charleston.
I recently gathered a few of my friends for a girls' day at The Cabana at The Wonderer, and it was an unforgettable experience! The relaxed luxury of the setup, combined with Chef Michael's unique cuisine, made it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy quality time together. We started with a refreshing kale Caesar salad topped with grilled shrimp and a beautifully curated charcuterie board—every bite was absolutely delicious! The pool area was a fantastic addition to our day, where we sipped on their yummy Tropical Topoco and spicy margaritas. The vibrant atmosphere with DJs playing all weekend long added the perfect soundtrack to our day of indulgence and relaxation. If you’re looking for a place to relax, dine, and vibe with your crew, The Wonderer is the place to be. I highly recommend booking a cabana to elevate your weekend plans! Can't wait to come back! 🌴✨🍹
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
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