The Poinsett Hotel- Greenville, SC

Much like downtown Greenville, the Poinsett Hotel has made a dramatic comeback. Long abandoned and left to deteriorate following the rise of interstate motels, the Poinsett has experienced a wonderful renaissance in recent years. The once grand hotel has been resurrected, and thankfully retains much of its original charm.

Dating back to 1925, the $1.5 million Poinsett replaced an earlier 1820 resort hotel, The Mansion House, located on the same Main Street site. Although once grand, the old hotel had fallen into disrepair, and was to be replaced with a luxurious modern high-rise masterpiece. New York architect William Lee Stoddart, who had just built Charleston’s Francis Marion Hotel, was employed to draw up designs for the property. What emerged was the city’s first skyscraper; a twelve story structure, boasting 100 rooms, ornate ironwork, a marble bedecked lobby, and a grand arcade.

Named for Martin Van Buren’s Secretary of War and South Carolina native Joel R. Poinsett (who interestingly enough also introduced the poinsettia to the United States), the L shaped brick building featured a four story base, highlighted by tall arched windows; the unadorned central portion was capped with a broad terracotta frieze and a balustraded parapet. Inside, the hotel featured a ballroom, a convention hall, several dining rooms and a lounge.

Although the building was unquestionably grand, it was not profitable. In its first year, the hotel lost over $30,000; the Great Depression soon followed, during which business further declined. The Poinsett’s savior was J. Mason Alexander, a fastidious General Manager who shifted the business focus from travelers to local families; dances and dinners kept the hotel afloat during the darkest days of the depression. His discerning standards made the hotel “Carolina’s Finest,” and by 1940 the hotel was finally profitable. So much so, 60 rooms were added in 1941. Well done, sir.

During these early days the hotel shined, attracting notables such as Amelia Earhart and Cornelius Vanderbilt. However, the halcyon days were over by the mid-50s, when the rise of automobile travel brought competition from low priced interstate motels and motor lodges. Hotels in the urban core fell out of favor, and were often abandoned. The Poinsett, however, hung on until the early 1970s, when it was converted to a retirement home. The new owner deferred maintenance and deliberately disregarded fire codes, resulting in the shuttering of the property in 1987. A sad end to a once grand venture.

Despite being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there the hotel sat, forlorn and neglected for the next decade. The property suffered from vandalism and experienced two damaging fires; it was considered one of the most endangered historic structures in South Carolina. By the late 1990s however, the urban core of the town itself was experiencing a revitalization, and the property was purchased by the owners of Charleston’s Francis Marion Hotel.

Following a $20 million restoration, the Westin Poinsett reopened to great fanfare on October 22, 2000. The lobby is once again lovely, and the ballrooms host grand celebrations. Many original details were restored, and much of the original charm retained. The bedrooms themselves lack historic details, but they have been nicely remodeled.

Today, the hotel’s central location is perfect for exploring the revitalized city on foot. Certainly more convenient than the outlaying interstate motels. Falls Park and its beautiful bridge are only a short walk away, as are all the fabulous riverfront restaurants. Do not miss the Lazy Goat and its magnificent patio. It is a fun town indeed; a charming city coupled with a classic hotel make Greenville a perfect weekend getaway destination.