The Best Western Sea Island Inn
story by susan lee photography by john wollwerth
Most event and meeting planners will agree that one of the most important factors in planning an event is the venue. Choosing the right setting for a memorable gathering or business meeting will go a long way in ensuring a successful event.
One of the best venues in the Low Country is the Best Western Sea Island Inn. Located in the heart of the Beaufort Historic District on Bay Street, the inn boasts nearly 2,500 square feet of event space. In 2016, the Best Western Sea Island Inn was voted Best Hotel in the Eat Sleep Play Beaufort Awards. TripAdvisor reviewers also love the inn, rating it an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
What sets the inn’s meeting spaces apart from others in the area? Hands down, it’s the location, says General Manager Lisa Kassuba. “We’re right in the historic district, just steps away from Antebellum homes, quaint shops, art galleries, book stores, and a variety of cafés, bistros, coffee shops and eateries,” she says. “And because we’re at the waterfront, our guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the scenic Beaufort River.”
The inn’s spacious and expertly styled meeting rooms, Room by the Bay and the Dolphin Room, make lovely settings for Beaufort area meetings and banquets. Functions ranging in size from 2 to 70 can be accommodated with ease, and audiovisual equipment is included at no additional fee. If your event requires a catered luncheon, the inn staff has access to a variety of fabulous caterers in the Beaufort area.
The Best Western Sea Island Inn’s amenities and services include:
• Room by the Bay – 735 square feet
• Dolphin Room – 1,700 square feet
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Audio/visual equipment
• Podium
• Easels
• PA system
• Two 42 – inch wall mounted televisions
• DVD
• Flip charts
• 6-foot screen
• Coolers
• Microphones – Standard
• Microphones – Wireless
• Free local calls
• 70 chairs
• Skirting and tablecloths
• 6 and 8-foot tables
• Six 60-inch round tables
According to Lisa, both of the meeting rooms recently underwent extensive renovations. The Dolphin Room renovation consisted of all new carpeting, plantation shutters and lighting. In the Room by the Bay, everything was replaced, to include new flooring, furniture, lighting, counters and more.
Lisa has worked at the Best Western Sea Island Inn for 28 years and loves her job and the inn. “I love what we do and where we do it,” she says. “I love meeting and hosting our guests, working with our fantastic staff and doing it all in beautiful and historic downtown Beaufort.” She adds that she also very much enjoys managing such a spectacular inn, especially since “no two days are alike.”
And for meeting attendees who wish to stay overnight, the inn offers 43 boutique-style rooms that celebrate the spirit of the charming South. The beautifully appointed rooms, with either a king bed or two queen beds, include modern amenities such as complimentary high-speed internet, Bath & Bodyworks bath products and flat screen TVs.
“Our staff goes above and beyond to make sure that all of our guests have a restful and productive stay,” says Lisa. “Everyone here works hard to make sure the inn’s superior customer service, value and cleanliness are a priority.”
For more information on planning your next meeting at the Best Western Sea Island Inn, call (843)522-2090 or visit www.sea-island-inn.com. The inn is located at 1015 Bay St., at the corner of Bay and Newcastle Streets.
