The Shepherd Hotel

Within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, The Shepherd Hotel, located at 110 Sloan St, Clemson, SC 29631, USA, offers a truly unique and deeply impactful hospitality experience. With phone contact at (864) 635-0100 or +1 864-635-0100, this boutique hotel is not only a hub of comfort and convenience but also a testament to a powerful social mission, closely tied to the spirit of Clemson University and its community.

The environment of The Shepherd Hotel is one of approachable luxury and Southern hospitality, seamlessly integrated into the vibrant fabric of downtown Clemson. Its prime location makes it an ideal choice for visitors to Clemson University, as it is within walking distance of the visitor center, Memorial Stadium, the campus itself, and a plethora of local coffee shops, restaurants, and Clemson-themed stores. This ensures guests can easily immerse themselves in the collegiate atmosphere and local charm. The hotel's architecture and interior design are carefully curated to create a warm and inviting ambiance, with attention to detail evident in elements like a two-story grand staircase that allows natural light to permeate the lobby and corridors. The common areas, including the lobby sitting area, are elegantly furnished, providing comfortable spaces for relaxation. Subtle yet powerful details enhance the environment, such as Braille inscriptions of uplifting words like "love," "joy," "happiness," and "sunshine" inlaid in the decor. The walls are adorned gallery-style with a rotating collection of artwork from local and global artists, many of whom have some form of disability, further showcasing the hotel's inclusive ethos.

The Shepherd Hotel, which opened in September 2022, features 67 air-conditioned guest rooms designed for both aesthetics and comfort. Guests consistently praise the rooms for being clean, nicely decorated, and spacious, with comfortable beds and pillows. Standard amenities include 50-inch Smart TVs with satellite channels, complimentary wireless internet access, in-room safes, blackout drapes/curtains, and phones with free local and long-distance calls. Private bathrooms come with towels, and daily housekeeping is available by request. Some rooms may offer balconies, providing additional space and views. While some guests have noted minor issues like shower pressure in certain rooms or the size of king rooms compared to double queen rooms, the overall sentiment regarding the accommodations is overwhelmingly positive. The hotel is equipped with an elevator, ensuring accessibility throughout the property. Valet parking is available for a surcharge (typically $25 per night, including in/out privileges), and wheelchair-accessible parking is also provided. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming two pets up to 25 pounds each for an additional fee of $50 per stay (for a maximum of two nights). Well-behaved pets may be left in the room unattended and are to be leashed in public areas, with the exception of ADA service animals being permitted in the Delish Sisters restaurant or the Thomas Bar.

The services at The Shepherd Hotel are characterized by a profound commitment to "hospitality with a purpose." This is largely due to its unique partnership with the ClemsonLIFE program, which provides employment opportunities for students and graduates with intellectual disabilities. This integration fosters an incredibly kind, attentive, and helpful staff, as highlighted by numerous customer reviews. Guests frequently commend individual staff members, such as "Anthony," for their exceptional kindness, wisdom, and ability to create a memorable experience. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, express check-out, luggage storage, and tour/ticket assistance. For dining, the hotel hosts two prominent establishments. Delish Sisters, located on the first floor, operates daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for breakfast and lunch. It also offers dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It is widely praised for its fantastic service, delicious food, and excellent coffee. The Thomas Bar, a rooftop lounge, provides a stunning aerial view of the campus and is perfect for enjoying drinks and beautiful sunsets. It serves beautifully crafted cocktails, local beers, and an international wine list, operating Monday-Thursday from 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM and Friday-Saturday from 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM, and Sunday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM. The Thomas Bar also offers a "classic Afternoon tea experience with a Southern spin," complete with craft teas, freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and wine/champagne options. While breakfast is available, it comes at a surcharge (typically $8-$18 for adults and children). Room service is also available, and special diet menus can be requested.

Key features of The Shepherd Hotel extend beyond its exemplary service and dining. The rooftop lounge, with its "arial views of campus," is a significant draw, offering a unique vantage point to experience Clemson. The hotel also boasts a fitness center, available to guests for their wellness needs. For social gatherings or events, the hotel provides a reception hall and dedicated event spaces, including the rooftop area. The hotel's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities is deeply embedded in its operations. Beyond employment, the hotel has a boutique that sells products from businesses owned by entrepreneurs with disabilities, and proceeds from amenities like shampoo and conditioner benefit autism research. Much of the hotel's art is created by artists with disabilities, such as Charlie French. The strong connection to Clemson University's ClemsonLIFE program not only provides valuable employment for students but also creates a uniquely welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that guests often describe as "heartfelt."

Promotional information for The Shepherd Hotel frequently highlights its core mission of "hospitality with a purpose," making it appealing to travelers who appreciate social impact alongside luxury. It has been recognized as a "Perfect Somewhere" by Expedia Group and voted "Best Hotel in Clemson" by The Tiger, the student newspaper, indicating its strong local reputation and guest satisfaction. The hotel's press coverage often focuses on its innovative employment model and its positive community impact, drawing attention to its partnership with ClemsonLIFE. Guests are encouraged to experience the "authentic hospitality" offered by the hotel and to enjoy the convenience of its downtown location, with easy access to all things Clemson. While specific seasonal discounts or packages are not always explicitly advertised publicly, the hotel's strong value proposition lies in its unique blend of premium amenities, exceptional service, and a truly meaningful mission. Prices can vary by day of the week and season, with December and June often being the cheapest months. The hotel also offers various accessibility features, including assistive listening devices, visual alarms, and wheelchair accessibility across many public areas. The Shepherd Hotel stands out as a destination that not only meets the needs of travelers but also enriches the lives of its staff and contributes positively to the Clemson community, making it a highly recommended choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category.