New hotel complex opens on Upper King Street - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

Upper King Street has another new addition after two years of construction. An $80 million hotel development is now open and city officials say it's going to bring a lot of diversity to this booming area. 

"People that have not lived in Charleston for a long time don't know what this part of our city used to be like," says Executive Director of the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Hill recalls what she remembers about Upper King Street.

"It was a place that when I was little you didn't ride your bike, and now it's vibrant and it's welcoming and something for all of our citizens to enjoy," says Hill. 

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley says the addition of the first set of dual-branded hotels in the city, Hyatt House and Hyatt is another step in revitalizing the area. The hotels are located off King and Spring streets.

"We're bringing back to health something that was ill and the right operation and the right therapy had to be applied," says Riley. 

Upper King Street has been at the forefront of recent development for downtown Charleston with a plan that dates back more than 10 years. 

"I'm so excited to be here and be present and witness...this new experience for Charleston," say The Director of Events for the South East Chamber of Commerce, Jenna Herbert. 

Herbert along with others have seen the transformation of this part of town from mostly bars and retail stores,  to upscale restaurants, nightclubs, business spaces and condominiums. Now, with a new hotel complex with traditional guest rooms and residential style stay too. 

"You can stay for one night you can stay for 7 nights or you can stay for 30 days," says general manager of the new hotels, Pedro Perez.

Perez along with Mayor Riley say this is going to be be another boost for the growing area.

There is also a new parking deck next to the development. It is city owned so it will available for use for hotel patrons, retail and office personnel and the general public for a fee.