The Willcox

My parents live in Aiken, but our digs don’t get along, so this is where I stay when I visit. The beds are comfortable, they’re so accommodating with your pup, and there are always cookies in your room. Breakfast at the restaurant is amazing, and having Aiken nightlife and dining right in the hotel lobby every night is even better. From the doggy goody bag to the walkable spot near downtown and the live music at night, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else. Really, there’s no other option in town.

We were only passing through on a road trip, but I really hope I get a chance to stop here again soon. The service was excellent, especially Jaylen, who was friendly, helpful, knew the menu, and made great recommendations. We’d planned a pre-wedding celebration with high tea, and the delicious tea, salmon sandwiches, and scones convinced us to stay for dinner too. The poke was fresh and yummy, the filet was cooked perfectly medium rare, and the cocktails were very well made. We spent hours eating and drinking.

The night ended when I realized my jacket and boots had been burnt by ashes and embers from the indoor fireplace. Someone put it out while we were there, and the ashes and embers landed on me. Staff met what should have been a serious safety concern with dismissal and laughter. I’d tried to stay positive, but that was when I got angry and ran out of patience. Mister Matthew, I left because I realized my things were burnt. If someone comped a drink from my tab, a magician must have made the drinks appear at our table. It certainly wasn’t the manager, who couldn’t explain how beans got into the original dish or how chorizo became kielbasa. Maybe this place is full of magical powers? After reading Sir Matthew’s response to my review, I found it distasteful. Accountability seems to be The Willcox’s specialty, in the wrong way. From the start, service felt off. A manager asked odd, uncomfortable questions instead of dealing with the lack of service and food availability. The “special of the night” wasn’t what I’d been told, and when I raised concerns, they dismissed them and served it anyway. The duck over butter beans with kielbasa and bbq sauce was revolting, nothing like what was described or what I ordered. It was a porridge or goulash of whatever they put together in the kitchen. We waited nearly two hours with no drinks or real service. A very mediocre replacement salad finally arrived after the bar had closed, while staff were literally clearing furniture. This wasn’t a small mistake or just an off night. It was a breakdown in hospitality, professionalism, and responsibility. Extremely disappointing.

We first stayed at The Wilcox when my wife and I came to Aiken for a wedding the weekend after ours. We enjoyed it so much that we’ve returned every year for our anniversary. The atmosphere, food, and amenities are great, and we’ve recommended the hotel to friends and family. Even without plans to visit Aiken, staying at The Wilcox is worth it.