A cozy living room with a leather tufted sofa decorated with floral and leopard print pillows. A glass coffee table with a tray of assorted cheeses, fruits, and desserts. A flower arrangement in a glass vase and four candles on the table. A large landscape painting hangs on a wall with decorative woodwork above the mirror, reflecting the warm lighting and part of the room.

Our Philosophy

The Charles isn’t just a hotel—it’s a statement. A celebration of classical design, inclusivity, and the art of hospitality. At The Charles, every guest is celebrated with warmth, style, and an experience unlike any other. 

After designing over 40 boutique hotels across the globe and being showcased in renowned publications like Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, and Metropolitan Home, national award-winning designer, Charles Gruwell has created two deeply personal properties: The Charles Napa Valley and The Charles Pacific Grove.

The philosophy behind The Charles brand was born from Gruwell's own experiences as an openly gay boutique hotel designer. After staying in hotels worldwide—from charming B&Bs to the grand luxury of St. Regis, Four Seasons, and Peninsula Hotels—he often found that while style was abundant, true inclusivity and warmth were rare. 

The Charles was created to bridge that gap. By combining timeless design, custom artworks, antiques, and elegant furnishings, Gruwell and his partners created an inclusive hospitality experience for all to enjoy.  

To bring this vision to life, Charles partnered with hospitality veterans Don and Jay Desai, brothers with 25 years of hotel management experience at dozens of hotels across the Bay Area, and with Ryan MacCarrigan, an entrepreneur with 15 years of product and service design expertise, who teaches Design Thinking courses at UC Berkeley.

This collaboration of artistry, service design, and seasoned hotel operations has resulted in the creation of a new era in authentic and inclusive hospitality. 

The Charles Hotels: ​inclusive, stylish, and artfully designed.

The Charles Ethos

  • Inclusive means every guest is met with ease, dignity, and genuine respect, without assumptions, explanations, or exceptions, so that belonging is felt immediately, not performed or requested.

  • Stylish at The Charles is quiet confidence: spaces, service, and details that feel intentional and contemporary without excess, allowing guests to feel both relaxed and quietly elevated.

  • Artfully designed is more than just materials and textures. It reflects intentional decisions that honor place, people, and comfort—where sustainability and local authenticity quietly shape how the space feels.