April 23rd, 2024 |Â By:Â Grace Kim
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With a blend of history and modern glam, Charleston symbolizes Southern hospitality. There’s a reason why Charleston continues to get voted as the #1 tourist destination in the US, and is a city that I recommend almost everyone to visit at least once in their lives.
From all the exciting activities and tours, where’s the best place to stay in Charleston? Maybe you’re only visiting for a day or for a long weekend and you’re looking for the most convenient location to stay. Prior to my visit, I had no idea that I was going to fall in love with the city. From the food scene to unique activities to do, I was impressed.
We did a road trip down to Charleston from New Jersey and didn’t really have anything planned. By the time we were an hour away from Charleston, we had no idea that there was going to be an event that booked majority of the hotels that weekend. While I should’ve done my research beforehand, planning last minute was in a way, a blessing in disguise. Why? We ended up changing hotels every night and although it was a hassle moving around everyday, I enjoyed checking out all the different properties. The architecture was spectacular, as moving around hotels during our long weekend to Charleston made me appreciate the South that much more.
The 10 Best Hotels to Stay in Charleston
From all the hotels we hopped around at, I’ve concluded that the two most important factors choosing a hotel is location and convenience. Is the hotel close to popular attractions? Are there a selection of restaurants nearby? Is the convenient store walking distance? While every hotel offered a different, unique experience, I ended up enjoying hotels outside of downtown for different reasons than the ones located in the middle of downtown.
Booking accommodations in the city centre is ideal, but it also means that rooms will be pricier. Ask yourself, are you willing to pay more to be closer to the main tourist attractions? Or are you okay booking a hotel a bit further to save money and travel to get downtown? Whether you’re traveling by yourself, as a couple, or with a family, let’s break down all the best hotel to stay at to make your Charleston trip amazing.
Best Hotels in the Historic District
The Historic District is one of the most popular areas to stay in all of Charleston, which includes the Charleston City Market, Pineapple Fountain, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, and more. Staying in the Historic District was my favorite area to stay in as it offered a mix of being by the water, as well as being close to a ton of shops and markets.
The Palmetto Hotel
Located right by Joe Riley Waterfront Park and minutes away from the Charleston City Market is The Palmetto Hotel, one of the best hotels to stay at in Charleston. Not only was the staff so friendly, but the rooms were cozy rooms with huge bathrooms, a mini bar, a downstairs bar, and if you love a good shower, not one, but two shower heads.
- Services & amenities: daily complimentary breakfast, custom bikes, valet parking, nightly turndown service, laundry and dry-cleaning service, downstairs bar
- Inside room:Â bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, minibar, steamer, nespresso machine, in-room safe, flat screen television
- Room types: Deluxe King, Deluxe King Balcony, Superior King, Premium King Balcony, Penthouse
- Nearby attractions: Pineapple Fountain, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, the Charleston City Market, French Quarter, Harken Cafe
- Best hotel for:Â couples, solo travelers, small groups
- Price range: $$$
The Vendue, Downtown Art Hotel
If you love art and rooftop views, then you might want to consider staying at The Vendue. Voted to have Charleston’s #1 rooftop bar, the Downtown Art Hotel is filled with 200 pieces of beautiful art pieces all spaced out throughout the hotel. There’s also a mix of a young, vibrant crowd that gives a hostel type of energy, which is a great way to meet others.
If you’re looking to have fun in Charleston, spending at least one night at The Vendue will be worth it. Not only do you get 2 complimentary in-room cocktails or mocktails delivered right to your room, but you also get a 2 PM late checkout without any type of hotel status. Now that, is a steal.
- Services & amenities: welcome drink at check in, afternoon art reception, evening milk & cookies, morning baked fruit breakfast, bike rentals, valet parking, nightly turndown service
- Inside room: bathrobes, hairdryer, coffee machine, flat screen television
- Room types: Vendue Queen, Vendue King, Vendue Premier Double Queen, Vendue Premier King
- Additional benefits: 15% off and a $25 credit to The Rooftop on select dates, 14% off 4+ nights, $50 advance purchase offer
- Nearby attractions: Cannon Park, The Citadel Archives and Museum, Hampton Park, Fort Sumter, USS Yorktown State Park
- Best hotel for:Â couples, solo travelers, artists and creatives, small groups
- Price range: $$$
Booking a night at The Vendue is one of the best hotel for couples, bachelorette parties, groups. The Rooftop also had me sold, as it is the best place to be during warmer weather. Plus, when you’re a hotel guest, you get a complimentary discount as well.
Address: 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
Best Hotels in Downtown
Charleston is an extremely walkable city that makes it easy for tourists to visit without a car. Booking a stay in Downtown Charleston is ideal as you’ll be only steps away from popular restaurants, tourist attractions, and convenient stores for late night snacks.
Hotel Emeline
Located in the heart of Downtown Charleston is where you’ll find Hotel Emeline, one of Charleston’s most popular and chic hotels. This boutique hotel holds 212 rooms with attractive amenities, cafe, shops, an outdoors patio area, and so much more. I love how convenient the location is and how spacious the rooms are.
- Services & amenities: complimentary welcome drink, bike rental, live music/performance, cycling, dry cleaning, fitness center, happy hour, coffee shop, restaurant
- Inside room: bathrobe, hairdryer, breakfast in the room, handheld steamer, ceramic vanity accessories, Wild Sam Field Guides to Charleston, makeup mirror, coffee machine, flat screen television, special meals on request
- Room types: Atelier Premier King, Socialite Premier Two King, Traveler’s One Bedroom Suite, Collector’s Premier One Bedroom Suite, Masisonette Superior Loft Suite, Collective Premier Two Bedroom Suite, Socialite Premier One Bedroom Suite – Two King
- Nearby attractions: Charleston Museum, Cannon Park, Fort Sumter, South Carolina Aquarium
- Best hotel for: couples, solo travelers, small to large groups, bachelorette parties
- Price range: $$$
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Address: 181 Church Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401
Best Hotels for Families
Charleston is undoubtedly a great place to visit for families and kids. There are a lot of kid friendly activities to do, such as going on a History Walking Tour and a Sightseeing and Dolphin Watch Tour. Luckily, a handful of hotels have large rooms as having as much space is ideal, especially if your kids love to play.
The Charleston Place
From how convenient the location is to offering great indoor amenities, The Charleston Place is one of the best hotels to stay at for families with kids. Not only is it located right off of King Street, but it also has an outdoors seating area with options to buy drinks and snacks. There’s also an indoors pool area, which is ideal for families with kids. Although a bit on the pricier side, booking a stay at The Charleston Place may be worth it if your kids love to play in the pool after spending a whole day out going on tours and activities.
- Services & amenities: 6 restaurants, 4 bars, full-service spa (massages, hot tub), indoor pool deck, outdoor gated seating area, facilities for disabled guests, fitness center, airport shuttle, iron service, laundry and dry cleaning, fax/photocopying
- Inside room: bathrobe, hairdryer, slippers, hypoallergenic rooms, kids’ meals, snack bar, breakfast in room, coffee machine, room service
- Room types: Deluxe Rooms, Premier Double Rooms, Premier King, Premier King Balcony, Junior Suites, One Bedroom Suites, Corner Suites, Club Room Suites, Presidential Suites
- Nearby attractions: Charleston Waterfront Park, Marion Square, South Carolina Aquarium, The Citadel Daniel Museum, Washington Square
- Best for: families, luxury travelers, couples, friends
- Price: $$$$
There’s a lot of great things to say about The Charleston Place. Not only are there are handful of places to eat and drink on site, but there are so many activities, such as attending a yoga class or bowling and going horseback riding as a family. Or if you’re visiting with your friends or significant other, there are bar crawls and live music performances you can attend as well.
Address: 205 Meeting Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401
Charleston Marriott
Staying in the heart of Downtown Charleston is great. But if you’re looking to book a stay just slightly outside of downtown for the quietness, then the Charleston Marriott is a great pick. The property is big, the rooms are large, and there is also a parking lot to freely park your car. What I loved about my stay Charleston Marriott was the convenience of their downstairs restaurant and rooftop bar. Since it isn’t walking distant from the main city centre, it’s important to have a number of food options on site without having to leave the property. I’ve got to say that the shrimp n’ grits at the Saffire Restaurant were the best ones I’ve had in the South.
- Services & amenities: restaurant, cafe, rooftop bar, train to downtown, spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, bike rentals, laundry and dry cleaning services, happy hour, fax/photocopying, ATM on site
- Inside room:Â hairdryer, robe, coffee machines, breakfast in bed
- Room types:Â Queen Room (1 or 2 beds), King Room, rooms with Roll-in Shower – Mobility Access
- Nearby attractions: Morris Island Lighthouse, Brittlebank Park, Harmon Field, MUSC Quad, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
- Additional services: outdoor fireplace, sun deck, terrace, close to the Charleston train station
- Best for: families, elderly, those looking for a quieter atmosphere
- Price range: $$
If you’re looking for a more affordable hotel option in a quieter neighborhood, the Charleston Marriott is a great choice. And in case you don’t have a car, there is a train around the Charleston Marriott that will drop you off right in downtown. Walk about 10 minutes to Calhoun St/St Philip St, get on the train, and 6 stops later, you will be dropped off at Lockwood Dr/Westedge St. This trip takes around 22 minutes.
Address: 170 Lockwood Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29403
Best Hotel for Couples
Alright. I know I already mentioned a couple of hotels that are great options for couples. But I have a couple more that will make you not want to leave your accommodation. Whether you’re looking to plan your partner a birthday or an anniversary, you’ll be treated like excellence the moment you step into these hotels.
Hotel Bennett Charleston
With a mix of luxury and class, Hotel Bennett Charleston is the perfect hotel to stay at for couples looking to celebrate any type of celebration. It’s located right on the heart of King Street and is walking distant to places like the Charleston Museum and the Charleston City Market. The rooms are spectacular, while some offer balcony views with a private bathroom shower. Staying at Hotel Bennett Charleston will offer you beautiful city views, and exception service as you’re greeted the moment you step foot into the hotel.
- Services & amenities: bakery/cafe, outdoor swimming pool, private parking, terrace, fitness center, wake up service
- Inside room: air conditioning, seating area, private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, safety deposit box, hair dryer, coffee machine
- Room types: Deluxe Double Room, Deluxe King, King Room, Premier King Room with Terrace
- Nearby attractions: Marion Square, Wragg Square, Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston Museum, St. Philip Courtyard, Aiken Rhett House
- Additional services: close to the Charleston train station
- Best for: couples, families, small to large groups, luxury travelers
- Price range: $$$$
Best Hotels for Luxury Travelers
Enter into a world of luxury from Charleston’s finest and most elegant hotels. If you’re looking to stay in a rare, lavish home for the best weekend experience, there are a number of breathtaking luxury hotels in Charleston to stay at during your visit.
The Dewberry Charleston
From gazing at beautiful wall art to ending to day on the rooftop, the The Dewberry Charleston is a wonderful boutique hotel located in the city centre. You’ll have access to an amazing American Southern brasserie-style restaurant, as well as being walking distance from a ton of popular tourist destinations, like the Charleston Museum and the Charleston Farmers Market.
- Services & amenities: airport shuttle, 2 restaurants, bar, spa, fitness center, ironing service, suit press, babysitting/child services, ATM on site, yoga classes
- Inside room: slippers, mini-bar, hair dryer, makeup mirror, flat screen televisions, steamers, floor to ceiling windows, same day dry cleaning and laundry service, wake up calls
- Room types: The John Derian Flat, Charleston Flat, One Bedroom Suite, Grand King, Grand Queens, Superior King, Signature King, Signature Queens
- Nearby attractions: Marion Square, Wragg Sqaure, Charleston Museum, Chapel Street Fountain Park, Cannon Park
- Additional services: airport shuttles, wine/champagne options, special diet meals (on request)
- Best for: couples, luxury travelers, bachelorette parties, small to large groups, solo travelers
- Price range: $$$$
The Wentworth Mansion
The Wentworth Mansion was transformed into a boutique hotel from a historical home back in 1997. Offering 21 guest rooms with suites, modern comfort, and complimentary parking, there seems to be nothing but positive things to say about this hotel. It’s located in the heart of the charming, Charleston Village, and is walking distance away to many popular attraction spots. Plus, if you’re looking for great eats, The Wentworth Mansion has a handful of options within the property so that you don’t have to leave the site to satisfy your cravings.
- Services & amenities: full breakfast at Circa 1886 Restaurant, afternoon wine, evening port of sherry and brandy, complimentary passes to Athletic Club, access to the cupola and rooftop, local morning newspaper in lobby, on site spa, valet parking
- Inside room:Â robes and slippers upon request, whirlpool tub, hair dryer, gas fireplaces, fresh flowers, flat screen televisions, ironing board
- Room types: East Room Wings, Garden Rooms, Mansion Rooms, Mansion Suites, Suite Nine, Grand Mansion Suite
- Nearby attractions: Colonial Lake Park, Isaac Jenkins Mikell House, Unitarian Churchyard
- Additional services:Â airport shuttles, wine/champagne options, special diet meals (on request)
- Best for: luxury travelers, couples, families, bachelorette parties, small groups
- Price range:Â $$$$
Best Hotels for Budget Travelers
Looking to travel to Charleston but you are on a budget? Charleston isn’t the the cheapest place to travel but there are a hotels and hostels located right outside the city center that offers more affordable options.
The Quarters on Spring
Located less than a mile away from places like The Citadel and Hampton Park, is where you’ll find, The Quarters on Spring, a fantastic budget friendly hotel. It is a completely no contact check-in process, making it great to arrive at any time, with access to free parking. The rooms are also spacious, with a handful of restaurants only walking distance away from the property.
- Services & amenities:Â free private parking, no contact check-in process, quick responses from property owner
- Inside room: coffee machine, microwave, refrigerator, streaming service, hairdryer, flat screen television
- Room types: Two-Bedroom Suite, Studio, Deluxe Junior Suite
- Nearby attractions: Harmon Field, MUSC Porcher Medicinal Garden, MUSC Greenway, The Citadel Archives and Museum
- Best for: budget travelers, solo travelers, couples
- Price range: $
Charlestons Notso Hostel
If you’re traveling solo and are open to meeting people during your visit, booking a stay at Charlestons Notso Hostel is a great way to do so. There’s a common room where you can enjoy a meal and drinks with others staying at the property. It’s also located in the Elliotborough neighborhood, and offers everything from dorm rooms and private rooms.
- Services & amenities: security lockers, outdoor terrace, microwave, book exchange, common room, ceiling fan, free coffee/tea/oatmeal, bicycle parking, luggage storage, parking
- Inside room: ceiling fan, reading light, air conditioning, hair dryers
- Room types: Basic Double Bed Private Shared Bathroom, Standard Double Bed Private Shared Bathroom, Basic 4 Bed Male Dorm, Basic 8 Bed Mixed Dorm, Standard Double Bed Private Ensuite
- Nearby attractions: Arthur W. Christopher Community Center, MUSC Porcher Medicinal Garden, DeReef Park
- Best for: budget travelers, solo travelers
- Price range: $
Charlestons Notso Hostel is one of the cheapest accommodations to book in Charleston. Although it’s around a 30 minute walk away from the city centre, it’s a great place for budget and solo travelers. The staff is extremely attentive, there’s free coffee and oatmeal in the morning, and you’ll feel like you’re in a community with other travelers.
Final Thoughts
From luxury to budget and everything else in between, there is a stay for every type of person traveling to Charleston. Whether you’re seeking a cozy breakfast or best amenities for your kids, the options for unique accommodations are endless.
During my long weekend in Charleston, I’ve appreciated architecture that much more as these hotels offered the perfect mix of modern and tradition. And if you’re at it, I also recommend doing a quick day trip to Savannah, Georgia as it offers a different experience to the South.
With that being said, I hope this guide helped provide insight on some of the best places to stay in Charleston, and to help you plan your trip better to this incredible city.
Save These Pins When Planning Your Stay in Charleston!
