Charleston Historic District Hotel Map
A scan of a map of hotels in Charlestons historic district would show most clustered around the two major thoroughfares of the tourist area. King Street and Meeting Street are where most are located, with some offshoots along East Bay and Broad Street. But the historic district isnt that large, so any will be within walking distance of the best things to do in downtown Charleston.
Besides the luxury boutique hotels listed above, a few other options in the historic district are:
Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District
The Hyatt Place only opened a year or two ago after a construction period that lasted much longer than expected. But the final product turned-out well, as the rooms are large, comfortable, and everything is clean and new. Well see if they can keep it up. But its on the edge of Upper King, which means itll be at the center as development move further up King Street. The U-Haul area next door is planned to become a park, which will make for a better view. And breakfast is included.
King Charles Inn
Francis Marion Hotel
As far as hotels near Marion Square goes, this is across King Street from it. Francis Marion Hotel is hard to miss, as its one of the few taller buildings on the peninsula. That said, its an old hotel, with rooms that are smaller than modern standards expect. The front desk staff are friendly and professional, though housekeeping could use a little training.
Renaissance Charleston Historic District
Hampton Inn Charleston Historic District
Best Studio In Nomo: Taste Charleston Lite
This Airbnb in NoMo is conveniently located within walking distance of the best places to visit in Charleston. The studio sleeps up to three guests, and comes complete with modern amenities including Wifi, a smart TV, and a refurbished kitchenette. Theres also a nice porch for enjoying meals in the sunshine.
Where To Stay In Charleston Sc
Where to stay in Charleston SC? When planning your Charleston getaway, you will find a large selection of lodging options to fit any budget. Choose from bed and breakfasts, historic inns, luxury hotels, full-service hotels, discount hotels and campgrounds.
Charleston has luxury hotels and historic inns with an average price of $400 a night, and for the budget conscious traveler, you will find less expensive full-service hotels on Meeting Street averaging around $150 a night. For travelers looking for a more intimate setting, a great options are bed and breakfasts. Visitors will also find a good selection of discount hotels as well as campgrounds in the area.
Things to remember when planning your trip to Charleston SC:
- The peak months are April through October
- Bed and Breakfasts only make up 10% of the rooms in Charleston so plan early and book in advance
- Festivals are held throughout the year so check out the events page. Events like the Spoleto Festival draw thousands of visitors, so you need to plan early
- Consider visiting in February, March or November – Charleston has a semi tropical climate so it will not be too cold and the rooms are cheaper
- If you are visiting Charleston on a budget, consider arriving during the week when rates are cheaper. You may also consider staying in the outer areas including West Ashley, Mount Pleasant or North Charleston where prices are lower.
Bed and Breakfasts
Historic Inns
Luxury Hotels
Full-Service Hotels
Discount Hotels
Campgrounds
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The Top 10 Best Hotels In Charleston South Carolina
To save everyone a little bit of time scrolling, I might as well knock this question out of the way quickly. My favorite hotels are mostly downtown because, well, I live downtown.
Most of the ones off the peninsula are chains, anyway. With a few exceptions.
That said, Id be dreaming if everyone who reads this wants to drop $300 or more per night on their stay here. The ones at the bottom of the list are for the cost conscious.
Regardless of whether youre cost conscious or not, I recommend checking hotel websites before you book. You may find the lowest rate for the same room as on other travel agent sites. But more of that money goes direct to the business, so they can spend it on finally updating their rooms .
Youll also be able to check for vacation packages at the most romantic Charleston hotels more easily than elsewhere.
Where To Stay In Charleston Sc Neighborhoods & Area Guide
The largest and the oldest in South Carolina, Charleston is a beautiful seaport city set on the west bank of Ashley River. Founded in 1670 and formerly known as Charles Town, the metropolitan is characterized by its rich history, culture and magnificently-preserved architecture.
Dubbed as the Holy City, Charlestons present downtown skyline is governed by church staples and the magical Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge. Rewarded by Travel + Leisure in 2016 with the title of the Worlds Best City, the harbor city has some of the most welcoming people in the country.
Let us now explore some of the fascinating areas in the city so you can plan where to stay in Charleston SC during your visit.
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Where To Stay In Charleston
If you’re a first time visitor to Charleston, you mightprefer a more touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a localneighborhood could be more interesting. Some areas have lots of thingsto do within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.To give you a starting point for your trip research, we looked at what people say about neighborhoods and places to stay in Charleston.
What’s the best area of Charleston to stay?
The top mentioned neighborhoods and areas that people talk about in and around Charleston are:
Here’s what Trippy members had to say:
“If you’ve done the downtown thing, and want to tour the plantations mostly and enjoy that stroll at your own pace kind of touring, then you’ll want to find a spot in West Ashley or Mt Pleasant.” See More
“Of course you must ride through downtown Charleston Historic District to see the magnificent old homes.” See More
What are some good hotels in Charleston?
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, you may want toresearch hotels in the area. If you’d rather start with themost recommended hotels in Charleston, here’s a list toget you started.
Here’s what Trippy members had to say about hotels:
“You should plan cocktails on the rooftop of Vendue Inn, not sure if you can make reservations, so just plan on going early in the afternoon for ten people.” See More
“The Mills House Hotel is right in the center of everything.” See More
Best Hotels In Charleston
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This city is known for several things, but chief among them is its charm. Its charming residents. Its food: heavy on Lowcountry classics and fresh seafood. Its history, and its welcoming vibe for visitors, whether short-term or long-term guests. It’s been chosen by our readers as the best small city in America nine years in a row. No surprise, then, that when it comes to places to stay in Charleston, hospitality once again emerges as a distinguishing factor. From colorful boutique stays to grand, art-driven buildings, genteel spaces draped in crown molding and regal drapes, and porchfront rowhouse hotels in the city’s downtown, our list of the best Charleston hotels covers the city’s alluring rangebut like the city itself, never goes short on appeal.
All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Travel Guide For A Weekend In Downtown Charleston South Carolina
If you havent heard yet, Charleston is one of the most desired cities in the U.S. right now. It frequently gets attention for its historic downtown with cobblestone streets, vibrant food scene and gorgeous nearby beaches. I knew I needed to spend a weekend in downtown Charleston and see what all the fuss is about.
I included Charleston as a major part of my East Coast Road Trip Itinerary. It was the city I was most excited for and it didnt disappoint! I actually had a flood of messages when I asked for tips to this city so I went in having an idea of what I wanted to do, see and eat.
Charlestons nickname is the Holy City known for its acceptance of many religions and abundance of churches.
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
A hotel named for Otis Mills, the builder and local grain merchant, was first built in 1853 on this site, hosting prestigious individuals like Theodore Roosevelt.
The original hotel fell into disrepair in 1968 and was eventually demolished, but rebuilt in a style similar to how it once appeared. There have even been rumors of hauntings at this Meeting Street hotel over the years.
The Mills House Hotel has stylishly furnished rooms with king and double rooms, some even with balconies. They also have suites with additional living and working space.
Rooms come with flat-screen televisions, coffee and tea makers, high-speed Internet, complimentary daily newspapers, and workspaces.
The Barbados Room is the hotels in-house restaurant, open all day, and the Best Friend Lounge is their cocktail bar. They also have a business center, fitness center, and outdoor pool. This hotel is well located for visitors interested in the Gibbes Museum of Art and the nearby Charleston City Market.
If you like: history, walkable location
Other features: wedding and meeting space, paid valet parking
to book your stay.
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We Enjoyed The Older Section Of Town With The Beautiful
We enjoyed the older section of town with the Beautiful Homes and architecture. , people were very nice in Charleston. We didn’t like how dirty the city was many of the sections. And there was some very run-down areas. That was disappointing. Also we started at that bus stop for 45 minutes, two buses went by oh, and neither one stopped. And the bus drivers were not overly polite
Where To Stay In Charleston On A Budget
Budget-minded travelers will find reasonably priced accommodations at one of Charleston’s newest hotels, the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown. Guests will enjoy the refreshing saltwater pool, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a seasonally changing menu at the restaurant with a variety of tapas.
Museum Mile is home to King Charles Inn, one of the most accommodating properties in the famed historic district. Free perks include parking, Wi-Fi, a fitness pass, an outdoor pool and sundeck, and an evening reception.
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Cheap Hotels In North Charleston Sc
North Charleston is the place to go in the Tri-County area if youre looking for a cheap hotel room. And Im not even recommending staying at the Motel 6 North Charleston. Theres a broad selection of hotels near the Charleston airport, which is actually in North Charleston.
North Charleston is synonymous with dangerous to people who didnt live there. But the hotels near the airport are in a safe area close to some of the attractions visitors would prefer to find: like shopping at the Tanger Outlets. The Charleston Coliseum is also close by. And all the chain restaurants you can possibly imagine.
There arent really any decent hotel options in Park Circle, the main cultural area in North Charleston. But the airports just on the other side of I-26, so theyre not far away. Be sure to time your trip according to when the trains are passing through.
Just like in Mount Pleasant, the list of hotels is limited to chains. Most of the North Charleston hotels along International Boulevard are on-par with any of their compatriots across the country.
Nomo Coolest Place To Stay In Charleston
NoMo short for North Morrison is a small neighbourhood located north of downtown Charleston. It is an up-and-coming area in the neck of the Charleston Peninsula, that is home to hip restaurants and trendy Charleston bars. Youll also find a great selection of craft beer haunts in NoMo, which is why it gets our vote for the coolest neighbourhood in Charleston.
Once home to hollow buildings, NoMo has undergone a transformation in recent years. Today, this neighbourhood is one of the most exciting and creative areas of Charleston. Tucked throughout NoMo youll find housing developments and Charlestons tech industry, as well as shops, boutiques, cafes and eateries.
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The Best Luxury Hotels In Charleston Sc
Luxury Hotels in Charleston
The Spectator Hotel – Consistently ranked on travel websites like Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast, US News and World Report, and more, this hotel has been making headlines since they opened in 2015. Ranked the #5 hotel in the continental US and #98 in the world by Travel & Leisure. Service shines at this hotel with a personal butler for your stay. If top-notch service is high on your priority list, this is where to stay in Charleston, South Carolina.
Planters Inn – voted the #1 best US boutique hotel by Travel and Leisure, this 64 room charmer is one of the most romantic hotels in Charleston SC. Book a room with a fireplace for an added touch of luxury.
French Quarter Inn – Southern hospitality abounds with champagne at check-in, fresh baked cookies and milk each evening, and a nightly wine and cheese reception. Rooms feel evoke an elegant guest house vibe.
Charleston Place, A Belmond Hotel – classic and timeless with a rooftop pool, spa, and award-winning dining. This hotel offers a variety of activities and custom walking tours. They’ll even pack a gourmet picnic basket for you to enjoy wherever you wish.
All Of The Many Hotels Near Charleston Sc
If youre open to driving and dont want to spend the money to sleep in the land of tourists and horse poop, your options broaden out literally in all directions from the peninsula.
That said, I highly recommend you time your trips to and from downtown Charleston from your hotel. Trying to get into the city from about 9 am to 10 am and away from the city from about 4:30 pm to 6 pm will leave you sitting in a bit of traffic. Not New York or Washington, DC, traffic, but its bad to us.
Most of these are chain hotels, so forgive me if I breeze through these. A chain is a chain is a chain.
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Downtown Best Area To Stay In Charleston
When youre staying downtown, youre within close proximity to many of Charlestons best sites and activities. No doubt, that this neighborhood is the best area to stay in Charleston for first timers in the city.
Start off a day downtown by getting your steps in and taking in all the sights of King Street, a bustling street that brings together Charlestons past and present.
Stop in some of the souths trendiest and upscale boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, lively bars and three-story, classic brick buildings. On Lower King Street, youll find some of the best antique shopping in the nation.
Many festivals and parades regularly take place on King Street. If you prefer a guide to show you the best sites, Charleston also offers great walking tours, where you can stroll down cobblestone streets and imagine horse-drawn carriages trotting along next to you.
Youll also want to see the Battery, a stretch on the southern tip of the city that overlooks the water and offers stunning sunsets.
Standing stately nearby is the iconic Rainbow Road, 13 Georgian-style townhouses that date back to the late 1700s and perfect for snapping a picture in front of.
Youll also want to check out nearby White Point Garden, where aging relics and memorials describe and honor Charlestons role in the Civil War.
The breath-taking South Carolina Aquarium is also located here and overlooks the harbor, and is a great stop for those traveling with small kids.
French Quarter Where To Stay In Charleston First Time
The French Quarter is the best place to stay in Charleston if youre visiting for the first time. It has an excellent central location, meaning you can move throughout the city with relative ease. If you dont choose to stay here, a visit to the French Quarter is an essential stop on any Charleston itinerary.
Located within the original walled city, the French Quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Charleston. Here youll find many important historic buildings and landmarks, including St Michaels Church and the Charleston City Market.
The French Quarter is also a great place to stay if youre keen to indulge in Charlestons cultural offerings. Dotted throughout this downtown neighbourhood are a good selection of wonderful art galleries, world-class restaurants and exquisite wine bars.
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Things To See And Do In French Quarter
- Browse the shops and restaurants of the Historic Charleston City Market.
- Catch a performance at the Dock Street Theatre.
- Dine on fresh and delicious seafood dishes at Fleet Landing.
- Dive deep into history at the Old Slave Mart Museum.
- Enjoy sweeping views from The Rooftop at The Vendue.
- Go for a stroll through Waterfront Park.
- Indulge in southern-style BBQ at Husk.
- Learn about pirates, patriots and presidents at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
- See the French Huguenot church.
- Visit St Michaels Church, the oldest church in Charleston.
Where To Stay In Charleston Near The Airport
Booking a hotel near Charleston International Airport is very convenient if you are arriving late or early, or you are on a quick business trip. One of the top options, just a few miles from the airport, is the Hilton Garden Inn Charlestown Airport. This mid-range three-star hotel is family friendly and offers a range of rooms and suites. These come with free Wi-Fi, coffee makers, and microwaves.
Amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, buffet breakfast, and free transport to and from the airport. There is also free parking on-site.
Aloft Charleston Airport & Convention Centeris another good choice that caters especially to business travelers, as it is within walking distance of the North Charleston Convention Center. The loft-style rooms are very comfy and decorated in contemporary style. They come with extras like bottled water and rainfall showerheads in the bathrooms. Other perks of staying here include a pet-friendly environment, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and airport transportation.
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