With a sparkling waterfront, pastel-colored historical buildings, mouthwatering local cuisine, excellent shopping, and vibrant nightlife scene, it’s no wonder Charleston, South Carolina is often considered one of the best places to visit in the USA.
In a city with this much charm and character, you can probably imagine that there are a mind-boggling number of amazing places to stay. From high-end luxury hotels to intimate and historic boutique accommodations, Charleston, SC truly has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll look at 14 of the most unique, memorable, and all-around best places to stay in Charleston, South Carolina to help you choose the right option for you.
About Charleston, South Carolina
Back when I was working in South Carolina several years ago, it was always a treat to go to Charleston. I’ll always remember driving into Charleston for a long weekend and being greeted by golden sunshine, swaying palmetto trees, and rows of rainbow historical buildings.
Charleston was founded in the late 1600s and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Today, it’s a popular destination for foodies, history fans, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxing coastal vacation with good weather and friendly people.
14 Best Places to Stay In Charleston, South Carolina
The majority of the hotels on this list are located in the historic district, just a short walk from high-energy Charleston restaurants, bars, tours, and attractions.
Let’s take a closer look at 14 of the best places to stay in Charleston, South Carolina.
- Francis Marion Hotel: Historic hotel with grand style in a prime city center location, small-dog friendly
- Indigo Inn: Family-style Inn in the city center with an outdoor courtyard, complimentary breakfast and snacks, and on-site parking, pet-friendly
- Andrew Pinckney Inn: Boutique hotel in the historic district with rooftop dining area and elegant rooms
- Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District: Large hotel with spacious rooms, indoor pool, and fitness center conveniently located on King Street
- French Quarter Inn: Award-winning boutique hotel in the historic district known for exceptional service.
- Hotel Emeline: Luxurious boutique hotel located on Church Street with a romantic outdoor courtyard, on-site restaurants, and complimentary bike and Mini Cooper hotel car rentals, pet-friendly
- The Spectator Hotel: Elegant hotel in the Charleston historic district with personal butler service and a speakeasy-themed bar
- The Vendue: Art hotel in the historic district with hundreds of works of art on display and a popular rooftop bar offering harbor views
- The Dewberry Charleston: Luxurious hotel near Marion Square with mid-century design, a rooftop patio bar, and complimentary Volvo hotel car rentals
- The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel: Historical property located in the city center with a swimming pool, outdoor relaxing space, and onsite restaurant
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Charleston Historic District: Easier on the budget with comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center
- Island Nest Apartment: Spacious studio apartment located between Charleston and Folley Beach with outdoor grill and patio space
- Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina: Located in nearby Mount Pleasant, this waterfront resort is easier on the budget and has a pool, spa, and kids club
- Tides Folly Beach: Located in nearby Folly Beach, this oceanfront hotel gives you the perfect blend of city and sea
Francis Marion Hotel
The Francis Marion Hotel was opened in 1924 and is centrally located in the Charleston historic district. It’s walking distance to some of the best things to do in Charleston, and there is a restaurant and a spa located on the property.
Comfortable rooms and suites are available and many rooms have impressive city and harbor views. The Francis Marion Hotel is also dog friendly if your furry friend is under 25 pounds.
Indigo Inn
If you want to experience true southern hospitality, head to the Indigo Inn! Located in the Charleston historic district, the Indigo Inn prides itself on being a peaceful retreat in an excellent location. With only 40 guest rooms and a spacious outdoor courtyard, this inn has an intimate, family-style feel.
To make your stay amazing, the Indigo Inn has affordable on-site parking for guests. They also include a complimentary breakfast and complimentary wine and cheese refreshments in the evenings. They are also pet-friendly.
Andrew Pinckney Inn
The Andrew Pinckney Inn is a boutique hotel located in the Charleston historic district. This elegant Charleston hotel offers complimentary breakfast in their rooftop dining area with city views, as well as complimentary snacks in the afternoon.
Seriously, is there anything better than city views and complimentary snacks?
With an excellent location, friendly staff, 24-hour reception, and stylish rooms, it’s no wonder the Andrew Pinckney Inn has excellent reviews across the web.
Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District
The Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District is located on King Street, the best shopping street in the city. This area is also known for having lots of restaurants and exciting evening entertainment.
At the Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District, guests have access to an indoor pool, fitness center, and onsite restaurant. Guests rave about how clean and spacious the rooms are, making this a great spot to call home while visiting Charleston.
French Quarter Inn
The French Quarter Inn is an award-winning boutique hotel located near Market Street. This charming, stylish property is known for excellent customer service and going above and beyond with welcoming touches that make visitors feel right at home.
Enjoy a welcome glass of champagne when you arrive and complimentary breakfast each morning of your stay. Take one of their rental bikes for a spin around town and when you return, indulge in snacks, wine, and cookies provided in the evenings.
When it’s time for bed, you can even choose from a menu of different pillows so you get the perfect night’s sleep. As someone who uses a pillow so flat it’s almost non-existent, this is my dream!
Hotel Emeline
Hotel Emeline is a luxury boutique hotel located on Church Street in the Charleston historic district. It’s known for excellent customer service and guests can enjoy access to romantic indoor and outdoor living spaces, a fitness center, top-notch onsite restaurants, and unique touches like record players in each room.
If you need a set of wheels to explore Charleston, Hotel Emeline has complimentary bike rentals and Mini Cooper cars for guests to use on a first-come-first-serve basis. That’s right, you can go for a spin through the city in a snazzy Mini totally on the house!
The hotel is even pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along too!
The Spectator Hotel
If you’re looking for personal touches, head to the Spectator Hotel on State Street in the historic district. It is highly rated for its hospitable staff, and they even provide a personalized butler service to help make your stay more memorable!
The Spectator Hotel rooms look like they came straight out of a fancy spa and there’s also an on-site speakeasy-style bar serving unique seasonal cocktails.
The Vendue Art Hotel
The Vendue is the best place to stay in Charleston, South Carolina for art lovers! At the Vendue, visitors can explore hundreds of works of art in public galleries and viewing areas throughout the hotel.
The Vendue is also known for having one of the best rooftop bars in Charleston, which offers views of the Charleston Harbor and the surrounding city. Couple that with an excellent historic district location, comfortable rooms, and complimentary snacks throughout the day, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Charleston getaway.
The Dewberry Charleston
The Dewberry is located near Marion Square in the historic district, just steps from vibrant King Street. Designed in a mid-century, southern-inspired style, The Dewberry delights visitors with high-end touches and excellent service.
Grab a drink at the rooftop terrace bar, relax at the spa, or go for a jaunt around town in one of their complimentary Volvo house cars – you can do it all at The Dewberry!
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel
The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel dates back to the 1850s and is located just a few blocks from the waterfront in the Charleston historic district. Its bright pink color, outdoor pool, and onsite restaurant and bar make this spot a memorable place to call home while visiting Charleston.
Choose from rooms with city views, poolside patios, or balconies to enjoy this historical property in a great location.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District is easier on the budget than some of the other hotels on this list, but it doesn’t compromise on comfort. It’s located on Meeting Street just a short walk from many of the most popular attractions in the city.
This hotel includes a complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and even an outdoor swimming pool. It’s a great option for families or large groups as many rooms can accommodate up to six people.
Island Nest Apartment
Looking for a full apartment to rent on your visit to Charleston? Check out the Island Nest Apartment located about 15 minutes outside of the city center. Island Nest is a spacious studio with a soaker tub, kitchenette, and outdoor barbecue grill.
There’s ample patio space for relaxing, watching TV, and grilling in the great outdoors (BBQ enthusiasts, start your engines!), and guests loved how private the location is. If you hope to explore both Charleston and Folly Beach on your trip, Island Nest is located right in the middle.
Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
Located just across the river from downtown Charleston in a charming area called Mount Pleasant, you’ll find the Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina. This waterfront resort is more budget-friendly than many of the central Charleston hotels and it’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown (There’s also a water taxi with seasonal service).
The Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort has a private beach area, a pool, and activities for kids. It’s perfect for those who want easy city access while enjoying the harbor and the sights of Mount Pleasant.
Tides Folly Beach
Tides Folly Beach is located about 25 minutes outside of Charleston on Folly Island. It’s right on the beach and a perfect choice for those who want to explore the city and relax at the beach during their vacation.
Wake up to a sea view (all rooms have them!) and take a dip in the oceanfront pool, then head into Charleston for a day of exploring. Guests at Tides Folly Beach Hotel have access to an onsite restaurant and bar, as well as free parking.
Final Thoughts: Best Places To Stay In Charleston, SC
There are so many amazing places to stay in Charleston SC! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxurious escape, or a cozy boutique experience, you can find it all with a dose of warm southern hospitality in Charleston, South Carolina!
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I wish I had taken the time for the Savannah to Charleston road trip when I was at Edisto. Love all your photographs.