The 20 Best Hotels in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, is a historic port city that was founded in 1670. It is a popular tourist destination because of its rich history, hospitable people, distinguished restaurants, and well-preserved architecture. This is an interesting city to visit, and your stay is enhanced by choosing the right hotel to meet your needs. If you are visiting this area, there are some amazing hotels from which you can choose, each of which has unique features that will appeal to different people. While for some the central location is the key selling point of the hotel, others focus on providing a vast range of facilities for their guests or are known for their outstanding hotel restaurants. Which you choose will depend on your budget and your personal preferences. To help you choose the best accommodation for you, the following are the 20 best hotels in Charleston, South Carolina.

20. Francis Marion Hotel

Period-inspired details create an Old World ambiance at the historic downtown Francis Marion Hotel. Both the guest rooms and the public areas are decorated with a nod to the 1920s origins of the property. Although the décor is of a period style, the in-room amenities are modern. These include pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi access, high-definition televisions, and Bluetooth alarm clocks. There are also some excellent facilities at this hotel, including a fitness center, a conference center, and a spa. Furthermore, there is an excellent restaurant called The Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar that serves tasty country cuisine.

19. Andrew Pinckney Inn

The Andrew Pinckney Inn is located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. This boutique hotel has a bright yellow exterior, so it stands out from other hotels in the area. There are 41 guest rooms and suites, all of which are decorated in a British West Indies style that includes a warm color palette, dark wood furniture, and plantation-style windows. Guests can enjoy their complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace while enjoying city views. They can also enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies in the afternoon. In the immediate proximity of the hotel, there are many excellent restaurants and bars. The customer service is one of the aspects of the hotel that has been praised by former guests.

18. Elliott House Hotel

The property that houses Elliot House Inn was originally burned down in the Great Fire of 1861 and it was then rebuilt. It was restored and opened as a hotel in 1981. There are many of the original architectural features remaining in the building, including some of the bricks that were salvaged after the fire. Despite the historic feel of the hotel, the 26 guest rooms are modern and contain a good range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Guests can enjoy many complimentary features, including breakfast, a concierge service, bicycle rentals, and a nightly reception where cheese and wine are served. The hotel is in a good location for accessing everything that Charleston has to offer.

17. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island

To enjoy the amenities and attractions of the city while also relaxing in a peaceful environment, a great place to stay is The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. This stately resort is one of the most luxurious options in the area surrounding Charleston, and it has plenty of features and amenities to keep any guest entertained. There are six pools, five championship golf courses, 24 tennis courts, and a ten-mile stretch of private beach. The interior of this hotel has an extravagant style that is similar to that of the old plantation mansions. There are 13 dining options at this resort, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants. Some of the best include a premier steakhouse called The Ocean Room, an iconic seafood restaurant called The Atlantic Room, and Tomasso at Turtle Point, which is an Italian restaurant.

16. Zero George Street

Guests at this hotel have likened a stay here to a stay at the home of a friend due to the intimate and comfortable feel of this 16-room hotel. Zero George Street is a luxury boutique hotel in an 1804 property that is part of a row of restored carriage houses and townhouses. The wining and dining experience is an important element of a stay at this hotel. Guests can take cookery lessons and there are complimentary wine and cheese boards. The hotel’s restaurant Zero Restaurant + Bar is highly acclaimed. Inside the hotel, the décor is predominantly a soothing white.

15. Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel

Ideal for both business and leisure travelers, this hotel has a central location in the historic district of downtown Charleston. The full-service business center and the Wi-Fi in the rooms are excellent for business travelers. Those who are visiting for leisure purposes can enjoy the heated outdoor pool, the bar, and the outstanding restaurant. The rooms are of a high standard with comfortable beds, marble bathrooms, and city views.

14. Wild Dunes Resort, A Destination Hotel

Located on the Isle of Palms just outside Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort is a fantastic option for those who want to have easy access to the city but prefer a less urban location for their accommodation. This resort has so much to offer that there is no reason to leave the grounds if you do not want. There are two golf courses, a spa, a range of wellness services, tennis courts, restaurants, a range of activities, and excellent in-room services. The hotel also has a vessel that travels to Capers Island where guests can enjoy the natural surroundings.

13. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

This hotel is a little different than other hotels in Charleston that are mainly situated within historic buildings. It is a modern, beach-themed hotel that sits on the waterfront and is all about the outdoors. Guests can look forward to activities such as boat excursions or the chance to take sailing lessons. Rooms have water views, outdoor lounges, cabanas, and fire pits. One of the best features is the huge, outdoor pool.

12. The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel

Barbadoes Restaurant is one of the best features of The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel. Guests have also praised the personal services available and the location of the hotel close to the local attractions. Outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy include the pool and an attractive courtyard. Although the rooms are small, they have all the amenities you will need for a comfortable stay.

11. Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston, Autograph Collection

Many guests find the funky décor of this boutique hotel appealing, and its location close to the attractions is another big draw. The guest rooms have flat-screen televisions, marble bathrooms, mini-fridges, and city views. One aspect of staying at this hotel that has been praised by former guests is the hotel’s restaurant Eleve Restaurant, which specializes in farm-to-table fare. Other highlights of the hotel include a rooftop bar, a café, and the Bohemian Wine Blending & Tasting room.

10. The Vendue

The Telegraph says that this hotel consists of two separate buildings with a total of 84 guest rooms between them. It is described as an arts hotel that has been formed from reclaimed 18th-century warehouses. Guests in the main building have access to some excellent amenities, such as a modern art gallery, a panoramic rooftop lounge, a fine dining restaurant, and a coffee shop. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary afternoon wine receptions and evening milk and cookies.

9. The Restoration

If you want to stay in a larger hotel with lots of amenities for guests, then look no further than The Restoration. Ideally located close to many of the main landmarks and attractions in downtown Charleston, this historic hotel is spread through five neighboring buildings. Some of the many amenities in this amazing hotel include The Port Mantle retail store, The Amethyst Spa, a rooftop pool, the Indigo Pool, a fitness center, complimentary bicycle hire, and The Watch Rooftop, which is a farm-to-table restaurant. The rooms are spacious, and there is also the option to stay in studio suites or two-bedroom suites.

8. Market Pavilion Hotel

A modern and luxurious option, the Market Pavilion Hotel sits just along the street from Charleston City Market. Built in 2003, the hotel has features added to give it a historic feel despite it being modern, such as elaborate décor and carved furniture. Guests can enjoy Hermes brand toiletries and oversized marble baths in their rooms. Facilities include a rooftop pool and the Pavilion Bar.

7. HarbourView Inn

The waterfront location of this hotel is one of the features that make it so appealing to those visiting the area. The rooms are comfortable and homely yet luxurious, and many have views over the harbor. Tradition and modernity are combined with features such as four-poster beds alongside free Wi-Fi. Guests enjoy relaxing on the rooftop terrace with a drink while admiring the city and harbor views.

6. Planters Inn

A beautiful downtown hotel, Planters Inn is at the heart of historic Charleston. The interior has an aura of the old-world, and this gives the hotel a homely and comfortable vibe. Touches of luxury in the guest rooms include the stunning marble bathrooms. Another highlight of the hotel is the Peninsula Grill, which serves delicious country cooking-style meals.

5. Belmond Charleston Place

Conveniently located right next to City Market and close to attractions including numerous art galleries and the Old Slave Mart Museum, this hotel attracts both business and leisure travelers. There is a sense of grandeur once you step inside, thanks to the sweeping staircase and carved furniture. The guest rooms feature marble bathrooms with either soaker tubs or walk-in showers. Guests can enjoy spending time in the infinity-edge, saltwater, indoor/ outdoor swimming pool, or relaxing in the hotel’s spa.

4. French Quarter Inn

As its name suggests, this popular hotel is located in the French Quarter. It is a luxury, boutique hotel that is located close to many important landmarks. The spacious rooms feature modern amenities, and guests receive complimentary breakfasts daily. French Quarter Inn has received lots of praise for its excellent customer service and friendly staff.

3. The Spectator Hotel

Town and Country Magazine lists The Spectator as one of the top restaurants in Charleston. This hotel is just one block from the historic City Market, and it is designed in the spirit of the 1920s, which gives it a look similar to that of a gentleman’s lounge. It is all about the customer service in this hotel, and guests have access to the personal butler service.

2. The Dewberry Charleston

Once a federal building, it took eight years to restore this property to make it the stunning hotel that it is today. The interior has been designed to reflect the old-world charm of Charleston, and this theme runs throughout the 155 guest rooms as well as the public areas. Despite the traditional style, the rooms have a range of modern amenities. Facilities for guests include rooftop yoga, a fitness studio, event and function spaces, bicycle hire, and Henrietta’s restaurant, which serves international fare.

1. Wentworth Mansion

According to US News, Wentworth Mansion is the best hotel in Charleston, SC. Built in the 1800s, this hotel exudes a historic charm that reflects the general feel of the city. The décor is elegant and traditional, although there are modern and luxurious touches in the rooms to ensure the comfort of guests. The rooms have large bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, and fireplaces. Guests are treated to complimentary brandies, sherries, and hors d’oeuvres. The on-site spa is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Wentworth Mansion is ideally located for visiting some of the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions.