The 25 Best Hotels in Charleston, South Carolina

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Juxtaposing sea breezes and cobblestones with Southern hospitality and stunning architecture, Charleston, South Carolina is a dream destination. Nicknamed the Holy City, this coastal gem draws in droves of visitors every year.

Charleston and the surrounding barrier islands boast an impressive array of hotels, inns, and resorts. Whether you’re looking for easy access to the historical downtown area, a luxury pampering experience, or the ultimate beach escape, there’s a place for you. 

These are the best hotels in Charleston for every budget and type of traveler.

The Best Hotels in the Historic District

At the tip of the peninsula that Charleston calls home is her storied beating heart—the Historic District. Here, visitors can walk down graceful oak tree-lined streets and be transported back in time with visits to Rainbow Row, the French Quarter, and the many spectacular old churches that may be the reason why Charleston is the Holy City.

The Charleston Place

For those searching for a luxurious and restful experience, your destination should be The Charleston Place. Set right on the legendary Meeting Street and built to harmonize gracefully with the surrounding neighborhood, this beautiful retreat offers a spa and wellness center on site, a rooftop pool, and elegantly appointed rooms (some with balconies overlooking the Historic District). With three restaurants, a pub, and a pool bar, you’ll enjoy everything and want for nothing.

The Restoration

Boutique hotel The Restoration is ideally located on King Street and is the perfect place for a quintessentially Charleston experience. Themed dining and beverage nights, regular yoga classes, and participation in King Street’s Second Sunday pedestrian fairs are among the hotel’s offered diversions. 

As far as accommodations go, the hotel offers suites or larger residences with Beekman 1802 toiletries in the bath, plush bedding, Smart TV’s, and photographic artwork from their artist in residence. 

The Meeting Street Inn

For a legendary historical experience, you don’t get much more storied than The Meeting Street Inn. Housed in a fully restored, distinctively pink 19th-century building that was once home to the Charleston Theater, the inn is within easy walking distance of many historic district attractions. As charming as they come, the hotel features rooms with lace-draped canopy beds, a delicious complimentary breakfast, and nightly milk and cookies.

Elliott House Inn

Formerly a private residence, the historic Elliott House Inn is just off of Meeting Street and offers a tasteful, elegant experience that won’t break your bank. Rooms here blend history with a bright, modern aesthetic and pure comfort. Guests can borrow a complimentary bicycle from the hotel to get around to the many boutiques, restaurants, and attractions in the area.

French Quarter Inn

True luxury is defined by the renowned French Quarter Inn. This award-winning hotel kicks off your experience with complimentary champagne upon arrival and goes on to provide little luxuries like turndown service and an extensive pillow menu. Beautiful, plush rooms come with mini-fridges, top-class bedding, and sound machines. 

The Best Hotels in Marion Square and Ansonborough 

Slightly north of the Historic District you’ll find the bucolic greenspace of Marion Square and the area of Ansonborough, one of the original neighborhoods of Charleston. A more modern aesthetic is inching in here, but there’s still plenty of Old Charleston to explore. 

The Dewberry Charleston

A hotel awash in Mid-Century Modern charm is The Dewberry Charleston, located just off Marion Square. Ideal for those who love a hip hotel experience, rooms include locally curated minibars, imported bedding, and fresh flower arrangements. The Dewberry also boasts a stunning on-site restaurant as well as a very retro-chic rooftop terrace bar. 

Hotel Bella Grace

Continuing with modern elegance in a historical part of town, the Hotel Bella Grace is a sleek, polished hotel in a restored old Charleston “single house” mere blocks from the waterfront. Beautiful rooms are cutting-edge contemporary with historical touches. The hotel’s adjacent restaurant, Delaney’s Oyster House, serves excellent seafood and offers a raw bar.

The Jasmine House

For grownups looking for a romantic escape in a purely Charlestonian way, The Jasmine House is your destination. An adults-only hotel in a Greek Revival mansion, the Jasmine House is located in Ansonborough, placing it near Charleston City Market, Marion Square and downtown. 

Perks for guests include a complimentary breakfast plus evening wine and cheese social hours. The rooms are decorated in an iconic Charlestonian style and have hardwood floors and historic furnishings. For ultimate romance, some rooms offer semi-private verandas.

Zero George Street

Zero George Street is a little jewelbox hotel housed in a cluster of historic buildings. This hotel focuses on providing a plush pampering experience starting with a complimentary drink upon arrival. In the mornings, the hotel offers a lavish complimentary European-style breakfast and for evening repast, guests can visit the on-site restaurant and caviar bar. 

Elegant, plushly comfortable guest rooms invite sweet dreams at night. During the day, bicycles can be rented for a perfectly Charlestonian touring experience.

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Charleston

Tiny inns in quaint historical buildings may be charming, but often don’t have all the space or amenities a traveling family might need. Charleston is a great destination for kids, and there are plenty of excellent family-friendly hotels here, spread across a variety of neighborhoods.

The Pinch Hotel

Looking for the best family-friendly hotel in Charleston? The Pinch Hotel is a fantastic option right on George Street. All rooms come with a full kitchen and the option to purchase a time-saving grocery delivery package.

In-room laundry facilities are an unusual perk that parents are sure to appreciate along with the complimentary breakfast. Guests can also expect beautiful contemporary furnishings with a slight slant towards maximalism—live plants, curated artwork, and SONOS speakers are standard touches. 

The Limited Hotel

For families who don’t mind being a little outside of the action, The Limited Hotel is a sleek, trendy hotel that’s north of Marion Square (but still close to a number of attractions). Rooms here are attractive and comfortable, with amenities that include designer toiletries and a mini-fridge. The Limited boasts a farm-to-table restaurant on site, and a variety of restaurants nearby.

The Courtyard Charleston Historic District

The Courtyard Charleston Historic District is a contemporary hotel very close to the Historic District. This hotel offers spacious smoke-free accommodations that include pillowtop beds piled high with quality linens and pillows, cable TV and wifi, and mini-fridges. There is a small bistro on site as well as a wide variety of dining options in the neighborhood.

Church Street Inn

If the Charleston City Market is your goal, try the Church Street Inn situated right next door, only a few blocks from the waterfront. Townhouse-style suite accommodations include full kitchens and sitting areas. You won’t lack for activities; the inn is close to iconic historical attractions and dining options. A lounge/bar on site provides a refreshment option with a beautiful courtyard to have an evening drink in before dinner.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District is an all-suite hotel housed in the former Citadel Military College, an excellent choice for those who love a touch of military history. 

The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet; other meals can be ordered via room service and dining is available on-site at Tobacco Road. Rooms are simple yet elegant and include a kitchenette as well as study/dining areas.

Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District

Another family-friendly all-suites offering just outside of the Historic District is the Hyatt House Charleston/Historic District. The hotel provides a free breakfast and there’s a pool and fitness center on-site along with a drinks lounge for adults looking to unwind. Rooms are beautiful and modern, giving guests a comfortable place to retreat to after a long day of exploring.

The Best Waterside Hotels in Charleston

Peninsular Charleston is a haven for lovers of sailing, beaches, or just being near the water. Those so aquatically inclined may find their perfect waterside accommodations in the hotels below.

Harbourview Inn

Near the French Quarter is the Harbourview Inn, an exquisite newly-renovated hotel just off the harborside. After enjoying a complimentary breakfast, guests can borrow a bicycle or walk down Bay Street to see Rainbow Row and the Battery. The rooms at the Inn are decorated to evoke the spirit of beach houses, with some even offering water views. Amenities like waffle-knit robes, TempurPedic beds and Antica Farmacia toiletries are just a few of the lush little touches guests can expect.

The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

If you’re not really into the city bustle, The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is short water-taxi ride just across the Cooper River, in nearby Mount Pleasant. A beautiful Lowcountry-styled property, the hotel offers bocce courts for recreation, welcomingly wide verandas for relaxation, and a cozy on-site movie theater. Rooms are inspired by coastal houses and include luxury bedding, designer toiletries, soaking tubs, and a porch or veranda.

Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Another great waterside offering is the Harborside at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, a family-friendly resort with amazing views of downtown Charleston. The Harborside has large comfortable rooms, a soccer court, swimming pools, beach access, and children’s activities. Beautifully beachy rooms with a nautical theme offer pillowtop mattresses, large TVs, and refrigerators.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant

While the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor Mt. Pleasant is waterside rather than beachfront, it is within easy driving distance of beaches, Patriot’s Point and the Fort Sumter ferry. This sophisticated all-suite hotel offers complimentary made-to-order breakfasts and evening drinks receptions. Coolly modern suites include HDTVs, kitchenettes and sitting areas.

Comfort Inn and Suites Patriot’s Point

Right by Patriot’s Point nature trail, the Comfort Inn and Suites Patriot’s Point is an affordable option for travelers who looking to be slightly removed from downtown or beach crowds. Guests get to enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet and an outdoor pool surrounded by some of South Carolina’s iconic palmetto trees. Rooms are simple but attractive and offer a great place to unwind at the end of the day.

The Best Barrier Island Beach Hotels

South Carolina’s coastline is guarded by a chain of barrier islands, many of which offer glorious oceanfront or beachside accommodation options within an hour’s drive of Charleston.

Seaside Inn Oceanfront

At the Seaside Inn Oceanfront in Isle of Palms, a true Lowcountry beachside experience awaits. Guests will enjoy the air of casual, simple beachy coolness. Rooms have microwaves and fridges, palm-leaf style ceiling fans, and walk-in showers perfect for washing off a fun day at the beach. The Seaside in is next door to the iconic Windjammer Bar, for travelers seeking a cocktail and live music.

The Palms Oceanfront Hotel

Another Isle of Palms property, The Palms Oceanfront Hotel has been freshly renovated and has so much to offer. The hotel’s new pool deck is equipped with lounge chairs and outdoor showers. The rooms at the hotel provide a comfortable, bright and beachy retreat with cushy beds, sleek bathrooms, and generous space for guests to stretch out in. Located directly on the ocean, guests have easy access to a sandy stretch of beach.

Andell Inn Kiawah Island

For a luxury beachside retreat ideal for golfers, sun enthusiasts, and families, look no further than the Andell Inn Kiawah Island. Elegant rooms in configurations to suit any possible needs include big cozy beds, study/sitting areas, and top of the line amenities. On-site restaurants and bars, a saltwater pool, and a library-style room for socializing mean that guests need never leave the hotel if they don’t really want to.

Water’s Edge Inn

Looking for an adults-only hotel in the Charleston region? Check out Water’s Edge Inn in Folly Beach. Only a few blocks from the beach in one direction and Folly Beach’s restaurants and nightlife in the other, this bed and breakfast is a perfect romantic escape. Luxurious hot complimentary breakfasts are a great way to start every day, and a daily happy hour is offered for evening socializing. Comfortable, bright, and beachy rooms include gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers, and some have balconies or verandas.

Tides Folly Beach

Guests in search of gorgeous views from their room will find their heart’s desire at Tides Folly Beach. At this oceanfront hotel, every single room has amazing ocean views and a balcony from which to admire them.

The vast array of hotel amenities include a heated pool, oceanfront tiki bar, on-site beachside restaurant and beach chair rentals. Rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with bright colors and hardwood floors.

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