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Charleston Offers Rooms to Fit Every Budget, Taste and Style
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema adopted South Carolina as her home more than 40 years ago. She loves exploring the state's best culinary offerings and telling the stories behind the food.
Charleston luxury awaits you at The Cooper and other area hotels.
Go ahead and plan for it: After a full day in Charleston, you’re going to be zonked. Picking the perfect lodgings for refueling is something to nail down long before you plant your feet in the Holy City.
In other words, woe to the traveler who does not pre-plan for a trip to Charleston. That goes for where you stay as well as where you eat and what you do.
And let’s not forget the time of year. Lodging rates during busy high seasons (March to May and September to November) will be much pricier than off seasons. Weekday stays tend to be lower, too.
With those tips in mind, explore these varied lodging options to help you create your stay, your way when visiting Historic Charleston.
Snooze in historic surroundings
Francis Marion Hotel 387 King Street This landmark hotel, which opened in 1924, was named for Revolutionary War hero, Brigadier General Francis Marion (aka "the Swamp Fox").
John Rutledge House Inn 116 Broad Street Built in 1763, this National Historic Landmark was the home of U.S. Constitution signer, John Rutledge, a governor of South Carolina, and one-time chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Mills House 115 Meeting Street Mills House first opened its doors in the mid-1800s. Notable guests included Gen. Robert E. Lee, four U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Joe Biden.
Wentworth Mansion 149 Wentworth Street Opulent and stately, this 5-diamond hotel was once the private residence of cotton merchant, Francis Silas Rodgers. Crystal chandeliers, Tiffany stained-glass windows, and a rooftop cupola with majestic city views make a stay here unforgettable. On-site dining at the aptly named Circa 1886 is a must.
Snag 40 winks in 5-star luxury
The Dewberry 334 Meeting Street If you love that mid-century modern vibe, this is the hotel for you. A former 1964 Federal building, The Dewberry offers 153 stylish rooms, brasserie-style dining and drinks in The Living Room, and sweeping views from the rooftop cocktail bar, Citrus Club.
Hotel Bennett 404 King Street All 179 rooms at Hotel Bennett are outfitted with pure pampering in mind. Lots of marble, plush appointments and gorgeous murals make even the public areas worth ogling. A world-class spa, rooftop pool with cabanas, top-notch dining at Gabrielle and that pink confection of a champagne bar, Camellias, make this an irresistible choice.
The Cooper 176 Concord Street The Cooper might be the “new kid on the block,” but it is second to none when it comes to high-end accommodations. Looming on the banks of the Cooper River near Joe Riley Waterfront Park, this hotel is a real looker with 191 guest rooms, a waterfront infinity pool, multiple dining options, huge spa and a private marina.
The Spectator 67 State Street Room service hits the heights at this hotel, which offers personalized butler service to all guests. Infused with 1920s glamour, The Spectator hearkens back to another time with its prohibition-style cocktail bar and lush creature comforts.
Sleep to the sound of ocean waves
The Tides 1 Center Street, Folly Beach About 10 miles south of downtown Charleston, you’ll discover Folly Beach and The Tides, a full-service hotel right on the Atlantic. Direct beach access, live music at their bar, Pinky’s, and central proximity to Folly’s adventurous dining scene makes this an easy pick.
Wild Dunes Resort 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms The Isle of Palms, home of Wild Dunes Resort, is about 12 miles northeast of downtown. This oceanfront property boasts a host of fabulous amenities and several inns and vacation rentals to suit your needs. Among them is the Palms Oceanfront Hotel with a saltwater rooftop pool and easy beach access.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive On Kiawah Island, enjoy great golf and pristine beaches at The Sanctuary. About 25 miles from downtown, this ultra-luxurious 5-star hotel offers amazing dining options and a world-class spa. It's also famous for world-class golf at its Ocean Course, which can be included in a package. But its 10 miles of private beach is where you’ll find the ultimate nirvana.
Get a unique boutique night's sleep
The Nickel Hotel 529 King Street Intimate and upscale, this 50-room boutique beauty welcomes you to the Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood on Upper King Street. You’ll love the privacy of apartment-style rooms with full kitchens, the ethereal wrought-iron courtyard, cozy cocktail hotspot, Bar Daniel, and the romantically named French Riviera-esque rooftop lounge, Rosemary Rose.
Hotel Richemont 93 Society Street This 25-room boutique retreat is tucked away in downtown Charleston. At Hotel Richemont, you’ll find a restored bank vault in the lobby, a welcoming outdoor courtyard and French-influenced Vietnamese plates for sharing at the onsite Two Bit Club.
The Pinch 40 George Street Two restored 1843 Victorian structures and one modern building underwent transformation to become The Pinch, another 25-key luxury boutique offering in the heart of Charleston. Onsite dining at Lowlands received a Michelin nod as did the hotel itself. In mild weather, snuggle up in front of the outdoor fireplace.
The Loutrel 61 State Street Southern design gets contemporary consideration at The Loutrel in Charleston’s French Quarter. Distinctive features include plush seating, natural elements reflective of the area, evening cocktails in the Veranda Lounge and a rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the harbor and Ravenel Bridge.
Libby Wiersema adopted South Carolina as her home more than 40 years ago. She loves exploring the state's best culinary offerings and telling the stories behind the food.
