Start planning your ultimate South Carolina adventure with a free copy of the 2025 Vacation Guide. Request your free copy, view the guide online or download a PDF version below.
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
When Mother Nature cranks up the heat during your Charleston visit, there are a few tried-and-true ways to keep your cool.
Retreating to your air-conditioned hotel room for a cool-down and a nap is one option. (Yaaawn.) But when hotel amenities include a fabulous swimming pool (fist pump!), sticking close to bed-quarters can be an exciting proposition.
Looking to make a splash with poolside cocktails and an exhilarating swim? No sweat!
Check out these five luxury hotels in Historic Charleston where taking a dip is an elevated experience.
The Restoration
Dips in the rooftop pool come with breathtaking city views at The Restoration.
75 Wentworth Street
Taking a dip: The Restoration’s pool has a name: Indigo. If that conjures images of bucolic blue gardens, then you’re going to love this pristine, petite pool that’s perfect for refreshing plunges. Views of the Holy City add plenty of Charleston flavor.
Nibble and sip: Indulge in icy cocktails, tasty bites and restorative swishes in the cool, relaxing water. You can’t go wrong with the truffle fries and classic margarita.
Ryder Hotel
237 Meeting Street
Taking a dip: The Ryder Hotel lays claim to the hottest place in Charleston for a cool down. Tropical meets hip at this lively pool, where guests can chill on a first-come basis. The sweltering public can get in on the fun, too, with the purchase of a day pass or cabana reservation.
Nibble and sip: Little Palm, the outside bar and cafe, offers poolside service. Settle into a sun lounger, order a citrusy salad or Cuban sandwich, and wash it down with something cold and sassy like the Easy Breezy—a fruity gin cocktail with notes of fresh cucumber.
Market Pavilion
Guests of the Market Pavilion Hotel have exclusive access to a beautiful rooftop pool.
225 East Bay Street
Taking a dip: The Market Pavilion’s rooftop is one of Charleston’s “musts” for sweeping harbor and city views. It’s also where hotel guests have exclusive access to a gorgeous cascading pool. Plush chaise lounges invite dreamy snoozes and sun-soaks. Note that the pool closes at 5 p.m.
Nibble and sip: The pool area at Market Pavilion boasts an outdoor bar with a comprehensive menu of eats and drinks. Champagne and sushi? Flatbread pizza and a martini? There’s a pairing to please your poolside palate.
Hotel Bennett
404 King Street
Taking a dip: From Hotel Bennett’s rooftop pool, Charleston’s steeples can be seen pointing to the heavens. Guests of the property can take that as a sign of a divine pool experience to come. The open-air, heated pool is an inviting amenity any time of year. For the ultimate splurge, reserve a private cabana (for a fee) with a TV and refrigerator stocked with complimentary soda and water.
Nibble and sip: Guests can order poolside drinks and dishes designed to refresh. Think chilled brut rose and a poached shrimp cocktail for a light lunch.
Charleston Place
Spectacular updates of the saltwater pool at Charleston Place will be unveiled in fall of 2025.
205 Meeting Street
Taking a dip: Charleston Place boasts luxurious rooms, award-winning dining and an enclosed rooftop saltwater pool. Currently, the pool area is undergoing a metamorphosis that will take it from “marvelous” to “stunning.” Look for the unveiling in late summer or early fall of 2025.
Nibble and sip: An exciting lineup of delectable bites and cocktails are part of the Charleston Place “reimagining” so expect to be impressed!
Libby Wiersema lived in California and Alabama before settling in South Carolina 38 years ago,
where she's covered the state's best culinary offerings and tells the stories behind the food.
