About Charleston

One of the most popular destinations in the South, glamorous Charleston is a brilliant city for art lovers, history buffs and foodies. Epitomised by its graceful old buildings — preserved when the city was captured during the Civil War — its friendly residents and soulful seafood eateries, this South Carolina gem is a particular favourite for an indulgent weekend escape. Charleston boasts a terrific array of accommodation options, ranging from cosy heritage B&Bs to swish boutique hotels in the heart of downtown fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Charleston are converted residences filled with character and charm.

Best experienced on foot, Charleston is a fascinating place for a guided walking tour. The city has a dark past as a bustling trading port built largely on slave labour, and its plethora of museums offer an excellent opportunity to unravel this sobering history. The Old Slave Mart Museum and the heritage mansions — including Nathaniel Russell House, Aiken-Rhett House and Edmonston-Alston House in the French Quarter — are good places to begin. Calhoun Mansion, too, houses a fantastic museum. Then head towards lively Charleston Harbor and visit imposing Fort Sumter, as well as the gorgeous gardens at Battery Point. The Aquarium, Charleston City Market and the Gibbes Museum of Art should also appeal to travellers of all ages. Venture into the countryside for Middleton Place and Drayton Hall, or along the coast for beautiful beaches and the chance to fish, kayak and sail.

The city’s quirky blend of European, Caribbean and West African influences is also evident in its mouth-watering food, and there are plenty of travellers who come to Charleston simply to eat. Expect to savour delectable oysters and rich crabs soups in tiny bars or buzzing restaurants throughout the day and evening. Nights out are fabulous: don’t miss Charleston’s cracking craft cocktail scene!

Warm, hospitable and bursting with stories, Charleston is a superb destination for a romantic trip, family holiday or adventure with friends. Top things off by booking a room at one of the best places to stay in Charleston: there are some beautiful properties on our list.

The Best Places to Stay in Charleston

For boutique chic

  • Zero George Street is an enchanting 18-room hotel set in three converted mansions. Pick this place for lashings of Southern charm, a sophisticated restaurant and excellent location for exploring the historic district and the waterfront. The hotel bicycles are perfect for getting about the city and children are welcome too.
  • The Spectator promises a swish, 1920s-inspired stay in historic Charleston. Think glamorous rooms decorated in soothing shades, as well as a speakeasy bar for unwinding, and gourmet breakfasts delivered to your door. A Jazz Age gem for grownups.
  • The Andrew Pinckney Inn occupies two historic buildings next to the Charleston City Market. Characterful and comfortable, the 41 rooms and suites offer flexible accommodation for couples or families, and there are stacks of excellent eateries just around the corner. Stylish and family-friendly.
  • Grand Bohemian Hotel is a dazzling, design-focused property with exhuberant interiors, an art-filled atrium, a funky rooftop cocktail spot, intimate wine bar and delicious fine-dining restaurant. A trendy city pad for art and design lovers.
  • The Vendue is an eclectic art hotel close to the waterfront. Set in two warehouses, this unusual property features exposed brick walls and a blend of period and contemporary furnishings. The big attractions are the art gallery — complete with gallery tours and an artist-in-residence — and the lively rooftop bar.

For romance

  • Planters Inn is a refined Charleston icon, with elegant rooms and suites featuring antique furnishings and a white-and-cream palette. Stay here for an enchanted couples' escape in the city's only Relais & Châteaux property. Sip your champagne in a courtyard lit by carriage lanterns at dusk, and dine at the sophisticated Peninsula Grill. Fabulous.
  • Fulton Lane Inn is a charming boutique B&B on King Street. The oldest building dates back to 1889, and interiors feature pastel shades and whimsical prints. Book a Cathedral Suite as a romantic treat. Wine & cheese evenings are a great touch. Popular for weddings.
  • Wentworth Mansion is an ornate Golden Age gem with 21 sumptuous rooms and suites complete with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Ideal for a romantic weekend away, the property also features a small spa, gorgeous gourmet fare at Circa 1886 and space for intimate weddings. Exquisite.
  • 86 Cannon blends mid-century design with classic French style in seven gorgeous guestrooms. Tucked within a former residence built in 1860, this is a charming boutique bolthole. Wine and cheese is served on the verandah each evening. Adults-only.

For families or groups

  • The Charlestonian offers warm and welcoming multi-bedroom apartments in the quiet Cannonborough neighbourhood. Set in a lovely house, the apartments feature wooden floors, big kitchens and sitting rooms for relaxing together. Perfect for families or groups.
  • The Quarters on King features a collection of one- and two-bedroom suites and loft apartments in downtown Charleston. Expect smart contemporary interiors and fully-equipped kitchens. Some lofts have roof terraces. Well-located for discovering Charleston with your group or family.
  • The Restoration is a historic hotel with a modern twist, offering large, luxurious suites and apartments for families and groups. Cook up a storm in your fully-equipped kitchen, or head to the farm-to-table restaurant or lively rooftop bar for lunch and dinner. The plunge pool is a fun addition!

For heritage charm

  • The John Rutledge House Inn dates back to 1763 and has become a Charleston icon, with its teal wrought-iron balustrade, 19 lavish rooms and leafy courtyard garden. This is a romantic base for history lovers and explorers, or those planning a small wedding. Port, sherry and brandy are served in the evenings.
  • 20 South Battery is a striking 19th-century mansion opposite White Point Gardens. Its 11 characterful bedrooms feature four-poster beds topped with crisp white sheets. Enjoy complimentary wine and cheese in the parlour after days of soaking up Charleston's charms. For history buffs.
  • Kings Courtyard Inn is tucked behind a 1853 façade, and offers 41 rooms and suites with exquisite period touches. Hide away in one of three courtyards, feast on the hotel's famed cinnamon rolls at breakfast, and stroll to both the nearby river and the market. A pretty King Street base.
  • 21 East Battery sits right next to the famed Edmondston-Alston House, and includes three opulent heritage bedrooms with flexible room configurations for couples or families with teenagers. An intimate, old-school stay.

For a grand city hotel

  • Belmond Charleston Place is a historic 430-room hotel with traditional interiors, as well as an indoor pool, spa and gym. The Charleston Grill Restaurant is a highlight, and the property is known for its classic Southern hospitality. A grand city pad.
  • The Dewberry offers chic bedrooms with white interiors and light wooden furnishings in a landmark building. A fabulous French brasserie and two bars set the scene for elegant evenings of cocktails and oysters after relaxing treatments at the spa. For romantic couples, families or groups.
  • Hotel Bennett is a grand city hotel with an old-school European feel. Highlights include the rooftop pool, delightful restaurants and pet-friendly options. Great for families, couples and business travellers.
  • Emeline promises a swish stay for couples or families — who can book a two-bedroom suite — in Charleston's historic district. Once the headquarters of a wholesale grocers, the property has been transformed into a big, beautiful hotel with an elegant, grownup feel in 200+ guestrooms, as well as eateries and event spaces.

For harbour views

  • Harbourview Inn is a 52-room townhouse mansion in the historic district of Waterfront Park. Expect traditional decor — with space for couples or families — as well as striking harbour views. Borrow a bike to cycle through the shopping and antiques district, before returning for drinks on the rooftop terrace.
  • The Beachfront at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is a trendy choice for a luxurious beach holiday, complete with seaside dining, swimming pools and beautiful waterfront views. Ideal for active families, couples or groups of friends.

For a rural escape

  • The Inn at Middleton Place is a secluded modernist hotel on the Middleton Place Estate, just a short drive from Charleston. Pick this hotel for the restful riverside location, top-notch service and mid-century aesthetic. Very stylish, yet fun for nature lovers of all ages.

For an apartment or holiday cottage

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Charleston International Airport,and travel into the city centre by bus or taxi. Alternatively, take the train from various cities across the USA.
  • South Carolina is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures of around 30°C between June and September. Travel between March and May or September and November for cooler temperatures and great hotel deals.

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The best hotels in Charleston

Andrew Pinckney Inn

Charleston (Ansonborough)

Charming boutique inn located in the heart of Charleston's historic district. Made up of several 300-year-old buildings, the 19th-century facade creates a strong sense of place, while chic rooms with West Indies touches offer modern comforts. Enjoy a rooftop solarium and the striking inner atrium.

  • Local markets - Nextdoor Charleston City Market - the nation's oldest market - has been in running for 200+ years. Browse over 100 local vendors
from €165 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Inn at Middleton Place

Charleston (South Carolina)

Modernist hotel located on the estate of historic Middleton Place house museum & gardens. A secluded riverside spot overlooking untouched marshland gives a Southern feel. Spacious rooms with river & garden views channel midcentury aesthetic with wood floors, shutters & furniture. Sophisticated luxe.

  • Back to Nature - Enjoy a slow pace of life surrounded by nature; laze under trees in hammocks, kayak through the swamp or ride through the estate
from €186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Charlestonian

Charleston (Cannonborough)

Range of contemporary multi-room apartments in quiet Cannonborough neighbourhood. Spacious living, dining and kitchen areas designed for families or groups give way to cosy bedrooms; some have balconies. Upscale decor combines wood floors, bold tones and objets d'art creating a warm and homely feel.

from €200 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Fulton Lane Inn

Charleston (King Street)

Quiet centrally-located boutique hotel tucked away behind King Street. Within a 19th-century structure, cosy rooms feature high ceilings, serene canopy beds, warming fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Enjoy in-room breakfasts, evening refreshments and the city on your doorstep. A great value hidden gem.

from €227 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kings Courtyard Inn

Charleston (King Street)

1853 Ancient Greek revival facade, classically decorated interiors and two courtyards. High ceilings, original features in the comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and complimentary breakfast. Step back into Charleston's history through tours and mansions, or explore the modern day restaurants.

from €227 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Restoration

Charleston (Harleston Village)

Old downtown hotel offers local elegance, hardwood floors and exposed brick. Fully equipped kitchens (with dryer and washing machine), comfortable double beds and modern bathrooms. Breakfast offered in picnic baskets, wine and cheese receptions, rooftop eatery and cookies with milk as a nightcap.

from €256 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Loutrel

Charleston (French Quarter)

An historic hotel in Charleston's French Quarter. Stylish rooms are decorated in shades of baby blue and grey with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the views. There's a complimentary breakfast and a restaurant for light bites, plus a relaxed roof terrace. The perfect blend of elegance and comfort.

from €265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Market Pavilion Hotel

Charleston (French Quarter)

Traditional luxury hotel boasting a prime Charleston location & show-stopping rooftop pool. Classic rooms with period decor & ornate bathrooms reflect the city's rich history; dine at the old-world steakhouse or enjoy al fresco cocktails with sea views. Suits those after good old-fashioned romance.

from €265 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Hotel Bella Grace

Charleston (Ansonborough)

Tasteful conversion of a centrally-located 1830s home into a design-led modern luxury boutique hotel. Grey, marble and monochrome tones give an on-trend feel to well-designed rooms and self-catered studios. Plus there's a gym, terrace and breakfast included, and a popular restaurant next door.

from €271 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Spectator

Charleston (French Quarter)

A boutique hotel in the centre of historic Charleston, evoking the style of the roaring twenties, complemented with Southern charm and hospitality. Stylish rooms and suites with an art deco vibe, some with balcony or terrace and gourmet breakfast delivered to your door. A chic city centre spot.

from €275 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Zero George Street

Charleston (Ansonborough)

A boutique hotel set in three early 19th century townhouses with unique Southern charm, full of character. Exceptional food, great details, close to the historic centre.

from €275 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Dewberry

Charleston (Ansonborough)

A beautifully designed hotel set in an historic building. Perfectly mixing contemporary style and traditional charm rooms are chic and homely. A fabulous French brasserie and two bars set the scene for elegant evenings of cocktails and oysters. A glorious hotel that encapsulates that Southern charm.

from €284 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
20 South Battery

Charleston (South of Broad)

Historic private mansion transformed into luxury B&B. Meticulously restored to its former glory, rooms are decorated with grand four-poster beds, impressive antiques and period artwork. Expect high-end bedding, deluxe bath products, smart TVs and homely touches. Intimate feel with an ideal location.

from €294 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Harbourview Inn

Charleston (French Quarter)

This townhouse mansion in the historic district on the Waterfront Park maintains the traditional interiors such as high ceiling reception, welcoming fireplace and art works. Rooms boast fine linens, four-poster beds, whirlpool baths and breakfast in-room. City exploring is accessible.

from €294 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mills House

Charleston (King Street)

A historic icon in downtown Charleston. Stylish, fresh-feeling rooms and suites provide timeless and sophisticated accommodation. Plus there's an all-day cafe, Iron Rose courtyard restaurant for southern bites and craft cocktails and lovely outdoor pool. A striking stay in the heart of the action.

from €304 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Vendue

Charleston (French Quarter)

Eclectic and lively hotel with a strong art focus. Set across two buildings, each made up of 18th-century warehouses, expect exposed brick walls and blend of period and modern furnishings. Enjoy art gallery, property tours and artist-in-residence, plus a classic restaurant and popular rooftop bar.

  • Artworks - Perfect for art lovers! The property features 300+ works of art, daily art tours with wine & rolling artist-in-residence program
from €313 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Planters Inn

Charleston (Ansonborough)

Prime location in the historic district, a 19th Century inn with classic interiors and fine dining at Peninsula Grill. Spacious rooms offer four-poster beds, private sitting rooms and bathrooms. Dine al fresco, or explore the city market for many other options. A historian's dream stay.

from €314 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Emeline

Charleston (Ansonborough)

Brimming with playful charm, this beautifully converted historic hotel offers stylish rooms, lively dining options & a vibey courtyard terrace. Rooms have thoughtful amenities, embroidered linens, mid-century furniture & velvet headboards. A perfect boutique property in the heart of the action.

  • City Style - It's rare to find such a jewel of a hotel; a mix of history, character, soul & style - with all the modern touches guests expect
from €322 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
John Rutledge House Inn

Charleston (Harleston Village)

Ornate ironwork facade, elaborate interiors with Italian fireplaces make this historical townhouse a Charleston boutique favourite. Large light rooms with complimentary breakfast and access to a relaxing courtyard. Plantations, history and oceanfront strolls await you from this prime spot.

from €323 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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21 East Battery

Charleston (South of Broad)

Stunning B&B located within the grounds of a 19th-century waterfront mansion. Book either the cosy Carriage House or one of two rooms within the Quarters; all have kitchens and large living areas. Tasteful decor in classic style combines art, antiques and pine floors. Understated historic chic.

from €328 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Quarters on King

Charleston (King Street)

Luxury apartment hotel with a fab downtown location, walking distance to all the sites. Within the historic building, spacious one and two-bedroom apartments have fully-equipped kitchens, living and dining areas have been decorated in a fresh contemporary style with homely touches. Amazing value.

from €341 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Charleston Place

Charleston (King Street)

Old South hospitality, grand reception rooms and prime spot in the historic centre. Rooms are conservatively decorated with marble bathrooms and city views. Charleston Grill is southern cooking at its finest and a drinking hole for locals. Plus there's a rooftop pool, spa and gym.

from €347 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
86 Cannon

Charleston (Cannonborough)

This boutique hotel is nestled within a 1860s residence in the heart of Charleston. Interiors blend mid-century elegance with classic French design and a touch of Southern style. With nightly wine and cheese served on the hotel verandah, this is a discerning city bolt-hole.

from €356 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina

Charleston (Patriots Point)

Luxury resort with views over Charleston. This expansive waterfront property boasts a private beach, amazing sunsets, seaside dining, pools & multiple dining options; it works for couples, families and friends. Super comfortable contemporary-style rooms offer balconies, lots of space and sea views.

from €357 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Grand Bohemian Hotel Charleston

Charleston (King Street)

Luxury hotel with all the trimmings located in historic downtown. Expect champagne on arrival, an art-filled atrium, funky rooftop with city views, fine-dining restaurant and upscale wine bar. Colourful rooms are compact but exceedingly comfortable with fluffy robes, smart TVs and modern artwork.

from €363 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Bennett

Charleston (Garden District)

The Hotel Bennett has an imposing white exterior which opens up onto suitably grand interiors. Luxurious rooms have a traditional European feel with antique-style furniture and lavish bathrooms. Excellent regional dishes are served in the restaurant and the rooftop pool is a very nice addition.

from €379 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Wentworth Mansion

Charleston (Harleston Village)

America’s Gilded Age mansion oozes Charleston history through its marble floors, vaulted high ceilings and antique furnishings. Large rooms with fireplaces are unique and with modern amenities and complimentary breakfast. Enjoy a range of spa treatments or head out to explore yester-year.

from €475 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Pinch

Charleston (King Street)

A luxury boutique hotel in Charleston's heart crafted from two period buildings, which now offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Victorian elegance meets contemporary comforts — think stylish suites with full kitchens — plus a chic oyster bar. An urban oasis for discerning travellers.

from €534 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia