South Carolina

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About South Carolina

A fascinating coastal state with a turbulent history, beautiful old towns and undulating landscapes of mountains, forests, swamps and brilliant beaches, South Carolina is a superb holiday destination. Brimming with mystery, charm and enduring local traditions, the Palmetto State reveals itself slowly, promising fabulous food, heritage sites and layers of culture for visitors eager to explore beyond the most famous sites. Accommodation options range from intimate B&Bs to chic city hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Whilst many of the best places to stay in South Carolina are clustered around charming Charleston, some of our favourite hideaways can be found in the region’s largely rural interior.

Some of our South Carolina Collections:

For the moss-clad oaks and imposing mansions of the popular imagination, head to iconic Charleston. Expect gorgeous art and architecture, a dark, complex history of war and revolution, and a lively food and drink scene. The Old Slave Mart Museum, Nathaniel Russell House, Aiken-Rhett House and Edmonston-Alston House in the French Quarter are excellent places to delve into the region’s past. The city’s mouth-watering cuisine is testament Charleston’s quirky blend of European, Caribbean and West African influences — you’ll be dazzled and delighted in equal measure.

For a more tranquil trip, head to Beaufort, on Port Royal Island. The second-oldest city in South Carolina, this spot is studded with heritage attractions and offers an insight into the unique culture of the Gullah communities, based in the Sea Islands for centuries. Outdoorsy travellers can enjoy fishing, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding.

South Carolina also promises excellent golf, tennis, horse riding, cycling and hiking. The many state parks, marshland and rivers are bursting with birds and wildlife — ideal for nature lovers. Go inland to experience the wild beauty of Table Rock and Congaree National Parks, and to discover the magical Blue Ridge Mountains. Many of the best places to stay in South Carolina are geared towards active travellers, whether on the coast or in the mountains. Our top recommendations should help you to plan your perfect holiday!

The Best Places to Stay in South Carolina

For a Chic City Pad

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.
Graduate Columbia boasts a candy-pink reception and a playful palette of bright colours and bold graphics in its 150+ rooms and suites. There's a swish bar and laidback eatery, too. Set on the South Carolina University campus, this is a funky pick for a city stay with friends, family or as a couple. Great for visiting university students.
The Vendue is an eclectic art hotel close to the Charleston 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.
Hotel Trundle has a smart, industrial feel, with rooms and suites preserving many of the building's original features. There's a convivial lobby and bar area, and the downtown Columbia location makes this an ideal city hotel for business or leisure. Some rooms come with kitchenettes — great for longer stays.
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 grown-ups.

For Foodies

Zero George Street is an enchanting 18-room hotel set in three converted mansions. Pick this place for its sophisticated epicurean restaurant and excellent location. Zero Restaurant + Bar focuses on super-seasonal fare and local produce — try Chef Petrillo's Tasting Menu. Named one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World by Condé Nast.
Post House Inn channels a slick, retro vintage aesthetic, with seven rooms above a trendy restaurant in downtown Mount Pleasant. Dine on fresh seafood and casual American fare at the lovely European-style restaurant or sip cocktails at the bar. For keen foodies, eager to experience South Carolina's famous flavours and hospitality in a relaxed setting. Great for private parties.

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 Charleston's 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.
The Willcox is a graceful 19th-century mansion in Aiken, close to top-notch golf courses and heaps of outdoor activities. The house itself is opulent and impressive, with period interiors, a highly regarded restaurant, a soothing spa and lashings of boutique charm. Very romantic.
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.
Anchorage 1770 is a beautiful Beaufort waterfront residence with a fascinating 250-year history. Pick this place for an elegant escape, with four-poster beds in stylish rooms, a lively cocktail bar and eatery, and a superb riverside location. Romantic and indulgent.
The Rhett House Inn features old-school rooms and suites in an enchanting Greek Revival residence and adjoining buildings in Beaufort. Stay here for tranquility, excellent Southern breakfasts and lovely bedrooms with big cosy beds and period touches. A couples' B&B favourite.

For Active Travellers

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.
The Beaufort Inn offers 48 charming rooms, suites and cottages with space for couples, families and groups of friends in a collection of heritage buildings. Explore Beaufort on the inn's bicycles, gather for a party in the leafy gardens, and kick back with s'mores by the fire in the evening. Fun for the whole family.
The Inlet Sports Lodge is a well-priced pick for an active getaway in Myrtle Beach. Self-catering rooms sleep up to four guests, there are three marinas within easy reach, an outdoor swimming pool and wonderful walks, watersports and boat trips on offer in the area. Relaxed and welcoming, for families or friends.
Domestique is a deluxe boutique pad close to the state's northern tip. A cyclist's dream, the property is set amidst rolling hills, with excellent bicycles for rent, guides and mechanics onsite, and a plethora of trails to follow. Try fishing, golf, kayaking and hiking, too. Indulgent rooms, a delightful restaurant and outdoor pool complete the picture.
Regatta Inn is an adult-only B&B on Folly Beach, perfect for keen sailors and fisherfolk. Expect contemporary interiors with bold pops of colour, expansive waterfront views and a quiet, friendly feel. Rooms have private balconies, ideal for sipping a glass of wine in the evenings.

For a Luxury Resort

Montage Palmetto Bluff is a luxury resort on the May River, complete with a golf course, swimming pools and a full-service spa. Cottages have fireplaces, fine linens and modern bathrooms. With an abundance of river and ranch activities, as well as no fewer than five restaurants, this is a top-notch family holiday choice.
The Beachfront at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is a trendy resort choice for an indulgent beach holiday, complete with seaside dining, swimming pools and beautiful waterfront views. Ideal for active families, couples or groups of friends eager to make the most of resort-style facilities whilst staying in charming Charleston.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort promises a five-star island escape, with opulent rooms and suites in grand buildings redolent of old Southern mansions. Glossy public areas, expansive dining and shopping options, and world-class tennis, golf and watersports facilities complete this holiday haven. Expect a real sense of seclusion.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town is a sumptuous Sea Pines resort with spoiling rooms and suites, spa bathrooms and high-tech touches. Head to the beach club, award-winning golf course or delectable clubhouse restaurant. A couple-focused choice, though families are also welcome.

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 to your destination by bus or taxi.
South Carolina is ideal for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
Travel during the summer months (June to August) for the warmest weather, but do be aware that this is peak season. Come in the spring (April - May) or autumn (September - October) for fewer crowds.

STILL NOT SURE?

Browse our list of the best places to stay in Charleston.
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The best hotels in South Carolina

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Graduate Columbia

South Carolina (South Carolina)

A chic hotel well located beside the South Carolina University campus. Be welcomed at the candy-floss pink reception which sets the tone for this fun stay. Similar vibrant themes continue in the rooms with bold graphics and bright colours. Complete with a sophisticated bar and laidback restaurant.

Local exploring - Perfectly located by the University of South Carolina Campus and within walking distance of museums, galleries, & restaurants
Value chic - With rooms starting at $100 and an extra 15% off for those visiting the university, this is a stylish and well priced stay
Restaurant - Poindexter serves cafe style food in the morning and sandwiches, salads and burgers for lunch and dinner
Local markets - Stroll down to Soda City Market and sample local produce

from CA$139 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees