Charleston Lodging - West Charleston or North/Airport Area?

I wouldn't recommend getting a place in North CHarleston without knowing exactly which one. There are some nice new places out there, but there are some dicey ones too. The West area means West Ashley, which is better and a little closer. You'll hit traffic during rush hours and pay o park in the Historic District, but there are lots of parking buildings. Be sure to take a carriage ride first thing.

I should add that it's a busy time here so you may want to book ahead.

I agree with the suggestion to choose West Ashley over the airport area. West A is much closer to the historic district and safer than the airport area. Another area of consideration could be Mt. Pleasant. Like West Ashley, it's just across the bridge from the historic area. Both have quite a few of the chain hotels with reasonable pricing.

Some of the airport hotels are so close to the runway that you can wave at the pilot as he or she makes the final approach.

Don't know if it's within your budget, but highly recommend the Best Western King Charles. Parking is free on the premises, it's in the historic district near many things you'll want to see/visit, breakfast available (I can't remember if it was included or not). We really enjoyed our stay there last September. Take a look: www.kingcharlesinn.com

I agree with Giovanna. If you can find a way to stay in the HD King Charles is the only one (I THINK) with free parking.

Good to know on North Charleston. On your comment about booking ahead, is "busy" related to the Spring tourist season or is it busy because of certain events in the area? I believe I saw that there was a marathon during the weekend we plan to be there, but don't know how big it is and if it would create a shortage of hotel rooms. Thoughts?

Both. Spring is busy, but the Bridge Run weekend is packed. There will be 40,000 extra people in town that weekend. All restaurants will be packed and traffic will not be allowed in parts of downtown that Saturday am. If you can plan to get here on Sunday instead you'd have a MUCH better time.

I'll second the idea to avoid North Charleston. Took a city bus between the Historic District through here to the airport, and all of North Charleston I went through looked really unsafe, and it was that way almost up to the airport area. North Charleston routinely shows up in "worst crime cities" lists.

Will also second the Best Western King Charles, which is at the north edge of the Historic District and was one of the most reasonably priced options there.

Thanks for the BW King Charles suggestion, but I had already looked at it and it isn't available for the days we need...I'm sure because of the race.

I checked for Hilton hotels and found a decent price for the Hampton Inn & Suites North Charleston University Blvd. I know you advised to stay away from North CH, but on a map this hotel is showing almost in Goose Creek (so farther away from the airport, but realistically at least 15 miles from downtown). It says it's brand new and looks to be so from the photos. From the aerial view on Google Maps, the area looks to be ok, but looks can be deceptive. Would love your input here.

BTW, Saturday will be a travel day for us so we won't be in Charleston until late afternoon. Will do most of our sightseeing on Sunday and Monday. Sorry to hear about the restaurants being full though. One of our favorite things to do is find the 'best food' restaurants that locals love. With my parents along, prefer them not to be fancy or expensive. We had the best time and wonderful food outside of Anapolis, MD on a trip a couple of years ago when we found an out of the way crab shack called Cantlers. We ate at picnic tables with brown paper covering on a screened in porch. Had wonderful conversation with a gentleman and his wife who sat next to us. He worked at the UN and his wife was from Japan. Atmosphere, food, and company couldn't have been better. Would love to do some dinners like that while we're in GA or SC. If you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Many people will leave on Sunday, so by Sunday afternoon it will be much less crowded. University Blvd. is an ok area but it's a long drive into town and on weekdays rush hour traffic is awful. Look at the Hampton in Mt Pleasant. It may be more expensive but it's closer.

There are tons of restaurants. Google Charleston restaurants, and see what looks good to you. Avoid any place that has people on the street hawking tourists. The really good places don't need hawkers.

I have to disagree with some of the negative comments about North Charleston. I wouldn't stay in the $30/night motels on Rivers Ave, but there are a ton of chain hotels near the airport (and Tanger Outlets) that are perfectly fine. You can go from there to the peninsula via Route 26 in about 10 minutes or so.

Right. However, they are near the Center for the Performing Arts. If there's a concert a visitor could end up with big time party people next door. I work by the airport and colleagues have stayed in some of those. And Montague Avenue can be tricky as well. I still say try W Ashley or Mt Pleasant. The traffic is not as bad getting into town on weekdays.

Thanks again suewoo and PaulW too. All helpful info. My hotel searches have all been in hopes of finding one in our price range in any of the closer areas (Downtown, Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, West Ashley) with no luck. For Hilton hotels, Mt Pleasant-Isle of Palms and West Ashley aren't available. Mt Pleasant-Patriot Point, Daniel Island, and Historic Downtown are available, but would cost $100-$200 more per night per room. Can't afford that considering this is a two week long road trip. I think I'll stick with booking the Hampton University Blvd to ensure we have reservations, and then check Hotwire a day prior for West Ashely, Downtown, or Mt Pleasant to see what's available.

I don't consider the N.Charleston hotels near the airport unsafe. I just don't think they are well connected to the rest of Charleston. I mentioned that the airport hotels are very close to the runway. I've stayed in the Embassy Suites there twice and don't remember it being noisy in the room.

I got a Priceline hit for the Embassy Suites at the Airport/Convention Center and now this thread has me a bit worried. Will we have to worry about our vehicle in the parking overnight? We'll have other luggage in it since we're just stopping for one night on the way to Hilton Head.

I think you'll be ok. Bring electronic devices such as GPS, cameras and cell phones inside with you.

I agree with suewoo, take small expensive devices in like you would anywhere. If it does concern you go ahead and unload, they have bellmen.