mrace

I'll be traveling to Charleston for a conference during the last week of Feb.2007.
I know the weather can be very unpredictable there that time of year, but generally, what should I expect? Also, the conference hotel will be the Francis Marion, an old historic hotel located in a part of the historic district. I've heard mixed reviews on this property with some suggesting the close by Hampton Inn as an alternative. Also, how close is the FM to some of the popular local tourist attractions? Speaking of which, what are some good things to check out in and around the Charleston area? I haven't yet decided on whether to rent a car.

motor_city_girl

mrace, I am sure GoTravel will find your post and reply but what are your interests...food, shopping, chilly walk on the beach, plantations, Angel Oak, aquarium, historic tours.

There is lots to do. Can you be more specific about what you are looking for?

GoTravel

The Francis Marion is a great old historic hotel in an excellent location.

Expect daily highs to be between 60-70 degrees with night temps in the upper to middle 50s.

It will be warm and balmy unless we have a cold snap.

I rarely ever wear a wool coat in Charleston.

If you search for my trip report, you should find some good tips.

GoTravel

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34567869

beach_dweller

We loved the Frances Marion (stayed about a year ago). One huge disadvantage was that it is strategically placed at the top of King Street so that one's wife can shop down one side practically to the battery and then back up the other side. That takes some real fortitude to endure from my perspective, especially the 8 million shoe stores.

dan_woodlief

How much time during the day do you have away from the conference?

EspritLibra

Dan asks a good question. I just returned from Charleston and most of the tourist places are only open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so I hope you have some free time during the day. There are ghost tours at night, but surprisingly even the Gibbes art museum is closed in the evenings. Maybe this changes for winter months, though? However, Charleston's abundant and fabulous restaurants are, of course, open in the evenings. (Be sure to try Jestine's Kitchen and Poogan's Porch--my personal favorites, anyway).

As far as renting a car, I found Charleston to be extremely walkable. And there's a shuttle bus that goes around the historic district if distances seem too far to walk. The only time I missed not having a car was to see some of the plantations, such as Boone Hall and Drayton Hall, that aren't on organized tours.

But if you do have time during the day, my favorite house tours were of the Aiken-Rhett house, the Heyward-Washington house and the Edmonston-Alston house. The contrast of these three is nice.

For organized tours, I also recommend the Gullah tour with Alfonso Brown and the Charleston's Finest all-day city overview/Magnolia Plantation tour. There are also many great walking tours in addition to the ghost tours.

I hope that helps!

mrace

thanks for the helpful suggestions!

rusty_griswold

I'm 22 and just moved to NC from OH and am excitedly exploring the beautiful south!

I'm planning on spending a November weekend in Charleston and plan on doing the typical tourist activities yet want a nice area to stay while in town. I assume I can drive my car or take public transportation (whatever is easiest) to see historical sites downtown and plantations around the area. Therefore immediate proximity is not 100% necessary... right?

Are there areas of Charleston to stay away from when deciding on a hotel? Are there areas I should be heavily researching... both downtown and surrounding areas?

Any and all thoughts are greatly appreciated!!!

LoveItaly

Hello mrace, I was in Charleston April 2005 so I sure cannot comment on the weather in February but just wanted to say that I stayed at the Francis Marion and found it to be a very comfortable hotel. Pleasant and helpful hotel employees, the room was clean, the bed was comfortable. Only annoyance was that there was not a counter in the bathroom for bathroom supplies, just one small glass shelf above the sink. But hotels in Italy are usually the same way..so no big deal. Location was great and I would stay there again if returning to beautiful Charleston.

GoTravel

rusty, don't stay outside the historical district.

It isn't the same, not even close.

tovarich

We were in Charleston on Sept. and 22 last it was very hot and humid.We stayed at the King Charles Inn in the centre of historic cHarleston.From there you can easily walk to all the interesting places.Visit the Visiters centre and go the the Town museum, you can get a combined ticket for the museum and two historic house visits.We did the J.Mangault and the Heyward Washington tours. Very nice.Also try to visit the Old exchange and Provost dungeon.Greetings from Belgium.Paul

swalter518

We just got back from Charleston on Monday and it was HOT! We stayed at the King Charles Inn (Best Western) which is undergoing a major renovation and I would avoid it until it's complete. There was no ceiling on the second floor hallway and the rooms have definately seen some wear. We really loved Charleston though and were sad to leave after only 3 days. Definately check out the market and take a tour. We took the Garden Party Walking Tour given by a delightful woman (who is English but has been in Charleston since the 60s). It's very heavy on history though so that has to be your interest. My best advice is to just wander around. It's a very walkable city. We had a car and did venture out to Middleton Place plantation and to the beach for an afternoon but February may not be conducive to that and there is certainly enough in town to keep you busy if you don't get a car.

mrace

Thanks,all.....I'm looking forward to my visit! Any good restaurants within a reasonable walking distance from the Francis Marion Hotel?

escargot

Definitely read Go Travels trip report, it was a Godsend when I was planning my first wknd in Charleston - so much of the info might be similar to hers, but here is a link to my report when I returned.
http://tinyurl.com/sv42f

Best tip I can give you: (as you will see if you read my report) EXCELLENT and comfortable walking shoes were a must for me !